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

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/ 

Bianca le Grange - Keuses

I finally have a link for the music video I did with Bianca Le Grange. Enjoy!
Make-up by me (plus a little cameo appearance ;) BRONWYN KAYE Make-Up Artist
Production by Wicus Studios
Bianca Le Grange, Keuses

Weddings - On the Job

I love these beautiful pics sent to me by one of my brides, Paula. I was glad to be around for touch-ups throughout the day. Having an experienced make-up artist around on your wedding day can really help to ease the stress. We are not only there to make sure you look amazing all day, but are so experienced in all sorts of wedding day prep and drama. We have seen an array of things go wrong with the dress, hair, schedules and bridal party, and are usually prepped with the skills or knowledge to help out. Invest in an experienced professional and you won't be disappointed on your most important day. 

www.bronwynkaye.wix.com/make-up

xoxo B xoxo

Which Red is Right for Me?

Good question. And you are right in being cautious with which shade of red you buy.
You need to work out what your skin undertone is. Either cool (pink to blueish-red), warm (yellow to olive) or neutral (not obviously cool or warm).

Um ...awesome.

Don't panic.
Look on the inside of your wrist. If your veins look more blue you are likely a cool undertone. If your veins look more green then you probably are a warm undertone.

Now match your shade's undertone to your own. Fair skin/cool undertones should stick with something that's not too orange or warm in its undertone. Neutral or warmer tones can go for a shade that has more blue in the colour mixture if they want lips to pop or orange undertones if they want a more harmonious look.

NB: not all light skin is blue undertoned and not all dark is warm. Very dark skin is usually a warm undertone, unless for example an Ethiopian or Nigerian skin is usually cool/blue.

Good Luck!

xoo B xoxo

Love

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