MAC STUDIO SCULPT FOUNDATION

by admin. Posted on February 27, 2015

27 Feb

#fiftyshades I’ve read the first book, it was ok… I haven’t, as yet, booked to see the film – BUT I did work on a shoot with a subtle (yea right!) nod towards the style. I decided to try out some of the new foundations I’ve added to my kit and MAC Studio Sculpt SPF15 Foundation is a winner for a flawless complexion.

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COVERAGE & APPLICATION: MAC Studio Sculpt (RRP £25.00) is nearly a full coverage foundation yet has a slight dewy finish. There is none of the fancy Colour Correcting elements so you definitely have to get colour matched at a MAC Counter or Store – beware though you will definitely buy more goodies when you are there lol!

I’ve applied it with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (RRP £11.99) in a circular, blending motion to get an even finish and coverage. On Nina, at the shoot I added slightly more to the under eye area with my finger tips to use it as a concealer.

Another standout feature are the lips – come back early next week and I’ll add a tutorial on the application for the Top Shop Lip Bullet… For now, check out how much fun we had behind the scenes.

Karen x

Photography – Jeanette Lendon Photography

Model – Nina Hearne

Body Art – The Glitterbox Face Painting

ILLAMASQUA LIPSTICK SANGERS

by admin. Posted on February 5, 2015

05 Feb

Stop searching for the ‘Perfect Red Lipstick’ and buy Illamasqua Lipstick in Sangers I’ve used it on all the below shoots and it it amazing! I hope you agree it suits all the different skin tones and colourings?

The Illamasqua Lipsticks in my kit seem to be Matt, very pigmented and dry to apply direct from the stick. I try buffing my lips first to get an even application rather than it cracking as it goes on. Some of my favourites below…

Left to right: Sangers, Luster (Glamore Collection), Shard, Eurydice, Underworld

I was hoping I had used the shade Maneater, perfect for Valentines Day or a hint towards the long awaited film 50 Shades of Grey but I’ll cover that next week Karen x

Photography: Jeanette Lendon Photography, Pink Soul Pictures

Models: Nina Hearne, Chelsea Clarke

TOO FACED MELTED

by admin. Posted on January 28, 2015

28 Jan

Back in the studio this week and LOVED it! ‘Bridal Beauty’ gave me the perfect excuse to use my new 2015 makeup goodies. Too Faced Melted is my New Year favourite for lips – it’s a liquified, long wear lipstick. I’ve used Melted Peony but am off to order the rest of the colours. It has a thick consistency (see colour swatch) and is so easy to apply!

Jeanette Lendon Photography has captured the colours perfectly – soft, shimmering shades with the ever loved Vintage look. Which colour will you be wearing? Karen x

Too Faced Melted

Bridal wear by Shimmering Ivory Couture Bridal

Makeup Used: BASE: Illamasqua – Hydra Veil, Stila – Stay All Day Foundation. BROWS: Anastasia Beverly Hills – Dipbrow Pomade. CHEEKS: Illamasqua – Sculpting Powder Duo. EYES: Stila – Eyeshadow and Magnificent Metals in Kitten, Benefit – They’re Real! Mascara, Younique – Moodstruck 3D Fibre Lashes.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

by admin. Posted on December 7, 2014

07 Dec

I have a massive passion for working on weddings. As a Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist I get to do the full package. 2014 requests included Vintage looks, pale complexions and soft, pulled out hair – what will 2015 bring?

Check out my Pinboard for more of my bridal work, Im adding to it all of the time.

A few favourite products include:
LIPS: Bobbi Brown Rich Colour Gloss in Dusty Rose RRP £18.50
EYES: Illamasqua Vintage Metallix in Courtier RRP £16.50
CHEEKS: Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream in Lilium RRP £16.00

Top Tip: Whatever lip colour you decide on for your special day invest in it so you have it for quick touch ups throughout the day. You will be doing a lot of kissing!

Karen x

THE BEAUTY SCOOP WITH… ILLAMASQUA

by admin. Posted on October 27, 2014

27 Oct

Spent a FAB weekend with my BFF Nicola @nickloveslippy who works at cult beauty brand, Illamasqua, as Head of Communications. I thought I would abuse my friendship rights and insist she answer some questions for my blog whilst I snooped around her makeup bag at the new Once… Collection.

Here’s the scoop…

K: What are your 3 favourite Illamasqua products of all time?

N: Naked Rose Blusher, an everyday perfect natural blusher (pictured below). Skin Base Lift – an under-eye concealer that lightens and brightens. Precision Gel Liner – for the perfect black flick and as a smokey eye base.

K: What is the most expensive beauty product you have ever bought?

N: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask for £204.00 (WHAT!!) A massive, massive extravagance but literally one treatment later I believed the hype about it!

K: What is the one product you would cant live without?

N: Noooo I literally cant pick just one I have to pick 2 plus a brush! Illamasqua Masquara in Raven, Eye Brow Cake in Thunder and an angle brush to apply.

I’ve never tried the Precision Gel Liner for a smokey eye base so have just ordered it (to arrive Tuesday), after watching the makeup tutorial I cant wait to get into the studio and try it out!

Whilst routing through her travel case of makeup (yes she has that much!) I tried out the new Once… Vintage Metallix eyeshadows – OMG Im in love. I managed to ‘borrow’ the Bibelot Vintage Green which really set off my brown eyes.

Stay tuned for tutorials using the Beautiful Illamasqua Once… collection!

Karen x

X FACTOR FEVER

by admin. Posted on October 25, 2014

25 Oct

The start of The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing automatically makes me think the end of summer is nigh and I’m ready for the shift of seasons. It’s been fabulous waiting to see what Cheryl Fernandez Versini will be wearing and her makeup seems to have stepped up a notch this year.

Looking back to June when I worked on the Fairytale of Fashion photo shoot, shot by the brilliant Pink Soul Pictures, for St Albans Fashion Week (October 27th – 31st 2014) I saw similar elements in the ‘Rapunzel’ look that I wanted to share.

Here’s what you need to recreate the look!

Stila Jewel Eye Shadow – Blue Sapphire £13.00
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner – Cobalt (for lighter eye colours) £13.00
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner – Midnight Blue (for darker eye colours) £13.00

The Smudge Stick is by far the easiest soft liner to apply. It is creamy and as the name suggests can be smudged to soften the look and extend it beyond being just a line.

Stay tuned for a free tutorial on how to apply these fabulous products like a pro!

Karen x