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

Dare to Bair

Thank you's in abundance to Amber for writing such a wonderful article on me in her super successful blog! If you're into fashion, beauty or anything fab, do yourself a favor and check out her site! She really has an eye for style and there is tons of news on brands and trends. Rumor has it that even top international designers are keeping tabs on her page. ;) http://www.daretoblair.co.za/best-face-forward-40/ 

Make-Up Brushes

I'm not sure what brand the numbers correlate to, but this pic I found gives a good idea as to what all the different make-up brushes are used for.

xoxo B xoxo

The Professional Look

The common eyeshadow palette. Some of the colours may seem pointless if you don't know what they are used for. Medium shades can be fantastic blending tools. This is a wonderful illustration on how to use the various shades found in most pharmacy brand eyeshadows.

1. The Highlighter : lashes to lid

2. The Medium-Dark : blend over the outer half of lid, lashes to crease.

3. Dark : apply in a C/V-shape on outside of the eyelid, keeping to natural crease lines and blending harsh lines.

4. Light-Medium: blend into the entire crease.

Finish off with liner and mascara! Intensify by using a darker dark and a lighter highlighter.

xoxo B xoxo

Love

Complimenting Your Eyes

What are the best shades to bring out the colour of your eyes? Colours on the opposite side of the colour are complimentary. Have a look at the colour wheel if you aren't familiar with what fits where.

Blue eyes should try green, orange and brown. Brown eyes suit pink, blue, purple and blue-green. For green eyes go with terracotta, mauve and dusty pink. One can use different shades together, and for an easy to blend look, try choosing analogous colours. These are shades next to each other on the colour wheel.

These are a guideline, of course, and there will be some variation depending on your skin tone too, but why not give these a try!?

xoxo B xoxo

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