Showing posts with label MAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAC. Show all posts

Monday, 8 June 2015

Soft & Shimmery Make-Up


Aloha!

Matte or shimmer? A question I'm faced with every time each time I need to apply make-up. Matte shades will never fail you but now summer is looming a fresh shimmery eye, paired with a subtle lip is the way forward for me. This look is soft enough for every day but you could always turn this into a night time look by adding a pair of falsies and a bold lip.

FACE

After my usual skin care routine, I always apply Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser on my Tzone, to fill in my pores and provide a smooth base to work with (click here for full review) Since the weather is becoming warmer, I've been opting for more light weight foundations or tinted moisturisers and lately I've been loving the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser. This is the best tinted moisturiser I've ever used, you can apply it with your fingers and is so light weight you can barley feel it. Not only that, it gives you an all day luminous glow whilst providing SPF 20. It is light coverage which is why I also applied Max-Factor Mastertouch Concealer, with a small stippling brush, to conceal my blemishes and under eye circles. To set the base I lightly dusted Bourjois Java Rice Powder, with a large fluffly brush, onto my T-Zone, cheeks and chin. This is a powder you need to use sparingly because it's really shimmery (you don't want to end up looking like a disco ball!)To add to the summery vibe of course I applied my trusty Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer in 'the magic three' (under cheek bones, jaw line and temples). Using the bronzer in this way will make your face look slimmer and accentuate your cheek bones, as well as giving you a healthy glow. To finish off, I dusted Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher (15 Rose Eclat) onto the apples of my cheeks and dabbed Benefit Watts Up Soft Focus Highlighter onto my cheek bones. Remember, when you're applying quite a few make-up products onto your face it's best apply it lightly, it will all balance out once you've finished and it's much easier to build on make-up, rather than trying to fix it, when you've applied too much!

EYES/ BROWS

I always start by shading in my brows with Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil (Hazel). Now I naturally have blonde eye brows that are almost invisible so it's hard to find the perfect match. I've been using the brow pencil since day dot and thoroughly recommend to all my fellow red heads out there! I then used L'Oreal Brow Plumper (Blonde) to add definition and give my brows that oomph. The reason I shade in my eye brows first is because it gives you a frame to work with when applying eye shadow.

Next, I primed my eyes with my holy grail, the Urban Decay Original Primer Potion. Then I used a flat brush to pat Sin from the Urban Decay Naked Palette onto my eye lids. As you can see, this is my favorite shade out of this palette because it's nearly run out! Sin is a velvety soft champagne shade that blends with almost everything and delivers the perfect amount of shimmer. From the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette,  I used a fluffy brush to blend YDK, into my eye crease. Next, I used a small contouring brush to apply Snakebite into my outer corners and Booty Call  under my brows. Following on I a lined my upper lashes with the Bourjois Liner Feutre, starting at the inner corner and ending with a subtle flick. This eye liner deigned like a felt tip but it is angled like a brush which makes it easier to apply thin lines. When it comes to eye liner, sometimes a thinner line, can have the biggest impact. To finish off, I applied my beloved Max-Factor False Lash Effect 24 Hour Mascara. I found this eye make-up gave the appearance of larger brighter eyes with a warm summery shimmer. It was also easy to apply, as the colours blend effortlessly, and only took about ten minutes.  

LIPS

I don't know about you but I always apply my lipstick last, It's kinda like putting on perfume once you've got dressed. Plus I always feel really good when I'm wearing it and recently, I've been loving a subtle pinkish nude, the MAC Matte Lipstick- Please Me. This was a birthday present from my sister that has been a regular choice from my collection. I'm a huge fan of matte lipsticks but I find a lot of them can dry my lips out however, the MAC lipsticks are still moisturising, whilst giving you full pigmented colour, and last for most of the day. 

Neeks 

Sunday, 3 May 2015

Top 5 Spring 2015 Lipsticks



Aloha!

If you're anything like me, your lipstick has the ability to transform an outfit, make a statement, reflect your mood and develop throughout the seasons. In A/W 2014 nudes and deep plum shades exploded and MAC Rebel soon became my A/W fav. Thankfully, Spring is among us and that means the sun is shining, new life is emerging and everything seems to get that little bit more cheerful. To reflect this light mood we have bright peaches, matte and shimmery pinks and Kylie Jenner brown's so, from left to right, here is my top five Spring 2014 lipsticks! 

Maybelline seemingly hasn't launched a great product for me since the Instant Pore Eraser (see post). But recently, whilst picking up some regular toiletries I stumbled across their Rebel Bouquet Lipstick Range. Their creamy texture left my lips feeling hydrated and more plump plus they're lightly floral scented. You do have to use a little more than usual, as they're more like a gloss, but despite this it stays on for most of the day. Overall I think they're really cute and easy to wear daily. They're not overbearing and inject just enough colour to give you that spring feeling. I would say the soft pink and light peach shades would suit most skin tones. I mean for just over a fiver, they're a pretty good bargain.   

Believe it or not, this one was actually free in a Max Factor deal in Boots. I don't know why I never buy Max Factor lipsticks to be honest because I always end up being rather fond of them, when I receive a sample or free gift. This particular range of lipsticks are supposed to give you the benefits of a lip treatment while you wear it. It's '60% Elixir treatment' and includes a range of anti-oxidants along with Shea, avocado and aloe butters. I don't know for sure what the Elixir is but my lips do stay hydrated when I wear them. This rich coral shade is very vibrant and sheen. It's versatile, as you can wear it on it's own, or apply it over another lipstick to give it that extra oomph. 


Okay so you already know why Candy Yum Yum is in my top five! (see post) I was raving on about the lip pencil a couple of months back and for my twenty first birthday, I got the matching lipstick from everyone at work! This mega bright, matte pink has been my go-to for a while now, it's kinda replaced my beloved MAC Rebel and I already know I'll be wearing it to Bestival in September. Please Me was also a birthday present, from my sister Sophie, I'd been easing myself into the '' matte brown lipstick zone'' because Kylie Jenner has some how hypnotised me, and most other girls in their twenties, to wear it. Thing is, it's hard to get the right shade as I'm so bloomin' pale but that's when I received this baby! Just the right cross between dusky pink and light brown... you simply can't go wrong. 

Okay so that's my top five Spring 2015 lipsticks! What are you favorites from the above? What lipsticks have you been wearing lately?

Neeks 

Saturday, 18 April 2015

Current Brush Favs


Aloha!

So there are three things I am a proper sucker for when it comes to the world of beauty. The first one is nail polish, I mean it's like I literally can't help myself, especially when it's 3 for 2 at Boots! Honestly, there's nothing that can come between me and new little shiny bottle of colour, no matter how many times I tell myself ''Daneca, you do not need six shades of orange.. You don't even wear orange!''. And the same scenario is replayed when my eyes draw towards the lipsticks.. but the third thing I'm a sucker for is make-up brushes however, I feel that splashing out on decent make-up brushes is justifiable and they'll last a lot longer than any lipstick, foundation or nail polish. 

I often get asked how I apply my make-up, do I have any special secret? If I'm honest investing in a couple of decent brushes will result in them doing all the work for you! So here is four of my favorite make-up brushes, that have never let met down, and deliver a perfect application every time.

This brush is perfect for soft shading and blending. The long, smooth fibers naturally create a large 'dome' shape. I would definitely say this is the best brush to use if you want a natural look, it easily blends shimmers and mattes to create an effortless chic look. Although it's fairly pricey, it's definitely worth it for the quality. It's painless to clean (so no excuses!) and if you look after it, it will last you for years.

Okay so usually I'm not a fan of brushes that come with eye shadow palettes. Most of the time I feel like they kinda just 'through them in' and they just get used for messy special effects or when I need to use glue. However, I eat my words when it comes to this one, it's a double ended, versatile brush that gives you a precise application. On one end it has a medium flat brush with a soft edge. It's the ideal tool for 'patting' colour onto my lids; this technique is good for when you want to create intense pigment. On the other end there is a smaller version which makes lining the outer corners and lower lashes a breeze. 

Real Techniques Stippling Brush
You know that moment where you find an amazing product that you simply cannot live without now? I mean I really have no idea how I was getting by without this. I use this brush every single day without fail. It's ultra fine, dense bristles ensure an even flawless base every time. I simply buff the foundation in circular motions and the bristles get into all the nooks and cranny's for me. It is slightly smaller than other stippling brushes I own but the upside on that is I can use it to apply concealer. 

Charles Fox Eye Contouring Brush
I actually got this brush in the Fox Pink Brush Set but I know you can buy them individually at Charles Fox in Covent Garden. I got mine when I did work experience there and it's been my true love ever since. It's basically a small blending brush but more dense. I like it because it makes a really defined line when applying eye shadow in the crease of my eye (think 1960's!) It works a treat when smudging eye liner so it's definitely my go to brush when doing a smokey eye. Okay so I absolutely love the handle! It's short and fat which personally makes applying my make-up easier for me (and let's not forget the fact it's florescent pink!) 

Okay so those are my top for brushes and quite frankly have been for over a year... I'm actually off to London today (post coming!) but I'd love to know if any of you guys own these brushes and what you think of them... Or if there are any other amazing brushes you've found please share!

  
Neeks x

Sunday, 15 March 2015

Candy Yum-Yum Lip Pencil Review


Aloha!

It's been a very relaxed Sunday morning so far, I slowly woke up while I sipped my tea and browsed weekend city break deals. Glancing out the window, it still looks grey and cold and then I quickly remembered it's mothers day and felt happy that I'd be visiting my parents this afternoon. Before I begin to get ready for my day I thought it would be nice to write you guys a little Sunday morning post, expressing my love for my favorite lip pencil at the moment, MAC Candy Yum-Yum! I've had my eye on this baby for ages but kept telling myself to wait for summer, thinking it would be more fitting but then I thought you know what? Screw it! This lip pencil needs me! 

So everyone knows I'm a big fan of bold lips and I'm lucky because they pop against my fair skin although I reckon pretty much any skin tone could pull this off. I love this bright pink (and it is bright.. like Katy Perry bright) It just screams fun and is very versatile, I've been wearing it during the day with light shimmery eye make-up but will definitely rock it on a night out. It's matte which makes it even better and you can also get the lipstick to match but I just apply the pencil all over my lips, with a touch of lip balm and it's guaranteed to stay on all day.

Okay so we all know MAC is a more pricey brand but I'd recommend investing in a lip pencil because the quality is superb, it doesn't cake or dry out your lips and is long wearing. Plus the pencils will last much longer than a lipstick! So if you know any dupes for this product or know of something similar please enlighten us all and I hope this brightened up your Sunday.

Neeks x

Tuesday, 7 January 2014

MAC Brush Cleanser

MAC Store/ Department Stores- £10

Aloha!

Cleaning your brushes regularly is one of the best things you can do to look after them. Not only that but it will increase the life span of your make-up and also protect your skin. Now I'm not saying we are dirty people or anything but everyone has millions of  bacteria on their skin all the time (some bad, some good!) and that bacteria can usually be controlled with personal hygiene and our immune system etc. but think about how easy it would be for germs to spread through your make-up brushes causing your make-up to 'go off' sooner and even cause acne. All this can be avoided easily by cleaning your brushes once or twice a week.

Now I'm not one for soaking my make-up brushes in brush cleaner or washing them with baby shampoo (although it does work!) and leaving them to dry over night. I am very impatient and there is always the risk of miss-shaping your brushes even if you're very careful, which is why I prefer dry brush cleansers, usually alcohol based, to keep my brushes in tip top shape. 

MAC Brush Cleanser is a versatile cleanser that can be used on damp or dry brushes. I pour a small amount into a bowl, give my dry brushes a good swish, and gently rub them on some clean kitchen roll. It removes all of the make-up in seconds and I can use them straight away as the alcohol levels aren't too high and doesn't irritate my skin or eyes. It doesn't smell as strong as other professional cleansers I've used, it just leaves my brushes smelling clean.The lid has a click top to make sure you don't pour out too much and you could even transfer it into a spray bottle to be precised and cost-effective. 

How do you clean your make-up brushes? 

Neeks x