I have to say that I have a love/hate relationship on the Royal Wedding. It's everywhere : ) I know it's a historic moment. But I for one will be taking advantage of the fact that hopefully the shops will be quite quiet on Friday and then I will pop home early to make dinner for friends (who will have camped out on Pall Mall the night before) who are coming over to analyse the day's events.
The title of this post however is about makeup. How would you do your makeup on your wedding day? Do it yourself, get a friend or family member to do it or get a professional?
I've wondered this myself (ahem, big hint dropped to the boyfriend) and having done makeup for friends and family at weddings, I was interested to read Amy Lawrenson's (ELLE UK) report on the future Queen of England's Kate Middleton's decision to do her own makeup:
Kate Middleton took make-up lessons for big day
'It has been widely covered that Kate has shunned the help of a make-up artist on her wedding day to do her own instead. However, we can now reveal that she took make-up lessons from bridal artist Arabella Preston in preparation.
What caused her aversion to professionals? According to sources Kate used a make-up artist at the Mario Testino shoot for the official engagement pictures, but was unhappy with the result so removed it and reapplied herself. Since then she has embarked on a few make-up lessons with Arabella held at Clarence House and her home in Chelsea.
Arabella is a London-based make-up artist, married to author Alex Preston and a mum of two; on her website she says, 'I am an experienced bridal make-up artist and love helping brides make the most of their beauty. I am particularly adept at natural bridal make-up'. Kate is famous for her girl-next-door look, favouring a clear complexion, nude lips and putting emphasis on her eyes switching between a liquid liner or smoky look, which is probably why she trusted Arabella with her lessons.
It's interesting that Kate has chosen to do her own make-up on a day when around 2 billion eyes will be scrutinising everything from her hair and make-up to choice of dress. We can't wait to see the results.'
Could Kate be wondering the same thing as simple old makeup junkie me? I would love a professional to do it, so that I don't need to worry about it, but I love makeup and feel quite satisfied putting it on myself. It's a ritual. It's mine. That's one of the reasons why I think Kate Middleton might want to do it herself. The need to be a control freak aside - as well as being the wedding for the British public (and international public) it is her wedding afterall - it's probably the one thing that she can take from the wedding and the one ritual that might give her some calmness in all the madness, pomp and circumstance that is beyond her control. I certainly have felt something like that when at family weddings. Putting on my makeup (for which I didn't need help) and just sitting on the floor in front of a mirror gave me such satisfaction and peace!
Kate's makeup style is relatively simple, she plays up her eyes quite a bit with dark eyeliner, minimal shadow, with some bronzer and simple moist lipstick. My own opinion is that though her makeup style is relatively simple, she tends to look a bit older than she actually is - I would love to see her use more highlighter/dewy products to make her look younger with glowy skin. Would love to see her with bronzed or smoky eyes. Or even winged out eyeliner with red lips. Doesn't have to be too outrageous. I know she is the future Queen of England and conservatism is the preferred order of the day but some of the younger royals now branch out (badly or not) in the fashion stakes. Think Lady Gabriella Windsor.
What Kate does have, which makes any woman beautiful, is a great smile. A smile that shows through the eyes and face. And that is something she shares with her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
Original ELLE UK post can be found here:
http://www.elleuk.com/news/beauty-news/kate-middleton-took-make-up-lessons-for-big-day/(gid)/761395
What would you/or did you do for your wedding?
And last but not least, wishing the couple much happiness.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Monday, 25 April 2011
TheBalm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer aka the Luminzer - review and swatch
I used to be a real real fan of highlighters, I couldn't get enough of them. When I first became interested in makeup, the highlighter was the one product for which I was on a never ending quest - for THE ONE. But then my makeup obsession grew and turned to other things such as foundations,blushes, eyeshadows etc and highlighters kinda went on the back burner.
In this year's January sales I spotted this highlighter in one of those can-I-be-bothered-to-rummage boxes at the SpaceNK counter in Harvey Nicks. I'd looked at this product before but had decided that it was too shimmery for my liking. It still is, but blending it out really makes the difference. It has sparkles and frost like the majority of MAC MSFs but the texture is much more creamy like. It also doesn't flake everywhere like the MAC MSFs can do, and also I have no qualms about tossing it into my bag (mirror compact handy too) unlike I am with my fave MAC MSF - Refined.
In comparison to NARS Albatross - a much coveted product - theBalm's offering is much more of a pale yellow gold tinge. I find Albatross too white for me. theBalm's colour/tone is more yellow gold with a touch of white gold which is just beautiful. That's what sold me on it I think. Suits my skintone well.
Mary-Lou's Manizer is a surprise to me. I do have to watch it when I apply, as I don't like frost ala the real 70s style, but the fact that I can achieve a very pretty glow on the cheeks, summery dewy like champagne gold eyes or highlighting the inner eye corner or cupid's bow makes this a a very multi use product.
Have you tried this and what are your thoughts? Any other highlighters you love?
In this year's January sales I spotted this highlighter in one of those can-I-be-bothered-to-rummage boxes at the SpaceNK counter in Harvey Nicks. I'd looked at this product before but had decided that it was too shimmery for my liking. It still is, but blending it out really makes the difference. It has sparkles and frost like the majority of MAC MSFs but the texture is much more creamy like. It also doesn't flake everywhere like the MAC MSFs can do, and also I have no qualms about tossing it into my bag (mirror compact handy too) unlike I am with my fave MAC MSF - Refined.
In comparison to NARS Albatross - a much coveted product - theBalm's offering is much more of a pale yellow gold tinge. I find Albatross too white for me. theBalm's colour/tone is more yellow gold with a touch of white gold which is just beautiful. That's what sold me on it I think. Suits my skintone well.
Mary-Lou's Manizer is a surprise to me. I do have to watch it when I apply, as I don't like frost ala the real 70s style, but the fact that I can achieve a very pretty glow on the cheeks, summery dewy like champagne gold eyes or highlighting the inner eye corner or cupid's bow makes this a a very multi use product.
Have you tried this and what are your thoughts? Any other highlighters you love?
Saturday, 23 April 2011
1st post back into the blogging world - random. Makeup,life,fashion
Hello viewers. I'm gonna use this post to get back into the blogging world, it's gonna be a random 'first' post.
I'm back from my hols from San Francisco and Hong Kong - and the US hols was a hols with the girls and the Asia hols was one with the family. Had good times during both. I didn't do too much damage makeup wise - I think for some reason I've just about reached saturation with my makeup collection. I'm now focusing on swapping (got a some MAC blushes recently) and really only lemming things that are 'new' to me e.g. Dior Summer 2011 bronzers and Clarins Skinfusion foundation at the moment.
Plus, I really need to slow down on the spending money front. I need to save some moola - Pay day is too far away!
I don't want to take life so seriously. Wanna have more fun. Wanna be more silly. Wanna be more adventurous.
I'm still obsessed with Lauren Conrad. Totally psyched she started a beauty/lifestyle website.
I check Catalina Su's makeup blog daily:
catalinasumakeup.blogspot.com
I absolutely love ELLE UK, their website too. I don't love the fact that my annual subscription (to save cost) isn't great - I always have to chase missing monthly editions. Crap service.
I aspire to dress like an ELLE woman.
I'd like to be one dress size smaller. Currently a tight UK 12.
To take up my scrapbooking again - I read loads of magazines and paste things from them into this scrapbook which I refer to back and back again-
Am so excited that I have finished my Prescriptives All Skins Mineral foundation powder. It took a long time, though I didn't wear it every single day, but I wore it alot - wet, dry, sheer, heavy. It's a staple. Good job I got loadsa backups!!
Mostly, I want to work on being kinder, funnier, more open and friendlier. I'm too harsh on myself and others at the moment in trying to be an independent woman.
And to you - my thanks for sticking around. Bring on summer!
xxx
I'm back from my hols from San Francisco and Hong Kong - and the US hols was a hols with the girls and the Asia hols was one with the family. Had good times during both. I didn't do too much damage makeup wise - I think for some reason I've just about reached saturation with my makeup collection. I'm now focusing on swapping (got a some MAC blushes recently) and really only lemming things that are 'new' to me e.g. Dior Summer 2011 bronzers and Clarins Skinfusion foundation at the moment.
Plus, I really need to slow down on the spending money front. I need to save some moola - Pay day is too far away!
I don't want to take life so seriously. Wanna have more fun. Wanna be more silly. Wanna be more adventurous.
I'm still obsessed with Lauren Conrad. Totally psyched she started a beauty/lifestyle website.
I check Catalina Su's makeup blog daily:
catalinasumakeup.blogspot.com
I absolutely love ELLE UK, their website too. I don't love the fact that my annual subscription (to save cost) isn't great - I always have to chase missing monthly editions. Crap service.
I aspire to dress like an ELLE woman.
I'd like to be one dress size smaller. Currently a tight UK 12.
To take up my scrapbooking again - I read loads of magazines and paste things from them into this scrapbook which I refer to back and back again-
Am so excited that I have finished my Prescriptives All Skins Mineral foundation powder. It took a long time, though I didn't wear it every single day, but I wore it alot - wet, dry, sheer, heavy. It's a staple. Good job I got loadsa backups!!
Mostly, I want to work on being kinder, funnier, more open and friendlier. I'm too harsh on myself and others at the moment in trying to be an independent woman.
And to you - my thanks for sticking around. Bring on summer!
xxx
Friday, 1 April 2011
Holidays......absence....makeup
Hey all, I haven't quite been in the mood posting blogs or posting videos on my YT channel. I can't explain why, but for some reason I feel like I've got a YT/blog bug or summin'. But my interest in beauty and makeup hasn't dissipated! I've just come back from a well deserved (if I do say so myself) girlie hols in San Francisco and did some great shopping - fashion and beauty. Spent a bit of moola : D
And I'll be heading out to Hong Kong soon to attend a cousin's wedding. I'm hoping that after that I'll get the blog/YT bug again. It is something I do enjoy - when I do it.
So thanks for hanging in there - and please hang in for a bit longer - and I'm totally enjoying still the beauty blog and YT worlds : D
Take care til then.....xxx
Monday, 7 March 2011
Kryolan eyeshadow and Nails Of the Week(s)
So after taking 2 days off as time in lieu, I scored a long weekend. Bonus points for the sun coming out. When I have a day off and need 'me' time it usually involves shopping and a massage : D
After watching YTer makeupbyrenren's videos on Graftobian palettes (foundations to be exact), I fancied a trip to Charles Fox in Covent Garden - a makeupstore in London that specialises mainly in professional film and theatre makeup (they do also stock a small selection of Becca and Illamasqua). I needed some Duo black false lashes glue and also happened to 'peruse' the Kryolan counters. The Kryolan foundation palettes didn't look as convincing as the Graftobian ones (which Charles Fox don't stock) but I did come across this:
...it's Kryolan's Eye Shadow Compact in V3 (Natural). There are 18 matte colours - and what a range of colours! I bought it mainly to use for makeup on others - friends and families as I have a few events/weddngs coming up. I think it would make a perfect neutral palette-great for a basic every day but totally easy for a dramatic look. They are very pigmented, a teeny bit chalky but not a problem. This cost about £44. It's uh-mazing : D
And then a nail polish that I just can't get enough of atm...Essie's Jelly Apple. This launched in their Winter 2009 collection but I only just discovered it last year. It's a totally gorgeous vintage red...when I pair it with a Breton style top - I feel instantly casual classic : D
When I was reapplying it whilst watching Glee, I accidentally reached for Essie's Raspberry and as soon as it swiped on I thought - No! This isn't Jelly Apple! Nail varnish remover immediately came out : )
My fave nail polish brand is China Glaze because I find their polishes last for a whole week before it starts chipping, and Essie lasts 3-4 days but until I find a dupe for this in China Glaze - Essie's Jelly Apple is a huge rec from me!
Any news laydeez...?
After watching YTer makeupbyrenren's videos on Graftobian palettes (foundations to be exact), I fancied a trip to Charles Fox in Covent Garden - a makeupstore in London that specialises mainly in professional film and theatre makeup (they do also stock a small selection of Becca and Illamasqua). I needed some Duo black false lashes glue and also happened to 'peruse' the Kryolan counters. The Kryolan foundation palettes didn't look as convincing as the Graftobian ones (which Charles Fox don't stock) but I did come across this:
...it's Kryolan's Eye Shadow Compact in V3 (Natural). There are 18 matte colours - and what a range of colours! I bought it mainly to use for makeup on others - friends and families as I have a few events/weddngs coming up. I think it would make a perfect neutral palette-great for a basic every day but totally easy for a dramatic look. They are very pigmented, a teeny bit chalky but not a problem. This cost about £44. It's uh-mazing : D
And then a nail polish that I just can't get enough of atm...Essie's Jelly Apple. This launched in their Winter 2009 collection but I only just discovered it last year. It's a totally gorgeous vintage red...when I pair it with a Breton style top - I feel instantly casual classic : D
When I was reapplying it whilst watching Glee, I accidentally reached for Essie's Raspberry and as soon as it swiped on I thought - No! This isn't Jelly Apple! Nail varnish remover immediately came out : )
My fave nail polish brand is China Glaze because I find their polishes last for a whole week before it starts chipping, and Essie lasts 3-4 days but until I find a dupe for this in China Glaze - Essie's Jelly Apple is a huge rec from me!
Any news laydeez...?
Sunday, 27 February 2011
...a couple of FOTDs and lemmings...I'm ALIVE!!!!!
....I'm ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't have any excuse other than I have been working hard towards a major work deadline and it's been pretty exhausting that I haven't really been in the mood to post or do YT vids. My projects tend to have seasonal deadlines so that's why I go missing for 3 months at a time! Maybe I shld set up a twitter account to make it easier to stay in touch..... : D
So I'm posting this with just a few FOTDs I'd done over 3 months ago or so and I can't remember all the products but post the pics anyway (if only toget myself back into blogging) and post the main items I remember I was wearing!
...using Primavista Foundation (from the Asian brand Kanebo) and Bare Escentuals Eclipse liner (a gorgeous gorgeous midnight purple shimmer) on the bottom line
...using NARS Fez eyeshadow
...some random easy smoky brown with black liner....
And a few items I can't put down lately:
Makeup Forever Aqua Smoky Lash WP in Black
Maybelline Full&Soft waterproof mascara
Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes pencil 23L Champagne to use on lower waterline
MAC Happy Together blush
MAC eyeshadows in Sable, Satin Taupe, Patina (in that order!)
GOSH khol eyeliner in Metallic Brass
Clarins Rouge Prodige lipstick in Tendre Rose
I'm gonna try and do a few more posts before I go on a well deserved girlie holiday to San Francisco - some sun, shopping and laughter! Definitely gonna check out the hometurf of Bare Escentuals!
What things are I am lemming?
MAC Soft Brown e/s
Clarins Skinfusion foundation
....only 2!? I have been working too hard.......
.....how y'all?!!
I don't have any excuse other than I have been working hard towards a major work deadline and it's been pretty exhausting that I haven't really been in the mood to post or do YT vids. My projects tend to have seasonal deadlines so that's why I go missing for 3 months at a time! Maybe I shld set up a twitter account to make it easier to stay in touch..... : D
So I'm posting this with just a few FOTDs I'd done over 3 months ago or so and I can't remember all the products but post the pics anyway (if only toget myself back into blogging) and post the main items I remember I was wearing!
...using Primavista Foundation (from the Asian brand Kanebo) and Bare Escentuals Eclipse liner (a gorgeous gorgeous midnight purple shimmer) on the bottom line
...using NARS Fez eyeshadow
...some random easy smoky brown with black liner....
And a few items I can't put down lately:
Makeup Forever Aqua Smoky Lash WP in Black
Maybelline Full&Soft waterproof mascara
Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes pencil 23L Champagne to use on lower waterline
MAC Happy Together blush
MAC eyeshadows in Sable, Satin Taupe, Patina (in that order!)
GOSH khol eyeliner in Metallic Brass
Clarins Rouge Prodige lipstick in Tendre Rose
I'm gonna try and do a few more posts before I go on a well deserved girlie holiday to San Francisco - some sun, shopping and laughter! Definitely gonna check out the hometurf of Bare Escentuals!
What things are I am lemming?
MAC Soft Brown e/s
Clarins Skinfusion foundation
....only 2!? I have been working too hard.......
.....how y'all?!!
Saturday, 22 January 2011
What shall I do with my hair?
My hair is getting long now....very long. I will need to visit the hairdressers soon...I have always loved my long hair. Loved that's is straight, loved its colour (which I now have to dye to disguise early gray hairs!), loved that it's pretty strong and healthy (I've only recently in the last few years been using hair styling products so my hair has been quite free of products throughout my life).
....my cousin is getting married in HK in April and it's going to be quite a big posh bash, and he asked me to be the English speaking 'MC' with another cousin of mine being the Chinese 'MC', for the evening reception. Now for those of you au fait with large Chinese weddings, normally there is a 'presenter'/host/hostess of sorts to welcome everyone and introduce photographs, videos and the couple upon entry into the dining room. I'm wearing a side strap blue dress from Coast that I found in the sales (score! for £39!) I would like to try an old Hollywood hairstyle for the wedding like this:
...but my hair is as straight as a chopstick - it's so stubborn and won't hold any curl at all.
Do you think I need to perm my hair to give it a bit of body and volume? Any tips and advice?
....my cousin is getting married in HK in April and it's going to be quite a big posh bash, and he asked me to be the English speaking 'MC' with another cousin of mine being the Chinese 'MC', for the evening reception. Now for those of you au fait with large Chinese weddings, normally there is a 'presenter'/host/hostess of sorts to welcome everyone and introduce photographs, videos and the couple upon entry into the dining room. I'm wearing a side strap blue dress from Coast that I found in the sales (score! for £39!) I would like to try an old Hollywood hairstyle for the wedding like this:
...but my hair is as straight as a chopstick - it's so stubborn and won't hold any curl at all.
Do you think I need to perm my hair to give it a bit of body and volume? Any tips and advice?
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Sunday FOTD - using MUFE Aqua Cream e/s and MAC Copperplate e/s
Hey all.....a quick post of my FOTD today - using as much of the light as I could! More sun over the UK skies please!
Chanel Illuminating Lotion in Sunkissed on cheekbones
Chantecaille Future Skin in Cream
Becca duo concealer on blemishes
Clarins Higlighter pen #2 under eyes
Shu Uemura Brow gel in Forest Black
MUFE Aqua Cream #13 all over lids but packed on lid
A touch of Smashbox Champagne eyeshadow on inner lid - applied wet
MAC Copperplate e/s in crease and under lashes
MUFE Aqua Eyes pencil in #23L
MUFE waterproof Smoky Lash in black - one layer
Maybelline Full&Soft waterproof mascara in black
Red Earth mascara in Purple on tips
Becca Turkish Rose cream blush
A Kryolan muted pink blush (sorry can't tell what the number is!)
Clarins Rouge Prodige lipstick in Tender Rose #101
What have you been wearing this weekend?
xx
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Quick FOTD using MAC and Bare Escentuals...plus I have a Kors!
A quick post as I'm testing out my new cam (and for some reason there are some pixels missing!) and also wanted to post a FOTD as I haven't done one in a while.
In the main on the eyes using a base of MUFE pearly waterproof eye shadow pencil in #10 ( a taupe but this stuff really rocks - doesn't crease and is a great primer), MAC Showstopper eyeshadow topped with Bare Escentuals Nob Hill e/s. Then Stila Onyx khol rimmed on upper and bottom waterline with MUFE Smoky Lash and Maybelline Full&Soft waterproof mascaras.
Don't remember the foundation I used (short memory span currently with work taking over my life again)but was definitely wearing Clarins Rouge Prodige lipstick in Nude.
.....and look what I treated myself too!
MK watches are gaining popularity on YT and blogs and I went to Bicester Village this last weekend (my mum is in town and she loves this place) and I indulged. I really like it because the crystals (Swarvorski dahhhling) are quite discreet but offer a little bit of bling with the gold facing. But what I really like about it is the nude/my skintone acrylic band. Different to the tortoiseshell and white bands that I have seen. When I was in New York last I got a MK white leather bag with gold detail too from the Woodbury outlet store - so I've got a good pairing!
I also got the MAC #165 small tapered brush (which I have always wanted) and the MAC Showstopper eyeshadow when I was at Bicester.
OK must rush off now.....got Glee to catch up on.
xx
In the main on the eyes using a base of MUFE pearly waterproof eye shadow pencil in #10 ( a taupe but this stuff really rocks - doesn't crease and is a great primer), MAC Showstopper eyeshadow topped with Bare Escentuals Nob Hill e/s. Then Stila Onyx khol rimmed on upper and bottom waterline with MUFE Smoky Lash and Maybelline Full&Soft waterproof mascaras.
Don't remember the foundation I used (short memory span currently with work taking over my life again)but was definitely wearing Clarins Rouge Prodige lipstick in Nude.
.....and look what I treated myself too!
MK watches are gaining popularity on YT and blogs and I went to Bicester Village this last weekend (my mum is in town and she loves this place) and I indulged. I really like it because the crystals (Swarvorski dahhhling) are quite discreet but offer a little bit of bling with the gold facing. But what I really like about it is the nude/my skintone acrylic band. Different to the tortoiseshell and white bands that I have seen. When I was in New York last I got a MK white leather bag with gold detail too from the Woodbury outlet store - so I've got a good pairing!
I also got the MAC #165 small tapered brush (which I have always wanted) and the MAC Showstopper eyeshadow when I was at Bicester.
OK must rush off now.....got Glee to catch up on.
xx
Monday, 3 January 2011
A-hauling Hong Kong style.....and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!
.....just got back from HK this last weekend and wanted to quickly post a pic of my haul as well as start 2011 with a makeup bang! However, trying to fit the haul into my current storage told me that I have waaaaaaaaaay too much : / Gonna have to do a project ten pan or summin'. Had a really lovely time - playing with my nieces and shopping! Also ate for England so gained a few pounds or ten : D Back to the gym....
...met up with an old dear friend Meta whom I met on makeupalley and was so so so so lovely to catch up and see you again!
I found a few new shops for makeup - and visited the usual places I go to. Found some makeup items that I am loving and feel are real gems - from Makeupforever and Colour2 (a Korean brand). Also couldn't resist getting the new Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation. Will be posting reviews of what I have in due course.
Happy New Year to you all - and thanks for continuing to check out this blog despite my lack of frequent posts. I hope to change that soon as I have treated myself to a fab new camera!!!
xx
...met up with an old dear friend Meta whom I met on makeupalley and was so so so so lovely to catch up and see you again!
I found a few new shops for makeup - and visited the usual places I go to. Found some makeup items that I am loving and feel are real gems - from Makeupforever and Colour2 (a Korean brand). Also couldn't resist getting the new Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation. Will be posting reviews of what I have in due course.
Happy New Year to you all - and thanks for continuing to check out this blog despite my lack of frequent posts. I hope to change that soon as I have treated myself to a fab new camera!!!
xx
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