My Guide to Elegance..Part Three – Dressing Know How

Today I teach you how to dress more elegantly and adopt a classic wardrobe. The main focus is body shape as this is vital to dressing well. Knowing what will suit your body will really transform your style.

Fashion is something that now more than ever is changing and evolving at a rapid pace. Go back one hundred years and it is remarkable to reflect on how far we have come sartorially speaking. Looking back, dressing was relatively easy as there were strict rules in place for both Men and Women which no one dared break. It was not until perhaps the 1920’s that fashion, especially for women, began to evolve. Today however, things are much different and because we have so much choice it is very easy to dress badly. Fashion trends change year by year and it can be difficult to keep up! My advice for the elegant lady is to again think timeless. How can we dress ourselves in a way that will still look sophisticated in years to come? Although the latest trend may look good, how long will it last and will we look back and say ‘what was I thinking?’ It is rather difficult to convey in a book exactly how the elegant lady should dress as women all have different body shapes and certain garments suit certain people.  The elegant lady is not one shape or size, she represents all women and it is important to know that whatever the shape of your body, it is possible to look elegant and sophisticated if you are dressing correctly.  An elegant look is the combination of different factors and once you have the know how to pull all of these factors together, it is going to be easy to maintain an elegant look. 

 

 

 

 

 

Determining your body shape

The most important step in dressing well is to flatter the body that you were born with. It is all too easy to read high fashion magazines, see an outfit that looks incredible and go out and purchase the whole ensemble and end up looking dreadful.  Doing this is damaging to your confidence and self esteem so we must learn to avoid such situations. If you can determine your body shape and accept it for all it’s flaws then you are on your way to dressing well forever. Every body shape has it’s beautiful characteristics and it is important to know how to accentuate them by the clothes that you wear. 

 

The Rectangle

 Rectangle shaped celebrities include: Cameron Diaz, Hillary Swank and Natalie Portman

 Rectangle body traits:  The waist, hip and shoulder widths are similar and are usually on the slim side. Slender rectangles have an athletic look about them.

 Your best assets: Your arms and legs. You don’t have to minimize any body features.

 Your fashion goals: Create curves and tastefully show slender legs and arms.

 How to dress the rectangle

If your body is rectangle-shaped then you want to create curves where they don’t necessarily exist.

• DO wear scoop neck and sweetheart tops to create curves.
• DO wear long jackets to create a lean look.
• DO wear tops with collars, ruffles and details to flatter your chest.
• DO wear a good bra.
• DO layer to add more dimensions.
• DO wear dresses with ruching. Cinches on sides are ideal.
• DO have fun with colorful pants and skirts…feel free to experiment.

 

The Apple

 Apple shaped celebrities include: Drew Barrymore, Eva Longoria and Catherine Zeta Jones

 Apple body traits: Most of your weight accumulates above the hips, which are narrow. Your back, ribs and shoulders are broad, and you may feel wider than other body types.

 Your best asset: Your legs

 Your fashion goals: Elongate the torso, tastefully show your legs and use fashion to create the illusion of a waist.

 How to dress the apple

 If you have an apple-shaped body then you want to elongate your midsection and create the illusion of a smaller waist.

• DO go for monochromatic looks.
• DO go for v-neck tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
• DO wear a bra that offers good lift and support.
• DO wear belts at the smallest part of your waist.
• DO conceal tummy bulge by wearing empire tops and dresses.
• DO wear wide leg pants to create an even line from the shoulders down.
• DO wear feminine skirts and dresses to show your legs and draw attention away from your midsection.

 

The Pear – also known as the inverted triangle

 Pear shaped celebrities include: Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore and Renee Zellweger

 Pear body traits: Also known as the inverted triangle, this body shape features a broad chest and wide shoulders which are large in proportion to a narrow waist and hips.

 Your best asset: Your legs

 Your fashion goals: Accentuate your lower body while softening your shoulders and upper body.

 How to dress the pear

 If you have a pear shaped body, then you want to draw attention downward to the narrower parts of your body, such as your waist and hips.

• DO wear bright colors on bottom.
• DO wear wide-leg pants.
• DO wear full skirts.
• DO wear tops that call attention to your waistline.
• DO experiment with high-waisted styles.
• DO look for clothes that create the illusion of a waist.
• DON’T wear spaghetti strapped tops.
• DON’T wear boat neckline tops.

 

The Hourglass

 Hourglass shaped celebrities include: Beyonce, Salma Hayek and Scarlett Johansson

 Hourglass body traits: Your shoulders and hips are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist.

 Your best assets: Your curves and small waist

 Your fashion goals: To elegantly show off your curves

 

How to dress the hourglass

 If your body is hourglass-shaped then you need to focus on tastefully showing off your curves. Not too baggy, not too tight.

•  DON’T hide your curves with baggy clothing.
• DO wear a good bra to support your bust.
• DO wear fitted, sophisticated dresses.
• DO wear a belt at the waist to enhance your hourglass shape.
• DO try wrap dresses.
• DO go for high-waisted skirts to accentuate your hips.
• DO pick thin, lightweight styles and fabrics.
• DO wear skinny or straight leg pants.

 

Now that we have looked at various body shapes and how they can be accentuated, it is time to move on and consider what else contributes to an elegant, timeless look.

 

Quality and cut of clothing

 The quality and cut of the garments we wear can go a long way to creating an elegant look. I always think that it is best to spend a little extra on key pieces as they will be of higher quality, look more flattering, feel more comfortable and last longer. When shopping for more expensive clothing, you are really going to think about what you are buying. Instead of impulse buying like you would in a cheaper store, you are going to consider whether you will wear the item more than once, if it is really your style and if you really need it. If your budget does not allow you to spend extra on clothing, then it is important that you take extra time when shopping to ensure that you are buying the highest quality available. Whilst it is possible to buy cheaply on the high street, you may end up wasting money as the quality of the garment begins to deteriorate.  Another way to get well made clothes that truly compliment the body is to find a skilled tailor.  The bonus of this is that you can source materials yourself to create clothes that are unique. How many times do we picture the perfect dress in our minds but cannot find it anywhere in stores? A good tailor will be able to work their magic to create beautiful items that fit perfectly for you. If you do not know a skilled tailor then I would highly recommend finding one as you will come to realise they are incredibly useful people to know. When shopping in both high end or high street stores, here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure you are buying good quality clothing.

 

When buying patterned pieces ensure that all the lines or pattern match at the seams. If they do not then it will instantly make the garment look less refined. You should be able to see a steady pattern all the way through a garment rather than mismatched lines.

 

Examine the stitching all over to ensure that there are no loose stitches or pieces of string hanging from the seams or the hem. Careless sewing is a key indicator to a poor quality garment.

Check to see if the garment is lined. All high quality items, especially light coloured pieces should have a lining. A good quality garment should be lined in a way that prevents messy draping. Well lined garments also ensure that they don’t reveal more than they are intended to.

Ensure that all zippers and buttons are firmly in place and attached neatly. Zippers should zip up and down with ease and should not be stiff. Also ensure that the colour of the zipper and the buttons match or compliment the rest of the garment, the buttons should be spaced evenly.

The seams and edges should be finished correctly with no bulking or unevenness.

Examine pockets to ensure that they have been sewn securely and are not at risk of coming loose.

 

How does it fit?

 The fit of ones clothing is another important factor to consider in the art of dressing and it is one of the most simple things to master. An elegant lady will never have ill fitting clothes, in fact it will seem as if she has had all of her clothes custom made by her personal couturier. Clothes that do not fit correctly will add bulk and hide the best parts of your body.  As mentioned previously, knowing a good tailor will really help you with this as they will be able to adjust clothing to fit you perfectly. Please see my tips for the perfect fit.

•  Avoid items that are too clingy. Not only do clingy items look rather tacky, they will also expose any lumps and bumps in the most unflattering way possible. Your clothing should never be too tight
•  Long sleeved garments should sit just below the wrist bone and should not be too tight or too loose. Anything below the wrist bone will look too long and ill fitting. Anything above the wrist bone (unless it is designed this way) will look too short.
•  Shoulders of any Jackets, blouses, sweaters or T-shirts should be at the shoulder where it meets your arm. Anything below the shoulder will look ill fitting.
•  With your arms by your side, check the armpit area of jackets to ensure that there is no excess fabric. It is quite a common problem when ladies buy jackets that are too big. The extra fabric gathers around the breast area creating a very strange illusion.
•  A buttoned blouse should never be gaping open or pulling at the breast. If it does then you will need to go a size up. 
•  Always check the length of a jacket. If you are tall then this tends not to matter as much. If you are petite then a jacket that is too long will only make you look shorter.
•  Ensure that tailored pants are the correct length. Wide length pants should skim the ground when you walk. Cropped pants should sit at the bottom of your calf muscle where your leg comes into your ankle.
•  Ankle pants should sit at the ankle and not at the top of the shoe.
•  Ensure that the pants are not too tight in the hip. Not only will this be uncomfortable, it will also make your overall appearance look messy. On the other hand, pants should not be too baggy.
•  A pencil skirt should fit without wrinkling at the hip. It should also be comfortable when walking and sitting down. If it is not, it is too small.
•  The hem of your skirt should be straight around the whole circumference. Unless of course it has been designed to have a longer hemline in the back.
•  The length of your skirt is very important. For all ages I do not recommend a skirt that is above the knee if you are trying to look elegant.
•  Invest in a well fitting bra. This will drastically alter the whole of your upper shape by supporting the breasts properly and lifting them to create space.

Join me tomorrow where I shall be discussing how to own an elegant wardrobe and elegant dressing for every occasion!

Yours,

The Countess x

 

 

My Guide to Elegance..Part Two – Skin

Today I share with you my tips on achieving flawless skin. As image plays a big part in elegance, this is an important factor. From sleep, to cleansing,here is a detailed guide to achieving a flawless complexion

Skin

Skin is very important when it comes to looking elegant as it is a telltale indicator of how one is feeling. An elegant lady should aim to achieve flawless skin that shines with a radiant glow as this shows that she is well rested and healthy. Taking care of the skin will help you to achieve this. Some people are lucky enough to have a good complexion and others will need to spend time to help their skin be as best as it can be, either way my advice will help to keep the skin looking fresh, clean and beautiful.

 Sleep.  

It is a proven fact that sleep is critical to looking and feeling good. It is during our sleep time that the body repairs the damage that has been done to the skin by stress, harmful rays, dust, and other day to day traumas that our skin is exposed to.  During sleep, the body produces protein, which is important to our cells. The more sleep we get, the more protein our body produces which ultimately provides rejuvenation and repairs the skin. If you are not getting enough sleep this will be visible by dull skin, red eyes, and dark circles, which are almost impossible to cover with make up. Do whatever you can to try to sleep for eight hours each night, and your skin will look noticeably better. 

 Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize. These three words are essential to keep the skin looking great at any age and if you don’t already have a CTM routine, I would suggest that you start now and make it a firm habit. It is important to use products that are going to work in harmony with your skin type. For example it would not be wise to use an oily moisturizer if you already have oily skin. If you visit a department store, the beauty section will be able to help you and recommend the products that are best for your skin type. With your CTM routine you only need to set aside 20 minutes each day, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night. 

  Cleansing forms perhaps the most important role of the CTM routine. Thoroughly cleansing the skin will get rid of any dirt, pollution and harmful chemicals that are present in makeup. Cleansing will unblock the pores and prevent spots from appearing on the face. As mentioned above, visit a beauty department to find the best cleanser for you and remember to take care not to rub the skin too vigorously as this will strip it of its natural oils making dry skin even more dry and oily skin even more oily. Always ensure that you cleanse your face of makeup before you sleep. 

 The next important step in the CTM routine is of course Toning. A toner is simply a product that you apply to the face that will tighten the skin to close the pores and form a layer of healthy skin cells. Toning also helps protect the skin from the dirt, pollution and harmful toxins that have been mentioned previously. I would avoid any toner that has alcohol present as it will destroy the collagen in the skin which is not good for aging.

 The final, but not at all least important step is Moisturizing. Moisturizing the skin has always been important as a well moisturized skin will reflect a healthy glow, look supple and prevent aging. Moisturizing is also a good base for makeup as it will prevent the skin from pulling and ensure that your makeup is distributed evenly. Daily moisturizing will prevent water loss and retain the skin’s moisture and texture. When applying moisturizer use the tips of your fingers and use sparingly. Applying too much will cause the product to sit on top of the skin and prevent your skin from breathing. I would highly recommend buying a moisturizer that has at least SPF 15 as the Sun’s harmful rays are very damaging to the skin even on a cloudy day.  After you have been moisturizing daily for a few weeks you will notice how tight your skin will feel until you give it the moisture it needs.

 

Makeup ( To learn which products I use, Click HERE )

 An elegant lady will always want to look her best and this includes the use of makeup to enhance the features of the face. Applying makeup correctly is an art form that requires skill and time. It is important to aim to achieve a look that is both elegant and natural. It is a good idea to visit a beauty counter as they will be able to show you looks that will suit you and which products to use. I have already talked about the importance of maintaining the skin to achieve a flawless glow, makeup really can compliment your skin to give a radiant look and enhance your features. Here are my tips for a naturally flawless look and the products I think every lady should invest in. The products are listed in the order that they should be applied.

Primer

 A Primer is a lotion or cream that should be applied to the face before other cosmetics as it’s purpose is to help give the makeup longevity and staying power. The two types of primer I would suggest investing in are the foundation primer and eyelid primer. Both of these will act as a good base and improve the application of your makeup, reducing lines and blotching. Apply the foundation primer to the face and forehead and then apply the eyelid primer to the eyelids and under the eyes where you will apply concealer. Leave the primer to settle for a few minutes before applying any makeup. 

 Foundation

 Foundation is applied to the face to create an even, uniform complexion and to cover any flaws. The perfect foundation will match your skin tone and give you a flawless finish. It is normally acceptable to go one shade darker than your natural skin tone but try to stick to the notion of looking natural and elegant. You will also need to find a foundation that works for your skin type; If you have dry skin it may be worth investing in an oil based foundation, if your skin is oily then you should consider a matte based, water based or mineral based foundation to soak up excess oil. Another aspect you will need to consider is the amount of coverage you are looking for. If you have good skin and are only looking to enhance your skin tone then a sheer foundation will be the best product to invest in. If you feel you need more coverage to hide spots, freckles and discoloration then you should invest in a medium cover foundation. All of this can be discussed with a makeup artist at a beauty counter who will be able to advise on what foundation will be perfect for you. The foundation should be applied to the whole face except for the eye area using your finger tips or foundation brush. Ensure that you blend well and have no visible lines around the neck and jawline. A good tip is to mix an illuminator (see below) with your foundation which is really going to give you an amazing, radiant glow. 

 Concealer

 Concealer is applied to the eye area to diminish dark circles, brighten the eyes and hide any discoloration. It can also be used to cover any other blemishes that may be present on the face. I believe that every lady should invest in a concealer even if it is the only product you are going to use. Unless you are under the age of ten it is extremely likely that some discoloration is present under the eyes and this can really affect the way you look. Concealer will freshen the face and instantly make you look awake, alert and healthy. The basic rule of thumb is to choose a concealer that is yellow based and a shade or two lighter than your skin tone. If your concealer is too light you may end up with the dreaded ‘raccoon’ look! Apply several dots of concealer under the eyes close to the lash line and a dot to the inside corners of the eyes. I would also use the concealer on any other area of the eye where there is discoloration such as the lids.  You can use your fingers for application but for best results I would suggest a small headed brush with firm bristles. Using the pad of your finger, gently tap in the concealer. Always tap and never rub. The eye area is very sensitive and rubbing will just cause redness and you will rub the concealer off your face. You can then apply the concealer to uneven spots and blemishes on the face. 

 Illuminator

 An illuminator normally comes as a pen or stick and is used to highlight areas of the face and give optimum radiance and glow. The illuminator is often overlooked as many women do not know how to use it correctly or to its full potential. Many people mistake the illuminator for a concealer and are often disappointed when they do not get the coverage required. Whilst the concealer conceals the darkness of the skin, the illuminator highlights areas of the face. For the eye area, the best way to apply the illuminator is to draw a triangular shape starting under the eye from the inner corner under the lashes to the outer corner of the eye, and then from the outer corner of the eye down across the cheek bone to the lower outer edge of your nostril and back up the sides of the nose to the inner corner of the eye. This may sound confusing but it works with practice! The whole of this triangular area should be covered with illuminator by blending the lines to meet in the middle remembering the tapping motion. The illuminator should then be applied to the inner corners of the eyes and brow bone. This will really make the eye area stand out and look flawless. The illuminator is also a good tool for contouring. You can use it down the bridge of the nose to make the nose appear more narrow, above the eyebrows to lift the brow, under the nose to eliminate redness, and on the cupids bow and around the lips to make them appear more full. After you have applied the concealer and illuminator you should apply a mineral powder which will ensure your makeup stays on and help to keep it fresh. 

 Mascara and Eyeliner

 A good mascara will lengthen and darken the lashes to enhance the eyes. It really does alter the whole appearance of the face and is a product for some that they cannot live without. My advice is to use sparingly and not overdo it. Clunky lashes are not a good look and the aim is to create a look that is natural and elegant. Eyeliner is also a good way to enhance the eyes but again it is important not to overdo it. To widen the eyes you should apply the eyeliner on the waterline above the lashes of the lower lid.

 Blusher and Bronzer

 Blushers and Bronzers can be used to put color back into the face and give a subtle glow.  Various colors can look elegant but it is important to choose a color that will match your natural tone. Bright red may not look good on a light skinned person but could look fantastic on someone with a dark skin tone. The best way to apply is to suck in the cheeks as this will reveal the apple of the cheeks, the round area above the cheek bone which is visible when you smile. Apply the blush to the apple area and blend along the cheek bone. For the most natural look, always concentrate the color on the apples of your cheeks. Remove excess dust from the brush before blending to avoid excessive rosy cheeks.

 Lips 

 It is best to keep the lips simple for an elegant look. Lip liner should be used to make the lips appear fuller if necessary but do take caution as liner can easily look cheap. Coat the lips with a gloss to finish off the face.

Join me tomorrow where I will be discussing the art of elegant dressing

Yours,

The Countess x 

My Guide to Elegance..Part One – Hair

Over the years, I have gained a plethora of experience and understanding of how to achieve an elegant image. Join me every day as I share with you my knowledge, hints and tips on how to be more elegant. Today I am going to focus on how to exude elegance with your hairstyle. Elegance is not an attribute that can be conveyed to the World simply by the way that one looks, but it is certainly a good place to start. Most people do not realise how much our appearance contributes to the way we are viewed in society.  How many of us use appearance as a decision making tool in our day to day lives? Whom do we hire, whom do we date, who do we aspire to, and what is more important, who do we trust?  We like to think that we are judging people on their merits and not the way that they look; But are we? It is for this reason exactly why I have decided to talk about appearance first. We can alter our appearance quickly and effectively in a very short amount of time and if one chooses, without breaking the bank. Thanks to High Street retailers, it is now possible for everyone to dress well and maintain an elegant image. I also chose to start with appearance as I believe that if one appears elegant then one will feel elegant and people will begin to alter the way in which they view you. Regarding appearance I believe that elegance is achieving a look that is timeless. In other words, although having the latest trendy hair cut may look good today, how will it look tomorrow? Even now we can look at pictures of Grace Kelly for example, and be inspired by her image and style and adopt aspects of it into our lives. If you can achieve a timeless image like this, then you are going to look fabulous forever!

Hair 

 In days gone by, a lady would wear her hair in an elegant up style and it would only be worn down to retire to the bedroom. However, over time this rule has changed and up styles are normally reserved for more formal occasions and it is the norm to have elegant, flowing locks. My recommendation for the modern lady would be to keep it simple when it comes to hair. In fact, simplicity is a key ingredient to elegance as has been proven by time. Hairstyles of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s were all wildly experimental and can now only be looked back on as periods of embarrassing taste (we all remember the perm, do we not?)

 I would advise you stick to your natural colour. This is the colour you were born with and Mother Nature knows what she is doing! Many people feel the need for change but truly, your natural colour was made for you. The only exception to this rule however, is to the lighten the hair as you get older. Blonde is much more effective at covering grey hair and makes the face appear younger. Altering the colour to a different shade of your natural hair is also acceptable and can make the hair look more vibrant. If you insist on changing the colour completely, then please consider the eyebrows (there is nothing more ghastly than a blonde with dark brows). Speaking of brows you should ensure that yours are kept neat and tidy but not plucked away to nothingness! The brow should not be be too thick or thin and shaped to compliment the brow bone. An eyebrow pencil can be used to fill in gaps and achieve a neater look. I would keep in mind ‘less is more’ when using this trick, however.

 “I think that the most important thing a woman can have – next to talent, of course – is her hairdresser”

     Joan Crawford

 The above quote is absolutely true! When you find that hairdresser who makes you feel amazing, there is no better feeling. A good hairdresser will be able to suggest what looks will suit your face shape, what colours will compliment your skin tone and will always be able to create a beautiful, bouncy blow-dry. This is a style that is fantastic as it is so versatile. It will look smart and elegant for business, chic and sophisticated for everyday, and glamorous yet elegant for the evening. With the blow dry you cannot go wrong.

•  Unless you have a large bank balance and copious amounts of free time, it is quite absurd to expect to be able to visit the salon everyday. Here is an elegant style that can be adopted for everyday life. It is best to do this in the evening before you sleep.
•  First, thoroughly cleanse and condition your hair. Use the flats of your fingers not your fingertips or nails to massage in the product and encourage increased circulation to the scalp.
•  Rinse your hair thoroughly for at least two minutes to remove any residue. The hair will shine if it rinsed really well. Lightly towel dry
•  Now apply styling products. Use some blow dry oil or serum. A small amount is needed and will give the hair a brilliant shine. Work the serum down the mid length of the hair to the ends avoiding the roots. Spritz a root boosting spray onto the roots which will help lift the roots and add volume.
•  For a shinier finish, hair should not be dripping wet but should be about 80% wet. The hair will have a smoother finish if it has more moisture whilst blow drying.
•  Divide the hair into sections starting at the back. With a concentrator nozzle attached, blow dry a section of the hair with the nozzle pointing down. A brush will aid control but is not essential as we are not aiming for perfection. 
•  Once one section is dry and whilst the hair is still hot, apply sleep-in rollers and secure with pins, Continue with the rest of your hair until you are finished.
•  When you wake the next day, remove the rollers and brush the hair through with a large paddle brush. Finish with hold spray and your hair should look shiny, bouncy and full.

 

For evenings and other special occasions, it can be elegant to wear the hair in a sophisticated up style. Your hairdresser should be able to create a style for this purpose. I think it is important to keep it simple and chic with an up-style. Corkscrew tight curls are to be avoided at all costs and ideally all clips and pins should be hidden discreetly unless they are designed to be shown. 

Join me tomorrow where I will be advising how to achieve elegance by having a glowing complexion and flawless makeup.

Yours,

The Countess x

Countess’s Cosmetics

Let me share with you my favourite cosmetics that help me to achieve my everyday look. My aim is to look as natural as possible whilst maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. Now that I am in my thirties, I have focused especially on sourcing products that will help maintain my skins longevity and postpone ageing. Luckily I have good genes and my Mother looks at least ten years younger than her actual age. That being said, I would never dismiss cosmetic procedures or surgery to enhance my youth..when the time comes I will almost certainly go under the knife and have a lift or two! From head to toe, here are the beauty products I adore. 

For my skincare routine, I change the product when it has all been used. I do this because otherwise your skin gets used to the product and it becomes less effective. I also like to use the same range at a time for my skincare so they can work in harmony together. At the moment I am using YSL skincare.

1.Firstly I cleanse my face with YSL forever Youth Liberator Cleansing Foam – £35 for 150ml. This is perfect for cleansing as it makes your skin feel so fresh and supple after use. It really does cleanse perfectly and prepare the face for all the products it is about to endure.

2. Next I apply my anti ageing product, YSL Forever Youth Liberating Serum – £61. I have to be honest and admit that my skin does feel fantastic since using this product. My skin feels a lot firmer more radiant, as though it is helping to take away the dullness of my complexion.

3. Finally to complete my skin care routine I use YSL Forever Youth liberator Moisturiser- £60. This moisturiser has SPF15 which blocks the sun’s harmful rays. As I have always made an effort to avoid sun exposure, I find this particularly helpful. My skin is naturally dry and this product adds a rich moisture to my skin.

4. I did used to use a primer on my skin before applying foundation but found there to be no advantage in doing so. The Moisturiser acts as a good base for my foundation and I have been using Chanel Perfection Lumière – £35 for the past two years. I love this foundation as it provides excellent coverage without looking unnatural. It is also really breathable and almost like a second skin. The foundation is perfect for me as it lasts for hours without needing to be touched up.

5. Next I mix my foundation with YSL Touche Éclat number 1 – £25 to create my own concealer. I did used to buy a concealer but one day I ran out so tried mixing and found it provided better coverage. I then use the Touche Éclat around the eye area to highlight my eyes and to contour the rest of my face. It is an amazing product which has won numerous awards.

6. To set the foundation and to give a matte finish I use Chanel Natural Finish loose powder in 30 Naturel – £27. This powder is extremely light and comes with a powder applicator. It fits into any handbag or purse so is great for touching up on the go. I adore this powder and think it is much more reliable than a primer.

7. I then apply YSL Cream Blush in Powdery Rose – £29. This cream blush is phenomenal and one of the best products I have ever found. It is deliciously rich and makes the cheekbones look divine. The Powdery Rose colour is gorgeously natural and perfect for any occasion.

8. I apply minimal eyeliner on my lower lash line using YSL eye Pencil in Velvet Black – £19. I like this because it is very long lasting and does not smudge. It also has a great applicator tool which helps to create a more polished, neater look.

9. To finish the eyes I use YSL False Lash Effect Mascara in High Density Black – £29.50. Another fantastic product that has won countless awards. It will make the lashes look glamorous yet elegant and really add length and volume.

10. To finish the face my favourite lipstick for everyday use is Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 41 Canotier – £35. This product is absolutely sensational and just gives a beautiful, English rose, natural look. It has a glossy finish which makes the lips look shiny and full. I have received so many compliments about this lipstick!

11. I go for a weekly Manicure/ Pedicure but if for some reason I need to use polish,  I use Chanel Le Vernis in 475 Dragon – £18. It is hard to go wrong with this colour and as it is extremely hard wearing there is no need to worry about chipping.

12. Last but not least I use Chanel No.5 body scent. Some people find this scent ‘old fashioned’ but to me it is the most luxurious scent in the World and both my Mother and Granny used it. I use the body lotion after my morning shower which is intensely rich and makes you feel like a million dollars. I then use the perfume all over and finally the hair mist. My hair is shoulder length and after it has been blow dried, I spray a little of the mist in my hair and the amazing fragrance lasts all day. It is perfection!

Yours,

The Countess x

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