Beauty at Altitude

I used to think that my worse nightmare (in the shallowest sense) would be if I was forced to make a choice between my favourite beauty products.  Occasionally in sadistic moments I have tortured myself with trying to choose between two favourites and rather like the old oven chips TV advert “daddy or chips, daddy or chips”?  I whisper to myself mascara or concealer? mascara or eyeliner? mascara or nail varnish (ooh a toughie!).  So imagine how I feel now faced with the prospect of having to choose just one luxury beauty product to take with me for a 10 day trip (Ok…..I agree there are a lot worse situations to be in and I am of course fully aware of this, hence the money I have raised).

In precisely one week’s time I shall be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, raising money for two charities very close to me (Small Steps and The Soldier’s Charity).  My packing is limited to trekking gear with strict weight limititations - absolutely no room for bulging make up bags on this trip.  A 3.5 litre camel pack will be my only accessory.

The choice I have given myself is between Mascara and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream.  Both are pretty much staple necessities in my life, what is a life without long black thick lashes and glossy lips?

Is there such a thing as Beauty at altitude?!  I very much doubt it and will I really care when walking up a steep hill at freezing temperatures battling tiredness, hunger and altitude sickness? But with firm visions of Cheryl, Fearne and Kimberley who all scrubbed up pretty well when they climbed Kili I suspect sunglasses could also be key in this plus a hat.  Tick, tick.

The choice I gave myself seemed pretty impossible until I learnt that our guides will be practically running up the mountain ahead of us laden with our large rucksacks and other essential equipment.  Until I am humbled out of my vanity I shall go armed with my Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream which has multiple uses.  Perfect for chapped lips, blisters and dry skin this will be a small home comfort to have - it's medicinal!

Now that decision has been reached I remind myself that I am climbing the mountain to help others climb stairs, mascara? compared to the choices they are faced with every day who really cares.

I return on Monday 28 February
X x

Bright Eyes

In the kit of most make up artists you will find an incredible secret weapon in the form of a teeny little bottle.  Optrex Eyedew Dazzling is my favourite one, a couple of the blue drops in each eye makes the whites of my eyes look whiter and brighter.  A perfect pick me up when eyes become tired or red.  Brighter clearer eyes also improves the look of your eye make up.  For approximately £4 these are a must have for every make up bag. 

(NB please read instructions carefully before using – go to Optrex website for full listing of instructions & ingredients)