Sunday 26 January 2014

Consider This When Buying Your Make-up Brushes

When buying make-up brushes in the past I would usually just check that it was the type of brush that I wanted, and go straight to the cashier.

That worked most of the time, but a few times I ended up with brushes that were too big for my face. Seeing a brush in its packaging is one thing, but when I used the brushes to apply my make-up I realised something wasn't right.  This happened with my blending brush and blush brush.

*GASP*

Shouldn't any sized brush work on any face?  The answer is maybe, but you will have to get a little creative.

When I first used the brushes; I had to do a lot of wiping off to remove the excess product. I soon grew tired of this and started using the corner or the tip of the brush to ensure that too much product was not applied to my face.

So these days  I also consider the size of the brush to make sure that it is the correct size for my face. Thankfully, most brushes are currently available in a variety of sizes. Sometimes I even have to buy a brush of a different type, once it has the same shape and type of bristles as the brush that I need.  In fact, many times I have walked out of the store empty handed because the brush was too big for me.  This happened when I was trying to find a concealer brush for my under-eye area.   It took a while before I found one, but my E.L.F Essential Concealer Brush was worth the effort.

So for those of you who find that your brushes are too large or too small, you may need to check another store or another brand to find the right size brush for you.  It's out there somewhere, you just have to take the time to find it.

From my personal kit - brushes and face products


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

Sunday 19 January 2014

The First Thing To Consider When Recreating Make-Up Looks

I remember trying and trying to recreate make-up looks when I was younger.  But no matter how closely I followed the instructions, my make-up never came out the way it was supposed to.  Especially for applying eye-shadow(especially the infamous smokey eye) and blush.

I just could not understand why this was happening.


Deep in thought (no make-up)


And then one day it just dawned on me...my eyelids and cheeks were different to the ones in the picture or video!!!! Suddenly everything began to make sense.  I realised that all of my efforts had been in vain, that I had been trying to do the impossible.

I remember applying vibrant eye-shadow to my entire lid and thinking "this looks so ridiculous" or even "I look like I am wearing a superhero eye-mask".  And what about the traditional smokey eye? All of that black eye-shadow had me looking like someone gave me a black-eye. I have a large eyelid, enough to share, I kid you not.  These days I use a neutral eye-shadow on 3/4 of my eyelid and just add a hint of colour to my lower lid.  For the smokey eye, green, blue and purple look much better on me.

Don't let me get started about the blush.  Smile and apply to the apples of your cheek I've been told. Well when I stop smiling, the apples of my cheek fall to somewhere near my mouth - NOT a good look.  I prefer to apply my blush to my cheek bone and/or just under my cheek bone, depending on if I am highlighting/contouring.

Now the first thing I do now before rushing off to recreate a look is to check for similarities and differences. Then I make sure that I can adapt the technique if needed before I even think about reaching for my make-up.

The reality is that many times techniques have to be modified to make them work for you.   I see them as more of a starting point/guide than a 'one-size fits all' because quite a few factors will influence the outcome of your efforts.  So please, please, please don't worry if your results differ,  what's more important is that they enhance your beauty.

If only I had figured this out sooner..., but that is one of the fun things about make-up.  There are always things to discover and to learn.


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

Sunday 12 January 2014

How To Rock Pantone's 2014 Colour of the Year Radiant Orchid

Heyyyyy, it's time to get out your colour wheels, if you haven't done so already.

For those of you who may be wondering why, it's because we have left Emerald Green behind us in 2013, and now according to PantoneRadiant Orchid awaits us in 2014.

Image Source http://www.dexigner.com/news/27115


To make the most of this trend we need to know how to coordinate our make-up with our outfits.  With regards to beauty, Pantone's Press Release describes Radiant Orchid as 'a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple' that 'enlivens the skin...making the wearer feel more healthy and energetic'.  It is 'seductive when combined with red' and 'pairs well with...lavender, purple and pink'.

Inspirationail's article What To Wear With Purple also gives some excellent tips.




Image Source http://www.glamour.com/beauty/blogs/girls-in-the-beauty-department/2013/12/pantone-2014-color-of-the-year.html



Image Source http://www.glamour.com/beauty/blogs/girls-in-the-beauty-department/2013/12/pantone-2014-color-of-the-year.html



Image Source http://brooklinfluence.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/pantone-radiant-orchid/



Image Source http://blog.pantone.com/2013/12/pantone-color-of-the-year-2014-in-the-news/




Image Source https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=584047954989405&set=pb.481508491910019.-2207520000.1389530803.&type=3&theater


Here's a bonus tip: No Radiant Orchid make-up? No Problem!   You  may be able to create the colour using the make-up products that you already have.

So let's enjoy Radiant Orchid as it reigns supreme for 2014!

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

Sunday 5 January 2014

Review - E.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set

I love E.l.f., they offer quality for a low price - talk about a steal of a deal.

All of the E.l.f. products and tools that I have tried (brushes, eyeshadowbrush shampoo) perform just as good or even better than some of the more expensive brands on the market.  Click here for my opinion of expensive makeup vs affordable makeup.  Is one really better or worse than the other?

I am impressed with their Mist & Set, it feels refreshing and it works.


Image Source http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/tools/accessories/makeup_mist_and_set




The first time I wore it I had to run errands all day in the hot sun which is the ultimate test for me.  I was so happy when I realised that my make-up survived.

I'll admit that sometimes I get carried away when I am spraying it on and I have to stop myself from wasting the product, it feels that good on my skin.

It is a welcome change from Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray and reminds me of Make-up Forever Mist & Fix.  Click here for my review of Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray and Make-up Forever Mist & Fix.

E.l.f. you never cease to impress me, I plan to try as many of your products as I can.


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

Wednesday 1 January 2014

NYX Pecan Blush Y U No...?

Image Source http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-24-powder-blush.aspx


I'm not happy with my NYX Pecan Blush; at least not yet.

I love to see a cheek highlight, it makes me feel all warm and tingly inside.  I bought NYX Pecan Blush to create that effect, but so far no good.

After applying multiple layers before it shows on my skin tone, I then have to brush, and brush, AND BRUSH because it does not blend into my skin - it just sits there sticking out like a sore thumb.  All of that brushing makes it look a bit better, but I still do not get the desired effect.  It is so unlike my Sleek Blush By 3 Pink Sprint which applies like a dream.

I've used my angled blush brush, and lately I've been using my Eco Tools Custom Coverage Buffing Brush but the results are the same.

I am now in 'Make-up Problem Solver Mode' and my mind is working overtime trying to find a solution.  A few options have popped into my thoughts and I plan to try them all because I refuse to let my money and product go to waste.

I shall not rest until I get my NYX Pecan Blush to work the way it is supposed to.  Stay tuned...

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