Skincare and makeup masterclass with Imedeen and Mary Greenwell

As a blogger I sometimes get some really cool invitations, if I accepted them all. I'd never have time to blog or do anything else, but sometimes the invite is just too good to turn down.  So when Imedeen popped into my inbox and invited me to The Mandrake Hotel in London's Fitzrovia for a skincare and makeup masterclass, I couldn't resist such a cool location!  And the makeup tutorial was being given by Mary Greenwell who is the A List makeup artist to know about!

So this particular event warranted a space on my blog because I had such a fun time and learnt so much, I really wanted to share.  When I arrived I was a little apprehensive to see so many young faces - where were all the 40+ bloggers?!  Help!  I texted my daughter and she reassured me, mum you look great, be confident.  Fortunately in came the lovely Jodi, and we hit it off straight away.  But wait for it, she is not only an amazing writer and blogger she is also mum to 6 boys (yes 6 you did read that right)!  And she is originally from NZ but now lives in London and it turned out our bubbles were being served by another young NZ'er who was just starting out his new life in London.  Jodi and I bonded over parenting tips and champagne and a relief that we now had someone to sit with!  Do pop over to her blog about the evening - it's a fun read - you can find it here, The Harridan.

Below, relaxing on the massive bed in The Penthouse Suite wearing the floral print midi dress from Per Una at Marks & Spencer, first outing for it, and I am delighted with it, only £55 but comfortable, silky, and just dressy up enough!  Accessorised with my red cross body bag from Aurora London.

Enjoying The Penthouse Suite at The Mandrake Hotel

First up was Emma who told us a bit about Imedeen, they offer a huge range of skincare supplements to help improve the appearance of your skin, and results can be seen within 90 days.  They offer free ulstrasound scanning of your skin to assess what is going on underneath and then they can recommend the best supplements for you.  I tried this out and have Prime Renewal for 50+ to use and report back, I will let you know how I get on.  The ultrasound screening is available in and around London and can be booked via their website.  The good news is the condition of my skin and my collagen depth is above average for my age but it will be interesting to go back after I have tried Prime Renewal to see what has changed.

Skin analysis with Imedeen

We then listened to a short presentation from Dr Terry who is a qualified doctor and specialises in integrative aesthetics and skin health.  Dr Terry talked to us about our hormones and how they play such a vital role in keeping us healthy and looking after our skin.  She talked about some of the essential vitamins we need - she was particularly keen on magnesium supplements (you can find out more about my thoughts on this on my blog post here), evening primrose oil and the omega's.  She also talked about the importance of controlling our stress levels, of getting enough sleep and our gut health.  And if we want extra collagen to help our skin - drink it, don't put it on as a cream!

Dr Terry talking about skin health

Then it was time for a natural makeup look tutorial from Mary Greenwell.  Mary has been responsible for the no-makeup look on the late Princess Diana and more recently she did the Vanity Fair cover look on Meghan Markle.  So some serious A list credentials.  She was really fun to listen to, great sense of humour, and clearly knows her stuff.  Some tips I picked up were:

• Massage your face when applying your moisturiser and/or face oil and serums.  Really spend a good few minutes giving your face a thorough massage, get into all the corners and crevices!
• Keep your eyebrows natural, she is not a fan of the current over the top, heavy set eyebrow look sported by our younger girls. 
• Cleanse once a day!  Having been repeatedly told to do this morning and evening and only ever having done it in the evening, this was good to hear!  I wash my face with water in the morning obviously but my thorough cleanse is evening time.
• Apply foundation with your fingers!  Another thing we have been told over the years, get a sponge, now you need a brush etc etc.  But Mary is a firm believer in using your finger tips to really work the foundation into your skin.  She isn't a fan of the heavier, long lasting foundations either.  She loves a lightweight foundation and favours Chanel or Sensai.
• Apply a taupe eyeshadow with the tip of your finger for the most natural look.
• Mary's favourite makeup essential is a mascara and her go to mascara is the 38 degree mascara from Sensai.
• Always use a concealer, this is your best friend!  Mary explained that the big makeup houses are always looking to develop the best concealer so there are some amazing ones available now.
• And finally make sure you always carry your lipstick in your bag but that is all you need to carry with you and Mary suggests wiping off the excess before sitting down for a drink - she hates seeing lipstick left behind on glasses and coffee cups!

Makeup tutorial with Mary Greenwell

The stunning finished makeup look

I had such a fun evening, the venue was just stunning and a real treat, everyone involved from Imedeen was super friendly and welcoming and I am keen to see how I get on with my Prime Renewal supplement over the next three months - I will report back!

Love from
Michelle xx


​Other blogs you may have missed and find useful:

Fabulous at 50 | 8 tips on how to look younger at 50
Wild ... an eco-friendly and natural deodorant that actually works
Anti Ageing Facials | Final Results

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