Intensifying Eyeshadow Colour!!!

There are many eyeshadow products that have great colour intensity.  Cream eyeshadow probably has the best intensity and vibrancy of all, but unless you have incredibly dry skin around your eyes, cream eyeshadow will not last throughout the day.  However, it can be a great base that you layer under your powder eyeshadow.  It will bring out the colour of your powder eyeshadow and give it some staying power!!! 

Here are two main ways to make your powder eyeshadow come alive.

Using a Cream Eyeshadow Base:

As mentioned earlier, layer your cream and powder eyeshadow.  Use the cream first.  Choose a cream eyeshadow colour similar to the middle base colour you have chosen if that's the colour you want to intensify. You can also choose a cream colour that will mix with your powder to create another shade altogether.  Cream eyeshadow can also create a nice undertone.  I like to use a pink cream shadow under my MAC Soba (light brown) powder shadow.  It doesn't change the colour but gives it a pretty pink undertone.

Look at the picture below.  The eye makeup with the cream layer is much more vibrant!!

Using an electric blue eyeshadow

Using Water to Intensify the Colour:

As children, we all played with watercolour paint of some sort and to some extent understand the technique of using a wet brush with paint. This is exactly the same concept.  Wet your eyeshadow brush before swiping your eyeshadow.  Make sure it is not too wet and not too dry.  Now apply your eyeshadow colour as you normally would. 

Look at the difference it makes!!

Using a pastel greenish eyeshadow

Again, these are great ways to turn what you already have into something new.

For Your Entertainment!!!

This is where I learned about using a Kabuki brush with foundation or cream blush as well as using a CD as a palette!!!

Kabuki Brushes and Cream Blushes!!

Kabuki brushes are so cute and fun but other than being just great looking brushes, they have a great history and a variety of uses.  The traditional use of a Kabuki brush dates back centuries ago in Japan's Kabuki Theatres.  These brushes were used to create a flawless finish with thick makeup.

In recent years, the Kabuki brush has become popular again with the introduction of mineral makeup.  Mineral powder foundation was one of the products Kabuki brushes were introduced for.  Application of the product involves picking up the powder with the brush and applying it to the face in a circular motion. 

These days, I've seen Kabuki brushes being used for more than just powder products.  They can be used to apply liquid foundation and cream blushes too.  Similar with powder products, the finish is beautiful and flawless. 

I'm going to show you the difference between using your fingers and a Kabuki brush to apply a cream blush.  I'll be using the same amount of product for each application

Application Using Fingers:

Notice that the finish looks a bit thicker.

Application Using a Kabuki Brush:

The finish is more dewy and natural looking. 

Important Tips:
1) If you do have a cream blush, want a very natural flush on your cheeks but don't have a Kabuki brush, a good trick to create a natural look is to apply your cream blush on your cheeks before applying foundation. 

2) Kabuki brushes should be soft but sturdy.  It shouldn't be as soft and limp as the hairs on your powder or blush brush.  I bought a cheep Kabuki brush (even though I tell you not to) and was very disappointed that the length of the hairs were too long and moved around too much when applying product in a circular motion.  I did a quick fix by tying a hair elastic at the base of the brush but will definitely invest in a good quality Kabuki brush this year. 

3) If you have very oily skin or live in a hot and humid country, a powder blush is a better option.  Cream blushes should be used by people with dry skin or live in countries that make your skin dryer than usual. 

4) If you are using a Kabuki brush to apply your cream blush, get some product on your fingers then transfer it on to your mixing palette first.  Do not grab the product out of it's container using the Kabuki brush.  You'll get way too much on it.

If you know about a great Kabuki Brush other than MAC 182, let me know all about it!!! 

Lipsticks From Work to Play!!!

When it comes to lipstick, most people find out what shades suit them and pretty much stick to it.  Did you know that you can find light, nude, bright and dark lipstick shades that suit your skin tone?  So how about trying these in hues that suit you?  They can change your overall look in an instant!!  You can go from a radiant and polished professional in the daytime to a glamorous bombshell in the evening, just by changing your lip colour!!!


Clear or Tinted Lip Gloss:
This is the most natural looking lip product out there.  It goes well with a nude look but also complements intense eye makeup beautifully.  It suits everyone and highlights your natural lip colour.  Best of all, if you have thin lips, it will give them a fuller look.

Light or Nude Coloured Lipstick:
Just like the clear or tinted lip gloss, this will give your lips some extra fullness.  Remember, it's the same concept as highlighting and contouring your face.  Anything lighter comes forward and anything darker recedes.  A nude colour looks good on everyone but unlike lip gloss, is not as shiny and looks even more natural depending on the colour you choose.  A lighter pastel colour will give you a cuter, younger and more playful look.

Medium Toned Lipstick:
Medium toned lipsticks come in all kinds of shades.  There's a colour to suit every skin tone whether it is natural or bright.  It can be paired with neutral or darker eye makeup.  It helps give you a more dressed up look without being over the top.  It's perfect for an afternoon out!!  

Red Lipstick:
This is a classic and keeps coming back into fashion decade after decade.  It's very prominent and may not be a look that everyone can handle on themselves.  However, everyone looks good with red lipstick.  It's just a matter of personal preference.  Red lips are very bold and sexy and should be paired with neutral eyes.  It looks amazing for a night out and gives every woman a glamorous and sophisticated look.

As you can see, it's easy to go from completely casual to a little more dressy with just a change in lipstick colour.  This is a great way to go from work to play!!

Make it your new year's resolution to try out new shades of lipstick!!!

At Home Solutions for Makeup!!!!

Last year, the world's economy was still in a slump and just like me, many of you probably had to cut back on some of your little luxuries in life.  Hopefully this year will be better and we'll all get that job, bonus, promotion or raise we want.  However, if it doesn't happen right away, there may still be a need to be conservative with our spending.  When it comes to makeup, here are some ways you can save a dollar or two, using everyday products found in your home.   

You want:  A new lipstick to replace a broken one
Solution: Keep any empty makeup container that has a twist top (like MAC Paintpot or Fluidliner containers).  You can transfer the broken product into this container, turning it into a 'potted' lipstick.  Use a teaspoon or blunt breakfast knife to press the product into the container until it has molded into the container nicely.  Now you can use your fingers or a lipstick brush to apply the product on your lips.

You want:  A new eyeshadow to replace a broken one
Solution:  Similar to the lipstick, keep a container with a twist top and just transfer all the loose eyeshadow powder into it.  You can still use powder eyeshadow in its loose form.  Many makeup companies even sell eyeshadow this way.

You want:  A makeup mixing palette
Solution:  If you're someone who likes mixing two foundation colours together but hates the mess it makes, a mixing palette is probably a good way to go.  However, before you go out and buy one, check at home to see if you have any old CDs you no longer use.  These make great mixing palettes.

You want:  A fan brush for dusting away fallen eyeshadow from your cheeks
Solution:  More often than not, eyeshadow falls on our cheeks during application.  It's quite unsightly when it's a very dark colour.  Fan brushes work really well to dust off the powder without disturbing your concealer and foundation.  But don't go out and buy one right away.  I'm sure you have a scotch tape of some sort lying around your home.  Use this to pick up loose eyeshadow powder that has ended up where it shouldn't. 

You want:  An eyelash curler
Solution: Curling your eyelashes is a very important step in completing any look.  However, eyelash curlers can be quite expensive.  Instead of buying one, use a teaspoon and press your eyelashes between the edge of the spoon and your thumb.  Heat the spoon with a hairdryer before using it if you want more staying power!!!

You want:  An eye makeup remover
Solution:  Waterproof eyeliner and mascara can be very hard to removed with just water and face wash.  It usually requires some kind of makeup remover.  Again, if you're trying to save some money, an extremely small amount of olive oil from your kitchen cabinet will do the trick.  Put some olive oil on a cotton ball just like you would with your makeup remover.  Olive oil is safe to use in this way and is an ingredient found in many skin products.

WARNING!!!!  DO NOT USE OTHER COOKING OILS!!!!

You want:  A makeup fixer spray
Solution:  Makeup fixer sprays are great if your makeup tends to fade quickly.  The spray helps to hold your makeup in place similar to how hairspray helps to keep your hairstyle in place longer.  A good solution is to use hairspray on your face too.  Once it dries, you won't feel the stickiness. 

And there you have it!!!  Just a few little ways to save a few bucks here and there!!  Don't forget, in these hard times, a little goes a long way!!

My 2012 Makeup Wish List!!!

In 2011 I tried out several new makeup products.  My Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up highlighter and K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner became my all time favourites.  This year, I have my eye on several products that I've heard great reviews about as well as some products that I've wanted for a while but never got around to getting.  Here is my 2012 wish list!!! 

1) Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter lipsticks
(http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Lips/Lipcolor/Revlon-ColorBurst-Lip-Butter.aspx)

This product has been around for a little while internationally but has not come to the UK.  Bloggers have been raving about this product and I heard it should be here by March 2012.  It's said to be an amazing lipstick that moisturizes and gives lips a beautiful, dewy colour!! 

2) MAC 182 Buffer Brush
(http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=mac+182+buffer+brush+reviews&hl=en&prmd=imvns&resnum=4&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=649&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=7388240362358743526&sa=X&ei=a_UBT_SqI4mphAe389GqAQ&ved=0CFYQ8wIwAA)

This type of brush is also called a Kabuki brush.  It's usually used to blend powder products such as loose mineral powder foundation.  However, Kim Kardashian's makeup artist uses it to apply her cream blush and foundation and it works beautifully, giving her that gorgeous, natural looking glow she has.  I've been using a cheap Kabuki brush and it's time for an upgrade. 

3) Inglot Eyeshadow Palette
(http://www.inglotcosmetics.com/eye.shadow/products/146/165)

This is a Scandinavian makeup company that was never available in any of the countries I've lived in previously.  However, they are available in Europe, Asia and North America and have been a cult favourite for quite some time.  They are said to have professional quality, long-lasting eyeshadow.  What makes them unique is their "Freedom System".  You can create your own palettes and it's cheaper than just buying individual colours separately. 


4) MAC Lipstick in Red, Russian Red or Chilli (http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/168/310/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl)

Every girl should have a classic red lipstick.  It suits every skin tone and on days where you want a glamorous and polished look but don't have too much time, a red lipstick is the perfect solution.  Paired with simple eye makeup, it will dress you up with minimal effort.

5) Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Belladonna (http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/catalogue/category/lips/products/intense-lipgloss/28/)

This colour is a little brighter than what I normally use but it's gorgeous.  It is said to last for hours, even after eating and drinking.  Best of all, it's not sticky!!

6) L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow
(http://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/cosmetics/eyes/color-infallible.aspx)

This is another product I have heard great reviews about.  It's an extremely affordable eyeshadow with a range of intense colours that are said to last all day long. 

 And that's my wish list for 2012!!! 

I'm sure this list will get bigger as I start to read about and discover future makeup launches but these are just some of the products I've been reading about and can't wait to try!!!  Products that are raved about by bloggers all over the world usually end up being as amazing as they sound.  I would recommend you try any of these too and let me know what you think about them if you get to them before I do!!! 

Makeup Trends for Spring 2012!!!

Happy New Year beautiful people!!!  After an extremely late night ringing in the new year, I've been sitting on my sofa having a very lazy first day of the year, wondering what's in store for us makeup fanatics in 2012.  Here's a look at Spring 2012 as seen on the runway!!!  Youthful, radiant and natural seems to be the trend for this upcoming season and one that will certainly suit every woman.

Spring 2012 Makeup Trends from NYFW

http://www.5min.com/Video/Spring-2012-Makeup-Trends-from-NYFW-517162637