Thursday, 30 August 2012

Japonesque's pretty Safari NEW range!

If you haven't heard of Japonesque, they are a US professional, high quality brand who make a makeup artists job that much easier, and kits that bit prettier! They also make brushes for brands such as MAC.

I love Japonesque brushes and amazing storage containers like the fabulous lip palette which helps condense all many lipsticks in one handy compact case.

Japonesque has branched out to the UK and products are now available at Boots, John Lewis and HQ Hair. You can also view and purchase online direct at www.japonesque.com

So I was excited to be sent some brushes from the new 'Safari' range from Japonesque. The new brushes not only look absolutely beautiful and brighten up any makeup bag, they are a pleasure to apply makeup with.

The new brushes consist of animal print designs and are synthetic and animal friendly!

I love the super-luxe Bronzer brush, it applies powders and bronzers evenly, blending makeup beautifully, plus its compact enough to carry around for touch ups on the go and to show off it's chic design to the envy of your friends!

See the pics below of the new range and grab them whilst their still around, they are selling fast!

Super-luxe Bronzer brush - £19.50
Safari Brush set - £28 (includes Powder Brush, Shadow Brush and Crease Brush contained in a Microfibre case)


Monday, 2 July 2012

My Top Ten Beauty Must Haves!

As a self confessed beauty and makeup junkie, I have tried a ridiculous amount of potions and lotions so those that make it into my regular beauty regime have to be pretty special!

So here's a little peek into the products I use regularly;

1) St Ives Apricot Facial Scrub
I love this facial exfoliator, it buffs and scrubs away dead skin cells and impurities to leave skin feeling fresh and clean! It's gentle enough to be used everyday if your skins requires, and has a lovely apricot scent! Exfoliation leaves skin nicely prepped for makeup application.

2) Carmex Cherry Lipbalm
I am totally addicted to this Lipbalm, and use it both personally and on client/models lips. It instantly hydrates lips, and has a gorgeous smell. It's also non sticky but leaves a lovely glossy sheen on lips. This amazing balm is SPF 15, so it also protects your lips.

3) Bioderma Crealine
This makeup remover/cleanser is a cult favourite of makeup artists, and for good reason. The gentle makeup remover basically melts away makeup, but is as gentle on the skin as water. It leaves skin cleansed, refreshed and makeup free in minutes! I love using this for myself, and is a staple in my kit at fashion shows to cleanse and revive the models face when the skin is feeling a little worse for wear after constant makeup application and removal.

4) Makeup Forever HD Translucent Powder
I have oily skin, which is much the blight of many, so if your skin is like mine, you will be well aware of the annoyance of a shiny T-Zone appearing an hour or so after makeup application. I use this product lightly on my oily prone areas after foundation and concealer application concentrating mainly on forehead, nose, chin and under eyes to set concealer. This powder is so fine and invisible, it avoid making makeup cakey, which is not a good look! I also use Kleenex Blotting sheets and a little more powder during the day as needed!

5) MUA Cosmetics Eye Shadow Primer
I swear by this amazing product! Used under eyeshadow it primes the eye for shadow application, and stops eyeshadow from creasing! It also adds depth to shadow colour and eliminates discolouration of eyelids. I use this daily, and it prevents creasing for at least 10 hours! This product is a bargain at £2.50, and rivals more expensive primers I have used in the past.

6) Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner
If your like me and are constantly using heated hair styling products, hair dye and the like, your hair will start to show the strain. Using this intensive conditioning treatment restores shine and the condition of your hair, it also smells like bubblegum! Lush!

7) Palmer Cocoa Butter Body Lotion
I love this amazing body moisturiser for instant skin rehydration. It also smells delicious! For added moisture use straight after a bath or shower!

8) Biore Pore Strips
These pore strips are designed either for nose, chin or forehead. They cleverly remove blackheads and impurities from blocked pores, this therefore also prevents spots! I use once a week on problem areas.

9) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers
These are the best eyelash curlers you can buy and are a firm favourite with makeup artists. They curl even the most stubborn eyelashes. Use prior to mascara, and curl lashes at base, middle and end of lashes for a natural rounded curl.

10) E45 Cream
I love this cream for dry skin, it instantly hydrates skin, and is for use on face and body. I also on dry elbows and knees when needed. I always carry this product in my kit.

Mel
xXx



Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Charles Fox Marathon Masterclass

I was lucky enough to be one of the select few Makeup Artists to be invited to the Charles Fox Marathon Masterclass, so for those who weren't there, I thought I'd provide a little glimpse of what happened!

The Masterclass was held by the fantastic team at Charles Fox at the beautiful Royal Opera House. The event was filled with amazingly talented Makeup Artists at the top of their fields giving demonstrations on lots of different areas of makeup over the two days the event was held.

I attended Saturday's Masterclass which started the day of with Makeup Artist Chris Dennis who was demoing Drag Makeup - which I personally love!

Chris Dennis' client base include Pamela Anderson, Cherie Blair and Julie Walters to name just a couple, as well as working at fashion week on shows for Vivienne Westwood and Amanda Wakely amongst many others.





Chris demonstration blocked brows stubble colour correction and how to get that Drag makeup exaggerated eye, incorporating lots of colour and glitter! What's not to love! 



 









Second demonstrator was Liz Bylett, who demonstrated some amazing Body Paint. Liz is the founder of Foillies Face and Body paint, and as well as providing her services to clients including Richard Branson, she is also competing in the UK's body paint competition next month. Liz created a Great Britain inspired look using aqua colours and lots of glitter!!











Next up was Lan Nguyen, who is known for her amazing crystal and glitter looks. Lan specialises in Fashion, heading up many shows for London Fashion Week, as well as providing makeup for her celeb client base.

Lan Demoed 3 high fashion makeup looks, using lots of glitters, crystals and greasepaint's!









Stuart Bray was up next, Stuart is a Special Effects (SFX) artist who has worked on films such as 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Saving Private Ryan'. Stuart demonstrated a Zombie look, using latex pieces, and lots of fake blood!!








Last but by no means least was James Vincent, Makeup Artist to the Stars! James has worked with top celebs like Lady Gaga and Kristen Stewart!

James Demo'd 3 looks based on looks he did on 3 very well know faces! 1st was Florence Welch, 2nd Kirsten Stewart and 3rd Ana Matronic (Scissor Sisters).


 
Huge thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the event so amazing... Paul Merchant and the team at Charles Fox, all of the amazing artists who gave amazing classes, Joey Bevan Stylist - Assistant Angela Gates, Hair by Kasia Fortuna & Spencer Silver. 
Also the photographers who got some amazing shots from the event you can check out; Martin Higgs, Gary Nunn and HelenShotMe
Film Maker: Paul Bates - Assistant; Adam Galways

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

Red lips that suit YOU!

I love love love a red lip, it has a real Hollywood glamour feel, and can make you instantly feel fab and more confident!

If you think you can't, or are a bit weary of wearing a red lip, think again.. As long a you choose the right shade for you, anyone can pull it off, and I'm here to help you find your perfect shade!

The Right Red for YOU!
There are so many shades of reds with many different undertones etc, so which one to pick?

Firstly you need to know whether your skin has Pink or Yellow (Cool or Warm) undertones. If your not sure, there is an easy way to tell..

Check your wrists or arms, where your veins are visible, if your veins are mainly green, then your undertones are yellow (warm) if your veins are mainly blue the your undertones are pink (cool). If your a mixture of both then your neutral toned!

Yellow (warm) undertones:
The best reds for warm undertones are Orangey Reds, Warm Reds, Brown and Golden Based Reds

My Favourite; Estée Lauder Spanish Red

Pink (cool) undertones:
Pink Tones Reds, Berry and Plum Shades, and Blue based Reds.

My favourite; Mac Russian Red - This is a Blue based red.

*Blue based reds will also give the Illusion of Whiter teeth!

*If you have small lips, avoid the darkest shades of red, as these will make your lips look smaller.

If your still not sure a red lipstick is for you, try a lip stain first, such as Benefit Benetint!

So go on get the right red lippy, and see how it makes you feel!

MWAH!

Mel
X

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Review and Swatches of New Revlon Lip Butters!

With many rave reviews and buzz on Revlons new lip butters, I had to see what all the fuss was about, and these beautiful lipstick balms do not disappoint!

The lip butters offer great pigmentation and colour density with a shine, and double up as a hydrating balm for your lips.. With great colour and lip softening ingredients everyone is a winner!

The product is also relatively long wearing for a balm, lasting between 2-3 hours, which is also a plus.

These are a must for fellow Makeup Artists kits, as well beauty lovers alike!

They retail at £7.99 and are currently on offer of 3 for 2 at Boots. There are a wide range of shades so there is a shade to suit all..

I went for some bright on trend summer shades, swatches below, from left to right; 035 Candy Apple, 075 Lollipop and 015 Tutti Frutti.

Love the packaging which is coloured to match the butters, making it easy to find the colour I need when in a rush on set! I shall definately be expanding my collection!

Mel
X

Friday, 30 March 2012

A great year to be British!

So 2012 is set to be a great year for us Brits, what with London hosting the Olympics and the Queens Diamond Jubilee! In such tough economic times, it's great to celebrate being British, and it truely feels like a sense of patriotism is being restored with such events!

To celebrate the upcoming events I wanted to do a beauty shoot... So here are the results...

Products used;
Face
Mac Studio Fix mixed with Shu Uemura UV base.
Bobbi Brown Correctors and Concealers.
Makeup Forever HD translucent setting powder.
MUA Bronzer and Blusher in English Rose.
Mac Vanilla Pigment used for highlighting.

Eyes
Mac Kohl Eye Liner in Smolder set with a mixture of Sleek matte black eyeshadows.
Shu Uemura eyelash curlers used and lashes set with 2 coats of Dior Show Mascara.
Eyebrows set and defined using Bobbi Brown Pencil and shadows.

Lip
Violent Lips Tattoo, set with Ben Ny paints.

Photography; Kaye Ford
Model; Stacey @ Leni's Model Management

Hope you like!
Mel
X