MINK Make-up artist of the year

Soooo I entered the This is MINK's Make-up artist of the year competition the other week. It was an amazing experience, and I'm so glad I did it as I went away having learnt something which for me if the best thing you can take away from any experience in life. Unfortunately I didn't win :( but I came runner up so for me that was still pretty huge. The theme of the look we had an hour to create was Colour Blocking and Solid Neons. Because of where I live I never actually got a chance to practice on my beautiful model until the day but I had a clear idea of what I planned to do as Iv'e worked on her before and I had tried everything on myself as well just to be as prepared as I could with the circumstances.

I started off making mood boards and collecting tear sheets to help me visualise the look I was creating. The trials that I did on my face were all pretty 'safe' and had 'no depth' in other people opinions so it was my primary aim to create depth and more of an interesting look. I really switched up the look and went crazy with colour to follow advice I had been given and so I really felt a sense of personal achievement with my final look compared to what I had started off with, It was slightly a jab when one of my comments from the judges was that it was a bit too safe but at least it was something I know I'm still in the process of working on. I think my downfall in my execution is that I was focusing too much of flawless rather than wacky which is evidently what they wanted from us. Another down point is that I ran out of time and didn't have time to apply false lashes, which is another suggestion one of the judges recommended to improve the look.

Nevertheless I really enjoyed the experience and here is my finished look. As is only human, the more I look at it, the more I pick at it so now it's looks like a Picasso painting in my eyes #SelfCritisism

Mwah xo

Illamasqua highlighter brush of life!

Hey Guuyyyss!

So I may have found the best make-up brush ever! I was having my make-up done at Illamasqua in Oxford Streets Selfridges and the beautiful woman doing my make-up was using what looked like a mini blush brush to apply my foundation. I thought it was odd but didn't really comment as she clearly knew what she was doing. When she showed me the mirror I was genuinely amazed... not so much at the foundation but at the finish. I personally remember thinking the colour wasn't a perfect match for me but the brush had literally given an airbrushed finish. The finish was as if it had been applied with an airbrush machine, it was as if she had buffed the product into my skin rather than layer it on top. I asked the lady about the brush and she said it was theyr most popular brush because it does absolutely everything. I actually went away with a sample of the foundation to try it out and every time I haven't managed to get it looking as good so went back to the Illamasqua in Meadowhall in Sheffield and was enquiring about a concealer which she also put on with the same brush and same results, loose powder, blusher, highlighter, eye-shadow ALL WITH THIS BRUSH!

I literally cant explain how perfect it was for each individual use it was put to. Iv'e now been able to use the brush to apply a full make-up look on someone and can honestly say it blows almost half the brushes I already own out the water. (I say most because there are things you obviously can't do with a fluffy brush, e.g. eye liner). I love love love this brush and recommend every make-up artist owns at least 4-5 of these gems. In terms of practicality I wouldn't recommend only using this brush or you'll have a worn out brush pretty soon from all the cleaning in-between colours. I would definitely say I prefer to use this brush to a flat foundation brush and the size of it make it easer and more precise than a medium sized stippling brush. The brush is made from synthetic fibres which will mean they don't soak up any of the product and usually last longer without shedding.

..It was love at first stroke, best believe I will be saturating my kit with these brushes!

Thanks for reading

Mwah xo

More of my work...

Mwah xo

Life update

Hey guys! The other week I finished my make-up course which now accredits me as a fully qualified hair and make-up artist! (very exciting). It was an intense course but I'm so glad I did it as personally helped me really round of the skills I taught myself. I trained at MINK London which is an amazing make-up school and agency. There was so much variety in what was taught, from African bridal and airbrush make-up to special effects and make up for TV and Film. I honestly don't think there is anything we weren't shown. 

I really thought long before actually committing to the course as I know of a few make-up artists who have made it without any official training. I figured in the end it would only help not hinder to combine my self taught skills with training to show me things I probably would take to longer to find out if I taught myself, some clients also tend to feel more relaxed if you have some kind of qualification. That is not to say being a 'qualified make-up-artist' puts me above a self taught make-up artist as you can only be taught to a certain extent, and it is really down to creativity and initiative to further perfect the skill and create a success of yourself. I'm currently working on that as we speak, always looking for ways to put myself out there and doing little jobs here and there to build up my portfolio. 

I recently worked on set of an indie film doing hair and make-up. The whole thrill of the day confirmed that this is really what I want to do in life, the 5 am start, the constant back and for between locations, rushed off my feet, creative input and endless nose powdering didn't put me off one bit. It was an amazing experience and I cant wait for more.

Here is a recent shot from my portfolio....

Mwah xo

P.s. Photographers.... Holla at me :)

Battle of the rouge lip!

So finding the perfect red lip can be a bit of a mission, with all the different shades and undertones out there. It has taken me a while to do so but I have found my perfect red... Well almost. I've found two. I've decided to bring the internal ongoing debate I have as to which one is my favourite to my blog.

Candidate number 1 is the infamous Ruby Woo by MAC. I love this red, it is the perfect balance between a deep and bright red. Super long lasting and super matte! It doesn't budge and there is 0 bleeding with this. My only criticism with this is almost not a criticism... I feel like sometimes (mostly in the winter) it becomes too matte and drying, It actually becomes hard to apply, which isn't entirely pleasant. In the summer I have no complaints but with the weather in the UK it's not very avoidable.

Candidate number 2 is the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Mat in colour 203, I love love love this, it is pretty similar to Ruby Woo but slightly brighter. You can achieve that deep luxurious look with a bit of dark lip liner blended into it. This also doesn't bleed and lasts longer than most lipsticks although I don't believe the longevity quite matches upto Ruby Woo.

So not much difference between the two but from reading my own argument I think I prefer Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Mat - 203 simply due to the way it looks and feels lovely on the lips. Your lips are delicate so anything you put on it shouldn't be dragging it or drying it out. For quick intensity for a photo shoot maybe I would definitely go for Mac but for everyday, throw in the handbag type of use,any time of the year YSL wins for me.

I think.
I'll probably change my mind next week, but for now :)

P.s They both smell ahmmaazing!

Mwah xo

Stay beautiful!

Just some of my thoughts expressed through poetry :)

Beauty starts from within.

It grows in entangled vines 

and wraps itself around the soul; adorning the piece with its beauty.

It grows leaves which find their way through the pores of the skin and miraculously rip through the imperfections and insecurities.

The beautiful marks it leaves, scar the skin with unchangeable battle wounds; wounds that a warrior would be proud to bare.

The beauty in beautiful is the perfection of the imperfections.

The more we try to hide the wounds we acquire whilst our inner beauty is finding its way to the surface; the quicker the leaves die and leave us empty.

Love yourself and allow the growth within you.

Don't go looking for beauty as beauty is already finding it's way to you from within...

Stay beautiful x

Mwah xo

Spring/summer 2014 Catwalk looks

When it comes to make-up there are no rules. Go as wild or understated as you like as your own personal make-up style is an extension of yourself. I love watching the catwalks at fashion week just to see what the designers have chosen to go with and why. A good way to get ahead on make-up trends is to do this and then customise it to make it your own.

I noticed in terms of skin it was all very natural and dewy. BB creams, tinted moisturisers and concealers were all over the catwalks. That bare faced dewy look is perfect for the spring/summer season. To get this look I would recommend using Smashbox photo finish foundation primer to create a flawless even base without adding colour and YSL's BB cream for that amazing dewy natural coverage as seen on Rosie Huntington. I always reccomend YSL BB cream for that dewy look over most other BB creams out there because I think it has the three must haves... 1.Flawless finish 2.Feels silky smooth on the skin 3.Smells gorgeous! :)

With regards to eyes metallics are the one. Its all about pops of colour on the lids. It adds a certain youthfulnes and the mettalicity gives it the right amount of sexy. I fell in love with this look on Chanel's Artful spring 2014 collection catwalk. The models looked like barbie mashups of 50's and 80's combined with a modern edgyness and some harajuku infuences with the paled out faces to solely emphasize the eyes. Besides the beautiful clothes the makeup was really on point. Intense eyes witout eyeliner is back! Mac paint pots are perfect for this look, Benefit also do gorgeous mettalic cream shadows that are so simple to use and create the look. By simply sweeping it across your lid wll just brighten up you face, coat your lashess in mascara and if your feeling daring ditch the eyeliner completely. It's such a refreshing change for a day look.

Lips - a slight step away from nude lips but not too far. Understated statement lips I would call it. Berry, Peach, Pink... you name it. It goes. Summery coloures with a sheer gloss to give a more natural colour is what I noticed a lot of. Babylips by Maybelline is perfect for this as it provides moisture and colour all in one. Save the matte lips for winter guys, its all about glossy vulumptuous lips this spring/summer. Cream lipsticks are also a great idea, go as bright and wonderful as you feel. a creme orange lipstick for me defines srping/summer in a nutshell, daring, bright and fun.

And as for eyebrows... Keep them wild ...but keep it clean. Keep it Delavinicious

Mwah xo



217 baby!

You've probably heard makeup fanatics rave about the infamous 217 brush from MAC. As a makeup freak myself I've really wanted to try the brush and experience its magical powers. That day finally came and I can safely say I'm not disappointed. It's like working with a magical blending wand. The real hair brush which is feather light on the skin is perfect for blending concealer into the skin, dusting powder into corners and blending out eye shadows. I also find it works well if you're going for a more concentrated strong contour line. It's definitely worth buying more that one of these brushes considering its multi purpose use or you'll have a lot of cleaning to do during one makeup application which won't be great for the brush itself. Make sure you treat your brushes with TLC because a good quality well treated brush should last a lifetime :) (making it definitely worth the £18) ...my advice = go and enlighten your life with a 217 brush!

Mwah xo

A-Z challenge - Colour correctors

Check out a blog post I did on Colour Correctors for my babe on her blog! She is doing an A-Z challenge and i overtook C :) https://luceluxelifestyle.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/c-c-o-l-o-u-r-c-o-r-r-e-c-t-o-r-s-a-z-b-l-o-g-g-i-n-g-c-h-a-l-l-e-n-g-e-by-beautyxyz/

Mwah xo

GIMMI BROW

So the newest product to be launched from Benefit Cosmetics line is finally here... and it's amazing!
'Gimmi brow' is a brush on gel that leaves natural looking fibres on the skin and hair for fuller filled out brows. The brush allows for precision and shaping. You can go for a natural look with this product and also for a full on intense brow by building. It lasts all day and keeps your brows in place and is also (Thank God) water resistant. I literally love this stuff. It comes in two shades, light/medium and medium/dark, having used all of Benefits brow products I find this one the easiest and most natural looking. It also works well with 'Browzings'. Don't get it mistaken for 'Speed brow' which is a translucent brow gel purely for setting the brow hairs whereas 'Gimmi brow' also applies colour.

But.. seeing as I'm giving an honest review I feel is should also tell you guys what I found to be the negatives (There are hardly any). If you have quite thick jet black eyebrows this product may not be for you and I would recommend 'Speed brow' instead because 'Gimmi brow' is so pigmented it comes out an ashy colour on jet black as the darkest shade is a dark brown. One other thing that isn't entirely a negative is that the brush holds a lot of the gel on it so it can get messy if you don't realise this. I recommend practising in the mirror a few times to get your desired look or even going to any benefit counter and asking them for a make up lesson in how to apply it once you've bought it. They would be more than happy to help.

Here is a before and after I did on a client.

 

 

Mwah xo

Mixology!

Okay so this post is all about how to mix products to make even more amazing products. Sometimes meaning you don't have to get a different product all together. There are some make up products I see and I'm just like... really? I could make that by mixing something I already have so here it goes...

Radiant foundation?

It's not everyday matte make up. Especially in this lovely weather, radiance is also a very sexy look to go for and this is how to achieve it without going out and buying a 'radiant foundation'.

Your fave foundation


        +

Your highlighter

















This works so well and really gives your foundation a radiant glow. I recommend liquid highlighters as they blend easier with the foundation. Just a pea sized amount mixed into however much foundation you would usually use and Voila! :)


Metallic lipstick?

Metallics are sooo in this season! From clothes and shoes, to make up. Precious metals are the way forwards. So here is the magic formula

A moisturising lipstick


+

A shimmery eyeshadow








I'm sure we all have both of these in our make up bags. I highly recommend benefits Creaseless eye-shadow as the colours are so gorgeous and metallic and super long lasting which would hold your lipstick longer as well. Using a lip brush (or your fingers) blend the two and apply for a glam pout!


So these two are the ones I use/love the most. Hope you guys try it out and love it!
Until next time :)

Mwah xo

Prime and shine

Eye shadow is definitely one of my favourite stages of make-up. I love experimenting with colours, shapes and seeing how with different blending techniques you can manipulate the appearance of your eye shape. The one thing I used to struggle with was getting it to stay as perfect an our later as it did when I first did it. Especially with colourful looks it really didn't look good when the colours sunk into the creases of your eyes! So I invested in primers, the first primer I used was a cheap one from Asda, I didn't really see a huge difference so started using different kinds of eye shadows and although some eye-shadows do stay better than others the problem wasn't solved. I then decided to try the primer thing again but this time I did some research and heard about the Urban Decay eye-shadow primer potions. I got myself one and only then did I realise it was fully possible to have long lasting eye-shadow! I sort of became obsessed and started out trying different eye-shadow primers and after having tried almost every eye-shadow primer out there i have found the best two (even better than the Urban Decay one...)

1. Benefit Stay Don't Stray

This stuff will literally keep your eye-shadow unmovable for hours on end. Perfect for a night out where you are likely to get all hot and your make-up could melt, this will keep it in place.

It prevents creasing if you have particularly oily lids and  prevents smudging. LOVE this stuff and there is a darker shade for darker skin tones.

2. Helen E Stage eye-shadow primer

This primer I only got introduced to recently but I already love love love it! It gives even the most subtle eye-shadow colours more pigment. Its great for making colours stand out and the matte texture really helps keep the shadow in place. There is only one colour of this but I find it works perfectly on my skin which is dark, if anything it helps to make the shadow stand out more. 

So... just had a thought whilst writing this... Is mixing primers allowed? I definitely know you can mix face primers, so I'm officially going to go and try out mixing these two shadow primers and see how well it works. It can only be twice as good right?

Mwah x

Pow lips!

Okay, so I heard about this Clip Lipnicure stuff through tumblr on Julie begins Blog. Julie Begin is an international makeup artist who is also a key inspiration for a lot of my ideas. I love her boldness and experimental use of colour. Here is some of her work ...

Anyway, back to the lip stuff, so I had to order it to try it out because I was really looking for a lip stain that had a killer pigment considering I have quite dark lips. This stuff is genuinely amazing. I ordered the Guilty pink colour as a safe option not knowing if it would look to bright against my skin. So it came within 2 weeks of me ordering it and along with it I got some cc cream and two interesting paper masks which are actually quite nice (weird but nice). It comes in a cute little lop with an applicator top. The colour is AHHMMAAZZEEE... I was literally so shocked by how bright and well it coloured the lips. It is also non transferable and has a super matte finish so lasts literally over 7-10 hours (roughly timed). Iv'e been wearing it daily and have discovered cute different ways to wear it. by dabbing a small amount in the middle of your lips and blending it out gives a sultry look. If you line your lips with a darker colour and put the lipnicure after it gives a diva-licious pout. and obviously on it own it gives an awesome pop of colour.

Here is is on me... (apologies for the quality...)

This was using the lip liner method :)

Here are all the colours they do

Go grab yourself one :)

Mwah xo

What do you think?

I've been playing around with images. As I start to expand this onto different platforms I want a recognisable image that instantly translates to this, so this is what I have so far :) Let me know which ones you like and any improvements I could make

Mwah xo

p.s Follow me on Instagram beautyxyzee ! :)

Mini catch up in photos

Just thought I'd make a little photo collage of things you've missed in the past month or so :)

Transitioned to shorter hair :) and a more vampy look!

...Started drawing (trying)

Made a tumblr http://beautyxyzee.tumblr.com/ (CHECK IT OUT)

A client I had for her graduation

My Halloween look, guess who...?

A beautiful witch and Poison Ivy, make-up by moi

My beautiful mum and sister, makeup for new years eve :D

Mwah xo

It's been a loooong time.

Hey! so I apologise for being away for sooo long and never actually getting round to posting my Halloween pictures (ill post them after this blog post) . I let thing get waayy on top of me and I went into shut down mode but Uni and work all in check now I have time to blog agin! Wooo :)
It actually warmed my heart when someone came upto me and asked why I'd stopped blogging, I assumed no one would notice my absence but I now realise that I cant really think that sooo I'm back :)
Okay catch up...

So I'm even more obsessed with skincare than ever! Because its winter and the cold is sooo harsh on your skin its really important to keep on top of your skincare game. For moisture I highly reccomend the Vitamin E range from Body shop, they have face wash, cleanser, toner, serums and so much more. The serum and the Intense moisture cream are my absolute faves! Bobby brown extra repair moisturiser (which is also a primer OMG!) is my absolute saviour! Perfect for dry skin sufferers who don't want a primer that will dry out your skin, yes its expensive but it does last and does its job perfectly. You get what you paid for.

Around your eyes is such a delicate area so make sure you take extra care of that area. Bobby brown hydrating eye cream is perfect for combating dryness, dark circles, puffiness and any other eye related issue you might want to eliminate. Its not harsh at all therefore no stinging which is what I find with a lot of eye creams. Love it.

Lips! So I've recently become obsessed with lipstick and a key thing to having popping lips is to have well conditioned soft plump lips. Your lips can get dry easily especially with harsh weather. And believe it or not I have found a cure that actually beats good old Vaseline, YSL Top secrets plumping lip balm is the answer! The smoothing lip balm instantly fills in any cracks in your lips whilst restoring plumpness and moisture. It has a lovely feel on your lips and a tiny amount goes a long way. It works as a lip primer as it slightly evens out your lip colour as well, I love this stuff. Don't get me wrong I will always swear by Vaseline but when it comes to intense lip treatment you can use when you feel your lips getting very dry or even for everyday use this is the product.

Last but not least cold weather obviously causes dryness which causes flakiness which means you have to really get rid of the dead skin to keep your skin fresh, you have to make sure you use a face scrub that is gentle on your skin and wont leave it even more dried out than before. Benefit Refined Finish Facial polish is the perfect face scrub. The grains are all perfectly formed with no sharp edges so its gentle on your skin, the ingredients are hypo allergenic so your very unlikely to break out and it leaves your skin feeling fresh and healthy. Make sure whenever you scrub your face to lather your face in moisturiser afterwards because after any type of face scrub you need to restore moisture levels considering your taking away dead skin.

Really hope this helps

Mwah xo