beautyboost

[beautyboost]

Website and Updates

Hello and thanks for visiting my page. 

There have been quite a few developments since I last posted, mainly that I now have a beautiful new website where you can view all my latest work and get in touch more easily if you wish to book me for all your makeup and grooming needs. Head over to lucyfreemanmua.com to find out more. 

Photographer: Stephanie Sian Smith

Hair & Makeup: Lucy Freeman

[beautyboost]

Skincare SOS with Dr Sam Bunting

Hello! Back from another hiatus, I wanted to share my journey towards healthy skin with you. Scrolling through Instagram, it feels like adult acne is becoming a more widely discussed topic and as someone who has had bouts of it for the past 10+ years and tried every high street brand possible I decided enough was enough and it was time to invest in getting expert advice.

An old colleague had recommended Dr Sam Bunting and having checked out her website and amazing credentials I knew I would be in very capable and highly qualified hands. Yes, it’s expensive, but when I think back over the years of products purchased (and often not finished because they would spark worse reactions) it’s definitely money well spent. 

Pre-appointment, I filled out a detailed questionnaire on my skin concerns, dietary and lifestyle habits and outlined all the products I had been using recently in what I believed to be a pretty watertight routine that *should* have resulted in healthy, clear skin. 

On this occasion, I was happy to be proved (very) wrong. Dr Sam’s clear, no-jargon analysis of what was causing my skin issues and what improvements I could make to get real results was probably the best gift I could have ever given myself. Because it’s not just about having *good* skin. It makes an impact on pretty much everything; your confidence at work, around friends and family, dating (gulp...still not figured that one out but at least this makes it less daunting knowing I won’t have to cover myself in concealer pre-nights out). 

I now have a brilliant step-by-step guide of what to do morning and night thanks to Dr Sam’s expert guidance and it feels bloody great! 

My consultation was mid-September so it’s still early days but if you’ve been having skin woes, the best thing you can do is go see a dermatologist or ask to be referred by your GP! One of the amazing products I’m currently using is her Flawless Cleanser - it’s ultra-gentle but leaves my skin feeling so fresh, clean, bright and bouncy post-wash! Highly recommended and I already can see a difference after a few short weeks of using it. 

For more info visit her website and Instagram. Images from: Dr Sam Bunting

[beautyboost]

Bridal Bookings 2018

Excited to go into 2018 and work with more wonderful future bride and grooms (even the men can indulge in some preening for the big day)! 

I’d love to discuss your plan and create a beautiful bespoke look for your special day. Contact lucyjfreeman@gmail.com to book your 2018 trial now.

[beautyboost]

Promo shots: Kidnap & Billboard Dance premiere

Sharing some lovely work from a recent shoot with artist Kidnap and lovely photographer Jimmy Mould. Really excited to see our work on the Billboard Dance site premiering Kidnap’s latest release! To listen to the latest EP from Kidnap click here

Products used: Liz Earle skincare, The Ordinary Colours, MAC Cosmetics concealer & Face & Body, Lucas Paw Paw Ointment, Balance Me skincare,  Real Techniques brushes, Hanz de Fuko & Label.m haircare

[beautyboost]

No Ordinary Love: The Ordinary | Deciem

During my hibernation, I’ve been trying the latest skincare hype from The Ordinary. A collection of skincare products that are is free from parabens, sulphates and mineral oils. Even better, all these formulas are vegan and cruelty-free. 

The goal has been to clear blemishes and to reduce fine lines and combination issues I’ve been having. After being recommended the range from my lovely sister in law I set about finding the right combination for me. The wonderful victoriahealth.com easily sets out a guide to selecting the right products for you so I picked The Buffet and Azelaic Acid to start. 

The Ordinary Buffet: a multi-peptide skin treatment serum with a multitude of benefits. Buffet serum, a multi-technology Peptide Serum to tackle the signs of aging by Deciem. This feels quite watery but I love the pippet dispenser so you can be thrifty with how much you use (who am I kidding I use loads). I’ve noticed an improvement, especially around my eyes using this as it’s reduced the fine lines and feels like it’s really nourishing my skin with moisture. 

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: is a skin treatment serum for cell turnover. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, a naturally occurring acid found in rye and barley, helps healthy skin renewal to help clear acne, spots, pimples and rosacea-prone skin.

The Azelaic Acid has been my superstar product. I’ve always had annoying cystic acne and it’s massively reduced it.  I’ve used it twice daily, and I’ve not had a bad breakout in nearly 2 months. Safe to say this has reached cult status in my skincare regime!

If you’re looking for affordable skincare with a conscience then give this a try!  

[beautyboost]

Marvellous Beard & Moustache Box by Murdock London

I thought it was about time I shared the JOY of self-pampering with my man and as the owner of some good facial fuzz I found him to be the perfect candidate to try out the latest grooming gorgeousness courtesy of Murdock London  - their Marvellous Beard & Moustache Box to be precise.

As we are officially in October we can also legit think about CHRISTMAS....dun dun daaah! Yes I said it - CHRISTMAS. And that means either doing something amazing/or being/or sharing amazingness with the ones dearest to us (obviously we should be doing this errrrr’day but y’know the festive spirit is a good reminder too). Here’s where the following delights step in. If you’re like me (#guiltynotguilty) of being a bit stuck for inspiration on the gifting front, I say...GO PRACTICAL and get them something useful (which in this case also happens to look beaut as well!)

Over to the Mr to share his thoughts...

Marvellous Beard & Moustache Box, by Murdock London

First off, the packaging of this neat little kit is absolutely perfect for gifting. A handsome, darkly stained wooden box is emblazoned with the Murdock logo and lined with soft blue material. The sleeve lists its contents - Beard Moisturiser (150ml), Moustache Wax (15ml), mini scissors, beard brush, moustache comb and care guides - plus a rousing G.K. Chesterton quote.

The centrepiece is undoubtedly the Beard Moisturiser – my week-old thatch felt wiry and coarse to the touch, with individual hairs poking out at angles despite my best efforts with the trimmer. Daily brushing is a must, so I was hopeful that this product might tame my beard or at least reduce the amount of attention I need to lavish upon it. Immediately after applying this light cream, the beard was flattened and became noticeably softer. It does need to be rubbed in thoroughly, so take the time to cover your beard from root to tip, and get down to the skin underneath. Later that day, I was pleased to see that it held its shape well. I assumed that this product is intended for those with slightly longer beards, but I can see a marked improvement in mine.

BEFORE (TOP) & AFTER (BOTTOM) RESULTS

The Moustache comb (by Kent) appeared gimmicky at first but is actually incredibly useful – the perfect size and shape for smartening up a bristly top lip or soul patch (if that’s even still a thing). The beard brush, with its wooden handle and stiff bristles, makes brushing larger parts of the beard easier that with a comb, although a larger brush would probably be better for shorter beards.

The flannel is a nice addition, an essential item for preparing the cheeks and neck for shaving. The mini scissors are well made, smooth in the hands and fiendishly sharp. Plus, they’re long enough to make a fine job in both crafting a jawline and dispensing with those persistent strays.

Overall, the Marvellous Beard & Moustache Box is a nicely presented, compact beard kit that would make an excellent present to any beard owner at Christmas.

Share the love! Visit Murdock London here

Check out my MUA work here and say hello to book!

Til next time... Lucy xo

[beautyboost]

August Favourites!

Oh hey there!

You might have thought I’d gone off the radar but I’m BACK with my August favourites to share with you.

First up HEALTH & WELLBEING faves!

LEAN GREENS is a great new (to me) supplement greens powder, containing:

Wheatgrass, Barley Grass, Spirulina, Chlorella, Alfalfa

Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot

Blackcurrant, Blueberry

Digestive Enzyme Blend

Green Tea Extract, Siberian Ginseng, Stevia Leaf

Having been an avid follower on Instagram of SBC who has long touted the benefits of greens as a start to the day I’d struggled in the past to neck my spirulina, water and lemon juice in the mornings. I just couldn’t make the habit stick. I’m happy to say it’s been the exact opposite with LEAN GREENS. There’s no specific taste to it (which might be a bit of a back handed compliment but it’s meant positively I promise!) and I’ve found myself glugging it religiously every morning for the past 3 weeks so I would say it’s been a success! Whilst i’ve been slack on the gym front a little (thanks to a new longer work commute) I do feel like I have that added extra pep in the mornings. 

CYCLING - whilst I’ve had to give up my work cycle commute I’ve still managed to get in some regular rides here and there on my beloved bike! I bought my beauty back in April from the awesome Hackney Cycles (customised single speed) and I can honestly say the state it has on my mental health is priceless. I love the freedom it gives me to explore London (especially my beloved Victoria Park). If you don’t have one and have been put off cycling the streets of London all I can say is GET ON YOUR BIKE! It’s been hugely positive for me ever since I started a few years ago on my brother’s borrowed old wheels. 

PHONE CALLS/FACE TO FACE CONVERSATION - Ok so maybe this seems a bit of a wildcard but hear me out. I’ve made more effort to pick up the phone and also see my favourite people these past couple of months. Mentally I feel happier and more connected to everyone. I’m still not there yet in seeing people as much as I’d like but I’m making more effort and reaping the benefits. It beats a Whatsapp conversation any day!

LEMONGRASS INCENSE - I re-discovered my love of incense this past month. I first fell in love with this when I travelled to Bali in 2010 and I love burning them as it evokes wonderful memories of that time and inspires me to plan more adventures travelling. 

BEAUTY FAVES

Charcoal soap - My sister kindly brought this back from her recent travels to the States but LUSH do a great one which I shall be buying once this one is all used up. I love the fact that it’s super natural and gentle on my sensitive skin. It gently exfoliates and purifies and I’ve noticed a huge difference in the tone of my skin - it’s more even and less prone to breakouts. I’ve used it after removing my makeup with coconut oil and micellar water and then following with a toner, serum and moisturiser.

FACIAL MASSAGE

I’m late to to the party on this one but now I’ve discovered it I am HOOKED! There are some great tutorials out there and here is one of my favourites for you to check out and try yourself! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_0hXrLSADE 

It’s a really simple way of improving the tone of your face and reducing wrinkles and puffy eyes. Let me know what you think and if you see a difference!

CHARLOTTE TILBURY MAGIC EYE RESCUE 

I love the light gel-like texture of this eye cream from Charlotte Tilbury! It melts into the skin and combined with my facial massage routine I’ve seen a great difference in puffiness as I’ve really worked on lymphatic drainage to improve my eye area. 

That’s all for now folks! Hope you enjoyed and if you did please share and give me a lil heart love!

Lucy xoxox

[beautyboost]

Pepper Alley Lookbook

Hello my lovelies! I’m so happy to share my latest makeup and hairstyling work for Pepper Alley - images below for their current lookbook and website! 

Photography by the wonderful Christopher Keatinge and graphic design by Alistair Davies. Model: Hannah Gillespie at Models 1.

Makeup : MAC Cosmetics & Bobbi Brown.

Hair: Label.m and styled using GHDs. 

[beautyboost]

Summer Beauty Treats!

Hello! It’s the time of year again...time to treat yourself to a few more summery beauty treatments and generally switch up your skincare routine as the weather changes.

Skincare-wise I’m still continuing with my amazing Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth cleanser followed up with toning and moisturising. I’m having some breakout issues again but I think this is down to diet rather than anything I’ve been using on my skin so i’m going to go back to basics for a week or two to allow it to calm down again. I’m really tempted to go for the full Liz Earle skincare range so will report back once I’ve tried them out! 

Shout-outs also go to Nice Nails Baby who sent me a lovely summer tote bag with travel-friendly OPI nail treats. I’ve been a slave to shellac the past few weeks so I’ve been keen to give my nails a break and these beauties should give them some TLC before I go back to it again. 

On the haircare front, I’m absolutely LOVING L’Oreal Professionel Serie Expert Volumetry Anti-Gravity Shampoo and Vitamino Color Masque. Recommended to me by my wonderful hairdresser Lisa (if you’re in London you HAVE to visit her) it’s turned my rather dull, limp hair into a glossy, healthy mane and I’m officially addicted! 

I’ve also been loving the new Batiste Stylist range, specifically the Shield My Locks Heat & Shine spray which I’ve been using every time I curl my hair using GHDs. It really helps the iron glide over the hair and gives a lovely, lustrous shine and keeps my hair feeling soft. 

Follow my Instagram & #Snapchat (both “lucyjfreeman”) for more updates on what I’m loving!

Thanks for reading!

Lucy x

[beautyboost]

Bridal Beauty

Claire is the latest beautiful bride I was lucky enough to do wedding makeup for! Get in touch if you’re in need of my services for your special day! Say hello: lucyjfreeman@gmail.com

[beautyboost]

My skincare routine

Hello my lovelies!

It’s been a while so I thought it would be good to start with what I’ve been loving lately in my skincare routine.

In the past year I’ve gone from being on daily antibiotics to treat acne to zero skin medication in 2016 and I’m happy to report a few changes that have worked for me (and could hopefully work for you too!)

I always experienced cystic acne - those painful bumps under the skin that never came to anything but stuck around for a good week or so (very annoying). During this time I would exfoliate a lot in an aimless effort to reduce them and try every spot fighter under the sun to rid me of these pesky bumps. Nothing seemed to work.

Until I (re)discovered the wonderful Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser! I’d always classed this as a bit of a luxury but thinking about the impact a good skin day has made me realise that actually spending that little bit more on myself was well worth it if it meant not having to cover myself in foundation and concealer to feel confident each day. It’s packed with gorgeous smelling natural ingredients like eucalyptus, beeswax, rosemary and chamomile oil which my skin responds so well to and is so lovely to use in the evening and first thing in the morning when you need a gentle wake up call!  

My current night routine is:

1) Remove make up by massaging in Biona Raw Virgin Coconut Oil. This works amazingly at melting off waterproof mascara and gel eyeliner! 

2) Massage in Liz Earle Cleane and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

3) Cleanse off with the muslin cloth soaked in warm water (my favourite part as the warm water and muslin gently exfoliates and refreshes - it feels like I’m getting a proper facial each time).

4) Tone with Rose Water (you can find this in Paks stores really cheaply...my sister kindly brought some back from her last trip in Italy so I’ve been enjoying this one pictured.

5) Moisturise with Papaya Gold Paw Paw Moisturising Balm with Bio Active Manuka Honey 20+. This is pretty full on but my skin just drinks it up and I’ve noticed it seems to shrink up any potential bumps/spots overnight so I’m going to continue using it! For daytime I use sunscreen with minimum SPF 15 each day.

What are you skincare favourites? If you have any daytime moisturisers (with SPF) you’re loving please share as I’m on the hunt for new ones :-)

If you enjoyed this please share the love! Lucy xo

[beautyboost]

Party Warpaint!

Now's the time to explore your creativity with Christmas party makeup! Aka any excuse to wear glitter, gloss and gorgeous colour! My 'Party Warpaint' board is here to inspire you: http://pin.it/7ADD3IZ

Let me know which are your favourite looks!

[beautyboost]

Portfolio work: Christopher Keatinge

Personal project with photographer Christopher Keatinge. September 2015 in London, UK. 

[beautyboost]

Wedding Make Up

This weekend I was sent some wonderful photos of beautiful bride Clare and her bridesmaids who I did make up for last month! It was such a gorgeous sunny day and a real pleasure to work with such gorgeous faces. Get in touch lucyjfreeman@gmail.com if you would like to arrange a makeup trial for your wedding in 2015/2016!

[beautyboost]

Label.m Therapy Rejuvenating Radiance Oil

Today was a good hair day thanks to Label.m Therapy Rejuvenating Radiance Oil - making my newly blonder locks feel super soft and nourished! Just work a few pumps into lengths and ends and style! I’ma big fan of oils in my hair care routine so this will join the ranks of become a daily essential for me!

Discover more of the label.m range here

[beautyboost]

I recently did an awesome fitness shoot for  New Balance UK! More to come! Makeup & Hair by me. Model @prg_fit Photographer Kay Lockett. I’d love to do more fitness shoots - please email me lucyjfreeman@gmail.com to discuss your projects!

[beautyboost]

June Favourites: Sally Hansen, St Tropez, Rimmel, Botanics, Nivea Sun, Dermalogica & The Deelish BeautyBoost Smoothie!

So I had written quite the epic post. Then the joy that is Tumblr ‘Save draft’ erased my wonderfully perky post like a seagull making off with a kid’s ice cream. DOINK! And it’s gone.

So this is me trying to replicate it...here goes!

IRL (in real life) I have been beavering away and neglecting BeautyBoost so today’s post could be a little long-winded. Advance warning...but here’s a round up of my current beauty and...small drumroll please...wellness faves! That’s right I’m throwing in a delicious concoction I’ve come up with in an effort to share more of my health loves with you right here!

First up Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat. I’ve been a slave to Shellac manicures for the past two years and whilst my love for them has still not gone away my bank balance wants me to break up with them immediately. So in an effort to turn the claws at the end of my paws into things of beauty for a fraction of the price (and on the good advice of a darling work buddy Miss G as we shall refer to her here) I bit the bullet and became my own manicurist for the week. Needless to say I am a convert. The wonder that is Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat is a godsend for the clumsy like myself. Slather it over your fave nail polish (mine currently being the pretty pastels from the Rita Ora Rimmel range - see photo) and VOILA they get a super-shiny, strong and chip-free for 5 days (yes even i was amazed) fancy new look!

St Tropez Skin Illuminator in Gold - This little tube of loveliness doesn’t offer the infamous tan but it does give your skin an equally wonderful pick-me-up of glowy goodness. This is great if you want to add a pretty shimmer to arms, legs and cleavage (wahey) for the day or night. I like to slather it on for Sundays to hide the hangover...and obvs also for date nights! Guaranteed to make you feel super snazzy.

Next up! Botanics Hydrating Day Cream SPF 15 All Bright - This moisturiser from my beloved Boots (aka my second home - my first is Superdrug) is a quite drippy but super-nourishing face cream which my skin has been loving the past few weeks. Whilst I haven’t noticed a massive difference in brightness I would say my overall skin tone is more even and hasn’t flared up as much as it’s perfect for my sensitive skin type. TICK!

Now if the weather isn’t hot for you yet...just wait cos this week is going to be a scorcher! (Well in London at least) Over the past few weeks its been a indecisive rollercoaster of hot/cold/sun/wind/rain but in the warmer times I’ve been using Nivea Sun Protect & Refresh in 20 Medium and it’s definitely my new fave! A quick spritz cools and refreshes the skin and has the added bonus of stopping you turning into a lobster. I look forward to giving it a proper test on my cycle into work this week - sun’s out gun’s(arms) out! Bring on the safe tanning!

Drum roll for....dun dun daaah Dermalogica Clean Bar. This godsend in what looks like a dull soap bar has worked wonders for improving my skin and diminishing spot scars in just a few days. After removing my makeup with my beloved coconut oil I use this genius bar (no...not the Apple dudes) to double cleanse and leave my skin feeling squeaky clean but never dry or tight. Genuinely cannot do without it now so sorry bank balance but you’re going to have to deal with this new addiction.

Aaaaand FINALLY if you’ve made it this far thanks for reading I really do appreciate it and as a gesture of my thanks here’s *The Deelish BeautyBoost Smoothie* recipe as your reward! I’ve been rustling this up a post-gym/middle-of-the-day yum attack. Yes I said YUM ATTACK because I think it’s that great (tiny trumpet celebration right there). I hope you love it as much as I do. Especially after a brutal Kayla Itsines workout!

Ingredients Glass of Coconut Water (I use Go Coco or Cocofina) Frozen blueberries (about a handful) Half a frozen banana Chia Seeds ( 1 x teaspoon) Meridian Almond Butter (1 x teaspoon) Maca Powder (1 x teaspoon) Aduna Baobab Superfruit Powder (1 x teaspoon) 4-5 ice cubes

Whizz that all up and you have yourself a glass of goodness gracious me gorgeousness AKA The Deelish BeautyBoost Smoothie! Let me know if you give this a go!

Til next time! xxx