Catrice SA

I returned home from 3 months in the USA to find a fun package of samples from Catrice cosmetics. Nothing like some new makeup to brighten up a jet lag situation of epic proportions. 

I got straight to trying and testing, and I can't wait to share a possible new kit essential or two with you all!

Included in the package:

3 in 1 Skin tone adapting makeup in Medium 020

Multi Colour blush in 080 Peach Frappucino 

Smokey Eyes set 030

Prime and Fine anti-red cover stick

Camouflage cream 025 Rosy Sand

Luminous Lips 040

Ultimate Colour 360

Carry bag (not featured)

Firstly, I need to mention the most fantastic product I found in the bag- the 3 in 1 Skin Tone adapting makeup.

It is a white liquid makeup, containing tiny dots of colour that are hardly visible. It goes on the skin smoothly, is relatively blendable, and miraculously changes colour as it spreads. I have no idea how they have achieved this wonderful witchery but it's quite fantastic to behold. I have been using it as a foundation on myself, and it has good coverage. I tried it on 2 other faces, one younger and one older, of slightly different tones, and it was a colour match. I love that I could use this on the same face in different seasons as skin naturally gets lighter or darker. This is definitely a kit essential and comes in general light, medium and dark shades. 

The camouflage cream is great for under the eyes and hiding blemishes. I also have used it as a highlighter cream. It has a thick but spreadable consistency and I personally like to apply it with the ring finger. The coverage is amazing. 

The multi colour blush swept over with a brush has a lovely natural pink colour, the pigment is rich and can be more peach or more mauve, depending were you gather the colour from. Definitely a shade for medium skin, but I'm sure the brand stocks a shade for every skin tone. 

The smokey eyes set has 4 shadows:

-a highlighter colour which is matte and highly pigmented. ( Place this under the brows on the brow bone and on the inner corners of the eyes near the tear ducts for extra impact)

-a medium brown which is less pigmented and slightly glittery. Apply this lashes to crease and blend for a lighter smokey look, or simply in the eye crease blended out for an easy cut crease. 

-a dark brown also less pigmented and needs extra application for depth of color. 

-a black cream based shadow which is unexpected, but useful! I've used it as a base for the darker colours and also as an eyeliner when applied with a small angle brush along the lash line. 

The anti-red cover stick is a light green colored concealer style cream that neutralizes blemishes with a red tone. A make-up artist secret until recently, it can come in handy if you know how to use it properly. Make sure to use sparingly under your usual base makeup. If you're unsure how to use this product, proceed with caution. 

The luminous lips and ultimate colour lip shades are both great. I'm particularly in love with the cherry red. It has good staying power especially when applied properly with a liner and set with powder (see my previous post on red lipstick application secrets) and the colour is just incredible! 

I created a look using all these products except the nude lipshade and darkest brown eyeshadow. 

Thanks to Cosmetix SA for sending this lovely package! I look forward to discovering what else this affordable brand has to offer! 

Catrice cosmetics are available at Dischem stores, South Africa.

Www.dischem.co.za

xoxo B xoxo

Laura Mercier love

As a little treat, my American surprised me with a few Laura Mercier products. I had never encountered these here in SA, and I have to say I am officially a MASSIVE fan. 

My first try was the foundation primer in Radiance Bronze. It has a lovely bronzed look and when applied, gives an "inner glow". The texture is not greasy at all and it has been the only primer thus far that has actually bonded with the particular foundation I use on my clients (as ironic as that sounds).

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer- Radiance Bronze

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer -Radiance Bronze 

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance Bronze -Close up glow effect on hand

I have the little sample version of the translucent setting powder, which is super. I love to have it in my make-up travel kit- the size is so perfect for touch ups! It has a more yellow tinge to it which leaves a great tone and compliments that inner glow look.

Laura Mercier Setting Powder ( Pic borrowed from Sephora.com)

I also have a highlighting powder compact and a contour shade compact. AMAZING! The highlighter is like SILK, glitter-free and light pearl in colour. Perfect for making cheekbones gloriously prominent and beauty editorial worthy. I cannot rave enough about this product. 

Laura Mercier Highlighter (Pic borrowed from Sephora.com)

The bronzer shade I have is so perfect for light- medium skin tones, doesn't look dirty on the face, and is shimmer-free, which is key for more natural looking contour.

(well used) Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Bronze -03

Thanks to the staff at Sephora somewhere in Texas for guiding my cowboy through his first Sephora journey. I can't wait to try some more products from the Laura Mercier range on my next trip to the USA!

Products available from:
www.sephora.com
www.lauramercier.com

xoxo B xoxo

The Nakeds

I recently acquired a foreign boyfriend. American. The out-doorsy Texan kind. An absolutely wonderful man- generous, kind, caring and ever so patient. Surprisingly also the sort of man that I can trust to accompany me into a Sephora, and know he won't complain too much about spending a week camping in there, comparing hand swatches and debating quality and prices with me. I'm not the only one girls, we all know the struggle...

Anyhoo, on his trip over to South Africa, he asked if he could bring anything over for me from the great land of the free. Naturally I put in an order to break the bank as we rarely have this sort of opportunity offered to us artists over here at the forgotten end of the planet.

Yes, my man went cosmetics shopping for me, *gasp* babysat my eye shadows for over 30 hours of flight time, and I can now claim to be the proud owner of not one, not two, but THREE Urban Decay Naked palettes straight from Sephora. My days of YouTube and Insta-envy are over. Well, for now.

Urban Decay Naked 1,2,3

Having never tried the brand or an original product, I wasn't sure how to decide between the 3. 

I did a TON of research on which was the most versatile palette. Now I can tell for myself, and I feel an obligation to let the world know that the Naked 2 is the one to get if one must make a choice. As a make-up artist in a country with the most diverse skin tones, cultures, tastes and textures in the world, I can see the value in this particular range of shades. I also love the very black shade in this one, it's a strong pigment. Tease is a good matte crease colour, and Snakebite pigment is superb- it shows up a lot darker than it looks in the palette.

Naked 2

You'll notice there's a colour missing in  my Naked 2. The little metal containers had not been stuck to the palette container properly and it fell out as I opened it. Ironically it's the only one that has broken, and the shade is called BUSTED. 

If you have the extra cash and have blue or green eyes, get the Naked 3. The shades in 3 will make those eyes POP like crazy. .

Naked 3

Naked 1 is super for natural girls who love a basic, easy to wear look. I especially love Darkhorse, Naked and Buck. Virgin is a great brow bone highlighter.

I love these palettes for bridal looks, everyday wear and evening wear. The lasting power of the pigments is not as good as some professional products I am used to, but I think they are definitely worth having in your personal make-up kit.

Below is a look I created with the Buck, Tease and black shades on Monica, one of my lovely brides, and then a look on myself using BUSTED which is of course no longer part of my collection. ;)

xoxo B xoxo

Lasting Lips

BOLD LIPS. We have seen the trend all over the red carpets and ramps this year. Amazing!

OOOOH!
We buy!
We try!

We fail.

Red lips bleeding out, bright pinks transferring to clothes and rich berry shades fading to patchy baby pink. The eternal problem we encounter when wearing those notice-me bright or dark colours:  HOW do we get them to STAY!!? There are ways. I'm not even going to try and spice this up... it's quite a process.

There is some helpful product knowledge we need first apply during the purchase stage of our quest for the everlasting.

1. Frosted lipsticks last longer than the moisture-rich variety. They can, however, dry your lips out.
2. Glossing over your colour will lessen the staying power.
3. Matt, non-frosted lipsticks do come in made-to-last inexpensive varieties, which can be great. Shop around.
4. Invest in a lip liner pencil the same shade as your lipstick.
5. The last all day, set with a glue-type gloss products are amazing and really do last all day. They also tend to peel off and don't layer well for touch ups. This can give the impression of some strange skin problem. Choice is yours.
6. Highlighter powder (used for eyes and cheeks) can help staying power and also give the illusion of fuller lips.
7. Following on 6, powder sets cream.
8. Lip "stains" are a great option for mess-free colour.

My favourite long last products:

Wet 'n Wild is finally here in SA. Available exclusively at Clicks. www.clicks.co.za

 These Mega Last lipsticks are fantastic and really last for hours.

 Tube looks like this -Available in fantastic red, orange and berry shades.

...And also available is a rich gloss variety. "Megalast"

And their "Balm Stain"

I also like Revlon "Just Bitten Kissable". A fantastic lip stain that never needs touch-ups.

If you're willing to spend a little more, MAC has a great variety in their "Prolongwear" range.

The secret process. 

The order in which products are layered can help. This is what works for me:

1. Apply primer and then foundation to your face AND lips. Many people avoid the lip area.
2. Powder (preferably translucent) over it to set.
3. Line lips with a pencil in your chosen lip shade.
4. Fill the lips in with the liner.(ie: colour in the lip area.)
5. Apply your lipstick.
6. Blot with a tissue
7. Powder to set. Hold 1 ply of blotting tissue to your lips and dab the powder over the area.
-If you apply the powder directly to the lipstick without the tissue for even more staying power:
8. apply more lipstick and blot again.
-For fuller lips and extra-extra stay:
9. Using your finger, apply the before mentioned highlighter powder using a dab and roll motion from the cupid's bow outwards to the corners of the lips. Top and bottom.

Remember to check there are no lipstick stains on your teeth and GOOD LUCK!

xoxo B xoxo

Love

At the Very Least

People often ask if I get tired of putting on a full face of make-up everyday. One of my favourite icons, Coco Chanel, put my thoughts on the matter into perfect words.

One never knows what exciting events might unfold while on a trip to the local grocer. Best we prepare. With a simple wave of a mascara wand, a little blush and some gloss, the 2 minutes you take to primp could turn out to be the best decision of your day!

Here's how to apply a really simple quick look:

1. Apply a tinted moisturizer to your face and blend into the neck. This will lightly even out the skin tone while maintaining a fresh look and keeping skin hydrated. Choose one with an SPF to  save time and expense. We all are using SPF every morning anyway, right? Lie to me. 

Or you could try the latest trend , the BB cream.
Most cosmetic houses have brought out their own version. I have tried ones from Garnier (very well priced here in SA) , The Body Shop, and I tried the Maybelline Bright Benefit BB in India.
These are great for light quick coverage if one needs to pop out with minimal effort. I find this also works well as a sheer tint on my aged clients that cant wear heavy make-up.  

Unfortunately I find BB cream can transfer or go a bit patchy if used for a long day, especially on oily skin. Another quick option is a brush over with a mineral powder foundation. I love MAC Studio Fix. Use a concealer if you need extra coverage. 

2. Next apply a quick coat of mascara (or two coats if you have time). My latest discovery is a fantastic formula by L'Oreal. Its called Volume Million Lashes. Many people have asked if my lashes are false while wearing it.

3. A sweep over the apples of your cheeks with some blusher will add some vibrancy and glow. Know your best colour ( I'll post on this at a later stage) and  invest in a decent brush to avoid clown circles or streaks. Something like these will do the trick.

4. Apply a colour gloss or lip stain to your lips. The brighter the colour the more impact. Remember we want maximum effect from minimal input. Don't be afraid of colour! Lips are the easiest place to experiment with brights safely.

Here I am with Maybelline Clear Glow BB 01 Nude, Volume Million Lashes in Black, MAC Powder Blush in Buff and Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain #030 Smitten Eprise. 

XOXO B XOXO

An Introduction

<--- That's me. International Powderpuff Girl. Saving the world from drab one brushstroke at a time. Hi! *waves*

I get my thrills bringing out the most beautiful version of everybody I get my hands on. Clients instantly glowing with self confidence is something priceless that I'll never get tired of seeing, and a gift I'll never give up giving.

I entertain myself  with a variety of hobbies including photography, travel, shopping, drama, golf and dance. I have a BA Audio Visual Production Management and also ITEC, City & Guilds and IPTI make-up qualifications. I have been at this awesome career for 9 years now and I'm still loving every moment. It's not all glam, I'll admit that. Working in this industry means late hours on set, early call times, driving to and through dodgy areas, as well as dealing with some producers with ridiculous requests. Like? Well, like being asked to complete 300 faces in 2 hours without an assistant. Yes, really. I do, however get to meet the most incredible people. I have worked on everyone from politicians and legends to international actors and models. I also get to travel to gorgeous locations and exciting sets.

I get a lot of questions from ladies (and the odd guy) about make-up application techniques, products, beauty tips and general industry related topics. Instead of sending tons of private messages, I thought, why not take these topics and share them with the world... or at least the odd cyber-stalker who happens to stumble in here accidentally. (Welcome.)

If you have anything that you would like me to post in particular, please feel free to mail me and I'll do my best to share an appropriate and useful answer. 

I'll wrap up my first post with my most important beauty tip:
Happy girls are the most beautiful. There is no substitute for a genuine smile and positive attitude to life.
Well, that and wear sunscreen.

xoxo B xoxo