Friday 31 January 2014

Valentine's: Is it all it is cracked up to be?


You know as well as I do that when you think of Valentine's the colours pink and red come to mind, as do massive bunches of roses, lovehearts and Valentine's cards. Valentine's which is the 14th february if you didn't know is the biggest greetin card holiday in the whole year. It also seems to be completely marmite, something that you either love or hate.

Ladies, I must confess that I LOVE Valentine's day. Well I love the idea of it. To be quite honest my expectations have never quite been lived up to yet...sadface, and also hint, hint. I am a big romantic at heart, I melted over the Notebook and long for that enduring romance that Noah and whatever her face had. Lets face it, its all about the Gosling in that movie.



I want a romace like Noah and Allie, obviously without the Alzeimhers, but they are literally the cutest old couple ever. I am that girl that wants the massive bunch of roses, the romantic trip to Paris, or just a five star hotel here at home, the jewlery...basically to be treated like a princess, and hey there is nothing wrong with having standards. Well a girl can dream...

Unfortunately most guys haven't a romantic bone in their body or else are too tight to show the girl he cares. So this is for all those anti Valentine's people out there, happy single awareness day!

If you are a girl don't pretend you don't get a dart of jealousy when you see other couples posting about all the gifts and "romance" they were showered with on the day.



Valentine's Crafts Ideas:

I love getting a bit crafty so here is some cutesy Valentine's ideas to make at home.






SHARE:

Monday 27 January 2014

Fitspiration to beat those January blues!

We all reach a slump come the end of January when our motivation to get that bikini body in 2014 is already waning. What we need is a quick blitz of fitspiration, that is fitness motivation to perk us up again and get us pounding those pavements, because remember:

 
All that exercise is going to do no good if you don't rethink your eating.
 
 
Eat less carbohydrates, don't eat after 8pm and make sure you keep yourself hydrated drinking 2 litres of water a day (minimum).
 
I find filling up on fruit gives me that sweet fix and is obviously a lot healthier than chocolate/crisps.
 
I also love roasted vegetables eg sweet potato, and parsnips. Less potatoes, more vegetables is key.
 
You don't need diet pills, fad diets, or to starve yourself. All you need is a sports bra, running shoes and determination.
 

 
Penneys are doing great value high performance sports wear starting from as little as €4. They do great quality sports bras, and I also have running tights and tank tops from their range.

 
And of course, we can't forget those all important workout playlists:
 
"warm up to Katy Perry’s cheery Roar, dance to Pitbull and Ke$ha’s Timber during the high intensity portion, strength train alongside Eminem and Rihanna’s weird tension on The Monster, and finally, cool down with the chilly trip-hop beats of Lorde’s Royals."
Check out Spotify for the Ultimate Workout Playlist.

Keep on blogging it beautiful
 
xoxo
SHARE:

Thursday 23 January 2014

Bargain Beauty: Daily Moisturiser



My mum picked this daily moisturiser up in Lidl a few weeks ago and since then I have been stealing it off her, it is fantastic!

This is Cien caring moisturiser for the face from Lidl, a bargain supermarket chain we have in Ireland, and it is as cheap as chips at only a few euro, unfortunately I don't have the exact price!

The quality of it is incredible, it is so soothing as I have quite sensitive skin and it makes your skin feel velvety and dries in really quickly, leaving you with smooth, hydrated skin. Just the ticket!

Give it a try  if you are looking for a dzeeeadly moisturiser on a student budget, the texture of it feels like a primer on your skin and I really cannot recommend it enough.

I feel like we concentrate so much on brands these days, but really it is all about quality not packaging or any of the fancy bits....even though those bits are very nice...

Let me know if you try it out or if you have any must have bargain beauty bits on your daily skincare/makeup shopping list

xoxo
SHARE:

Saturday 18 January 2014

Makeup of The Night feat. Sleek Makeup and MUA Cosmetics

Yup that's me, when in doubt #peaceandpout
 
I describe this look as a smoky purple eye, winged liner and a neon lip. Perfect combination for a night out, and we mustn't forget that all important contouring and defined brows.
 
I created this look using sleek i-Divine eyeshadow palette in Vintage Romace, my MUA matte palette, my Collection gel liner in black and for the lips: Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Fuchsia.
 
 
I used a matte brown in my crease Penny (MUA matte palette) and then darkened it with Truffle(MUA mattes). I then used Sleek's A Vow in Venice which is a lovely satin finish purple eyeshadow on the outer lid, with Sleek's Court in Cannes a burnished gold on the lid.
 


                              
 
I am in love with Sleek lipsticks which is why I am giving away a Sleek lipstick palette in Tease on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/bloggingitbeautiful
 
This shade is gorgeous as a bright pop of colour for night time. It is so moisturising and contains Vitamin E. It is also highly pigmented and long lasting so an ideal lippy to wear on a night out, to wear for day time simply miss with a bit of gloss or balm for a lovely glossy pink lip that is perfect for day wear.
 
Hope you enjoyed this!
 
 
xoxo
 

 
 
 

SHARE:

Friday 17 January 2014

🎉****BLOGGER GIVEAWAY!!****🎉

 
I am having my first ever giveaway on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/bloggingitbeautiful
 
The prize is this Lip palette in Tease by Sleek Makeup. I am absolutely loving Jennifer Lawrence these days...lets face it, who isn't? This berry red lip she is rocking is gorgeous and if you have yet to try the Sleek Makeup brand, well shame on you!
 
The packaging is incredibly sleek as its name suggests, and I am in love with their lipsticks as they have added Vitamin E to give you those soft lips you have been craving.
 
This lip palette also has incredible pigmentation and colour payoff, so they are a fantastic longwearing lipstick.
 
I chose the lippy quad as a prize as you get not one, but FOUR Sleek shades to try out 💋
 
To enter:
 
1. Like my Facebook page www.facebook.com/bloggingitbeautiful
 
2. Like and share the image of the prize
 
3. Comment below the image when done
 
Simples!
 
xoxo
 

SHARE:

Tuesday 14 January 2014

What do I need in a Makeup Artist Starter Kit?

What is in a MUA's starter kit?
 
 
Brace yourself for an extremely long blog post!
 
 I love reading posts on what makeup artists have in their kit and since I am an MUA in the making, I know exactly what is necessary in a starter kit.
 

 
 
Keep in mind this is a kit that you will be using to do others makeup, not necessarily just items that suit you will be in it.
 
This will be a run down on what is required in a basic kit, and you can build on that with more recognised brands when you get more established.
 
I will cover the absolute must haves:
  • Skincare & Hygiene
  • Storage: What are you going to put your makeup in
  • Brushes
  • Disposables & Tools
  • Then the fun part: Makeup!
  •  
Skincare & Hygiene
 
Most people you will work on will have no makeup on but if they come to you with a full face you do not want to be going any where near them with wet wipes! Wipes dry out the skin, and as some people have highly sensitive skin it can also cause an allergic reaction.
You will need the following in your kit:
  1. Cotton pads
  2. Cotton buds
  3. Cleanser
  4. Toner
  5. Moisturiser
  6. Hand Sanitizer
If you buy the formula for normal to dry skin you will be pretty much covered as the majority of people have this skin type.
 I use a cream cleanser from No7 or Nivea. The toner I use is Garnier for Sensitive skin. Moisturiser is Boots own brand, but Lidl and Aldi also do very good day creams.
This is not what you are being paid to do, give a mini facial but I just think it is a nice extra and relaxes the client before you go into makeup.
You can also use their own products, but it is preferable to only use your own, and assume everyone has sensitive skin.
Go into Boots and ask for samples of more high end moisturisers if you want.
 
Hand sanitizer is a must. Always use this before you touch someone's skin.
 
A little spray bottle of water is also really useful as you might not be near a sink to dampen your cotton pads, you don't want to be soaking them.
 
Storage: What are you going to carry your makeup in?
 
 
A train case is your only woman for the job. Find one that is sturdy, with lots of space and compartments that you can grow into. Argos are doing one for €40.99. You can also find them on Amazon and Ebay. There is of course the famed Zuca bag, but honestly a train case will do the job until you can afford a Zuca.
 
I also use a combination of clear zippy toiletry bags, and you can decant foundations, and lipsticks into stackable pots available in Boots for approx., €2. This will save you space and lessen the weight!
 
 
Brushes
 
Possibly one of the most important things a makeup artist needs to invest in are good high quality brushes. Luckily since so many girls are getting into makeup, the cost has come down and you can purchase makeup brushes from just about anywhere.
 
 
Favourites include Crown Brush and Real Techniques. It works out cheaper to buy a set rather than individually. Some people also use paintbrushes for eye makeup, I find they can be quite scratchy. You should own these brushes, they are essential:
  1. Flat foundation brush
  2. Duo-fibre or kabuki to buff foundation into skin
  3. Large powder brush
  4. Small contour/blusher brush
  5. Fluffy shadow blender brush
  6. Pencil brush
  7. Flat angled brush
  8. Liner brush
  9. Lip brush/Concealer brush - you might use disposables on lips
  10. Flat eyeshadow brush
 
If you would like a brush belt they can purchased on eyeslipsface.co.uk or many sites online, you might want to invest in a real leather one for quality however this one is cheap and easily wiped down.
 
Disposables & Tools
  • Brush cleaner
  • Tissues
  • Disposable mascara wands
  • Disposable lip brushes
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
Brush cleaner should be used if you are doing two clients, one after the other, or if you don't have time to wash your brushes before using another shade.
 
Tissues are handy, and in the ITEC exam you cannot touch the models face and must put a tissue between your hand and the clients face.
 
Disposables so you avoid any nasty infections and possible lawsuits, styes, conjunctivitis, and cold sores can be passed around as a result of dirty tools. That is one way to make a bad name for yourself as a makeup artist.
 
Tweezers are needed to apply individual and strip lashes. Don't ever tweeze a clients eyebrows.
 
Scissors can be useful for many things, to cut cotton pads in two and cut eyelashes down to size.
 
Makeup
 
Now for the fun part!
 
Primers are essential for a flawless base and long lasting makeup. I use Laura Mercier hydrating primer for the face and of course, the Holy Grail of primers, Urban Decay primer potion on the eyelids to keep eyeshadow on all night and day!
 
I have also used Nivea hydrating primer and it is quite good as a more budget option. Avoid MUA cosmetics primers...
 
Foundation
To start off buy the lightest shade available, the darkest shade, and a shade in the middle. You can mix shades and it won't cost you a bomb. L'Oreal, Revlon Color stay, Mac, Make Up Forever and Estee Lauder Double wear light are all fantastic options that would suit different budgets. If possible buy foundation without SPF if the client will be photographed.

 
Concealers and Colour Correctors
Inglot shades you need are: Lw100, Lw300, Lw500, Lc100, Lc300.
You need a combinations of yellow, peach, purple, green and flesh toned concealers to correct, conceal and brighten. Catrice also do a concealer palette for €3.99.
I have a Mac pro longwear concealer palette, but those shades above from Inglot were recommended by my makeup tutor.
 
 
Lips
You will need a nude, a red, a pink and a berry shade. L'Oreal Infallible lipsticks are incredibly long lasting, I would also recommend Catrice and MUA lipsticks. Buy lip liners to match these shades. Buy a clear lip gloss, so you can mix with the lipsticks to make a gloss instead of buying a gloss to match. Kate Moss for Rimmel also has fantastic shades, like 107. I can also recommend No7 for long lasting lippies!
 
Eyes
Gel liner is a must have, Inglot AMC 77 gel liner is fantastic. A brown and a black mascara are also necessities. It is more about the brush than the formula. Maybelline Great lash is most loved by makeup artists. Clear mascara is also a good investment to keep brows in place.
 
You will need strip and individual lashes for your kit. Do not buy cheap Penneys lashes. Buy lashes with a clear strip, and DUO glue is recommended but I like the glue Eyelure provide.
 
A palette of matte shadows is highly recommended, they can be used on the brows, lids, and to contour so they are a great all rounder. A matte white, a matte black, a matte brown, and a  burnt orange are all very useful in a palette. Here are some example shades from Inglot: 390, 360, 329, 565, 567, 351 as a base, 395 is a beautiful highlighter, burnt orange adds depth 335, 318 matte white, matte black 63.
 
 
These are some fantastic shades from MAC and Urban Decay, that would work great for everyday and bridal.
 
The Naked palette has some fab shades that suit all eye colours also:
 
 
Blusher/Bronzer/Contouring
 
 
Nars Laguna bronzer and Orgasm blush are favourites of MUA's. A coral, peachy pink is what you want to aim for, something that gives a natural glow.

A cheaper version is ELF's dupe in St.Lucia, contour and blush cream palette.
 
A matte bronzer, that is a true brown with no hints of red or orange is your must have. Hoola by benefit is too dark for the majority of skin tones. Rimmel sun shimmer-Avoid!
 
 
Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle is my favourite product of 2013. It adds a gorgeous glow to just about anyone.

 
I cannot recommend MAC's Skinfinish Natural enough, I use Medium. Medium Deep is also great to contour.
 
Lastly HD setting powders are all the rage now, and if you do not have the money to spend on Makeup Forever High Definition Powder, I hear Elf do a great dupe.
 
I hope I have covered everything, there was so much to go through and no doubt I left something out, but I hope this gives some idea of what is needed in a makeup artist's starter kit.
 
If you enjoyed this, or it helped you out, don't be afraid to leave a comment below!
 
Keep on blogging it beautiful
 
xoxo
 
SHARE:

Sunday 12 January 2014

What's In My Makeup Bag

 
I usually carry double this amount of makeup around with me, I am always prepared for every makeup eventuality. Just in case I'm whisked away somewhere at the last minute...wishful thinking.
 
This is my makeup bag that I would bring to college with me, when my face is already on and when I might just wanna touch it up to look fresh.
 
From the left top, my mascara is Catrice False Lashes. This is a great quality budget mascara that lasts all day and gives you lustrous lashes.
 
Next is my Lancome Hypnose eye pencil in Noir. I only use this because my aunty gave me it as a gift, I normally just would not have the dollah to drop on this. It is fabulous quality however, very long lasting and smooth to apply and better than my usual black pencil liner.
 
A girls always gotta have her Carmex, or equivalent lip balm in tow! My lips get so dry and chapped so this is a life saver. Has anyone tried the EOS balm? Have yet to give it a go.
 
What is in this magic little pot in the middle you ask? That ladies is my foundation decanted into a little MAC tub.  It is so handy so I don't have to carry a full foundation bottle with me.
I am using Mac's new Match Master foundation in shade 1.5
 
Top on the right is my Catrice eyebrow stylist brush and pencil in light brown. I always use this to get groomed brows, followed by my flat foundation Nima brush that I use to apply my foundation.
 
Now, I always favour a pinky nude lip so I cannot be without my lipgloss in Nude candy by Essence I think, and my lippy in Mac Cremesheen Creme Cup, a budget favourite is Hey Nude! by Catrice. This lipstick is a dupe for Mac's Creme Cup.
 
What do I stash my goodies in I hear you ask? I picked up that little black and silver hearts sheer makeup purse from Penneys/Primark for €1! It was on sale, and is so handy to stash in my bag for college. It also had two little compartments so I can keep my foundation brush separate and not muck up all my makeup.
 
What are your daily essentials? I'd love to know in the comments below!
 
Keep on blogging it beautiful
 
xoxo
 
 
 
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig