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

Guidelines For Recreating Make-Up Looks

One of the best feelings in the world is being able to recreate a make-up look that you love, whether you saw on it Youtube or in a magazine etc.

But...sometimes trying to recreate these looks can be very challenging and frustrating, especially when they don't look the way they should, even after a few attempts.

Well I have great news for you!

If you use the correct Techniques, Tools and Products, and you Practice (and practice some more); those gorgeous make-up looks will be all yours.

Yes, it really is that simple; no rocket science here at all.

You may have to try it again and again, (and then still try it one more time), but DON'T GIVE UP!!!  All of your time and effort will be worth it in the end.

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

Vote For Me - September 2013

Whenever there is a make-up contest, and I am inspired by it's theme I can't resist submitting an entry.

September 2013's Black Opal Beat that Face Contest with it's rainbow, glitter and sequins theme caught my eye and my imagination.

Below is the photo that I entered - I wanted to create a look that was colourful and fun, yet wearable.

Click Here to vote for my entry by Liking the photo or Commenting.  You can also Share so that others can vote too.

Thanks so much.

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

Beautiful You

Beautiful You by n2fab on Polyvore

Vogue Germany
models.com

Summer Breakfast
fotki.yandex.ru

Beauty Buyers Beware

I wanted a purple and a pink lipstick, in fact they were all that I could think about.  So to put my mind at ease, I added them to my shopping list and the hunt began.


The pink lipstick was no problem and the price was so right that I bought two of them, but the purple lipstick was another story.  I had visited a few stores but they did not have any, and there was one more store that I could check. 


I was late but I still wanted to stop to buy a purple lipstick (mistake #1).  I checked my watch and hurried into the store which is known for selling a particular affordable brand.  The Sales Rep advised that there were no purple lipsticks and recommended a lipgloss which I tested on my hand. It was so gorgeous and pigmented that I knew I had to buy it.


As  I went to select my product from the display case I noticed that it was shaped differently and packaged differently to the tester and to the other lipglosses beside it.  The Sales Rep saw my reaction and assured me 'oh it's the same thing'.  I pushed my doubts aside figuring that the packaging had been updated and bought the lipgloss.


When I reached home and went to swatch the lipgloss I felt devastated.  


Yes, the product was the same colour and it even had the same name but it was a different brand, and one that I have no problem using but it is not the brand that I went into the store to purchase.


To make things worse it did not look nor feel the same way as the brand that I had tested.  In fact the store is not known for selling this brand, which is also affordable, but is not a prestigious as the other one.





I was sad, upset and angry.  In my opinion what the Sales Rep and the store did was unethical and dishonest.  


After much thought I decided to keep the lipgloss because my schedule would not have permitted me to return to the store anytime soon. 


Plus I hadn't seen any purple lip products in the other stores that I had checked.


I considered making a complaint, but knowing how customer service is in Barbados, I doubted that anything would have come out of it.    Thankfully it only cost BDS$10, so it didn't cause my purse too much pain.  I cut my loses and learnt a huge lesson:


1. Never go make-up shopping for a new product when I am in a hurry
2. Don't ignore my 'gut-feeling'
3. I can't trust Sales Reps 100% (so sad but so true in this case) 


 Sales Reps have a critical role to play because they make recommendations that influence your purchase decisions.  This is the first time I have experienced something like this and it is not something that I would want to ever experience again. 

 How to Choose the Right Shade of Foundation or Powder highlights a another bad experience that I had.


Come on Sales Reps, you can and should do better than this.


*UPDATE* - Would you believe that eventually fell in love with purple lipgloss?View the Facebook tribute here.


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

The Eyes Have It

Wow, where do I begin?

Apparently a popular beauty trend in Korea right now is Aegyo Sal aka under-eye bags.  Yes, you read it correctly.

I first learnt of this trend after reading Beautystat's post and I could not believe my eyes - pun intended.  I did a double-take and my mind began to work overtime, because under-eye bags are usually avoided like the plague.  I can't even begin to understand it, I'll just accept it and move on.

I find it interesting that there are varying interpretations of beauty, especially in different cultures.  It is not a trend that I will be trying.  In fact my under-eye area is the total opposite, it is sunken and darker than the rest of my face.

In my search for a solution I've read that this is caused by broken capillaries.  It seems like my under-eye area has been like this forever, well they have been for my entire adult life.  It's as though I woke up one morning and they appeared.  I don't recall ever doing anything that would damage the thin, super-sensitive skin there.

Hold that thought - while writing this post I stumbled across Hello Magazine's article that gives more detail than anything else I have read so far.  I think stress may have caused mine.  I was studying diligently for an Undergraduate Degree; which was a far cry from the A'Level studies that I had just completed in 6th Form. Actually, stress would be an understatement.

That article also lists some solutions but I honestly don't think any of them will help me much.  I had started applying coco butter to the area after reading an article that assured it's readers that this would work.  There has been a subtle improvement but I may be at fault because I usually forget to do it.  I'm still trying to make it into a habit, but any change no matter how small is welcomed.

I am still hoping that one day I will be rid of it, but until I find the answer concealer will be my bestfriend.

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

Swatch Me - Meta OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss

At first glance I thought that this 'neon-red' was too bright for me and that I would never be able to wear it.  I'm happy to say that I was wrong and I actually like it.

Meta is a fun, playful colour and that is exactly how I feel when I wear it.  It isn't opaque like the Lip Tars nor as thick.  The colour is still very lovely and the name isn't bad either.

Wondering what a 'Swatch-Cloth' is?  It's how I affectionately refer to the evidence of my swatching.  I included it to give a behind the scenes peek - there is alot of wiping off and reapplying (to say the least).

Special thanks to Lip Factory, Inc. for taking me out of my 'Colour Comfort Zone', I won Meta in one of their giveaways. Even though I always find a way to wear most make-up colours, and look great while doing it; I would never have given that colour a second glance.  

As the saying goes 'don't knock it until you try it' because you may find a lovely make-up treasure.

In case you missed them here are swatches of OCC Lip Tar Hoochie and OCC Lip Tar Stalker , who also make an appearance on the 'Swatch-Cloth'.

Thanks so much for visiting, see you next Wednesday.

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

Swatch Me - Hoochie OCC Lip Tar

I remember my reaction when I first heard about OCC Lip Tars.  I was very confused as visions of lips covered in asphalt danced through my mind. Thankfully I was totally wrong.

If you are unfamiliar with this product; you can find out more about this breakthrough in the Make-Up Industry.

Presenting 'Hoochie' (I'm not a fan of the name)-

What do I love about it? - It is VERY pigmented and a little bit goes a long way.

What don't I like about it? - The product separates in the tube, but a quick shake solves this.



Depending on my outfit and the occasion, I sometimes wear a coloured gloss over it.

I bought the Lip Tars here in Barbados from Dee Blackett/Essential Trends.  (I also bought my Sleek BB Cream and Sleek Blush by 3 from her, see the swatch and review for them here) and  I won Meta in a Lip Factory Inc giveaway.

Next on the 'Swatch List' are OCC Lip Tar Stalker and OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Meta.  See Stalker and meet Meta.


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

BMEX 2013 - Jolie Lipsticks and Lipgloss

I just learned first-hand that taking closeup lip photos is not as easy as it looks.

Applying the lip product was the easy part but capturing a decent shot can take awhile.  Especially since something that looks perfect to the human eye does not always look perfect on camera, and correcting those imperfections takes time also.  I started happily at 6 pm and it's now 8 pm, you can do the maths.

The good news is that here are the swatches of the three products that were bought from the Jolie Lipsticks booth at BMEX 2013.

As soon as I got home I tried it on my lips but the lipstick did not glide on smoothly because my lips are naturally dry.  I wiped it off, applied Lip Balm first and the lipstick went on like 'butter on a warm dinner roll'.

I love everything about my Matte Paprika Lipstick; from the elegant packaging to the vibrancy of it's colour.
I can tone it down for a day at the office or I can amp it up for a night on the town.  I can wear it matte or I can add some gloss because I'm a glossy lips girl.

Here's what my mother had to say about her Matte Burgandy Lipstick and Stiletto Lipgloss - " Both of the colours are lovely, but Stiletto is my favourite because that name is associated with class/style and I love it's glossy finish."

I guess that's where I get my love of gloss from, thanks mum.

My mother and I speak for the young and the young at heart; Jolie Lipsticks has a colour and a finish for everyone.  Some of the colours we wanted were sold out at BMEX, but we placed our orders and can't wait to get them.  As soon as they arrive we'll review those too.

This has been one of my favourite reviews so far.  Not only because of the excellent product but also because it allowed my mother and I to spend some quality time together, sharing in something that we both love.

Which type of lipstick do you prefer - matte or glossy, and which brands are your favourite?

Is there anyone that you share your love of make-up with?

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

13 Beauty Products for Women of Colour

SURPRISE!!! No you are not dreaming, this really is a bonus post.

Maya K Francis - writer and media/marketing consultant, has been kind enough to share 13 of the beauty products on her 'tried and true list'.

I am grateful that she has taken the guess work out of whether or not they will work for women of colour.

Click here to read her review.

I would love to try all of the products on her list.

Maya Francis, here's a heartfelt thank-you on behalf of women of colour everywhere.

Which products on the list  have you tried or would like to try?  Leave a comment below to let me know.

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

Make-up Bright & Beautiful

This look is called Tropical Paradise and was inspired by the bright colours of Spring 2013.

When I started applying the make-up I had no idea what the finished look would be.  My artistic juices were flowing and I just made it up as I went along (pun not intended lol).  Click here to see the before shots, yes it's me without any make-up on.

I started with pink eyeshadow and added other colours to compliment it. I always feel like the great Picasso or Michelangelo whenever I create masterpieces on my human canvas.

To say that I was very, very, very pleased with the final result is an understatement.

It's such a shame that I had to remove the make-up and go straight to bed after taking the photos.  Make-up like this deserves a hot outfit and a night out on the town.

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

Just 'BROWS-ing' - My Secret to Natural Looking Eyebrow Filling

Do you have naturally sparse brows like me?

Or maybe you removed too much hair while shaping  your brows?

There's no need to panic or worry.

Thankfully there are products (pencil, pen, powder, cream) and techniques (free hand, stencils) that you can use to make your eyebrows look thicker aka eyebrow filling.

I will always remember when Oprah Winfrey featured her make-up artist on the Oprah Winfrey Show.    He advised that the liner should be as close to your natural eyebrow colour as possible and to use short, light strokes.  My eyes remained glued to the screen from start to finish.

I decided to try it his way and I was pleased with the result.  That was the end of drawing lines with  black eyeliner on my eyebrows, which was the rage in my teen years and is still currently very popular in Barbados.  Yes, the short strokes take more time than the lines, but it's worth the effort because they look more natural. I can honestly say that watching that episode improved my eyebrow filling skills immensely.

Only applying the product to the area that doesn't have hair will also give a more natural looking eyebrow.  It's called eyebrow filling for a reason.  You can't fill something that is already full;  you'll just end up making a mess. This everyday concept applies to eyebrow filling as well.

I don't usually have lots of time to do my make-up, so I prefer to fill my eyebrows freehand with a brow pencil, which is faster than using eyebrow stencils and eyebrow powders. Aligning the eyebrow stencils  to ensure that your eyebrows are filled symmetrically, and repeatedly dipping the brush into the powder requires time that I don't have to spare.

Eyebrow filling should enhance your brows and your entire face.  Please, please, please use a product and technique that looks natural and believable - no one should be able to detect that they are filled in.

Is there a topic that you would like me to write about?  Send me an email at beautiful.unspoilt@gmail.com with the details.

Until next time!

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

The Importance of Make-up Sanitisation

What do MAC, RiRi Woo and herpes have to do with make-up sanitisation?  Click here to find out.  The outcome of this case should be interesting.

Make-up sales reps should do everything in their power to protect customers from the spread of germs and infections.  Sadly, I have not found this to be the case. This is the latest occurence that I witnessed first hand. 

We all have our part to play, don't think that make-up sanitisation is only for make-up artists and make-up sales reps.  It should be incorporated into your personal make-up routine as well.

Here are some tips from a previous post that I did on Make-up Hygiene.

You can also check out my 'Keeping It Clean' Facebook Series Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 for four important personal make-up sanitisation tips.

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

Review - Bodico Forehead & Chin Strips

On my last visit to Collins I saw a different (and cheaper) brand of pore strips on the shelf.

The adventurer in me decided to give it a try.  I figured that I could trust Collins' judgement, or so I thought. HUGE MISTAKE!!!

I bought the Forehead & Chin Strips to see if they would remove the whiteheads on my chin and at the outer edges of my lips.

I followed the instructions and waited impatiently for the strips to work their magic.  When I attempted to remove the strips they did not come off as easily as the other brands that I have used.   In fact, it caused me some discomfort and slight panic. I started to feel nervous  because I had never experienced anything like this before. I had to soak the strip with water before I could peel it off, and at first it felt like my skin was coming off with the strip.

When I examined the strip I saw facial hair on it but no skin, thank God.  I'm wondering if this batch got mixed up with the wax strips? I'm just saying.  Would you believe that the whiteheads did not budge?

My skin was sore afterwards; so you can imagine how harsh this product was. I had to apologise to my skin.

I could not even find any product  information on the internet when I was searching for photos for this post.  I saw a few products by the brand, but not this particular product.  Should I be even more concerned?

I would not recommend this product to anyone, not even if their skin is tough like old leather.

Don't forget to visit us every week for our latest post.

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

Does Expensive Make-up Always Equal Better Make-Up?

When I started wearing make-up I was a teenager attending school and I had to use a lot of the more affordable brands.  As an adult I still use some of those brands, and others I replaced as soon as I could.

Over the years I have used a variety of make-up products from every price range available. Sometimes the expensive products did justice to their price tag, and other times they disappointed.  I have also been pleasantly surprised by some of the more affordable products.

Here is a list of products that are always welcome in my personal cosmetic bag:

Skin Care -  Simple products nourish my skin without irritating it.

Mattifier - Mary Kay gives my face a fresh, powdered look.

Foundation - Ben Nye, Iman and Mary Kay match my skin tone perfectly and feel light as a feather on my skin.

Powder - Iman and Mary Kay give my face a matte finish. 

Mascara - Maybelline Lash Stilleto and L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion lengthen my very short lashes.

Brow Liner - Milani and Kleancolour fill my brows without making them look fake.

Eye Shadow - L.A. Girl and Jordana are so pigmented that I don't have to apply multiple layers for the colour to show up on my dark skin tone. 

Lipstick - NYX Lip Smacking Fun Colours and Milani are very moisturizing.

Lip Gloss - Lancome Juicy Tubes give my lips the perfect glossy effect.

Don't miss out on all that make-up has to offer just because you can't afford the more expensive products. There are reputable, affordable products that can do the job just as good or even better. 

Which products are on your welcome list? 

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

"I've selected my outfit, but which colours should I use for my make-up?"

Considering the Time of Day, Occasion, Focal Point and Outfit (T.O.F.O) and Colour Theory help me to answer this question each time, and it can help you too.

Here is a summary of how they work:

T.O.F.O:

• Time of Day (see previous post) - Use softer colours during the day and bolder colours at night.  Depending on the look you want to create; you can also use softer colours at night or a hint of bold colour during the day. 

• Occasion - Subtle colours are suitable for professional or elegant occasions; while bolder colours are great for fun or festive ones.

• Focal Point - Equally bold colour on your eyes, lips and cheeks usually has an overwhelming effect. Apply the bolder colour to the feature that you want to stand out and you can use a softer shade on the others. 

• Outfit - Softer colours go well with boldly coloured outfits.  Outfits that have soft colours can be worn with either bold or soft make-up.

Here is an example of T.O.F.O in action:

Time of Day - Morning 

Occasion - Professional

Focal Point - Lips

Outfit - Royal blue 

Based on the T.O.F.O results above; I knew a soft look was the way to go.

Where does Colour Theory fit into all of this?  It will help you to choose the actual colours you will use.

I decided to use bronze with a hint of dark green for the eye-shadow, red-orange lipstick (for a pop of colour) and bronzer.

Never heard of Colour Theory? Find out the basics in my Facebook series on Colour Theory - Part 1 , Part 2  , Part 3 , Part 4 and Part 5 . 

T.O.F.O and Colour Theory make a great team,  they really do remove the guess work when it comes to choosing colours.

Ultimately your colour choices will reflect your personal style.  What method do you use for choosing your colours?  Are you going to give T.O.F.O and Colour Theory a try?

For daily make-up tips Like us on Facebook .

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

Love It Or Leave It?

There are so many make-up products available today.  Every advancement within the make-up industry leaves me wondering "what could they possibly think of next"?

Primer is no longer limited to painting,  BB does not only refer to a Smartphone, CC means much more than carbon-copy and setting spray is not only for your hair.

I often ask myself  if I really need whatever the current craze is.  Sometimes the answer is yes; other times it is a loud no.

For some women, many products are not a part of their beauty routine for one of two reasons - they are either unaware of the benefits of using the products or they are not sure how to use them.

Here are some of the products that I used to leave on the shelf; plus the reasons I now love them:

• My skin care routine consisted of washing my face with my bath soap.  After I was advised that bath soap is too harsh for the skin on your face;  I began using cleanser, toner, moisturiser and facial scrubs.

• I used to only wear face powder and thought I didn't need foundation; until I realised that both of them work together.  The foundation creates a base for the powder and helps the powder to last longer.

• I loved how mascara lengthened my short lashes but my eyes used to water and would leave my eye area messy .  Enter water-proof mascara and the end of that problem.  

• Concealer meant nothing to me until I saw how it brightened my dark under eye area.  These days I don't leave home without it.

• I believed that I could not wear blush because I have dark skin.  But a hint of blush takes my make-up to a whole new level. I also use bronzer depending on the effect that I want to create.

After I started using each of these products, my make-up looked so much better.

What about you, which products do you or did you leave on the shelf?

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

The Make-up Challenge

No, I am not referring to a contest, but to the fact that most eye-shadows, blushes, bronzers, lipsticks and lipglosses do not show up on my dark skin tone.

The reviews rave about how pigmented the products are, but when I try them it's the total opposite.  Sometimes I would sample the product based on how pigmented it looks but when I apply the product the colour is undetectable .

Most times I have to apply multiple layers of the product before I see a hint of colour, and after all of that effort it still doesn't look look like the same colour in the package.

Image Source:http://www.eyeshadowlipstick.com/9853/an-explosion-of-color/

Yellow and orange eye-shadows are the most challenging; while the black, dark blue, dark green and dark purple are the easiest to work with.  The reds and pinks are somewhere in the middle.

Applying eye-shadows with a damp brush or sponge applicator really works wonders; it boosts the vibrancy of the colour.  I wear the lipsticks and lipglosses over another colour to add some life to them, and all I can do is hope for the best with the bronzers and blushes.

I LOVE COLOUR, I WANT COLOUR!!!

Why can't I have more colour in my make-up life?

I really wish there were more affordable products out there that were pigmented enough for beauties with dark skin tones.

What is your make-up challenge when shopping for make-up?

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

Don't Be A Victim - Bridal Make-up Gone Wrong

Your face should look better after applying make-up and you should feel better about yourself.

Unfortunately, this was not the case for the bride or myself when a make-up artist did our faces for her wedding in 2006.

The make-up artist set up her station in a room with poor natural lighting; and I kept wondering what had possessed her to do that.  She wasn't even close to a window; and I had seen better lit areas that could have been used.  Even I knew that good lighting was one of the keys to creating gorgeous make-up; and I realised just how important it was thanks to this experience.

It was no surprise to me that the shade used was too dark, the make-up was applied too heavily and the bride and I looked like golliwogs.  Below is an accurate depiction of how our make-up looked:

We were so disappointed and upset; especially after seeing the beautiful make-up of the other bridesmaids and the maid of honour.  They all had lighter skin tones and so did the make-up artist; she clearly lacked experience in applying make-up to dark skin tones.  The bridesmaids and maid of honour tried to console us as they quickly realised how awful we looked compared to them.

Luckily for me I had brought my Iman Cream to Powder Foundation and Luxury Pressed Powder just in case; and luckily for the bride I knew what to do to fix her face.

Without wasting any time; I wiped off the excess make-up with tissue.  I then used my foundation and powder to give our faces a more natural look.  I am happy to say that the Iman products were a perfect match.

We all high-fived each other as we rushed to get dressed.  Thankfully everyone was now equally gorgeous and the bride was a show-stopper.

The bride thanked me so much for saving the day; her moment in time had almost been ruined.  Can you imagine how horrible it would have been for her if that mess had been captured forever in the minds of her guests, in the wedding video and in the wedding photos?

This should never have happened; not for such a momentous occasion.

Make-up artists we have a huge responsibility resting on our shoulders to ensure our clients look their best -  let's not take it lightly.

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

ERROR - That Is Not The Correct Shade For This Client (Part 3)

Click here for Part 1


Click here for Part 2


My suspicions were confirmed; the shade used really was too light for my skin tone.

I told the sales rep this but because it was the darkest shade in the store she encouraged me to buy it.  Needless to say I left the store without buying the foundation.

I went elsewhere and bought something that was more expensive but it was something I had used years ago.  The only reason I had stopped using it was because the retailer had stopped selling my shade; thankfully it was in stock.

It saddened me and angered me slightly to think that (1) had I not known what to look for I would have bought that foundation and (2) unsuspecting women would have received and accepted similar 'solutions'.

More make-up sales reps must realise the importance of what they do and take it seriously.  They have a duty to ensure that their recommendations enhance the beauty of their customers.  Please, please don't just sell what you have; sell something that meets the needs of the customer.

In the meantime we must educate ourselves so that we know what to look for.  Thankfully there is a lot of information available on the Internet. I shudder to think that I would have been styling around with an ashy looking face as was the case years ago from previous consultations.

What kind of experience have you had with make-up consultations and recommendations?  

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