Make-up Tutorials

Most of you know how much I like the new Topshop makeup range. I am really digging the website at the moment - very cool tutorials on how to get the look you want as well as virtual make-overs.

They have a new Spring range out called Sandstorm. I want, I want!!! Check out this gorgeous eye crayon that won't break the bank at £8.50.

Long lasting metallic finish creamy eyeshadow crayon in Equinox.

Long lasting creamy eyeshadow that resists creasing and gives an intense metallic finish. Apply straight to eyelids from tube, use finger to blend and smudge for a more subtle finish.

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils

It's London Fashion Week and I know that bright lipsticks are all the rage on the catwalks. I quickly checked out Selfridges over the weekend. It's a miracle but I didn't buy anything - just tested a few things (very, very, difficult not to give in btw). This will be a future purchase. It's a glorious tangerine. Can be used over or under to create new and interesting shades. Hours of fun!

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Happy Days, £18.50

Meet the other shades.

Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub

Yes - it's another post on another exfoliant. I can't get enough of them. If I keep this up I might just scrub my face off. I wonder if it could grow back looking like Charlize Therons?

For the "like to keep it natural" girls this one is great. £9.99 at HQ Hair. I use in the morning (the citrus smell helps me wake up). Ground almonds, orange peel and rose petals gently exfoliate and leave skin clean, clear and moisturised. Gentle enough for daily use. Suitable for vegans.




Mum

My earliest beauty recollection was watching my Mum applying makeup and creams. I can remember her lipstick shades like it was yesterday. I thought she was the most beautiful lady with her makeup on. 

 

She had a drawer under the sink to the left just for makeup. Dad's things were on the right. I knew that it would probably be a bad idea to put it on or she'd go ballistic but it didn't stop me from touching and looking and wondering about the strange application tools. I went through that drawer numerous times and would spend hours sitting in that bathroom playing with her things.

 

I think my mother has bought Mary Kay products for as long as I have been alive and uses their skin care regime still. I wanted those pink compacts so badly but it was a little pricey for a beginner. When I was 11 she was good to her word and took me to the local drugstore. I was so excited! This was it - this was being grown up! She bought me a Maybelline Great Lash mascara - that old faithful pink and green bottle. This was the 80's so I am sure it was all the rage then and it's still around. In fact if you did my quiz awhile back it's still the biggest selling mascara in America. I also picked out a blue and pink eyeshadow, pink blush and a pink frost lipstick. I can't remember who by but I remember exactly what they looked like. I know those colours must have looked ridiculous and I wouldn't have had a clue what I was doing but she knew I wanted it so badly to fit in with the other girls my age who were wearing makeup by then.

 

When I was 14 or 15 she thought it would be fun to have a mother/daughter weekend, drive to Vancouver together, and shop for back to school stuff. This is a major deal for a small town Kelowna girl as the malls were bigger and better there. She took me to a department store and we hit the beauty counter. I was told it was time I had some decent makeup. The lady artist in the Lancome section sat me down and showed me how to apply and told us what colours would be suitable. My mum bought everything Lancome. A compact with a brown and beige selection of eye shadows, a beautiful fluffy blush brush which I had for years and years, a mascara and a skin care regime by them as well.

 

Those were my first introductions into the beauty world so she's been quite integral in my interest of it all. She is an amazing lady and was very good to me growing up even though I was a teenager from hell. 

 

She's in Maui with my father and it's their wedding anniversay tomorrow. I must have been missing her.

A long long time ago..... Happy Anniversary!

 

Sephora by O.P.I. - Caffeine Fix

Linsey gave me this awhile back and it's a favourite. A glossy deep burgundy. Excellent one for the toes! It won't be long now before we can get the flip flops out so this is a reminder to get a pedicure booked in! Sephora range for O.P.I.. I have tried a few of their colors and they are hard wearing. Tip: keep in the fridge for longer life.

Not A Post For Boys

That's right - boys won't find this useful or interesting so look away now. It's a blog about these things which are on sale in Sainsbury's right now for £1.00. If you're a packaging sucker these are for you! Nobody will know what they are - they'll just look pretty in your bathrooom.

Blow Dry Bars

They're the new thing and boy are they awesome! You have a party, you have a date, you want to look your best and you want a fringe but you don't want to chop your hair! These places are popping up all over London and come pay day I am going to have some awesome hair piece put in! They can do pretty much whatever look you want and it's more fun than going to a salon (not to mention cheaper). There is one in Topshop Oxford Street and a relatively quiet one on the weekends in New Change (St. Pauls).

HERSHESONS - Blow Dry Bars

You can buy a fringe! The Rock Chick Clip In Winge.

This is what I want as I do have a fringe I think it would make a nice change. The Chunky Braided Headband.

Gaga made it famous and you can do it too - Hershesons Bow Large. How cute it would be in pink!

Perfect Formula

I had a really nice email from an old friend of mine in Canada, Shanly. She thought I would like to try a nail product as I have been having problems growing mine - she swore by it as well as her mum and sister in law too!


It's called Perfect Formula and I am not sure if anyone out there has tried as well but I would love to know if it worked for you. It seems to be a North American product and I was having trouble finding but QVC online has it. It's not cheap at £20.25 + £4.00 posting and packaging but I will give it a go because Shanly is an actual makeup artist and therefore she knows what she's talking about. The reviews all seem good as well.

If you're in Canada or the U.S. - Sephora sells it as well as most shopping channels.  


Perfect Formula Strengthen & Seal Sheer Pink Gel Coat

There is also this if you don't want any colour:


Perfect Formula Strengthen & Seal Gel Coat

Jerry Hall - On Trend 2011

She's my makeup/hair icon right now. This is the candy lip look I want. Out with the girls next weekend so will try and recreate. She's back in fashion as it's the 70's all over again!

Jerry - you're still hot. You really should have "stuck" with Bryan innit.

Pretty In Pink

I am usually a dark varnish fan. I have never been a pink lady. I like pink on other people but never been one to try. However this dusty rose number from Topshop really suits my skin tone and I likey likey!

Spotted Pig - Topshop Makeup range. £5.00

Miss Wax

I was taken in by the packaging at first. It was very retro and it made me think that it might be a relatively pleasant experience to wax the old moustache. Miss Wax Facial Hair Remover. It's cheap, does the job and lasts ages - well - as long as you don't have a full grown beard to remove and if you do I would suggest hormone pills which you should speak to your doctor about.

Heat on the oven burner at a very low level and it will eventually melt down. Test on your hand before face in case too hot. When it's the right temperature with a honey like texture you very carefully smooth on your clean and exfoliated area, with the application stick provided, stroking in the direction of the hair. Pat down as it dries but don't leave on till it's completely dry - rip in opposite direction of hair growth and voila! Hair free!

They have quite a few great products in the Miss Wax range. If you can't be bothered with any mess at all try the Miss Wax 20 Mini Hair Removal Strips (Organic Apple Blossom Sensitive Skin).

For your eyebrows - Miss Wax Eyebrow Shapers (21 pre cut eyebrow shapers).

If you don't have any facial hair to contend with and you're brave enough to attack your bikini line yourself give these a go. Cheaper than a beauty salon!