NARS Love Rite Set

I've only ever tried lipsticks from NARS before, so when I came across this set for £39.00 I thought now would be the time to become familiar with there products and there brand (I also deserved a treat). This set contains- 

 Mini Amour/Desire Blush Duo – peachy pink, delicate bright pink

Medium Orgasm Illuminator – peachy pink with golden shimmer

Medium Turkish Delight Lip Gloss – pink sorbet

Medium Greek Holiday Lip Gloss – sparkling pink sand

If you also would like to treat yourself to this set just click below

http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/love-rite-set.html

The pigments of these blushers are really strong so the smallest amount goes a long way. I apply the blush to a blusher brush and then shake off the excess and apply to the apples of my cheeks and then blend up the cheek bone.

These lip gloss's have a very silky texture and are not to sticky which I tend not to like. The light pink nude gloss I prefer over a lipstick as I find on my lips it looks to white. This all depends on your natural lip colour. The golden gloss looks really pretty without a lipstick underneath and looks lovely with a more natural bronzed look.

The lovely packaged set.

I have officially fallen in love with NARS illuminator. I apply the illuminator over my foundation to my cheekbones and forehead and it gives you an effortless glow. I always worry that applying an illuminator over  my foundation wont blend but this one just blended immediately. This is defo a make up bag/kit must have!

Illamasqua Precision Ink in Scribe

Last month Illamasqua released there long awaited new collection, Human Fundamentalism. This collection really shows off what there brand is all about, being individual and expressing what's on your inside on the outside. The product from this collection that stood out the most for me was there Precision Ink in Scribe. This isn't just your average eye liner, you can also use it on your nails. I have found it really easy to use and has actually changed my mind on liquid liner (I've always preferred gel liner). I have added a direct link below

http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/scribe-precision-ink

In this picture I have applied one coat of  Barry M nail polish in 279 Bright Pink, left to dry for a minute and then dotted on Scribe for a polka dot effect.

In this picture I have applied a gel black liner to my lower lid, I also applied this to my lower waterline.

I then went above the black kine with Scribe and also applied this as liner underneath my waterline.

To make the lines look neater I went over the black line afterwards. I used a black mascara and clumped my lashes together to look spikey. Pair this with a bright pink lipstick for striking look, I went for a No7 limited edition lipstick in Blooming Pink. 

All that glitters

I'm so glad I worked at Professional Beauty on Sunday for Opal London because I've come across a gem of a company, Glitter body art Ltd. I have been hunting on the internet for airbrushing stencils and I've had no luck. So when I saw people walking around the excel centre with glitter tattoos I had to take a quick brake to find this stall. Not only was I over joyed to find many types of stencils I was even happier to see their prices! I bought 17 stencils, 5 pots of glitter and some glue for £11. The glitter is cosmetic grade so it can be used on the face. I ordered some more stencils online and received them within a day. They also stock swarovski gems. I have pictured below my attempt at a glitter tattoo, I found it really fun and easy to apply and didn't take me long. The tattoo lasted all day at work and still didn't come off in the bath. To remove, I used a facial wipe and it came off easily. Their website is http://www.glitterbodyart.co.uk/.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose

I have always wanted one of these bricks but could never justify £30.50 on what I then thought was only a blusher. I was then bought one in Bronze and realised how versatile they are. So as soon as I had saved my pennies I went straight out and bought Rose. Today was my first day wearing it and I used it as blusher, eyeshadow and a highlighter. Everyone at work was asking to use it which I didn't mind as I saw it as a compliment to my good taste in make up (haha). It really brightened me up and look liked I'd made an effort when I hadn't. I enjoy using these bricks and think they are worth every penny. I'm now saving to get Nectar ( orangey tones ), so hopefully not long till there will be a post up about it.
Also pictured below is Bronze which came with a travel size Bobbi Brown brush, this was purchased for me at the airport.
To buy the Shimmer Brick just click  http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/2325/8219/Makeup/Cheeks/Shimmer-Bricks/Bronze-Shimmer-Brick/Award-Winner/index.tmpl

NARS velvet matte lipstick pencil

Lipstick pencils have never appealed to me, but when my friend pulled one out of her makeup bag I asked to give it a whirl. I am now set on purchasing the whole range from NARS. The title says it all, they feel like velvet and they're matte. I've found them really long lasting and are great to use as a base under a normal lipstick. The other great thing is that they are very hygienic as all you need to do is sharpen them.
If the matte look isn't for you NARS also have velvet gloss lipstick pencils to offer. The lipstick pencil pictured below is Bolero and retails at £17.50. I have added the link for the matte pencil and the gloss pencil.
http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/color/lips/velvet-matte-lip-pencil.html
http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/color/lips/velvet-gloss-lip-pencil.html

Mac pigment in grape

I have always loved MAC's pigments and have quite a good selection in my kit. I then realised I don't have a purple pigment ( how can this be?). After swatching all the purple shades and getting my self in quite a mess I decided on the colour Grape , which is a dark purple shade. The MAC pigments are not just for eyes, I have used them mixed with a clear gloss for lips and as blusher. You can also mix the shades e with a white pigment to make a lighter colour or with black pigment to make a darker colour. The MAC website has a wide range of  pigment colours I have added the link below.
http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/154/372/Eyes/Shadow/Pigment/index.tmpl
 For the whole range of colours visit any of the MAC Pro shops.

About face by Scott Barnes

I have just purchased this book, and have to say this has helped me so much with contouring. I find contouring hard and seem to always achieve a "just put mud on my face" look, which is not what I am aiming for! Scott Barnes has a full break down on contouring and shows his technique on achieving that perfect structured look. And instead of just demonstrating on one skin colouring he has covered them all. There are an amazing 16 transformations (the one pictured below is my favourite). Scott has also included lots of other make up tips that I've not come across yet. There is an easy home facial recipe that I've tried which left me feeling relaxed and my skin hydrated. I think this is a must have!! Amazon have the best price at £9.99! To purchase this book just click on this link
http://www.amazon.co.uk/About-Face-Celebrity-Makeup-Techniques/dp/1845433505/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1332071902&sr=8-3

Illamasqua Iconic-I competition

Illamasqua have a competition running until February 23rd. There will be 3 winners that will be selected to choose £100 of Illamasqua products of their choice. This is my look inspired by the Sophie-I technique. Good luck to everyone that enters.

Illamasqua cream foundations

I first used this foundation only 2 weeks ago and have fallen in love with it! The foundation is really easy to blend I use cf210 which matches my skin tone and then use a much darker shade cf240 as bronzer/contour. I wear this foundation for work and I never have to reapply. The smallest amount goes very far. I use a foundation brush to apply, although it does come with a sponge. I wouldn't recommend this for dry skin types as it contains powder and looked slightly flakey on some areas on the face. This foundation retails at £21.50. I got a bargain on Sunday after reading a tweet from David Horne " 8 cream foundations for £45". I was able to pay for these over the phone and picked them up the next day! Illamasqua never fails to please me. To check out the full range of foundation shades and to treat your shelf just click http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/products/face-and-body/cf-200-cream-foundation

IMATS

Here are some pictures from Sunday @ IMATS. To find out about all about IMATS just click http://www.imats.net/newyork/newyork_index.php

IMATS - Kevin James Bennett

This is my very first blog, and what a fab thing to write about.
This was my first time at IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) and I thought it was amazing. I have only been studying make up artistry since September so there is a lot for me to learn, and I learnt so much. Sadly I got so carried away with shopping I only ended up seeing Kevin James Bennett " tools and techniques". He really interacted with everyone and was great fun to watch. He came up with some really good tips on applying all areas of make up.
Tip 1- use a powder blusher and go over with your foundation brush to create a creamy look.
Tip 2- never ask a make up artist what's the best brush for specific products everyone is different what may good for them might not be good for you.
Tip 3- the magic comes from your hand not from a brush.
Tip 4- if you struggle with eyebrows It doesn't make you less of an artist if you have to use templates
Tip 5- use waxy artist paper as a palette instead of a normal plastic palette as you can just rip each page off after use and throw in the bin instead of keep washing your palette in between clients.