Showing posts with label make-up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label make-up. Show all posts

everyday makeup look // mac pigments

Sunday, February 16, 2014
I've been experimenting with makeup a lot more lately and I've come to love it! I've been meaning to incorporate these MAC pigments into my routines lately because a) the colours are absolutely beautiful and flattering for my eye and skin colour and b) my Aunty was kind enough to gift them to me, so I had to put them to good use! I've never had the natural "eyeshadow application" talent that my sister's were bestowed with, so I started out with something quite subtle and simple.
I think this look is absolutely perfect for day as well as night because it's just the right amount of sparkle without looking heavy or overpowering. The great thing about pigments as well is that they are great for people with sensitive skin. Pigments are really concentrated, they blend out beautifully and there's none of those extra nasties that'll irritate sensitive eyes.


I went and saw my dermatologist on Thursday and he was beyond happy with how things are going in the skin department. My scarring is minimal and I have zero active acne, and I'm currently just waiting for my skin to heal and for the last of the breakouts to come through. I feel incredibly happy, lucky and blessed and doing makeup is so much more fun when my skin looks healthy and healed! For every day, I've been using my brightening primer by Napoleon, followed by Nearly Naked foundation by Revlon in "Ivory" and The Body Shop powder in No.2. I've found that this combination of products has worked really well for my skin and tends to last all day, especially in this horrible Summer heat! 


For the eyes I started with MAC's pigment in Your Ladyship and did a light wash all over my eyelid, bringing it up to the brow bone as a highlight. I then followed with my favourite pigment - Mauve-ment - and applied that to the crease and brought it out to the outer corner of my eye. After that it looked super harsh so I blended with a clean, fluffy brush and voilĂ ! The perfect subtle smokey eye. 
The biggest tip I have for eyeshadow newbies is blend, blend, blend! It's also a good idea to invest in a brush kit to get all your essentials sorted. I bought a set by Nude by Nature and applying eye makeup is so much easier. The brushes are of exceptional quality and the application of makeup is so even. The bristles are also synthetic - so no animals were harmed! :) 


No makeup look is complete without a fabulous mascara and/ or eyeliner! I used my trusty Colossal Volume Express mascara by Maybelline, followed by the Master Precise eyeliner. I curled my lashes first (because they're stubborn and silly old things!), then applied two generous coats of mascara followed by a thin line of eyeliner (p.s. I'm getting better at the cat-eye every day, yay me!!). I applied the awesome HURRAW! lipbalm before putting any makeup on so they were all soft and supple when it was time to apply lip colour. I used Burt's Bees lip shimmer in Watermelon for this look and I think it went perfectly with the subtle purple in the eyeshadow.


All done! Have a lovely week everyone! xo

beauty business, second edition

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Hi friends! I thought it would be fun to share my beauty routine with you all. My last 'beauty' related post was over a year ago so I thought it was high time to update since my make-up routine has changed quite a lot! 
Brushes: 
Manicare foundation brush, $13.95 from Target
Eyeshadow brush, $10 

Lip products: 
Baby Lips, $2.95. Revlon Lip butters (Cherry Tart, Lollipop, Raspberry Pie) $15 on sale and $25 regular. All of mine were on sale. C.O Bigelow rose salve, gifted. Liplicious jelly tube, gifted. Maybelline Colour Sensational lipstick (Pink Peony), $12.95. Clarins gloss palette, gifted. Kiehls lip balm, $7.95. 

Eye products: 
Dior Show sample, came in a gift set. Bourjois eye shadow pots in Rose Tentation (I also use this as a blush) and Beige Rose $20 each. Colour Co. eyeshadow palettes, gifted. Napoleon Perdis SET loose shadow tubes, gifted.

Face Products:
Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Ivory, $37. Maybelline Coverstick, $14.95. Napoleon Perdis SET primer, $35


Before applying any make-up, I wash my face with an acne cleanser, followed by a gentle exfoliator. I then apply a light, oil-free moisturiser and when that has dried I'll apply the NP primer. I've only just started using a primer and I have to say that they work wonders! My skin is incredibly oily so having a base that'll save my makeup from sliding off of my face by the end of the day is quite important :) Concealer is next and I smooth it over all the necessary spots and under-eye discolouration. I really like this Maybelline formula; it's quite full coverage and doesn't look cakey. I like the nifty packaging too!

Revlon's Colorstay foundation comes next. I use the Combination/ Oily skin formula in shade 'Ivory'. It's easily the most spectacularly wonderful foundation I've ever used! It's quite pricey though... but if you use your sleuthing skills, you could find it for a great deal online or elsewhere... (I'm thinking The Chemist Warehouse). Anyway, after blending that well and smoothing over any streaks with the brush, I'll add a little bit of blush to my cheeks. Then I do my mascara... soon I'd like to buy a curler but I still haven't gotten around to it! I also like to add some white eye shadow to the inner-corner of my eyes because it brightens them up a whole lot! I usually finish there with a pretty lip colour and lately I've been using Revlon's lip-butter in Cherry Tart. It's quite subtle and looks lovely in general. 

I thought about reviewing each of these products individually... what do you think? Do you have any other beauty related questions? If you do, feel free to send me an email: avenuemblog@gmail.com. I'm always open to suggestions! 


I love all of these products a lot... and would highly recommend them. The best thing is that they can all be bought at a chemist (or 'drugstore') and work just as well as high end products. I've been browsing BeautyJoint, Cherry Culture and StrawberryNet for good deals. I'd really like to try out e.l.f cosmetics, NYX and Jordana cosmetics. I've heard they are so wonderful and judging by the prices online ($1.99 for a pretty cream shadow), cheap too! 

my summer essentials

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

My lovely Summer make-up collection; mum bought me the limited edition parisienne blush and shadow (by Bourjois) and I love my pink peony lipstick too, so very girly. Grandma’s vintage gold jewellery {as seen in the post before last} will be worn again tomorrow when I go out thrifting with her -- can't wait! My wedges have also been a huge help lately, matching with almost every outfit I own, it’s hard not to choose them! Summer reading includes back issues of Teen Vogue {for style inspiration} and Like I give a Frock! By Michi girl. And last but not least; Servin’ up Sparkle nail polish by OPI is perfect for the festive atmosphere.

The rainy weather has restricted me in activities, but I’m keeping my sunshine-longing spirits up by taking advantage of my spare time and practising a little photography. Although I'm still quite the amatuer, I'm getting better at macro focusing; I love doing it on flowers…
I’m starting to get more familiar with html as well and it’s making me feel more ‘techy’ than usual. Hopefully, in the near future, I will be able to attempt making a custom pretty header for Avenue M. I do love the layout now {florals *sigh*} but I want something a little more professional. What do you think? Happy mid-week! ♥
                      

fresh-faced beauty

Wednesday, October 05, 2011
simple elegance. always in fashion.

Lately I've been drawn to 'fresh-faced' editorials in magazines. I love the way having simple make-up can not only enhance your overall complexion, but give you a natural glow and a look that will go with everything. My favourite example is this picture from DNA, a models site with various portfolios (the image the above polyvore is based around). The model's face has most likely been photo-shopped a little, but the general make-up is light and simple. Personally, I'm not a huge make-up wearer as it feels too heavy. Usually I just stick to a foundation (MaxFactor Xperience), black mascara (Napoleon Perdis) and some tinted lip balm (Burt's Bees have a great new range). For Spring, I don't think I'll be experimenting with too much make-up, although I would like to try out cream eyeshadow in light pink or nude tones and a cream blush.

And, while I'm on the subject of beauty, I just had to share with you this home-made face mask, it's my favourite for reducing redness and exfoliating.

You will need:
1 tablespoon of oatmeal, finely ground
1 tablespoon of live, organic yoghurt (unflavoured, natural
A few drops of honey

Make the mask: 
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, then apply the mixture over your face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and wipe any excess with a warm face cloth.

I hope you have fun making this mask and using it! I got the recipe from Beauty, where you can also find more home-made beauty remedies and make-up tips. Happy mid-week!
P.S: The polyvore was made by the wonderfully talented Jodente. I love the way she combined neutral colours to create this collage. It's so pretty!