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Ask Sara

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beauty tips and tricks or questions

Have you ever had a query or concern about something beauty related? Ever wondered about your hair, skin, nails or make-up? Ask me and I’ll seek out the answer for you with my little black book of Beauty Experts exclusively from Urban Retreat at Harrods. Anything that the pack doesn’t tell you, the internet isn’t clear about, or that you feel unsure of can be asked and answered here – type in your question below and by publishing the questions we can all live and learn with The Urban Retreat Beautique. Don’t forget to check out my blog page, and follow me on Twitter! @AskSaraJParker

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Super base!

23 May 2012

I need to buy a new foundation. I currently use Chanel Vitalumiere, but am thinking of trying Laura Mercier as I like her tinted moisturiser for a lighter effect. I am 51 with pale to medium normal skin.

Question posted by: Eileen

Hi Eileen, thanks for your question. For your skin, I would recommend Laura's newly formulated Moisture Supreme Foundation, for light, yet flawless coverage that will last all day. The updated formula incorporates innovative ingredients which hydrate the skin as you wear it, softening the appearance of fine lines giving a healthy and radiant glow to the complexion. As you say your skin is quite good usually, the light, creamy texture of this super base will even out any imperfections, whilst allowing the skin to breath and maintain your natural radiance at the same time. Let me know how you get on!

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Spot the difference

14 May 2012

I am 51 years and am noticing age spots on my cheeks... what's the best way of disguising this? Please help Sara!

Question posted by: Suzanne

Age spots are smallish, brown or grey spots that usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms. This is a common problem Suzanne, and the best way of avoiding them is to prevent them appearing in the first place by protecting your skin in the sun with a high protection sunscreen. But do not fear! The Urban Retreat experts can help in pretty much any beauty dilemma - and if the damage has already been done, our aim is to try and help reverse the hands of time for you. If you are based in London, or can get here, a Cosmedix Peel at our MediSpa clinic in Urban Retreat, Harrods can really improve their appearance. Failing that, a Clarisonic machine will over time seriously improve and refine the surface of your skin, smooth out wrinkles and even the skintone using Sonicare technology to deep cleanse for salon-grade effects at home. The machine can be used twice daily with your usual cleanser for the best results. Finally, a good quality foundation, such as the new Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme should provide enough coverage to disguise the difference in pigment over the surface of your skin, making it look more even, youthful and flawless.

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Base Connection

11 May 2012

I regularly buy La Prairie products from you - day and night creams. I should also like to purchase a foundation - the one I now use is the Skin Caviar (creme blush) but should like to change to a cheaper option as I don't use it very often. Can you recommend another La Prairie foundation closest i

Question posted by: Ina

Dear Ina, the only other base by La Prairie is the Cellular Treatment powder compact. It doesn't sound like your skin needs heavy coverage if you don't use foundation that often - so this could be a lovely, lighter option for you. (And it's cheaper too!) I would recommend the Natural Beige shade as the closest to the one you are using currently. If you are certain you would like a liquid formulation of foundation, I highly recommend Daniel Sandler's Invisible Radiance which provides a flawlessly glowing base that glides on seamlessly. The pack even looks like the La Prairie one does, with its' built-in concealer in the lid! Honey is a gorgeous shade which is very similar to La Prairie's Creme Blush. Let me know how you get on!

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A flawless face

08 May 2012

I need to buy a new foundation and am interested in the Oil-Free Supreme one by Laura Mercier. Please could you tell me which shade of beige is the darkest and which concealer matches?

Question posted by: Nat

Laura's newest addition to her collection of fabulously flawless foundations is this Oil-Free version which builds to a beautifully even and soft, matte finish that will have you looking like you've slept 8 hours each morning! It comes in no less than twelve shades, and six of these are variations of beige. The product page shows swatches of each shade to show which will suit you best - but the darkest of the beiges are Tawny Beige and Shell Beige. The Shell Beige has pink undertones which is best suited to those who have pinker skin or suffer from rosacea or acne which can look red and inflamed. The Tawny Beige has yellow undertones which suits most other complexions. To pick your concealer, you really need to match it to the skin under your own eyes, rather than to the base you are using, but Secret Camouflage in no. 3 seems to suit most caucasian complexions. Either way, don't forget to blend, blend, blend!

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To tone or not to tone

08 May 2012

My friend asked me what toner does, and I just don't know! So obvy, I said I would ask Sara J Parker - because she is sure to enlighten us?

Question posted by: Octavia

Octavia, I am so glad you asked this question, because I need to set the record straight for womankind on this oft-overlooked beauty step. The delicate skin on your complexion needs prep before it is ready to do its' primary job - absorbing the hydrating and revitalising moisturiser you load it with each morning and evening. Full penetration is the aim of the game darling, so anything you can do which encourages this is going to improve the smooth, supple elasticity of your skin. Your pores need to be immaculately clean, dry and enlarged so that the cream can sink in without dirt particles blocking the way. The best way to do this is by cleansing with a gel/foam cleanser and following with a wipe of toner using a muslin cloth or cotton wool, to wipe away excess dirt and sebum. This one by Creme de la Mer is essential for oily skinned babes, whilst this best-selling option is super gentle for any skintype. After a gentle stroke of your new toner, your face will be primed and eagar to receive a little lubrication from your moisturiser and allow it to sink right down on a cellular level - ensuring your skin looks glowing, youthful and dewy afterwards. And who doesn't want that?

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Down under

03 May 2012

Hi Sara! I was hoping to buy some La Prairie Products from The Beautique, do you ship to Australia? Kind regards

Question posted by: Irene

Hello Irene and thankyou for your question - I am always delighted to hear from my fans in exotic, far flung locations. Especially because The Urban Retreat Beautique can ship to addresses from Birmingham to Bahrain, St Ives to St Tropez- continuing our mission to beautify the women of the world! Order away and your produicts will arrive safely in Australia Irene, and for more information on deliveries and returns policies, check out our Terms and Conditions page. Kisses!

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Flawless and fabulous forties!

02 May 2012

I am 47 and have awful red, sensitive skin. I'm currenly on medication to try and solve the problem but can u advise of a good skincare range that will help?

Question posted by: Sharon

Poor dear woman - I understand how frustrating it can be to suffer from sensitivity and an uneven skintone that makes you feel like no amount of makeup can disguise the problem. You don't say which medication you are taking, but I am wary of taking things that come in plastic packages to try and solve problems - pills, chocolate bars, cheap shoes. they rarely get to the root of the problem darling do you see what I'm saying? Start by overhauling your skincare routine, cleansing every morning and evening with this wonderfully gentle yet curative cleanser from Dermatology brand Murad. I like to follow this with a dab of the Recovery Treatment Gel on problem areas to tone down the skin and build up the skins own natural barriers. Treat yourself to a really gorgeous moisturiser like this Anti-ageing one by Gazelli or a pot of heavenly Creme de la Mer and you will be feeling much better, and looking much smoother in no time. Try to avoid rich and spicy foods which can exacerbate rosacea, and avoid sugars to minimise breakouts. And one more thing- slightly green undertones in your makeup is surprisingly flattering, and Creme de la Mer's perfect fluid foundation will be kind to your skin all day long.

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Spot the difference

02 May 2012

Please advise me on how I can get rid of milia and how I can stop them coming back. I have it under my eyes. Thank you

Question posted by: Vanessa

Milia are small, white (or sometimes yellowish) spots that usually appear around the eyes. They are a type of cyst filled with a substance called Keratin. They are completely harmless, but can look unsightly and need to be removed professionally. Book in for a Milia Removal Consultationwith one of the experienced aestheticians at Urban Retreat, Harrods and they will leave you with baby soft and smooth skin again. The problem can be avoided in future by being careful with the products you put on your skin - those which contain Lanolin or Glycerin can act as barriers to the pores which can encourage the keratin deposits to collect.

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