Sunday 30 March 2014

Brow Bliss

I was getting dressed for work and was applying my make-up.  While I was waiting for the e.l.f Mineral Infused Face Primer to work its magic I started filling in my eyebrows.  I don't know why I thought I could hold the concealer, concealer brush and brow pencil in the same hand at the same time.  Before long I dropped the liner and I cringed as I waited for it to hit the floor.

I feared the worst,  I had visions of the entire point breaking off.  As I picked it up I noticed that the point had not broken and I breathed a sigh of relief, but it was bent out of shape.  I rubbed it in tissue until I had a decent enough point.  As I was about to discard the tissue I looked at the amount of product that was left on it.  It was quite a bit and I felt bad about all the product that I would lose once I dumped the tissue because I am a firm believer that make-up should never be wasted.

As I thought about it mournfully I suddenly had the idea to swipe my angle brush on the product that was in the tissue and fill my brows using that.  I was shocked and pleased with the result.  My brows looked much better that when I used the pencil.  I think I might be on to something here.




The thing is, for a little while now I was dissatisfied with the rounded point of the pencil which is a challenge to work with because of the lack of precision. I have tried brow powders but I haven't found a shade dark enough that will show up on me.  I wasn't able to figure out how to get the best result from my pencil on my own, but through this mishap I stumbled upon it.

What started out as a tragedy turned into something fantastic.  I'm still trying to get used to this new technique but so far so good.

Click here to find out how to create natural looking eyebrows.

"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Sunday 23 March 2014

Review - NYX Studio Perfect Primer


I remember thinking that I didn't need Foundation Primer because I did not have any fine lines or visible pores and my make-up already had a smooth, flawless finish because my skin is naturally smooth. The Iman Cream to Powder Foundation and Iman Luxury Pressed Powder I was using worked well on their own, so Foundation Primer wasn't critical to my face prep routine.   

All of this changed when I stopped wearing Foundation and only wore Powder.  I could not believe it, the Powder was not lasting.  It would disappear during the course of the day even though I was using a make-up setting spray. I was not pleased at all because I was not accustomed to having this issue. 

I was chatting with Danielle from ColourCoded Makeup about my 'powder problem'  when I visited their booth at the BMEX Trade Show, and she advised that using a primer would make a huge difference.  I had nothing to loose, so the next morning I reached for my NYX Studio Perfect Primer (the Clear one), and I'm happy to say that my make-up stayed put until I cleansed my face.

Image Source www.nyx.cosmetics.com


While at BMEX I purchased a Sleek BB Cream from the Essential Trends Booth, but  unlike the Iman Cream to Powder Foundation, the BB Cream was not applying properly.  I decided to apply the NYX Studio Perfect Primer first and I no longer had that issue either.

NYX Studio Perfect Primer is a fantastic product, I say this because it did just what it promised.  What makes me love it even more is that it makes my skin feel like velvet, yes velvet and who woulldn't love velvety skin?  I must confess that every-time I apply it I keep touching my face in awe of how lovely it feels. None of the other Foundation Primers that I have used so far made my skin feel like velvet.

I have no complaints about this product, it has earned a well deserved place on my favourites list.  

I've also used elf Clear Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer,  click here for the review.

Do you use Foundation Primer? Which brand is our favourite?


"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Tuesday 18 March 2014

The Key To Applying Everyday Make-up

Please, please, pleaseeeeee leave the masks for Halloween or Masquerade Balls.  For those of you who may be a bit puzzled by that statement; I'm referring to make-up that overwhelms and even hides the beauty of the person wearing it, which is not what everyday make-up is supposed to do.

I have lost count of the times my eyes have opened wide in shock or had to look quickly in the next direction as I go about my daily activities.  Foundation, concealer, powder and browliner that is plastered on so thick that it looks as though it can be scraped off is not attractive or appealing in any way.  Neither is eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick and blush that is applied so brightly that persons seeing it have to squint or reach for their sunglasses because it hurts their eyes.  Don't get me started on the lash extensions that are so long and thick (and sometimes sparkling) that the wearer can barely open their eyes.

Image Source - images.beautyriot.com

The only time make-up should be applied heavily is for stage performances, video and photo shoots because the make-up has to be visible through the harsh and unnatural lighting that is used.  Even then the final effect should still be visually appealing and appropriate for its intended purpose.


Image Source - davasion.com


Image Source - www.webdesignburn.com

There truly is a time and a place for all of the make-up looks that you have seen on television, the internet or in magazines.  For everyday make-up there is no need to apply your make-up so heavily and outrageously bright.

 It's time to stop showing your make-up; let the world see your beauty instead.

Image Source - forum.ebaumsworld.com



Image Source - www.ladisav.com


If you are unsure of which colour eyeshadow or lipstick to wear with your outfit click here for some tips.


"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Sunday 9 March 2014

Mirror, Mirror



So you've taken the time and effort to apply your make-up.  When you look in the mirror you should look more beautiful than you did before.


Image Source - wzakcleveland.com


Sadly, this is not always the case.

If the make-up you are wearing makes you look worse, this could be the result of one or more of the following reasons:


  1. the products used may be incorrect 
  2. the tools used may be incorrect 
  3. the technique used may be incorrect  


After you determine the cause, you will know if you need to get the correct products, the correct tools, if you need to improve your technique or all of the above.

If you have made wrong things right but there is no improvement, you should go to a reputable make-up professional with a good track record for assistance.


"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Sunday 2 March 2014

A 'New' Way To Get Rid of Whiteheads

I still can't believe that I used all of my Beauty Formulas Pore Strips before I could get to the store to buy more. How did this even happen? I usually make sure that I am well stocked because these pesky whiteheads keep coming back.

What could I do?  How was I going to get rid of the whiteheads on my nose?

I searched the internet and found some DIY masks but I did not have all of the required ingredients.  One thing I did notice was that salicylic acid was mentioned in most of the articles that I found.  I did have a St. Ives Facial Scrub that contained that ingredient; I wondered what would happen if I used that as a mask.




I applied it to my nose and chin and left in on for 5 minutes.  I washed it off and wiped the area clean with a damp cotton ball.  Can you believe that the whiteheads were gone?  This product gave me the same results as pore strips and it was much cheaper.  I used it a few times to make sure that it was really working and I got the same results each time.

 I also tried a scrub by Biore, and that worked also.


Why was I now discovering this?  Why wasn't this additional benefit highlighted on the products' labels? I still can't believe that this solution was right in front of me for all of these years.  Now that I have 'discovered' it; pore strips will be a thing of the past for me.

Click here to find out why I don't recommend that anyone use Bodico Forehead and Chin Strips.

"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires