Thursday 21 November 2013

Don't Dew Me

I prefer a matte finish for my make-up.  So even though I love my Sleek BB Cream,  I had to find a way to tone down it's dewy finish.

Initially I tried using my Iman Luxury Pressed Powder after applying the Sleek BB Cream, but the results did not last very long.

Next I applied NYX Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer before applying the Sleek BB Cream, and I applied the Iman Powder last, still not enough.

I decided to mist my face with Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray after applying the Iman Powder and I knew I had hit the jackpot.  This gave me a noticeable and lasting result.

I wondered how my recently purchased MAC Fix+ would fare, so I misted my face with it after applying the Sleek BB Cream and again after applying the Iman Powder.  I then misted my face with the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray and this combination also gave a noticeable and lasting result..

I had to so how MAC Fix+ would perform without the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray. The results were also noticeable and lasting, but the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray was the clear champion of this battle.



Here's the winning combination:

Step 1 Primer
Step 2  BB Cream
Step 3 Finishing Spray
Step 4 Powder
Step 5 Finishing Spray
Step 6 Setting Spray

(If you don't have both Finishing Spray and Setting Spray you would just skip the relevant Steps i.e 3 and 5, OR 6)







Results may vary according to skin type and product type, so be sure to use the correct products for your skin type to get the best results, because each skin type has different needs.  Most product labels specify which skin type they are for, so choosing the right ones shouldn't be too difficult.






"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Thursday 14 November 2013

More Make-up Minis Please

Oh how I wish that  more make-up products were available in mini sizes.


"What?"

"She must be crazy!"

"Why would a make-up artist(MUA) and enthusiast want less make-up?"

"The more make-up the better."


I'm sure these thoughts and more may have just crossed your minds, so let me explain.

The regular sizes are great for my MUA kit, but my personal collection is overflowing, and that is what I want the mini sizes for.

I currently have enough lipsticks, lip glosses and eye-shadows to last me a very, very, very long time.  And I know that I will buy more because new products and new colours are launched frequently; that's just the way the make-up industry is.


For My Lips

For My Eyes

For My Eyes

For My Face

Another reason I would love minis is because make-up, like most things in life, will not last forever.  You see, even make-up expires  and should be discarded; unless you want bacteria/germs on your skin which usually leads to breakouts. Make-up expiration and hygiene was the theme of my booth at the Jabez House Fundraiser.  From the response of the public it's something most persons aren't aware of.  In fact, I only found out about it late in my make-up journey.

I'm happy to see that OCC now has Mini Lip Tars  because you only need to use a tiny drop and that is enough to cover your lips.  I have three of their regular sized products Stalker, Hoochie and Meta which I hardly use because even though I only have one pair of lips, I have a multitude of lip products to choose from.

Believe it or not I still have quite a few items on my make-up wishlist.  So if I don't need it I try not to buy it but sometimes I want it so bad that I can't resist.

What about you?

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Friday 1 November 2013

Mini Haul - MAC Technique 2013

I thoroughly enjoyed MAC Technique and was now faced with a very tough decision.  Which products should I choose when redeeming the MAC Technique fee?

I wanted all the help that I could get, so I asked Lucinda Robinson(who is a MAC addict) of Moden Make-up  for some recommendations and I also checked MAC's website to familiarise myself with their product range. 

Armed with this information I went to the MAC store at Limegrove because it's opening hours were more convenient for me.  As I walked through the door I was instantly overwhelmed with all of products on display.

Here is what I eventually decided on, and yes I spent more than I had planned to, which always seems to happen when MAC shopping:







1) Mineralize Charge Water Moisture Eye Cream - I'm hoping it solves my my dark, under-eye issue.

2) Fix+ - I fell in love with the way it sprays on so evenly and easily.  I want to see if it improves the application and look of my make-up.

3) 'Fashion Boost' Pro Longwear Lip Pencil - I was impressed with how easily this applied and also how vibrant the colour was.  I love that it can be worn alone as a lipstain or under lipstick to line to lips.


I really wished I could have gotten the Lip Conditioner. It was only after I left the store  that I realised how soft the area that I tested it on was, compared to the rest of my hand.  Rest assured that it shall remain on my Wishlist.

Well I'm all 'MAC'd Out' for now,  stay tuned for the reviews of the products.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires