Laila Hamdaoui
Since seeing their beautiful cosmetics counter in Fenwick New Bond Street a few years ago, I’ve been utterly smitten and intrigued by Paul & Joe Beauty. Not only is the packaging to DIE for but the prices are seriously reasonable. I don’t know about you but my eyes light up every time I see pretty cosmetics bottles, I just love a beautiful dressing table!
So we know the look of the products is great but do they do the job?
STEP ONE: PRIMER
It’s always great to use a primer before applying foundation. It’s one of those things a lot of women don’t usually include in their makeup routine (I didn’t until last year) but it really does make a difference. Not only does it give your skin a healthy glow and keeps foundation in place, some offer protection against harmful sun rays including SPF in the formula like the Protective Foundation Primer UV.
They feel lovely on the skin and give a glowing finish under the foundation, you don’t need to use a lot just make sure your skin is well moisturized before applying for an even glide. The Protective Foundation Primer UV has SPF 40 to protect against those damaging rays so perfect for summer time!
STEP TWO: FOUNDATION
When using foundation I tend to chop and change depending on the weather. During the summer time I use a lighter coverage to show off the freckles that form and to give my skin a bit of a breather from makeup.
I tried Protective Fluid Foundation S in 102 and Light Cream Foundation S in 10, one pump of colour for each side and compared textures and coverage, and both felt lovely! What is great is that you can build them up for a fuller coverage, I don’t like the piled on look but need to feel I’ve got a good base and these do just that! My favourite out of these is the Cream Foundation, my skin gets dry very quickly especially during the winter so this is the perfect combination of coverage and moisture.
STEP 3: POWDER AND CONCEAL
Pressed Powder Duo in 01, Compact Concealer in 02
This pressed powder duo offers an all over matte finish or can be used to highlight the cheek bones and cupids bow with its pretty shimmer strip. What’s great about this is you can re-fill the compact once the makeup is used, a no-waster no-brainer. The concealer hides dark circles and covers the odd spot very well not being too heavy, it goes on top of the foundation smoothly too and you don’t need to use much, a perfect ending to 3 step Paul and Joe beauty routine. Now just add a hint of colour to the cheeks and lips with a stroke of mascara and you’re good to go.