Showing posts with label Make Up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Make Up. Show all posts

Friday, April 29, 2011

Serena Williams’ New Glam Slam

Just in time for the French Open, Serena Williams is bringing out her second range of  nail polish with OPI. The Serena Glam Slam collection will be available from next month with three new shades: Simply Smashing, Spark de Triomphe and Rally Pretty Pink.



Each shade comes in a set with its own perfectly matched doubles partner. Apply the varnish to your nails and then add the corresponding Shatter Top Coat for a smashing shattered final look.






£20.50 per set from all good stockists.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Tried and Tested: Mascara

As much as we like make up, there are some days we simply can’t be bothered with it all. You know the type of day – you’re tired, you wear your glasses instead of your contacts and you pull your hair back into a ponytail. As tired we may be though, we always bother with a bit of mascara. Only takes 2 minutes and we hope it drags us from dreary to mildly attractive. There are three we always have in our makeup bag.


Boots 17 Photo Flawless Mascara - £5.99

When we first came across this we thought it would be rubbish as it wasn’t from one of the big brands. How wrong we were! It left our lashes looking longer and separated. It does wear off slightly throughout the day and smudged a bit but we like to think that made us look ‘smoky eyed’ and not like we slept in our make up.

3 out of 5.











L’Oreal Lash Architect - £10.29

A great every day mascara. Over the years we’ve tried all the L’Oreal mascaras and this one is without a doubt the best. Lasts all day, leaves the lashes long and full and the brush doesn’t clog.

4 out of 5.


Lancome DĂ©finicils Mascara - £20.50

The best mascara ever. No doubt. Don’t waste it behind glasses – wear the No 7 Flawless if you’re having one of these days – your lashes deserve to be seen so put your contacts in. This made our lashes ridiculously long, full and separated. It comes off easily (Lancome do a nice remover too) and the waterproof version didn’t move at all when we blubbed our heart out at a wedding.

If we could give it 6 out of 5 we would. But we can’t because that doesn’t make sense, so we give it a well earned 5 out of 5.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Life’s A Peach!

Sleek MakeUp’s latest range - Avoir La PĂȘche (translates as have a peach) hits Superdrug stores tomorrow.

The range includes the Paraguya eyeshadow palette (£6.99) which has 12 shades to choose from, the Pan-Tao Blush (£4.29) and the Sugar May Pout Polish (£4.29), a rich peach lip colour that contains SPF 15.

Paraguya eyeshadow palette













As you may have guessed, the new line was inspired by peaches and all products have been named after different peaches from around the world!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Steal her Look: Rihanna in ‘Who’s That Chick?’

Guest post by Kemi

The inspiration for this look was Rihanna in the video for her song Who’s That Chick? where she wears bright yellow, hues of green and brown and girly hot pink lipstick and blush.

Rihanna





















I used Stargazer glitter eye dust in pink and yellow. Normally I’m not a fan of powders or glitters unless the product is pressed, but these eye dusts by Stargazer are pigmented - lots of bright colour! The powder is loose so one benefit is more colour pay off.

A quick tip - use a little at a time because it has a bright colour. Put a generous amount of loose translucent powder under the eyes. Using a medium sized applicator brush, dip into the Stargazer glitter powder and tap off the excess (this is very important). Once you’re happy with colour on your lids, use a fan brush to wipe off any fallout of extra glitter on your face. If you’re going for a fun girly look I highly recommend these products.


Bright colours look great on skins with yellow and orange undertones which covers the majority of black and mixed skins of all colours and shades. Use a black powder to create smoky eyes and the yellow to make the eye bright and fun.

To create the rest of the look, create your canvas. Use a foundation of your choice (see my post on faking natural beauty for more info). You might think it weird that I’ve done the eye make up first but this is a trick of the trade - most make up artists do the eyes before they apply foundation in order not to mess up their hard work!


Use a Primer. I used the 17 Photo Flawless Primer from Boots which creates a smooth surface on the eyelids to apply and blend eye shadows. It also allows makeup to last all day all night! At only £4.99 you can’t go wrong. Tap a 5 pence coin size amount onto your lids all the way up to your brow and blend with your finger.

For your base use a neutral colour, brown, beige, gold matte without shimmer. This is just to create a layer so that the brighter colour shows more. I used Benefit’s ‘Dandy Brandy’ velvet eye shadow.

Use your applicator brush to apply the bright glitter eye dust on the lid from the inner corner. I used bright yellow ‘30’ eye dust. If you want a pink girly look use the glitter eye dust in ‘106’ or ‘107’ which is a bright fuchsia colour.

Apply the darker colour with a smudge brush or blender brush (black or brown) at the crease and gently blend outwards in an A shape. This should look soft and not a harsh or sharp line. (Unless you want a lot of drama!)

Apply mascara and liner brush to draw thin lines following the shape of your eye. If you want a retro look, do a 50’s inspired flick for a girly touch. I used Bobbi Brown Gel Liner as it’s long lasting and very easy to use regardless of your drawing skills!

Apply fake lashes for more girly drama! I used thick lashes with cubed feathers by Stargazer ‘60’.

Stargazer Fake Lashes are £5.00 and each pot of eye dust is £3 and available to buy at www.stargazer-products.com.

Remember you can always email me with any questions at askkemiaboutbeauty@gmail.com.


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Steal her Look: Halle Berry

Guest post by professional make up artist Kemi.

Want to be red carpet ready in 20 minutes? This really does work - I actually timed myself. You might think I have used special methods or quick secret techniques - I didn't!

Halle Berry looked natural yet glamorous at The Golden Globes in February. I will show you how to achieve this simple yet stunning look so you can feel just as fabulous in less time than you would think!









































What you need to do:

Prep the skin: Cleanse, tone and exfoliate if need be (using products of your choice)
Time taken: 5 minutes

Suggested products to achieve this look:

Mac Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation  (no shine at all)
Mac Studio Finish Concealer (creamy rich concealer)
Mac eye kohl pencil – ‘Smoulder’
No 7 Amazing Eyes in black
A matte eye shadow the same colour or two shades lighter than your skin
Mac Jubilee lipstick
Benefit Ultra Shines lipgloss - Life on the A list
Blush - Bobbi Brown - Flame 4 or Mac - Honour (Note - pink blush gives your face life, darker shades without shimmer are used to contour and create symmetry to the face when used under cheekbones on jaw line etc)
Benefit Brow Zings or Brows a go-go
Benefit Bad gal lash mascara

Your skin is prepared and your products are laid out. Let’s get started!

1. Halle has used a matte satin smooth finish foundation. Mac Studio Fix foundation plus powder is perfect as it gives a matte finish (no shine) yet a smooth texture for a natural look. Apply with Mac Duo Fibre brush for evened out flawless cover. If you have dark circles, creases or blemishes keep blending more powder foundation or use Mac Studio Finish concealer. Dab with fingers in the area you want to conceal - a small amount with your index finger does wonders!
Time taken – 5 minutes

2. Define & shape brows by using Benefit Brows a go-go eyebrow powder to create natural definition. It comes in a cute case with a small eyebrow brush and tweezers. For accurate sharp defined brows use a liner brush or your finger to dab concealer (1-3 shades lighter) or a shimmery gold toned shadow under the arch of the brow to create a sharp contrast.
Time taken – 2 minutes

3. Contour with matte colours 1-2 shades darker than your complexion. Contouring is the art of altering your structure or appearance to make it more symmetrical. It sounds complex but most of us do it every day when we use blush without realising! Halle has natural contouring here, but I suggest you use a pink blush like Bobbi Brown Flame 4  on the apple of the cheeks.
Time taken – 2 minutes









4. Get the natural looking smoky eye. Use shadow all over eyes, up to the brow. If you are brown or caramel skinned you can even use the Brow zings kit and the lighter shade can double up as a great matte eye shadow. The darker shade you used on the brows can also be used to define the eye socket. Do an a line shape at the corners of your eye. Now you have a base for your liner.
Time taken – 3 minutes

5. Use Mac Smoulder or No 7 Amazing Eyes pencil as both smudge well. The No7 pencil comes with smudge pen on the pencil! Line the shape of your eyes all the way around. Line your upper and lower water line. Smudge the outer lines. Blend well with shadow (repeat until you’re satisfied with the smokiness). Smudge up and outwards for a catlike pointed shape. Use an eye shadow brush if you don’t like smudging with your fingers (although I find fingers have more control). Use a lash curler and comb lashes for defined curled lashes. Finish with mascara (2 coats).
Time taken – 5 minutes










6. Nude satin lips can be achieved by using a satin textured pink lipstick of your choice (one with vitamin E or oils help). Mac does a range of lipsticks with moisturisers that have a satin finish. Benefit lipgloss in Life on the a list smells of peaches and it’s not too heavy so can be used on top of lipstick to create a velvet texture and add more intense colour to your lips.
Time taken – 2 minutes

Now start looking fabulous!

If you have any questions or have seen been inspired by a particular celebrity or model, email me at askkemiaboutbeauty@gmail.com! Enjoy your new look!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Front Row Collection from NARS Cosmetics

NARS Cosmetics have created three new ranges – Front Row, Fashion Forward and Fashion Icon – exclusively for Sephora.

The Front Row collection is especially suited for brown skins and the website gives helpful instructions on how to apply the different products.

Rose Cordero in the Front Row collection





















Unfortunately they don’t ship to the UK, but they do to other international destinations.

No word on if/when the ranges will be available here but a lot of their similar products can be found at Space NK.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Sleek's new i-Divine Primer

Cosmetics brand Sleek MakeUP has created the new i-Divine Primer Palette, which will be available in Superdrug stores nationwide from today. Priced at £6.99, the new palette features 12 shades, which act as a base for existing eye make up.

Sleek i-Divine Primer














Sleek’s motto is My Skin, My Shade, My Make up and they say their foundations match 97% of Black African and Caribbean, Caucasian, Asian and Latina skins.  A cheap alternative to MAC perhaps?

Monday, February 7, 2011

Britain’s Best Wink

Beauty brand No 7 is celebrating the power of beautiful eyes with the search for an ordinary man or woman with the best wink in the UK and Ireland.

To celebrate the launch of their new No 7 Exquisite Curl Mascara, they are scouring the UK and Ireland to find the best example of this cheeky expression.


















The search will run on Facebook and judges are looking for someone who can dazzle and enchant with a single wink.

For your chance to win an Exquisite Weekend break, including a makeover with No7 creative consultant Lisa Eldridge, catch your best wink on camera and upload it to their Facebook page.

Hurry though - the competition closes on 16th February.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

MAC to launch Wonder Woman Collection

MAC is going to tap into our childhood fantasies and hope we still want to be Wonder Woman by releasing a collection based on the comic book heroine. We were huge Wonder Woman fans when we were kids – the invisible plane, the lasso of truth, the cuffs that repelled bullets. What’s not to love?

MAC Wonder Woman Collection


























MAC say: 'Banish any thought of being a Plain Jane. For Spring 2011, take a trip to Paradise Island with a legendary line up of super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish, bold Eye Shadow quads, Pigment, Lipsticks and oversized Lipglass, jumbo-big Powder Blush and Penultimate Eye Liner inspired by the larger-than-life Bold Babe.'

Could it be any more kitsch?!

























Rumour has it they will be bringing a pop up shop to various MAC counters across the world with possible visits to Bluewater in Kent and London’s Selfridges. No specific details on their website as yet, but they held a similar event in New York last week and attendees said international trips were promised.


Counter at New York pop up shop
MAC pop up shop in New York




















Call the relevant MAC Counter for more information and to book an appointment.

Selfridges - 020 7318 3276. Due February 17 – March 2.
Bluewater - 0870 192 5044. Due March 3 – 5.


Friday, January 28, 2011

Arlenis Sosa in Glamour Magazine

Dominican model Arlenis Sosa has a 8 page spread in February’s Glamour UK magazine. The feature is called ‘Gimme 5 minutes to party beautiful. No time? No worries! Model of the moment Arlenis Sosa shows us how to get gorgeous, fast.’

Arlenis Sosa





























The article shows us how to work sparkly glitter, smoky shimmer and stained lips and ends with some of her beauty tips.

Part of her spread in Glamour magazine















































It’s not often (at all!) that a black girl is used for a makeup/beauty shoot so well done Glamour!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Sleek MakeUP presents - Stiletto Collection

Cosmetics brand Sleek MakeUp has unveiled the new Stiletto Collection. The limited edition range includes Blush-Scandalous priced at £4.29 to give a red flush to the cheeks; Pout Polish-Scandal, a tinted lip balm also priced at £4.29 and NAILED, a nail polish in Geisha's Seal red, priced £3.89.

The limited edition collection hits Superdrug stores nationwide between January 26th and February 16th  2011.


Wednesday, January 12, 2011

MAC and the Mickey Contractor Collection

Mickey Contractor, MAC’s Director of Makeup Artistry for India has worked on the faces of Bollywood’s best and most beautiful. Together, Mickey and MAC have brought out a new collection, ideal for those with brown and olive skin tones.

Three looks from the Mickey Contractor Collection













The Mickey Contractor Collection is split into two parts: ‘Face’ for creating the perfect skin and ‘Colour’ to add definition.

The collection features a first for MAC – a double-ended colour corrector concealer that you can blend with your existing concealer or foundation to make it more perfectly suited for your skin.















Available now in all MAC stores and online.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

A New Collection from MAC

We love MAC. Every brown skinned girl we know loves MAC and owns at least one of their products. Gotta love their multi-hued foundations, concealers, blushers etc. But, and it’s a small but, sometimes their collections are a little…out there. Great for nights out and fancy dress parties but not so sure they’d be accepted in the office.

So you can imagine our glee when we heard about their new collection – Cham Pale – which launched today. A champagne-based collection using understated golds, taupes and nudes, it’s all very wearable and in true MAC fashion, there’s a shade to suit everyone.

www.MACcosmetics.co.uk

Lyndsey Scott for MAC

Friday, December 17, 2010

Chic Cheap Treat: Gunmetal Grey

A trend we particularly liked from the Autumn/Winter 2010 fashion shows was metallic eyes and nails. One reason we like it is that it doesn’t cost much to spruce yourself up with a new eye shadow or nail varnish!

This picture is from backstage at the L’Wren Scott fashion show.













To achieve this look add a pop of pale gold shadow - we like Bobbi Brown cream eye shadow in Goldstone to the inner corners of your eyes then go for broke with a full-blown silver lid - try Mac eye shadow in Forgery.


£16















£11















 Nail wise we love Illamasqua’s polish in DWS



£13















and Gothic Lolita from Rococo



£11.50