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

Sneak Peak - Fall 2013 Make-Up Trends

Harper's Bazaar is so excited about these 7 Fall Make-Up Trends, that they want us to start rocking them NOW!

Red Hot - There's no danger here, just be sure to tone it down or intensify it according to the occasion and time of day.

Power Pouts - Hot pink lipstick is fun and festive, while deep merlot adds drama.

Metallic Lids - Perfect for a night at the Club, or if applied sparingly, can be worn to an elegant event.

Bold Black Eyeliner - Be sure to vary the intensity according to the occasion  and time of day.

Blue Eyeshadow - So many options, from Navy to Teal and every shade in between.

Smokey Eye - One of the make-up classics, no longer limited to black or dark grey in modern times.

Glowing Skin - A little radiance does the skin good!

I've tried them all at some point, and once it goes with my outfit, I'll rock any of these trends.

I can't wait to see what the Winter Trends 2013 will bring.  What about you?

"...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

My Secret To Longer Lashes

It seems as though I was absent the day that eyelashes were given out.  Why would I say such a thing? It's quite simple really, my top eyelashes are short and I barely have any bottom eyelashes.  You guessed it - mascara is one of my best friends

So when three lovely young ladies (Danielle, Liana and Daneisha) visited my display at the Jabez House Fundraiser,  and shared their secret to longer lashes with me, I knew that I had to give it a try.  They told me that applying virgin olive oil or castor oil to their lashes before going to bed has worked wonders for their lashes.

Of course I had to do some research first before I plunged in, and once my doubts were satisfied, there was no stopping me.  I started applying virgin olive oil to my eyelashes from root to tip on 25th May 2013 and I noticed an improvement from the next day - I kid you not.  It was as though my lashes had been thirsty for this nourishment.



After 3.5 weeks:

1. My lashes now have a curve and point upwards
2. My eyelash curler now has something to curl
3. I only have to use 1 coat of mascara instead of 4

I can't guarantee that you will get the same results, but I do know that many women have tried it and are raving about the results.

If only I would remember to do this every night, I know that my results would be even better.

See you next Wednesday.

"...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

Colour Choice - Soft vs Bold

Words fail to express how much I love make-up.

I love its versatility,  I love its wide variety of colours and I love how it can enhance or transform the person wearing it.

Make-up is worn for a multitude of occasions; during the day or night.  A very important factor that must be considered when creating your look is the colours that will be used.

"How do I know which colour to wear for which time of the day?"  - Softer colours should be worn during the day (especially for the office) while the more intense, dramatic colours should be worn at night.  

If it is a fun occasion during the day; bold colours can be used but the colours should not be overpowering.  You want people to see the impact of your make-up not only the make-up itself.

Here are a few examples of make-up looks created and modelled by yours truly :

At the Office

Nightclub

Fashion Show

Bridal

No matter which look you are creating, your make-up should always be well blended and enhancing.

Which is your favourite occasion to get all dolled up for?



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

Nightmare on Make-up Street - Eye-shadow Fallout

Eye-shadow can be so horrifying sometimes.

You apply it to your eyelid but it ends up underneath your eye, on your eyelashes,  cheek, nose bridge or even next to your eye.

 It is not a pretty sight.  *GASPS*

"How can I end this nightmare?" you may ask.









Well, this tip that I learnt at Out of the Beauty Box (O2B2) in 2011 from Koren Zander and Elessa Jade should turn your nightmare into a beautiful dream.

It's so simple and it works.  I call it D.T.A (Dip Tap Apply) -

1. Dip the brush or applicator into the eye-shadow
2. Tap the brush or applicator until all of the excess eye-shadow falls off 
3. Apply the eye-shadow to your eyelid

Easy, right?

They also taught me to apply my eye-shadow first so that I can wipe away any fallout without removing any primer, foundation etc.  Make-up can be costly and should never be wasted by wiping it off and reapplying unnecessarily.

I have tried the 'loose powder technique' but that did not work for me.  It involves putting translucent powder underneath your eye, applying your eye-shadow and brushing away the loose powder when you are done.

Some persons use Shadow Shields but I have not had the opportunity to try those as yet;  I have not seen them in the Beauty Supply stores here in Barbados.

Whichever method you choose; please remember to clean off any fallout before leaving home - even the smallest speck.

I have found a way to end my nightmare; which method will you use to end yours?


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

The Origins

Once upon a time, many years ago, there lived a little girl who would watch her mum get dolled up. 

All this little girl wanted was to be glamorous just like her mum, and she would eagerly imitate what she saw her mum doing. Unfortunately, the only outcomes were the many scoldings for making a mess and wasting the products.

As the little girl grew older; her love for make-up grew stronger and her skill improved. That little girl was me - Nakita Squires.

During my teen years I attended make-up seminars hosted by  top Barbadian make-up artists Dawn-Lisa Callender-Smith and Adzil Stuart that changed my life forever.  I learnt about make-up techniques, skin care and the critical role of make-up in the movie industry. The knowledge gained in these seminars birthed a passion within me that I can't resist sharing with others.   

Career Make-up Look 'Reddy For Work'

Make-up is so amazing, wonderful and exciting and it is my mission (yes I have chosen to accept it) to help others solve their make-up issues.    

Contest Entries

Join me as I continue to explore the fascinating, intriguing, fun world of make-up.


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