Getting ready for a new year....

2014...

It's almost over and gone - just like that, a complete whirl and a flash!

Having looked back on my last post (6/12/13 - how did that happen?!) and everything that has happened, moving house/having a new baby girl (beautiful little Cate), maternity leave, bookings and new clients, a new course (more on that at a later date) and so on.  This year has given me time to think about what I want to do and where I want to go.  My own business has continued to develop and has started to prove in being a viable option should I leap into full time freelance.

Food for thought.

So I am now here on a Sunday morning with a coffee and my laptop tapping away to get this blog started up again.  As a Makeup Artist, I've decided to go back to basics and write about what I know best with posts based on my experiences, products I've used and tips I've picked up and tried along the way.  There are so so so many blogs out there with a fantastic array of writers, it's so easy to become overwhelmed and muddled (this was me) in how you want to focus your own posts.  So having had time (a whole year!) to think about what I want to do with this space and what I could be writing about.

So to keep with the theme, in going back to basics I would like to do a series of posts based around what I carry in my kit and reach for time and time again.  First being some of the brushes I use on each and almost every client that sits in my chair.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush (sold as part of a set)

This really is a holy grail brush for applying foundation, particularly if the client is asking for a full coverage and flawless base.  Not much will beat this brush in smoothing and buffing the skin to a velvety finish.  Sold as a four piece set, this brush will last and washes well (mine are still going strong after 2+ years of regular use).

MAC 217

Quality eye brushes are well worth the investment and the key to any good eye makeup.  This is one of my most essential brushes in my kit (I have around seven in my brush roll) and used on each and every person in application.  It is also extremely useful to buff concealer and works well when used products such as Derma-blend in covering acne and scarring.

MAC 263

For me, this brush is unbeatable in a applying the ever popular winged eyeliner.  Generally used with gel liner this synthetic brush gives a perfect result each time.

NO7 Smoky Eye Brush

I've had this brush in my kit for several years now, having purchased it when starting out as a Makeup Artist.  This little brush is perfect for creating a smudgy smoky eye particularly under the lower lash line and for softening liner.

These are just some of my absolute favourite brushes that I own and use on a very regular basis.  What are your favourite brushes?  Recommendations please!

Thanks for reading xx

MAC Masterclass Brush Collection

...Introducing the new MAC Masterclass Brush Collection which is an ultra-modern range of unique brushes that delivers a high level of performance and revolutionizes personal makeup application. Ergonomically designed for even and effortless application, lush, silky, synthetic fibres are engineered to expertly pick up and apply product seamlessly. Available in three sizes, Linear 1, Oval 3 and Oval 6 feature a special grip brush handle designed for absolute control, and a tilted tip that keeps fingers and hands out of the way for ultimate precision...

I must say that I'm slightly intrigued by this collection and certainly will be looking to check them out when they launch here. MAC state that in designing this collection, the developers took into consideration how a makeup brush could be reworked to being easy to use for both right and left handed individuals.  The brush is designed for both the bristles and handle to run parallel to the face to work with the planes of the face.  The bristles are of synthetic fibres, that are described as "feeling natural but still delivering a beautiful blended finish of high-end bristles.  The idea behind the application is a gliding motion to effortlessly apply and blend makeup.

The Masterclass Brush Collection consists of the following:

Linear 1:  Designed for use on the eye and lip areas.  Can also be used to fill in brows.  Short and narrow in shape, this brush delivers a precise stroke to lashes and lips.

Oval 6:  Described as ideal for use on the face to apply blush, foundation and powder for an even flawless coverage.  A medium sized, rounded brush glides easily across the planes of the face.

Oval 3:  An elongated oval shaped brush with pointed tip which can be used in a multitude of ways to apply concealer or cream/powdered eyeshadow products.  

The brushes are now available in the US with the expected launch here in UK in December.

What are your thoughts on this collection?  A must try?

New! Benefit Products for 2014

These little goodies popped up on my radar this evening whilst browsing through my Bloglovin feed so thought I would share the news that Benefit will be launching two new products in time for Spring 2014.  

First up being The Porefessional Agent Zero Shine powder.  Now having the Porefessional primer in my kit and use it regularly as a lifesaver for priming ladies with a multitude of skin sins such as enlarged pores, fine lines or general mild discolouration of the face.  Therefore, I will be keen to trial the new addition to the Porefessional range when it launches next month via Lookfantastic.

The product itself is a self contained powder consisting of a built in brush and a twist and tap into the lid means that it is perfect for touch up's on the go.

Expected January 2014 cost £23.50

Next up is Lollitint which Benefit describe as their "candy-orchid tint that treats lips and cheeks to a tint of dreamy sweetness"  Yes well, that may all be well and good but this latest addition to the Bene-Tint range is perfect for Spring's pastel colour trend as the colour is described as a lavender pink shade.  Benefit recommend layering Lollitint with a dusting of Hervana blush for the perfect pink flush (nothing like a bit of link selling here!)  I have used Benetints on and off for several years and do like the longevity of them on my cheeks in particular.  Lips, I can take or leave as I don't find the stain to last as well as I would like (probably down to too much drinking coffee/talking/eating throughout the day!)  For hygiene reasons, tints are something that I don't tend to use.  I will be looking out for a mini size of this however, mainly just to try.

Launch date in UK is to be confirmed, but Lollitint is currently available on www.benefitcosmetics.com

Will you be trying out these new Benefit products?

                                                   

Skincare: Glamglow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment

Having recently caved into the hype and various reviews I have read about Glamglow and their Clearing Treatment Mud Mask, I indulged in a purchase following a wander in M&S Beauty Hall (most impressed by the way - another blog to follow..)

Currently being pregnant, my skin really has taken a bashing from all the enhanced hormones now flying around my body, initially leaving me with a rather becoming breakout of spots.  With this in mind, I was keen to explore the many, many options of "miracle" skin products available and having spent some time reading about this mask, I decided to seek it out for myself.

The Skin Clearing Treatment is a mud based mask which visably detoxifies congested skin, leaving a brighter and smoother complexion.  The mask helps clear any existing blemishes and helps to prevent future breakouts by unblocking pores, treating skin concerns such as ingrown hairs, razor burn, black/whiteheads and areas of discolouration.  Ingredients include Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Azelaic Acid and Pyruvic Acid - all of which help exfoliate and refine the texture of the skin.

As my skin is slightly more greasy than my usual t-zone, I found that this mask worked particularly well in combating the issue.  My skin definitely appeared brighter and smoother in texture after just one use.  If you suffer from an overtly sensitive skin, I would however tread with caution in using this product due to ingredients eucalyptus, peppermint and parfum which could potentially cause irritation.

Glamglow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment retails here at £45.00 for 34g.

Kate Moss, US Vogue December 2013

The Silk Road shot by Mario Testino featuring Kate Moss for US Vogue December 2013.

I have literally just stumbled across these images whilst browsing and just had to share them.

These shots of Kate are simply breathtaking, the makeup is absolutely flawless and Kate herself looks effortlessly beautiful with a classic glossy red lip.

Stunning.

Within My Kit: YSL Chromatics Eyeshadow Palettes

I recently purchased YSL Chromatics Uptown palette in Classy (Palette 9) for my kit and can honestly say it's now become one of my most reached for eyeshadow palettes ever since.  With this in mind, I decided to add to my collection whilst taking advantage of Debenhams Beauty Event this weekend.  As a result I bought Palette 10 from Autumn/Winter 2012 with a silver and golden green tones.  Palette 19 which consists of shades of light and mid pink and deeper plum tones.  Both palettes are extremely wearable and blend out beautifully on application.  

Palette 9 consists of four colours which YSL describe as having been inspired by Uptown buildings such as the Dubai tower or a Manhattan skyscraper, the shades include a sparkling champagne, a satin toned marble, a golden brown concrete and a deep blue steel are neutral and easily wearable.
All shades can be used either wet or dry, used wet, the pigments turn into a cream and metallic.  YSL describe the shadows as consisting of a 75% concentration of pearl and pigment, so when used wet, the water re-hydrates the shadow to release full intensity.

 I've yet to experiment with these shadows wet (something that is on my to do) but having used them dry, the texture and colour payoff gives a easy application. From using the Classy palette(#9)the lighter champagne colour is lovely as a sparkling base where the deeper tones can be mixed and blended to create a smoky eye of varying intensity. 

(Left to Right: #19, #10, #9) 

The full shade range can be seen and purchased here at £39.00 each.

Bourjois Iconic Glam Christmas Gift Set

Everyone loves a freebie, particularly at Christmas time so I was particularly happy to receive this little gift box from Bourjois whilst popping into Boots on Friday night.  This gift is available with purchase over £15.00 throughout December.

The Bourjois Icon Glam set consists of the following:

Smoky Eyes Trio #O1 Gris Dandy

Effect 3D Lipgloss #06 Rouge Democratic

So Laque Ultra Shine nail enamel #24 Rouge Escaprin

Volume Glamour Max Holidays Mascara Black

This little kit pretty much covers it all perfectly for the festive party season, with a dark smoky eye, glossy red lips and matching nails.  I'm particularly partial to wearing a red lip so will be using the lipgloss at the first available opportunity!

Go get your's now from Boots

*apologies for the photo quality, I can't currently locate my camera leads so iPhone it is!