Countouring

Contouring, a makeup technique now becoming more and more popular with women looking to achieve flawless skin.  It can be used to create shadows, slim your nose and highlight your cheekbones.  If you wanted to, you could completely transform the way you look just by using this technique.  Similarly, you don't need to cover your face in war paint to achieve a softer version of this . 

There are many different ways to contour.  You can use cream products or just a little bit of concealer and bronzer.  Personally, when doing my everyday makeup I don't bother with contouring as it requires a bit of time and patience.  However I love to use this technique if I am going on a night out and want to add some Va Va Voom to my look.

This is how I contour myself.

What do I use?

Bobbi Brown Foundation sticks in shades 'Alabaster' and 'Warm Almond'.

Rimmel 'Wake me up' concealer in shade 'Ivory'

Bourjois bronzer powder

Shu Uemura translucent powder

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

How do I contour?

1.  Apply a light layer of foundation to the skin.

2.  Apply Bobbi Brown stick in Alabaster (or your desired shade ensuring it is at least two or three shades lighter than your skin tone) on areas you want to highlight i.e under the eye area, tops of the cheekbones, above the brow bone etc.  

3.  Apply Wake me up concealer under your eye area also.

4.  Apply Bobbi Brown stick in Warm Almond (or your desired shade ensuring it is two or three shades darker than your skin tone) on any areas you want to create shadow i.e under the cheekbones, on the temples or along the centre of the nose.

5. Blend it all out using a damp sponge.  I use the Real Techniques 'Miracle Complexion' sponge.  Blending is key to this look.

6.  If you then feel you need a little more depth in the hollows of your cheeks apply some bronzer.

7.  Set with translucent powder.

8. If you want your skin to look more dewy and glowing apply Becca 'Shimmering Skin Perfector' to the tops of your cheekbones.  

In this Final picture I am wearing Rimmel 'Red Lippy' Lipstick who are donating 30% of profit to the Red Lippy Project who are raising awareness for cervical cancer.

Alice xox

How to get the most from Fake Tan

I think fake tan is a fabulous way of getting a little bit of colour without having to damage your skin in the sun or on sunbeds. That being said, fake tan can go horribly wrong if applied incorrectly.

 My current favourite tanning product is St Tropez and has been for quite a few years. I have tried and tested many but always revert back to this brand, it just works perfectly with my skin tone. It is available in self tan, gradual and instant. They have also just recently launched an express self tan which develops within one to three hours and is available in light, medium and dark. I haven't yet tried this but plan on doing so soon. I might even do a review!

 Here are my top tips on how to get the most from fake tanning.

  How to

 Always prepare your skin with a little bit of body scrub to remove any dry skin. I tend to do this the night before I apply fake tan. 

 On the day of application, avoid moisturizing your full body, especially with any kind of oil. Instead moisturize any dry areas such as your elbows, knees and hands, this will stop fake tan from catching on those tell tale areas. 

 Use gloves or a mit to apply your tan as this will reduce the risk of your hands being ten shades darker than the rest of your body.

 Have someone on hand to help you with your back, it should look just as good as your front! 

 Remove your gloves and apply a little drop of fake tan to the back of your hands and rub together. 

 Tips 

To ensure your fake tan lasts for a few days before needing topped up, keep your body moisturized.

 To make your legs look glowing and radiant for a night out apply MAC Face and Body to them (remembering to use gloves), this is my holy grail for ensuring my pins are looking their best.

 If after applying your fake tan you feel you have maybe overdone it in a certain area, get an old sock put it on your hand and use it to buff any excess tan away (it sounds silly but it works). Cleansing wipes also work.  

To remove fake tan use a little bit of lemon juice mixed with baking soda heated in the microwave.

http://www.st-tropez.com/en-gb/

Alice xox

The Power of Makeup

"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder"

How do you define art? What constitutes creativity? Does art have to be beautiful or something you can see? Can it be words on a page or something obscure and distorted?  I think the beauty of art is that it can be represented in so many different ways.  I think art is a way of expressing something you are passionate about.  I think Makeup is Art.

Recently I was sent a link to an article (if you want to call it that) in which various women displayed the before and after effects of having makeup applied.  In most of the pictures there was a significant difference and some of the women looked unrecognisable.  However the vast majority of them had been heavily contoured and I suspect a few had been photoshopped.  Regardless, after reading the comments that followed it seems that there is much debate over why women feel the need to 'makeup' themselves to look like 'someone they are not'.

I believe people use makeup for many different reasons and to varying different degrees of creativity.  Some people use it to cover imperfections, scars and anything they may feel self conscious about (I can relate to that).  They use it as a way to feel more confident, outgoing and normal.  Others use it as a way to express their personality, to enhance features that they want to stand out.  At the other end of the spectrum you have all the incredibly talented Makeup Artist's that see a face as a blank canvas and something on which they can create a masterpiece, something that is far removed from reality.

What defines true beauty?  Is it a face with no makeup or one with so much that the person has altered the way they look?  Personally, I think true beauty is like art, it can take many different forms and mean different things to different people. 

Makeup can be beautiful, it can be artistic, powerful, empowering, it can be anything you want it to be.  

Makeup is your secret weapon.

"For Beautiful Eyes look for the good in others

For beautiful Lips speak only words of kindness

And for poise walk with the knowledge that you are never alone"

-Audrey Hepburn

How to clean your Makeup brushes

Why Should you be washing your Makeup brushes?

I remember years ago my gran handing me a little newspaper cutting that explained the importance of cleaning your makeup brushes. Until then, I had never considered doing this but from then on it became a staple part of my beauty regime (my gran was a wise lady). Back then I only had two or three brushes, now I have brushes forever more but I still ensure that I clean them on a regular basis. 

 Here are some tips on how to keep those brushes in tip top condition.

 Why should I clean my brushes?

 If you are using your brushes almost everyday, makeup will gradually build up, particularly foundation. Add that in with dead skin cells, dirt, dust, your own natural oils. If left unwashed they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. 

 How often should I clean my brushes? 

 It depends how often you use them but I would recommend at least once a week give them a good clean. Cleaning them after each use isn't a bad idea either but don't leave it for months before cleaning them at all.

 What can I use to clean my brushes? 

 There are a few things you can use. Baby shampoo would be my first recommendtation as it is gentle and wont damage any brushes that are made from real hair. Fairy liquid is also okay to use and will remove most stubborn makeup and is good for synthetic brushes. Normal shampoo can also be used. Finally, you can buy brush cleaner from MAC cosmetics and various other brands that is designed specifically for your brushes. 

 How to clean my brushes?

After washing your brushes try to let them dry naturally (it's best to do it the night before) then lay them at an angle with the bristles facing downwards.  This will stop any water collecting in your brush and softening the glue that hold the bristles together.

 

Alicexox

Brown Smoky Eyeshadow

I thought I would quickly share with you my 'Go to' Makeup look.  I tend to gravitate towards a brown smokey eye and dark plum lipstick and I would wear this during the day or in the evening (I like a bold daytime look).  I love to do my makeup, It's my favourite part of getting ready whether i'm just going to the shops or on a night out.

Eyes

MAC paint pot in 'Quite Natural'

I smudge this all over my lid using my fingers

Rimmel 'Master Smoky' eye crayon in brown

I use this to line the inside of my eyes along my water line and also apply it along the top of my lashline and under my lower lash line. I then smudge it out using my MAC 217 brush.

Smashbox 'Full Exposure' Eyeshadow Palette.

I use the lighter brown shade from this palette and sweep it all over my eye lid.

I then use the darker brown shade in the outer corner of my eye to create the smokey effect.

Lips

Tom Ford 'Bruised Plum' 
Or
MAC 'Rebel'

Alice xox

Prep your skin for Summer: Face and Body Scrubs

Scrub into Summer

How nice to have had a bit of sunshine in Scotland for a change, I always feel more motivated and happy, hopefully it will last a little longer for us all.  Carrying on the summer skin theme from my last post I think it is time to fully embrace summer (however long it may last).  Put the tights, leggings and baggy jumpers away and get out those legs, arms and anything else that is in need of a little sunshine.  

Here are some of my 'go to' face and body scrubs, designed to buff away dead skin cells and leave your skin silky smooth and all set for those summer nights where jackets and umbrellas stay in the closet (that might be a bit optimistic but hey one can only hope).

Face Scrubs

St Ives Apricot Scrub

When I use a scrub I like to feel it actually doing what it is supposed to and buffing away all those dead skin cells and impurities on my face.  This face scrub does just that, it contains lots of natural ingredients, is oil free, hypoallergenic and is made available for different skin types. It smells really nice too.



Boots Botanics Scrub
I would recommend this for sensitive skin

This scrub was a random find that I stumbled upon one day in Boots and It is a little gem.  It is gently exfoliates and brightens your skin leaving it feeling thoroughly cleansed.  It does the job perfectly and is probably one of my favourite budget face scrubs.

Body Scrubs

St Ives Apricot Body Scrub 
I would recommend this for sensitive skin

Again this is a fantastic body scrub and does exactly what it says on the tub.  It is invigorating and leaves your skin feeling smooth and velvety.  It is great for people that don't like to be left with an oily residue that most scrubs can have.

Soap and Glory Flake Away Scrub

As described by Soap and Glory themselves this 'Super Strength salt Scrub' polishes your skin within an inch of its life.  It contains Shea butter and almond oil so is also lovely and moisturizing. 



These Scrubs are great for people who like to feel like their skin has been properly exfoliated.

Available in Boots and Superdrug

Happy scrubbing

Alice xox

My go to Highlighter's

Summer Glow

The last few days have been a breath of fresh air, the sun has been shining high in the sky and I finally feel ready for summer.  I'ts amazing how many freckles a little bit of sunshine can bring out.  Summer is all about looking fresh, radiant and glowing and nothing achieves this more than a little highlighter to help you along the way. 

 Here are my currents favourites, enjoy!

Diorskin Nude Tan

I'd like to start by introducing a highlighter that I only discovered this week, Diorskin Nude Tan Transat Edition Highlighter (a mouthfull I know).  I discovered this while inquiring about Dior Amber diamonds which much to my dismay has been discontinued.  I was recommended this as an alternative and instantly fell in love.  Finely milled in a beautiful golden hue this powder allows for a soft natural glow or high shine, whichever you prefer.  It comes in a velvet pouch and gorgeous silver compact which includes a mirror and kabuki brush.  This highlighter is a staple product for summer, although get it quick as I believe it is limited edition and could sell out fairly quickly.

Topshop Glowstick- Play Up

I've recently become a fan of Topshop's makeup range, some of their products are really quite good and i love the packaging everything comes in.  Their glowstick highlighter is a great alternative to those high end luxury brands and is a fraction of the price.  This light reflecting highlighter is easy to blend and glides onto the skin effortlessly creating a subtle golden glow.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone

This is a fantastic multipurpose highlighter that can be used instead of a primer or mixed in with your moisturiser or foundation.  It can also be used on its own to highlight specific such as the cheek bone or brow bone.  Available in four shades this liquid formula creates a soft natural glow to the skin.  Perfect for taking on holiday and mixing in with a little tinted moisturiser to instantly enhance your skin and achieve a soft dewy complexion.

Where to apply highlighter

Cheek bone

Brow bone

Down the centre of the nose

Temples

Cupids bow
Corner of the eyes

Top Tip

Apply highlighter to your decolletage (accross the collarbone) just where the sun would naturally hit to create a beautiful radiant and healthy glow.

Alice xox