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You might think that the winter months are an easier time for dealing with break-outs, and skin problems, but before you book that last minute ski holiday, think again. Summer heat might have led to oily skin, but central heating and cold winds in winter can strip the skin of its protective layers. All hail then to Beauty Braveheart Cassandra Bankson, who hit 1.7 million views on her recent make-up tutorial video.

Cassandra is a 19-year-old student who began filming videos of her tutorials over a year ago. She’s adorably sweet and pretty, with high cheekbones and a cupid’s bow mouth Angelina Jolie herself would envy. Seeing her made up one could be quite forgiven for feeling a twinge of girly jealousy. But Cassandra hides a secret beneath her make-up, which might make you think again.

A Common Problem

Cassandra has always been honest about her severe acne, for which she is being treated with antibiotics. Specialist dermatologists have been treating her for about four years and she is currently undergoing blood tests for hormonal imbalance and a range of lifestyle changes to try and get the outbreaks under control, including diet and exercise changes. She also practices meditation and stress management sessions, sleep analysis and has regular peels and LED Light facials.

Poor girl! Despite all this, she’s still plagued by the condition, which she describes as her greatest insecurity. She is incredibly open about this common and highly embarrassing problem, and the brave make-up tutorial that hit 1.7 million views showed her tutoring others how to cover their own blemishes as well as she does. And she is remarkably skilled, for one would never know from looking at her made up that there was any problem at all. In fact, she looks almost airbrushed.

Miracle Makeover

Cassandra starts with no make up on at all, revealing the extent of her problem. It actually makes her a little tearful to show herself in this stripped down state, sitting in her lounge with a dressing gown on. But she rallies and proceeds to show us the rather delicious contents of her make-up collection. As someone who doesn’t suffer with acne at all I found it fascinating to see how she applied her make-up, and the effect she achieved. A list of her products are given beneath the video. I think I will be trying some out:

• Smashbox Antishine
• Hourglass Veil Primer
• Makeup For Ever HD Foundation in 125 and 120
• Mac Studio Finish Concealer NC 30
• Mac NC5 
• Smashbox Halo in Light
• Makeup Forever Microfinish Setting Powder 
• Mac Fix Plus Spray

Application: fingertips

134 Face/Powder Brush

It’s a great to see the comments on her channel from girls who have suffered with the same problem and have found hope and inspiration from Cassandra’s video.

What’s On Trend for Christmas Make Up?

We can have the tiniest black dress, the greatest weight-loss result (yes!) and the most deadly killer heels on the market, but if our make up isn’t right then it’s like a Christmas Tree without an angel on top. Check out Cassandra Bankson tutorials on shading and contouring with foundations, and then turn your attention to the look you’re going to go for this Christmas.

The word is that 50’s retro glamour is in this year. Yes, the eyes still have it. There is no sign of a wane in the eyelash obsession that seems to be sweeping the fashion world, but glittery eye shadow is out.

Maybe it’s Victoria Beckham’s elegant fitted dresses, perhaps it’s Kate Middleton’s quiet class, but something has happened to make-up this year. With dressing up such a year round activity now, Christmas is a time to really pull something stunning out of the bag. This year the emphasis is on feminine, elegant, cool, retro and stylish.

Out with the tinsel, out with the glitter spray, and in with heavy kohl and false-eyelashes. Try MAC’s failsafe Liquid Liner, teamed with Shu Uemura lashes. Bright lips are in – get out and try some of the new colors, like MAC’s Lady Danger, or Girl About Town for a more 70’s look. Then party like there’s no tomorrow and raise a glass to Cassandra Bankson…

Guest post by Izzy Woods