Black, white and false lashes

Just one makeup and hair on the weekend. We thought we would show you a few shots cause it was a little bit different to our usual weekend weddings.

Caitlyn was going to a black and white ball. She went for pretty extreme eyes, false lashes and nude lips.

Some of the makeup we used.

Applying Maybeline Gel eyeline with an angle brush.

Applying false lashes. You can’t really see but the lashes are quite long and feathered on the outer edge. Step by step guide click here

The finished product.

GHD curls pinned back with a little height.

Whats In Our Makeup Case – Clinique Lid Smoothy

I recently went to my local Clinique counter in David Jones to stock up on a few things for my kit. I was shocked and a little dissapointed that the Touch of Tint for eyes is no longer available. I have been using Clinique Touch of Tint for Eyes for quite a few years now and I didn’t know what I was going to do without it. It’s a great base for your eyeshadows or you can wear it by itself for a touch of colour.

So I expressed my concern, and was told by the very helpful Clinique lady that the Lip Smoothy was the same thing but just in better packaging. Yee Haa! I’m back in business baby!

This creamy colour is crease resistant and lasts for 8 hours. I tend to use a brush to apply but the applicator on the tube instantly cools as it is applied. The nourishing ingredients coax fine lid lines into a blanket of smoothness and antioxidants help protect the eye-area skin.

I usually apply it as a base with a fairly small stiff brush, using a dabbing motion. Then, I use a bigger softer brush to blend the edges and smooth the colour. Depending on the base colour (and there are lots) apply an eyeshadow powder over the top. My favourite is the Bit O’Honey with deep brown as the contour and medium brown over the lid, it gives a great golden colour that goes with almost everything. Finish off with a bit of eyeliner and some mascara.

Here I have used the Touch of Tint in Pink Sheen, this colour isn’t available anymore but the Lid Smoothy Pinkgo Biloba looks fairly similar.

Why not check it out at Clinique or at your local Clinique counter in David Jones or Myer.

RRP $42

* Image courtesy of Clinique.com.au

Whats in our Makeup Case – MAC Iridescent Pressed

There is nothing I love more than a good highlighter. My favourite is M.A.C Iridescent Pressed Powder in Belightful. It is perfect for all skin types and adds that little something to your makeup. I use it almost every time I do someones makeup……and my own.

It is a luminous pressed face powder that contains mica and pigments to highlight the skin. It can be applied on bare skin or over foundation. Use just a little on a powder or blush brush and it will go on silky smooth without streaking or caking. You can also mix it with some moisturiser or your foundation for an all over shimmery glow.

I apply it over foundation on the cheekbones and up to the temple, then add a little coloured blush to the apple. Blend the colour and highlighter together in upward circular motions. Remember not to go below the nose with your cheek colour.

It is also a great highlighter for the eyes, brush over the brow bone and wear with your normal eye design.

Do you use a highlighter? Which one is your favourite?

Check it out at M.A.C Cosmetics.

Available at David Jones, Myer and M.A.C stores

RRP $45

*Image courtesy of BeautyDirectory

What’s In Our Makeup Case – Artiste Brushes

So we told you about our favourite moisturiser and foundation but…..how do you get them on your face?

There are many ways to apply; sponges, fingers (agh) and brushes. Our choice? Brushes. There are heaps on the market, some good, some not so good, but we have found that the Artiste brushes, by Manicare, work perfectly and you don’t need to live on 2 minute noodles to buy them.

Start with the Foundation Brush #6,. Its made with synthetic nylon bristles and provides a concentrated application without absorbing the product. Apply your moisturiser first and leave for 5 -10 minutes to absorb, then the foundation (liquid or cream). Blend it evenly over your face, don’t forget your jaw line and a little down your neck. It should create a smooth and even finish

Next Stippling Brush #17. Made with compact flat goat and nylon bristles its perfect for bronzers, loose powder foundations or just to finish off with an airbrushed look. Work in circles all over the face and blend down the neck.

If you mix two different foundations to get your colour, use the lighter one first (with Brush #6) then the darker one (with Brush #17). With #6 apply small amounts of the darker shade to your chin, cheeks, forehead and nose use #17 and circle all over your face to blend the 2 together.

What do you use to apply foundation?

RRP: Foundation Brush $27.95 and Stipple Brush $17.95. Available at Priceline, Myer, Target, K-Mart, Big W and leading pharmacies.

Check out Artiste brushes at Manicare.

*Images courtesy of Beautydirectory.com.au

What’s In Our Makeup Case – Clinique!

This is the start of a series of posts about products that we have in our Makeup Kits that we would be lost without.

One thing that we cannot live without on a makeup shoot is a good moisturiser. Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is our cat’s pyjamas. Like all of Clinique’s products it is allergy tested and 100% fragrance free, which is great when you are going to be using it on a lot of different skin types.

Not only is Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel a great moisturizer it also works at improving the skin, which is always an added bonus I think. It has a very light consistency and is great for combination skin. It really softens the face and is wonderful to use as a base before applying foundation.

To apply the moisturizer we usually start with the T Zone and gently rub into the skin away from the nose toward the ears. After this add a touch of moisturizer to the forehead and again brush outwards. Moisturizer on the neck should be rubbed in a downward direction. Remember to always have clean hands before applying moisturizer; you don’t want to have any nasty germs rubbed all over your face! Ew!

RRP: $40 for 50ml. Available from Myer, David Jones and the Clinique Online Store.

*Image courtesy of beautydirectory.com