AJ Crimson BB+D cream

I recently ordered the AJ Crimson bb + d cream for only $10!!! (plus shipping costs which still only came to £18). AJ crimson make-up is company in the US that do make-up for all skin types. I've heard a lot about it and from the reviews felt it was really time I ordered some for myself. I actually am in love! Its always been impossible to find a bb cream for darker skin tones so when I heard about this i felt it was a requirement for me to buy, use and review! Honestly... I love it! its super light weight (as a bb cream should be) but has a really nice coverage. Easy application and blends very well. The only thing I found slightly annoying is that because I had to colour match myself over the computer screen I did end up getting a shade very sightly darker than I would normally go for. The blending qualities means I can still work it and it looks fine but WHEN I order my next one I'll probably go for a shade lighter. Other than that I have no complaints, good price, good name, good quality.

Here is how it looks one me (excuse the posing)

And here is where you can order yourself one! (Hurry its a limited time only sale!)
Click here to buy the bb+d cream!

P.s I will be meeting the man himself at The Make-up Show Live on October 6th in London. Excited is an understatement! :D

Mwah xo

One dimensional face!

So during a phone conversation with my girl Lauren (http://vividwinter.wordpress.com/ - check out her blog its amaazzee!) the phrase 'One dimensional face' popped up. After lots of confusion and giggling we decided that the term is actually very real in some cases.

Okay so the definition below wasn't extracted from Oxford dictionary but I feel like it should be in there. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with people who like simple make-up and don't layer up! The issue I have is when people who intend to make there faces up only use one dimensional make-up, i.e a layer of foundation... and that is all. Make up is supposed to accentuate what you already have so by masking your face with foundation and leaving it at that you are really not doing your make-up or your face any justice. The key thing to remember is that foundation is just an element of make-up  not make-up itself. Even just applying blusher will create a dimension, by highlighting your cheeks your are bringing out your cheekbones and creating angles in your face. Eye-shadow application can create another dimension by contouring the crease and making your eyes pop. My favourite way of creating dimensions to your face is by contouring. contouring is simple and looks natural (if done correctly), but makes such a difference to you make-up  I believe contouring is what differentiates a plain natural look to an edgy natural look. Contouring the eyes, the cheeks and the nose will really sculpt your face and you can control how dark you want your contour colour to be or how bright you want the highlighter to be dependent on how made up you want to look. I feel like contouring should be in everybody's life as it is simple, emphasises and flatters. If darker contouring really isn't for you or you don't feel comfortable appyling it, try doing the reverse and really highlight areas you want to stand out, i.e your brow bone, the apple of your cheeks and just under your nose. This will not change anything about your face but will affect the way light hits your face giving a structured and flattering glow to your face. Hope this helps guys. Keep contouring <3 

On·e Dimens·ional Fa·ce  

/One dymenshional fayce/

Exclamation When make-up is worn in a one dimensional form. i.e. no contouring, blusher or bronzer, no angles are created in most cases giving a flat and non flattering look. 'But your face... its so 'One dimensional!'

Synonyms flat, simple Mwah xo

The Rouge lip

When I think red lips, three main stars come to mind, Rhi Rhi, Rita Ora and Scarlett Johansson. red lipstick is an essential in everyone's beauty kit! No matter your complexion the right red is enough to complete any look! 

Scarlett Johansson is a timeless beauty with such a classic look. She is one of few people who could get away with picking the brightest shade of red and rocking it because of her super bright pale skin. This isn't to say only pale people can wear bright red lipsticks but the luminosity in her skin is really accentuated with the lipstick. As you can see below, her skin is tanned but she has a very illuminated complexion which has been highlighted with the under eye concealer trick which makes the red lipstick look absolutely amazinggg on her skin!

I find when it comes to darker skin tones a red with very slight purple undertones gives the same effect. The more purpley and less orangey, the less dramatic but still gives a lovely finish. Here Kerry Washington is owning the red lipstick and it really does brighten her complexion without looking too overly bright and that look is really not hot.

 For those with very rich dark skin tones the same applies, look for shades with a more berry like finish IF your going for this look but don't let anyone say you cant rock a Ruby Woo as the statement bright red look is also very hot, just more daring and gives a different effect, maybe not for everyday wear (or maybe, if you like). If you have a darker skin tone and still want to rock the bright red colour naturally, the way to avoid it looking too POW is by lining and filling in your lips with a colour that matches your skin, then applying the red over it. When you blend it in the red will still be as bright but it will blend more naturally in a gradient effect so there isn't an obvious clash between your dark skin and the bright lip colour. If you have dark lips make sure to line them with a colour that is in-between the colour of your lips and the colour of the lipstick your applying. This gives a better finish and makes the lipstick last longer.

My pick of amaazzee red lipsticks: Top 3

MAC Ruby Woo - Perfect for bright matte lips and suuuper long lasting

TopShop Lips in beguiled - Lovely finish, and long lasting deep red 

Helen E - Caribbean - A very moisturising sexy red 

Mwah xo

Natural Vs Made up

 So i got bored and made up half my face. Creativity meets boredom i guess lol. I started off doing my eye then thought id just do exactly half my face and compare the difference. I was glad to see the difference wasn't crazy dramatic as this is a look i could do for the day and was very simple. Firstly i used the prep and prime balm that i mentioned in my previous post as a primer on my eyes to really bring out the colour of the shadow. I used this eye shadow palette to create a smoky effect using the dark green as the crease colour, the black at the outer corners, the pale pink in the corner and the light green under my eyes. I then lined under my eye with a green eyeliner from Helen E lined my waterline with the elf kohl pencil.

 I used Mac studio finish concealer under my eyes and on my brow bone, which i then highlighted with bronzer (Helen E - Diva). I used a tiny amount of no 7 liquid foundation around the rest or my face. I used a dark powder lightly under my cheekbones and a lighter powder under my eyes to set the concealer. i then dusted Mac studio fix all around my face and added a brush of Mac's raisin blush under my cheekbones and around the sides of my face. A thick application of eyeliner and lashings of mascara and the look was complete!

Underneath i have shown where i have highlighted (Orange lines) and where i have contoured (Blue lines).

Hope this helps

Mwah xo

How does she do it?

When I think Megan Good, I think HEALTHY, GLOWING, DEWY. I will never know exactly how she does it but after lots of trial and error i think i have found a way to create this look. I always wondered how she manages to look so dewy and made up without looking greasy and I feel that Mac's Prep and Prime beauty balm does the job. Applying it with a foundation brush all over skin evens out your complexion and creates a dewy glow. I avoided matte concealers to brighten under the eyes and the T zone area. I used the maybeline concealer in colour 30 as its a light creamy texture. I primed my lips with the same balm and lined them with a deep brown/red colour and used Helen E lipgloss in Red Currant to blend out the line. The beauty balm is great for natural coverage that doesn't mattify your skin, if you have dry skin make sure you moisturize well before you apply so it glides on well and gives the right effect. Helen E miracle conceler stick under the eyes and on my brow bone really gave a dewy look and highlights the face. Light contouring around the sides of the face keeps the look fresh and not too over done looking, i would avoid pinky blusher as the look really just uses natural colours, if you really want to I would suggest a very light application used only as a contour colour and not for the apples of the cheek. For those who already have oily skin i recommend a light spray of the Urban Decay setting spray after you have applied the makeup to control the 'dewy' look throughout the day. Lashings of mascara to finish off the look!. :D This is a quick natural look that can easily be transformed from a day look to a night look with some liquid liner and a dab of deep coloured blush.

Here is my attempt lol (looks wise i think Megan wins by a mile but i think i managed to re-create the look decently, let me know what you think haha) 

p.s. Sorry about the not so great quality....

Mwah xo

Progress

Just a little update on my portfolio building, its actually going really well! I've cornered most of my friends to try different looks, some have tuned out well and others... well lets call them abstract LOL! I love doing it, i feel so comfortable and at the moment I'm trying lots of different styles and looks to really see what my limits are and what i need to improve on. I'm applying for lot of opportunities that i see to just widen my experience and hopefully one of these days ill hear back! :D I will be doing a video in the near future showing my makeup routine for anyone who wants to actually see me doing makeup. When i get a better camera that will be up. Now that I've done a lot of looks of my friends I'm trying to see if any photographers are interested in working with me for me to create a look and they capture it in their own way so we both have work for our portfolios, I've heard this is a really good way to start out so ill let you guys know how that goes.

OMG... I spent a large amount of money on items to build my kit today, I splurged on Urban decay, Elf and my beloved ebay of course, I got a few essentials and more brushes. I know its a risk but I feel that to gain any success in life you have to take risks, and to get to where I aim to be I am willing to take risks as I have faith in my talent. Never give up on your dreams. 

Skin love

I love my skin! How many of you can say that? Hopefully all of you! Skin care is the blueprint to feeling and looking amazing with or without makeup. Im just gonna run thought a few remedies i use to keep my skin healthy and glowing. 

Breakouts are somewhat unavoidable, i doubt you will find anyone who has perfect skin all year round, your skin has to naturally goes through phases in order to repair itself. I find even the application of makeup so much easier on healthy skin. Here are a few tips, remedies and products i recommend :)

DRY SKIN - (that's me!) - If you have dry skin the main tip you need to always remember is YOU CAN NEVER OVER MOISTURISE... okay you can obviously but basically its easier to care for oily skin than dry skin. I use a Coconut oil, honey and olive oil (homemade of course) solution on my face once every few days and leave on my skin for up to an hour, i count this as my 'deep condition, speaking in terms of hair (don't ask, it makes sense to me this way). This is just a way of keeping your skin intensely hydrated for a long enough period of time to liven up your skin. Depending on how dry your skin is i recommend moisturising at least 3 times day. My way of avoiding getting over greasy skin is Tea Tree Oil (god send!) Tea tree oil is available in most chemists and drug stores but be sure you are getting products with a good amount of Tea Tree and not some sketchy mixture with 0.01% pure Tea Tree inside. As long as you control how dry/oily your skin gets you should get on fine with your skin, when you feel your skin tightening just do a 'deep condition' its all about figuring out what is right for your skin

***The (only) good thing about having dry skin on your face is that your skin cant usually get oily enough to give you spots! Woop!

OILY SKIN -

I find Tea tree oil works well on Oily skin as it dries out the skin and kills the buildup of bacteria caused by the excess oil that causes spots. A lemon juice and sugar scrub one or twice a week is very helpful as the lemon juice controls the oils and the sugar works as an exfoliater. Just make sure you find a non greasy moisturizer such as Aveeno cream, which is a deep moisturiser but the thin viscosity of it means it doesn't make your skin oilier it just keeps it smooth, and avoid moisturizing more than once a day, and more in winter as your skin dries out more then. Dusting a bit of baby powder on your face when your not wearing makeup can give you that natural look without shining bright like a diamond and the baby powder just ;eaves your skin feeling silky smooth.

DAMAGED/SCARRED SKIN - 

For dark areas and hyper pigmentation I find this video by YouTube's fabulous BritPopPrincess (Patricia Bright) sooo helpfull http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAEPzz0NSGo

IRRITATED SKIN -

One simple step that calms down irritated skin is oats! Yes like what you use to make porridge. If you have an area of skin that has inflamed or come out in an irritated rash mix plain oats with honey, or even just plain oats and a few drops of water.Layer it on and after 10-15 minutes rinse off gently and the area should have gone down. Do not apply to open wounds!

Products: 

- Shea Butter (PURE) http://uk.loccitane.com/100--pure-mini-shea-butter,83,1,29776,269684.htm Yes its expensive but the difference between the pure stuff and the non pure stuff is so noticeable. It really is worth it. I get mine handmade from Nigeria when i go in bulk so i guess I'm kind of cheating but if you have access to it, take advantage! Leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.

- Castor Oil (PURE) This one is much cheaper! http://www.loveafrocosmetics.com/west-indian-castor-oil-1001-p.asp can usually be found in most local Asian shops or Afro hair shops for about £2.00. Softens skin and also is AMAZING on your hair. Perfect two in one, hair and beauty product. Use sparingly as too much can make your skin feel greasy and unpleasant. Try mixing a drop in with your moisturiser and see how it works for you. Castor oil is what is knows as a warming oil so is perfectly suited to dry skin. 

- Tea Tree Oil - http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/tea-tree/tea-tree-oil.aspx?cm_mmc=FusePump-_-GoogleShopping-_-TagMan-_-Link&gclid=CODitdqT57gCFS3HtAodADgALA This is the one oil that is not always necessary in its pure form simply because a lot of peoples skin cant handle the strength of it as its a powerful oil. Personally my skin is fine with pure and i do prefer that to anything else but even a Tea Tree face wash or something containing Tea Tree will be just as effective. Tea Tree is anti fungal/bacterial and draws out impurities to leave you with clear skin. If you feel a spot coming a long before it pops out just dab some Tee Tree and I'm telling you when you wake up there will be nothing there! #Amaze

Mwah xo

Hope this is helpful

Bronzer love

So I did a mini shoot yesterday with my fave girlies! By the end of it we were all exhausted but i got some lovely shots. I did the makeup and styled them both. Here are some of the pictures, hope you guys like it! P.s. I went crazy with bronzer. I think its perfect for sunny weather as it really illuminates your face and creates structure and a nice sun kissed look. The bronzer I used was Healthy glow bronzing powder by e.l.f (I highly recommend).

Mwah xo

Eyes Lips and Face

E.l.f Cosmetics is an international online cosmetics brand. The main thing about this site that really catches most peoples attentions (yes and me) is how cheap it is! Like ridiculously cheap! At first i was very skeptical because of their prices,i mean there is good price and then there is dirt cheap... I first ordered the 'All over cover stick' for £1.50. I was pleasantly surprised to be honest. It is good as a light concealer, I never really used it all over my face but it did well to hide blemishes and its light weight texture felt nice and almost moisturising on my skin. Although i do feel like it is very hit and miss with this product as there are only 7 shades and not everyone will find a match. I recommended it to one friend who has lighter skin and it just didn't suit her skin, whereas another friend i recommended it to loved it and replaced it with her foundation.

Another item i ordered was the kohl black liner with a smudger on the end, i LOVE this item! The pencil is so dark and smudges really well, easy application without any effort, smooth strokes. Okay so up until this point e.l.f had done well by me so i got a bit experimental and ordered a big shop with all sorts of products from brushed to eye shadow primers... The eye shadow primer had me kind of speechless if I'm honest. When there were different shades i was a bit confused but thought id go with it, i really should have been put of then, but i chose a dark shade for my skin even though i was sure primer was usually supposed to be translucent or a in concealer style so the luminous gold i was seeing was questionable but i thought 'its a primer, it will do the job'. When it arrived it was even brighter and still with hope left in me i tried it on and i honest can say it is the weirdest product ever. The primer was so bright no amount of eye shadow even showed up over it and it was so slimy and didn't set at all so i had watery eyelids ...ARGHH it was a nightmare (stay away from the primer) i don't know how the other colors are so i guess i cant be too skeptical. BUTTTTT having said that, I do love the brushes! Like wow! 

They are so cheap and honestly (please no abuse for what I'm about to say) there are some brushes i have found better than Mac brushes :O yes i said it. I have the Mac set of brushes and am in love with their brushes but i prefer to use the e.l.f studio stipple brush for only £3.75 over the Mac 190 foundation brush to apply my liquid foundation. #JustSayin 

So overall i think its very hit and miss with e.l.f, i love so many of thier products but be weary as there are some products that show exactly why they are so cheap, i will continue to order from e.l.f as i feel like my mistaike has made me wiser on what is good and not, and when there good, there reeaall good. If your worried about an item before you order it leave a comment saying what your considering because chances are I've tried it and ill let you know what i think of it :D

Thanx for reading guys, still getting used to this blogging thing!

Mwah xo

P.s. Nearly forgot! Check this out... AHHMAZZZE http://eyeslipsface.co.uk/en/restofworld/+pound10+-gifts/100pc-marble-eyeshadow-palette/invt/71614