To recreate the Dare to Bare look, watch the video tutorial and follow the step-by-step instructions below:

PREPARATION.

1). Cleanse, tone and moisturize^(a) your skin.

FOUNDATION.

2). To even out your skin tone, apply a semi-matte foundation^(b) to your face and eye area with a foundation brush^(c); and for a natural finish, work it into the skin with your fingertips.

Makeup artist tip! If you have chosen the correct color, your foundation will blend into your skin. If your foundation is too light or pink, it will leave your complexion looking dull and gray. On the other hand, if your foundation is too dark, there will be a line of demarcation between your jaw and neck, and along the hairline.

CONCEALER.

Eyes

3). To lighten the eye area, mix a concealer^{(d + e)} with a highlighter pen^(e) and apply it over the eyelid and beneath the eye with a concealer brush^(f); then, blend by patting it into the skin with your fingertip.

Face

4). To camouflage any spots and blemishes, apply a high-coverage concealer^(g) to the affected areas with a concealer brush^(f), and to blend, press it over the skin with the pad of your finger.

POWDER.

5). To matte down the eyelid, take some matte, loose powder^(h) on a tapered blending brush⁽ⁱ⁾ and apply it to the eyelid.

Why powder the eyelid? A soft halo of color around the eye is one of this season’s statement trends. To create this washed-out effect, dust a layer of matte, loose powder over the eyelid before you apply your eyeshadow. This will dilute the intensity of the color and help you achieve a well-blended finish.

EYESHADOW.

6). First, to brighten the eye, apply a gold-tinged, light-beige, metallic eyeshadow^(j) to the eyelid and brow bone with a tapered blending brush⁽ⁱ⁾, and then sweep it beneath the eye and blend it along the lower lashes with an angled blending brush^(k). To make the eyes appear fresh and wide awake, concentrate the color toward the inner corner.

7). Second, to enhance the shape of the eye, pick up a soft-brown, shimmery shadow^(l) on a tapered blending brush⁽ⁱ⁾, and blend it over the eyelid and through the crease. Next, using an angled blending brush^(k), work the shadow across the bottom lashline. To define the outer corner of the eye, take a tapered blending brush⁽ⁱ⁾, and starting at the lower lashline, blend the shadow outward and upward along the natural curve of the eye socket. Blend back and forth to give the eye a softly rounded silhouette.

Makeup artist tip! The key to mastering neutral eyeshadow is to choose colors that work with your complexion. Light beiges and sheer golds work well on fair skins but can often leave darker complexions looking dusty. If you have dark skin, choose terracotta, bronze and deep yellow tones.

MASCARA.

8). To create the illusion of longer top lashes, curl them with an eyelash curler^(m). If you have difficult, uncooperative lashes, use a mini-eyelash curler⁽ⁿ⁾ for more control. Then, to make the eyes appear wider, coat both the top and bottom lashes with a lengthening mascara in black^(o).

EYEBROW COLOR.

9). To frame the eyes, take some brow color^(p) on a small angled brush^(q) and fill in any gaps using short, upward strokes.

POWDER.

10). To set your base, apply a matte, loose powder^(g) to the face with a powder brush^(r).

EYEBROW GEL.

11). For a polished and groomed look that will last, brush your brows upward and hold them in place with a clear brow gel^(s).

LIP COLOR.

12). For a neutral pout with staying power, apply a matte lip pencil^(t). Draw it on for a natural effect, or apply it with a lip brush^(u) for greater precision.

Makeup artist moment! Lipsticks are back in vogue. The lip color I used here looks like a pencil, lasts like a pencil, but goes on like a lipstick. The design gives a controlled application, and I love the way it cloaks the lip in a whisper of nothingness.

BLUSH/BRONZER.

13). For a contoured cheek, take a matte peach powder blush^(v) on a powder brush^(w) and apply it to the apples. Then, using the same brush, contour the underside of the cheekbone and the temples with a soft, shimmery bronze tone^(x). This will give contrast and dimension. To add a hint of color to the rest of the complexion, apply what’s left on the brush to the forehead, nose and chin.

SHOPPING LIST.

(a). Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream).

(b). Foundation: Chanel Pro Lumière in Cendré 30.

(c). Foundation brush: Le Pinceaux De Chanel (Foundation Brush #6).

(d). Concealer: M·A·C Studio Finish in NW25.

(e). Concealer: M·A·C Studio Finish in NC30.

(f). Highlighter pen: Chanel Stylo Éclat Lumière in Beige Rosé 30.

(g). Concealer brush: Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10.

(h). Loose powder: Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte 7yr Light.

(i). Tapered blending brush: M·A·C Tapered Blending Brush 224.

(j). Eyeshadow: Light beige/gold shade (top right) from the Dior 5 Coleur palette in Elegante 553.

(k). Angled blending brush: M·A·C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275.

(l). Eyeshadow: e.l.f. Studio Single in Wild Wheat 81123.

(m). Eyelash curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler.

(n). Mini eyelash curler: Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler.

(o). Mascara: Lancome L’Extrême in Black 01.

(p). Eyebrow gel: Shu Uemura Eyebrow Gel in Light Brown.

(q). Small angled brush: Shu Uemura Natural Brush 6ob.

(r). Powder brush: Shu Uemura Natural Brush 27.

(s). Brow gel: Clarins Double Fix Mascara.

(t). Lip color: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle de Jour.

(u). Lip brush: M·A·C Shader Brush 242.

(v). Blush: Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in M43 Matte Peachy Beige.

(w). Powder brush: M·A·C Large Powder Brush 134.

(x). Blush contour/bronzer: Dior Bronze Essential Bronzing Powder in Healthy Look 010.

Neutral makeup, bare-faced beauty at its best!

Neutral makeup tutorial: Dare to Bare! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

INTRODUCING … Natural Beauty!

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE LOOK.

The “au naturel” look dominated the runway in the Spring/Summer 2010 fashion shows. In the Erdem, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Calvin Klein, Philip Lim and Donna Karan shows there was a strong “nude” theme. The models sported fresh skin, neutral eyelids, bare cheeks and lightly balmed lips. Jean-Paul Gaultier, Versace and Chanel continued the natural trend but opted for a more polished overall feel. The models stepped out looking sexy and sophisticated, with emphasized lashes, defined eyes, groomed brows, contoured cheeks and accentuated lips. This season’s key colors are brown, bronze, beige, taupe, nude-pink, soft peach and lilac.

To recreate the Natural Beauty look, watch the video tutorial and follow the step-by-step instructions below:

BEFORE MAKEUP.

1). Tidy your brows by tweezing any stray hairs.

2). Cleanse, tone and moisturize^(a) your skin.

Makeup artist tip! Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream)^(a) is one of my favorite pre-makeup moisturizers. For perfectly primed skin, simply massage a small amount over the face with your fingertips.

TINTED MOISTURIZER.

3). For a natural-looking complexion, apply a tinted moisturizer^(b) to your face and eyelids, and blend it into the skin with your fingertips.

CONCEALER.

4). To even out the skin tone in the eye area, take an under-eye concealer^(c) on a concealer brush^(d), and apply it beneath the eye and onto the eyelid. Then, for a well-blended finish, pat it into the skin with your fingertip.

5). To disguise any imperfections, apply a high-coverage concealer^(e) to any spots and blemishes with a concealer brush^(d). Then, for a natural finish, blend by pressing it into the skin with your fingertip.

HIGHLIGHTER.

6). To add luminosity to the face, apply a light-peach shimmer cream^(f) to the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and over the Cupid’s bow with the brush provided; then blend with your fingertip.

EYESHADOW.

7). To begin, apply a base shade. Using an eye-contouring brush^(g), blend a soft-brown, shimmery eyeshadow^(h) over the eyelid and through the crease. To elongate the eye, wing it out slightly at the outer corner.

8). Next, add shape and dimension. Pick up a medium-brown, shimmery eyeshadow⁽ⁱ⁾ on an eye-shading brush^(j), and beginning at the upper lashline, pat it over the lower part of the top eyelid. Work the shadow from the outer corner inward and follow the natural contour of the eye. Then, using a small, angled brush^(k), take the eyeshadow beneath the eye and line the bottom lashes. To soften the finish, blend over the line with an eye-contouring brush^(g).

9). To make the eye glisten, add a touch of shimmery white shadow^(l) to the inner corner and blend it part way along the lower lashline with an angled blending brush^(m).

EYELINER.

10). For soft definition, apply a gel-textured bronze eyeliner⁽ⁿ⁾ to the top and bottom lashlines and smudge it with an eye-contouring brush^(g). To add intensity to the lower lashline, pick up a medium-brown, shimmery eyeshadow⁽ⁱ⁾ on an eye-contouring brush^(g) and smooth it over the bronze liner until you achieve the desired depth of color.

11). To make the upper lashline darker and more defined, take a deep-brown cream liner^(o) on a small, angled brush^(k) and apply it to the roots of the lashes.

MASCARA.

12). To make your top lashes appear longer, curl them with an eyelash curler^(p). Then, to open up the eye, generously coat your upper and lower lashes with a black lengthening and volumizing mascara ^(q).

Makeup artist tip! This mascara^(q) rocks! It lengthens and thickens, and the wand is genius!

POWDER.

13). To set your base, dust on a matte translucent powder^(r) with a kabuki brush^(s).

Makeup artist tip! This brush^(s) is brilliant! It does a perfect job and is super soft on the skin. Try to avoid powdering the areas of the face that you highlighted earlier, otherwise you may need to repeat step 6.

14). To contour the face, sweep a mineral powder foundation^(t) over the cheekbones and up onto the temples with a complexion brush^(u).

Makeup artist tip! When contouring, select a color that is one shade darker than your skin tone and blend well.

LIPGLOSS.

15). For a deliciously juicy pout, apply a peach gloss^(v) with a lip brush^(w).

Makeup artist tip! If your lips are highly pigmented and throw pink or red undertones, it is often difficult to get a true color pay-off from a natural-colored gloss. Want a quick fix? After you have applied your lip color, dab some concealer^(e) over the top with your fingertip to knock down the color. This will lighten your lips by a shade or two and make the texture of the gloss creamier.

BLUSH.

16). For sculpted cheeks, pick up some shimmery bronzing powder^(x) on a blush brush^(y) and blend it under the cheekbone. Then, using the same brush, pick up a shimmery peach blush^(x) and apply it to the apples of the cheeks.

PRODUCT LIST.

(a). Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream).
(b). Tinted moisturizer: e.l.f. Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Ivory #6005.
(c). Concealer: e.l.f. Studio Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter Pen in Glow/Fair #81501. (I used the concealing end of the pen under the eye and over the eyelid.)
(d). Concealer brush: e.l.f. Studio Concealer Brush #84007.
(e). Concealer: e.l.f. Studio Concealer in Beige #83172. (I used this on spots and blemishes, and to lighten the lip color.)
(f). Highlighter: e.l.f. Studio Shimmer Palette in Sheer Sunrise #83321. (I used the second color from the right.)
(g). Eye contouring brush: e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush #84006.
(h). Eyeshadow: e.l.f. Studio Single Eyeshadow in Wild Wheat #81123.
(i). Eyeshadow: e.l.f. Studio Single Eyeshadow in Saddle #81124.
(j). Eye shading brush: e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow C Brush #84008.
(k). Small angled brush: e.l.f. Studio Small Angled Brush #84010.
(l). Eyeshadow: e.l.f. Studio Single Eyeshadow in Sand Dollar #81121.
(m). Angled blending brush: M·A·C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275.
(n). Gel-textured eyeliner: e.l.f. Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Stick in Brown/Basic #81103. (I used the Brown eyeliner end of the pen.)
(o). Cream eyeliner: e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Coffee #81151.
(p). Eyelash curler: e.l.f. Studio Eyelash Curler #85007.
(q). Mascara: e.l.f. Studio Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara in Black #81401.
(r). Powder: e.l.f. Studio Translucent Matifying Powder in Translucent #83101.
(s). Kabuki brush: e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Face Brush #85011.
(t). Mineral powder foundation: e.l.f. Minerals Foundation in Light #6102.
(u). Complexion brush: e.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush #84002.
(v). Lipgloss: e.l.f. Studio 2 in 1 Conditioning Gloss in Love It #82403.
(w). Lip brush: Chanel Petit Pinceau Correcteur (Small Concealer Brush #21).
(x). Bronzing powder and blush: e.l.f. Studio Contour Blush & Bronzing Powder in Blushed/Bronze #83601. (I used the Bronze shade under the cheekbone and the Blushed shade on the apples.)
(y). Blush brush: e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush #84011.

Buy e.l.f. Cosmetics online from: EyesLipsFace.com, EyesLipsFace.co.uk and CrushCosmetics.com.au.

BEAUTIFUL . . . NATURALLY!

How to do natural makeup is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Neutral makeup is center stage this season.

For an easy take on the trend, team a softly gilded eye with a peach cheek and a flat, matte lip.

Keen to try it? Step-by-step instructions and video tutorial coming soon!

Before.

After.

Neutral makeup: A subtle statement is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Step-by-step instructions and video tutorial coming soon!

Before.

During.

After.

Natural eyeshadow: Rock the trend! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

The Look . . .

Gothic makeup with a modern twist. Known as soft goth makeup on the catwalk. Smoldering eyes, sizzling lips—quick, somebody call the fire department!

Want to recreate this look? Watch the video tutorial below:

For step-by-step written instructions and the product list, click on the adjacent thumbnail to download a free copy of the Gothic Glamor eBook. The eBook is in PDF format and requires Adobe Reader. If you don’t already have this software installed, click on the icon below to download it:

When Gothic meets Glamor is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

1). For soft and glowing skin, I recommend Decléor’s Aromessence Néroli. It’s a 100% natural blend of essential oils and is suitable for all skin types. I love the way it leaves my skin feeling plump, nourished and awake, and the fresh forest fragrance reminds me of a spring morning in the countryside.

How to use it:
Simply warm up 2 drops of this gorgeous serum in your hands and apply it to your face and neck each morning before you apply your regular moisturizer.

2). Givenchy Le Prisme Visage Mat Soft Compact Face Powder in 84 Beige Mouselline is a permanent resident in my handbag. This silky-textured powder quad is perfect for touching-up on the run. The classy compact contains four shades of powder which can be mixed and matched to give the face a radiant glow, and comes complete with a mirror and brush. Generally, the quality of the brushes makeup companies supply with their products is questionable, but this one won’t disappoint. It does a good job for its size and, when not in use, it can be stowed away in a special compartment beneath the powder. Perfection!

3). If you want a luxurious, lightweight powder that brightens your complexion and controls unwanted shine, but doesn’t cake, settle in lines or highlight pores, Lancôme Ageless Minérale with Sapphire Complex Perfecting and Setting Mineral Powder is for you. Use it alone or over foundation to give your skin a subtle sheen. Stunning! Because this is a loose powder, I prefer to keep it for home use. When I am out and about, I find a pressed powder (like Givenchy Le Prisme Visage Mat Soft Compact Face Powder (described above)) more convenient.

4). Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Body Gloss is my go-to body product! I use it frequently on shoots because it gives the skin a healthy glow and doesn’t leave the models looking overdone. The fragrance is reminiscent of holidays at the beach … to me, it’s summertime in a tube. Love it!

How to use it:
For top-to-toe radiance, slather it over your legs, arms and décolletage.

5). For full and luminous lips, you have to try Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening Lip Balm. This genius lip balm not only enhances the natural color of the lips, but also plumps, hydrates and protects. It’s the perfect solution for summer: simple, quick, and easy to wear!

Glow on – you know you want to!

Get glowing! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Win victory in Battle of the Brows!

Girls, it’s time to declare war against unsightly and overgrown eyebrows.

Before you embark on the fight, polish up your secret weapon (also known as a pair of tweezers) and arm yourself with the ultimate battle plan, Pluck It!. For a sneak peek at what’s involved, view the photo file below:

Before.	During.	After.

This free two-page, step-by-step strategy will show you how to pluck your eyebrows properly, and also reveals what’s hot (and what’s not) in the wonderful world of brow beauty. For a copy of Pluck It! and exclusive access to the accompanying video tutorial, subscribe to Little Miss Makeup Club.

Plucking Eyebrows! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Do you ever fake it?

Little Miss Makeup does!

Fake eyelashes are burning hot right now, so stand clear of the smoke detectors, girls!

For the latest false lash fash, check out the Wink and Flutter photo file and video tutorial below:

Before.	During.	After.

For a free copy of the Wink and Flutter eLook (a step-by-step guide which outlines how to put on fake eyelashes), join Little Miss Makeup Club.

Want to know how to apply individual false lashes? Check out the Summer Simplicity look.

Bat those eyelashes, baby!

Wink and Flutter: How to put on fake eyelashes is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

I have tried hundreds of powders over the years, but my favorite one of all is Face Powder Matte by Shu Uemura. Not only is it part of my own daily makeup routine, I also use it regularly on shoots.

Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte:

• Is a lightweight, loose powder which improves the staying power of cream and liquid foundations and helps minimize shine.
• Has a super-fine texture so it mattifies the skin without caking and causing dryness.
• Gives a semi-matte/matte finish but leaves the complexion looking soft and not over-powdered.
• Contains no shimmer or sparkle, so you can choose whether or not you want to add radiance to the face.
• Is available in a wide range of colors (and both warm (pink) and cool (yellow) complexions are catered for). My favorite shade is Colorless, which, as the name suggests, is translucent. Because it becomes invisible upon application, it can be used on many different skin tones and it doesn’t alter the color of the foundation beneath.



Application tips!

• For a natural finish, apply Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte over the top of your foundation with a large fluffy brush (like M·A·C’s Large Powder Brush 134). If you prefer a more powdered look, press it onto your face with the powder puff provided. Cool trick! Dust the powder-loaded brush or puff over the back of your hand before you touch your face. This will remove any surplus powder and result in an even, more controlled application.
• Typically, the forehead, nose and chin are the oiliest parts of the face, so foundation tends to wear off these areas first. To prevent an oil slick, powder your t-zone more heavily than the rest of your face!
• To make blending easier, prep your eyelids and cheekbones with a layer of matte, loose powder prior to applying a matte eyeshadow or blush.

With Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte, you can simply set and forget! In my opinion it’s the best face powder on the market!

Buy Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte online from: StrawberryNet.com, FragranceX.com and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.

The power is in the powder! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/best-face-powder/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-trends-2010/summer-makeup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-trends-2010/summer-makeup/#comments Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:47 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=2196

Preview: Summer simplicity!

Simple makeup is in vogue. In recent fashion shows, the “no makeup” look dominated the runway.

To copy the catwalk models, get a nude glow on! Team fresh skin with a wash of pastel peach around the eye, and pair this with sun-kissed cheeks and a soft, plump pink lip.

This season’s trend is universally flattering; it suits all skin, hair and eye colors, so rock it!

To view the step-by-step instructions and video tutorial, go here: Dewy Makeup.

Trend Alert: Fresh skin is in! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-trends-2010/summer-makeup/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/dewy-makeup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dewy-makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/dewy-makeup/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:18:49 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=2017 Dewy makeup is the latest fashion for the face!



SUMMER SIMPLICITY!

This look was inspired by the Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Balmain, Isabel Marant, Chloé and Gucci Spring/Summer 2010 runway shows. The key trends were dewy skin; soft, neutral eyes; and sheer lips.

To recreate this catwalk-inspired look, watch the video tutorial and follow the step-by-step instructions below:



PRE-MAKEUP.

1). Start by cleansing ^(a) and moisturizing ^(b) your skin.



FOUNDATION.

2). For a flawless complexion, apply a liquid foundation ^(c) to your face and eye area with a brush ^(d), then blend it into the skin with your fingertips.

Makeup artist tip! Foundation will help to even out your skin tone; however, it will only mask minor imperfections. Use a concealer in areas where you need more coverage.


Optional extra! For luminous-looking skin, mix a radiance booster ^(e) with your foundation before you apply it.



CONCEALER.

3). To even out the skin tone in your eye area, take some concealer ^(f) on a concealer brush ^(g) and apply it beneath your eye and onto the eyelid. Then, for a well-blended finish, pat it into the skin with your fingertip. Using the same technique, conceal the corners of your nose and any spots or blemishes.



HIGHLIGHTER.

4). To brighten your face and accentuate your features, use a highlighter ^(h). Apply it to the tops of the cheekbones, down the length of the nose, across the Cupid’s bow (middle of the top lip) and onto the center of the forehead, and work it into the skin with a fluffy blending brush ⁽ⁱ⁾.



EYESHADOW.

5). To create a flattering eyeshadow base, wash a light-colored, peachy-brown, shimmery shadow ^(j) over your eyelid and up onto the lower brow bone with a soft, fluffy blending brush ^(k). Then, to make the eye sparkle, sweep it along the bottom lash line and into the inner corner with a small angled brush ^(l).



6). To add more depth, take a mid-toned matte copper eyeshadow ^(m) on a soft, fluffy blending brush ^(k) and blend it over your eyelid. Begin at the top lash line, and using back and forth strokes, blend it up into the crease.

Makeup artist tip! Soft peachy and coppery hues work for everyone. They look natural on brunettes with brown eyes and dark skin, gorgeous on green-eyed, sandy-haired girls with freckles, and they make the irises of fair-skinned, blue-eyed blondes … pop!

EYELASHES.

7). To open up the eye, curl your upper lashes ⁽ⁿ⁾ and apply a coat of mascara ^(o). Then, work the brush through the lower lashes.

Hot tip! Because Lancôme Ôscillation mascara ^(o) separates the lashes and gives a natural-looking finish, it is perfect for the first coat.

8). For extra length and volume, add some individual false lashes to your upper lash line. For a natural effect, use longer-length lashes ^(p) at the outer corner of the eye, and shorter lengths ^(q) from the center inwards.

Makeup artist tip! So I can control the intensity of the look, I prefer to work from the outer corner in.

The steps!

a). To begin, squeeze a small amount of adhesive ^(r) onto a spatula and wait a few minutes for it to become tacky.

b). Then, using a pair of tweezers ^(s), pick up a fake lash and dip the root-end into the thickened adhesive ^(r).

c). Next, place it into your lash line so it adheres close to the base of your natural lashes. If necessary, manoeuvre it into position with the tweezers.

d). Keep adding more lashes until you achieve the desired level of drama!

9). So your natural lashes merge seamlessly with the new additions, apply another layer of mascara ^(t). For high impact, choose one that darkens and thickens the lashes.



BROWS.

10). To frame your eyes, brush your brows upwards ^(u), then take some powder ^(v) on a small angled brush ^(l), and using a series of short strokes, softly fill in the brow contour.

LIPS.

11). For a subtle hint of kissable color, apply a sheer lipstick ^(w) with a lip brush ^(x).

FACE & CHEEKS.



12). For a gorgeous faux holiday glow, take some bronzing powder ^(y) on a large, fluffy powder brush ^(z), and using back and forth strokes and circular motions, blend it over your cheeks, temples, forehead and chin, and down the center of your nose.

Makeup artist tip! Applying bronzer to the high points of your face gives the skin that natural “just caught the sun” look. To avoid oompa loompa syndrome, tap any excess bronzer off the brush before you apply it. Build up color gradually; it’s far easier to add more than to remove excess.

By now you should be bronzed and beautiful! Step out and enjoy the compliments.



PRODUCT LIST.

^(a) Cleanser: Bioderma Créaline H₂O Ultra-Mild Non-Rinse Cleanser for Normal to Sensitive Skin.

^(b) Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream).

^(c) Foundation: M·A·C Select in NW45 and NC45 (equal parts).

^(d) Foundation brush: Le Pinceaux De Chanel (Foundation Brush #6).

^(e) Radiance Booster: Lancôme Star Bronzer Bronzing Highlighter in 01 Elixir Bronze.

^(f) Concealer: M·A·C Studio Finish in NW40 and NW45 (equal parts).

^(g) Concealer brush: Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10.

^(h) Highlighter: Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in Shimmering Beige 02.

⁽ⁱ⁾ Highlighter brush: Bobbi Brown Eye Blender Brush.

^(j) Eyeshadow: Peachy-brown shade (top right) from the Dior 5 Couleur Iridescent Eyeshadow palette in Parisian Lights 559.

^(k) Eyeshadow brush: M·A·C  Tapered Blending Brush 224.

^(l) Angled brush: M·A·C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275.

^(m) Eyeshadow: Copper shade (top right) from the Lancôme Pop n’ Palette in Pop n’ Copper 17.

⁽ⁿ⁾ Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler.

^(o) Mascara: Lancôme Ôscillation in Black.

^(p) Individual False Lashes: Shu Uemura Flare Eyelashes in Brown.


^(q) Individual False Lashes: Shu Uemura Flare Under Eyelashes in Brown.

^(r) Lash adhesive: Duo Eyelash Adhesive.

^(s) Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant Tweezer.

^(t) Mascara: Diorshow Black Out in Black-Kohl 099.

^(u) Brow brush: Le Pinceaux De Chanel (Brow/Lash Brush #11).

^(v) Brow powder: M·A·C Eye Shadow in Omega and Cork.

^(w) Lipstick: Dior Addict High Shine in Trendy Pink 376 and Collection Pink 566.

^(x) Lip brush: Chanel Petit Pinceau Correcteur (Small Concealer Brush #21).

^(y) Bronzing Powder: M·A·C Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden and Clarins Bronzing Powder Compact in 20 Golden Sun.

^(z) Powder brush: M·A·C Large Powder Brush 134.

Dewy Makeup: The biggest trend in beauty is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/dewy-makeup/feed/ 6 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/best-beauty-products/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-beauty-products http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/best-beauty-products/#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:35:32 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1846 Introducing … the ten beauty products you must try! Happy shopping!



1. Exfoliant: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

• Amazing facial exfoliator.
• Simply add water to convert the powder into a creamy, non-abrasive paste.
• Removes dead skin cells, leaving the face soft and smooth.
• Gentle enough to use every day.
• Hot tip! For a flawless-looking complexion, exfoliate your face prior to moisturizing; then apply your foundation.

Online stockists: Cosme-De.com, AdoreBeauty.com.au and RY.com.au.



2. Eye makeup remover: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover.

• Excellent eye makeup remover.
• Takes off the darkest, smokiest eye makeup in a few sweeps.
• Cleanly wipes away waterproof formulations.
• Great for sensitive eyes.
• Hot tip! Because it is a duo-phase liquid, shake well before use.

Online stockists: Sephora.com, StrawberryNet.com and FragranceX.com.



3. Moisturizer: Créme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream and Créme de la Mer Moisturizing Lotion.

• Two fabulous facial moisturizers.
• Choose the cream if your skin type is normal to dry, or the lotion if your skin type is normal to oily.
• Both formulations leave the face well hydrated without any greasy residue.
• The ultimate foundation base!

Buy La Mer online from: StrawberryNet.com and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.



4. Satin Foundation: M·A·C Face and Body.

• A staple item in the kits of makeup artists worldwide.
• Broad color range.
• Super-lightweight texture.
• Adjustable, buildable coverage. Apply one coat for natural, baby-like skin or layer it for a more plastic effect.
• The best dewy finish foundation money can buy!
• Hot tip! Use it body-wide for an overall even skin tone.

If you prefer a matte finish, read my recommendations here: Best matte foundation.

Online stockists: MACCosmetics.com, MACCosmetics.co.uk and MACCosmetics.com.au.



5. Mascara: Diorshow in Black.

• Gives a false lash effect.
• Courtesy of the large brush you can achieve extra-long, high-volume lashes in a single swipe.
• Strongly pigmented, flake-free formulation.
• Hot tip! For mega-length, curl your lashes with eyelash curlers before applying your mascara.

Online stockists: Sephora.com, StrawberryNet.com, FragranceX.com and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.



6. Gel Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.

• For precise application and control, apply it with a short-bristled, thin-tipped eyeliner brush.
• Glides on easily.
• Long-wearing and smudge-proof.
• Hot range of colors. My fave shade is Black Ink – a strong, dramatic black. For a softer look, choose Sepia Ink (a rich brown), or Granite Ink (a gorgeous gray).

Buy Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner online from: Cosme-De.com and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.



7. Powder Eyeshadow: Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadow.

• Large range of shades and textures.
• Intense color payoff. I couldn’t live without Metallic Black (ME 990)!
• Finely-milled pressed powder, which is easy to blend.
• Hot tip! Combine your favorite single shadows in a personalized custom palette.

Online stockists: ShuUemura-USA.com, FragranceX.com and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.



8. Matte Lipstick: M·A·C Lipstick in Ruby Woo.

• The best long-lasting, matte red lipstick on the market!
• A timeless classic.
• Loved by makeup artists, models and celebrities alike.
• Hot tip! Rock out in your power pout!

Online stockists: MACCosmetics.com, MACCosmetics.co.uk and MACCosmetics.com.au.



9. Natural Powder Blush: Nars.

• Great selection of natural shades that work on any skin tone. I love Zen, a versatile neutral beige.
• Use alone for a subtle hint of color, or layer it for more depth and intensity.
• Perfect for contouring the cheekbones and adding warmth to the face.

Buy Nars Blush online from: Nars.com and Sephora.com.



10. Lipgloss: Lancôme Juicy Tube in Spring Fling.

• Neutral-colored gloss.
• Smells divine.
• Accentuates the pout, making it appear larger and fuller.
• Leaves the lips feeling hydrated but not sticky.

Buy Juicy Tubes online from: Sephora.com, FragranceX.com, StrawberryNet.com and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.

The best in beauty: My top ten product picks is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/best-beauty-products/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/eye-makeup-brushes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=eye-makeup-brushes http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/eye-makeup-brushes/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:51:31 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1785 If you want your eye makeup application to look professional, you need to invest in some quality tools. As a general rule, those included with the products you purchase (i.e. sponge-tipped eyeshadow applicators) just don’t cut it. Reserve them for emergency touch-ups only!



As easy as 1, 2, 3!

If I had to start with just three brushes, these would be my picks. With this group of brushes you can achieve a variety of different eye looks.



1). M·A·C 224 Tapered Blending Brush.

The lowdown!

This soft, fluffy dome-shaped brush is perfect for blending cream and powder formulations. Because the bristles are so flexible and soft, it is very comfortable against the skin and the color payoff is sheer and controlled.

Hot hints: How to use it!

Key action: Blend using back-and-forth strokes.

Use the M·A·C 224 Tapered Blending Brush to:



a). Dust loose powder over the eyelid. (Prepping the eye area with powder prior to applying a matte eyeshadow not only helps the shadow last longer, but also makes it easier to blend.)

b). Apply a neutral-colored eyeshadow base from the top lash line to the brow bone.

c). Sweep a translucent wash of color over the eyelid.

d). Blend dark shadows through the socket to create a smoky effect.

On-trend eyes! Monochrome eyes in muted tones are ultramodern. Pick up a pastel or nude hue on the M·A·C 224 Tapered Blending Brush and blend it over the eye from eyelash to eyebrow. Then, to finish the look, flick some mascara over the lashes and smear a light-colored balm onto the lip. Simple yet chic!



2). M·A·C 239 Eye Shading Brush.

The lowdown!

This is a firm and flat shading brush with dense bristles. It can be used with powder, cream or emollient-based products to create depth. Because the bristles are fine and closely packed, with little pressure you can build up a solid layer of color.

Hot hints: How to use it!

Key action: Repetitive patting motion.



Ever wondered how makeup artists get eyeshadow colors to appear so strong? To achieve an opaque block of color over the eyelid, makeup artists use the flat side of a firm-bristled brush (think M·A·C 239 Eye Shading Brush) and repeatedly press on the eyeshadow.

Catwalk chat! At this season’s fashion shows, blocked eye color was a key feature. A rainbow of shades rocked the runway (including blood orange and jet black). To translate this trend for street wear, use the M·A·C 239 Eye Shading Brush to block the color over the eyelid–but don’t extend it beyond the socket and up to the brow.

With the right tools of the trade, smoky eyes are effortless! To smoke up your eye makeup, pat a dark-colored shadow onto the outer third of the eyelid with the M·A·C 239 Eye Shading Brush, and then blend it through the crease with the M·A·C 224 Tapered Blending Brush. Keep adding more shadow and blending it out until you achieve the desired intensity.



3). M·A·C 266 Small Angle Brush.

The lowdown!

This is a small, firm brush, which is fabulous for lining the eyes. The angled bristles are specially arranged so you can create sharp, precise lines with powder or emollient-based products.

Hot hints: How to use it!

Key action: Short strokes.

Define the lash line! Take a matte powder eyeshadow on the tip of the M·A·C 266 Small Angle Brush, and using a series of short, overlapping strokes, work it across the roots of the top and bottom lashes (and if you wish, along the upper and lower inner rims). To achieve a line with a more fluid appearance, dampen the brush with water before you pick up the eyeshadow.



Prefer pencil? To get a pro-style finish from an eyeliner pencil, draw your line and then use the M·A·C 266 Small Angle Brush to smudge and smooth it to perfection.

Want edgy eyeliner? Extend it at both the inner and outer corners of the eye so the top and bottom lash lines meet. Sexy and sleek!

Happy eye makeup application!

The three eye makeup brushes you should own! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/eye-makeup-brushes/feed/ 2 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/apply-blush/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apply-blush http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/apply-blush/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:09:50 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1719

For sexy sun-kissed cheeks, combine two colors:

1). Take some bronzing powder on a large, fluffy brush, and using short up-and-down strokes, blend it over the cheekbone. For perfect color placement, start near the hairline and follow the cheekbone down toward the apple.

2). Next, take a pink, peach or nude-beige powder blush on a small, round blush brush, and using circular motions, apply it to the apple of the cheek (the plump part which protrudes when you smile).

Hot tip! To avoid applying too much bronzer or blush, tap any excess powder off the brush before you begin. If you go wrong and your cheeks look too strong, knock down the color by blending some loose powder over the top.



Cool tricks! To make powder blush easier to blend, prepare the skin with a layer of foundation and loose powder first.  For super-dewy cheeks, skip the powder step and work a cream blush straight over your foundation. Want your skin to glow from within? For a subtle surface flush, apply a cheek tint or gel before your foundation.

My product picks! Best bronzer: I love M·A·C’s Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden, Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna and Clarins Bronzing Powder Compact in Golden Sun. Fave blush: I adore M·A·C’s Powder Blush in Pink Swoon, Benefit Benetint and the Stila Convertible Color range.

For more tips and techniques, read How to Apply Blush and click on the images within this post.



Whatever the weather, get a summer glow on! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/apply-blush/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/cream-eyeshadow/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cream-eyeshadow http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/cream-eyeshadow/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:35:57 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1638

Choose a cream-textured eyeshadow with a fleck of shimmer. For a sheer veil of color, blend it over your eyelid with your fingertip. The warmth in the pad of your finger will melt it seamlessly onto the skin. To create drama, build intensity by pressing the shadow on with a dense-bristled eyeshadow brush.

Cool trick! Want a wet-look? Prime your eyelid with a satin-finish concealer first. Alternatively, for a flatter effect, begin by preparing the lid with a layer of loose, matte powder.



Hot tip! To make your peepers pop, take the cream shadow beneath your eyes and sweep it along the lower lashes. Then, line your upper and lower inner rims with eye pencil. To finish, curl your lashes and slick on some mascara. To elongate and widen your eyes, liberally coat the lashes at the outer corners (both top and bottom).



My product picks: For a reflective wash of color, smudge on Dior Eye Show. Work Undressed Beige 622 in the daytime, and rock Glitz & Glam Black 092 at night. If you like a matte texture, wear Shu Uemura’s Cream Eye Shadow in M Sand Brown during daylight hours, and M Black after dark. Prefer pastel hues? Check out Dior Eye Show in Pink Wannabe 832 and Shu Uemura’s Cream Eye Shadow in P Light Green and P Light Blue.

Want luminous lids? is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/cream-eyeshadow/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/long-lasting-foundation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=long-lasting-foundation http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/long-lasting-foundation/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:01:52 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1605 If you want staying power, then matte is where it’s at!



Preparation is a key factor if you want your makeup to last. Start by cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin, and then apply a primer and long-wearing (matte or semi-matte) foundation.

Hot tip! To minimize break-through shine, dust a mattifying powder over your foundation, paying particular attention to the T-zone. To avoid the cakey look, apply it with a very soft, large powder brush.

Cool trick! When your face feels hot … blot! Powder-coated blotting papers are a handbag must-have. They are lightweight and portable, which makes them the ultimate touch-up tool for girls on the go!

My product picks: Diorskin Forever by Dior is my favorite matte foundation. If you want a flawless, shine-free, long-lasting base that won’t budge … this is it! For a fresh, smooth-looking, slightly dewy complexion, choose Chanel’s Pro Lumière or Lancôme’s Photôgenic Lumessence foundation. Both of these stay put and give the skin a perfect semi-matte satin finish.





Sneak a peek! I used Pro Lumière foundation by Chanel in the Gothic Glamor look. For application tips, see page 6 of the Gothic Glamor eBook.

Go shopping!

Buy Diorskin Forever online from:  StrawberryNet.com, FragranceX.com, SkincareDirect.com.au and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.


Buy Chanel Pro Lumière online from: StrawberryNet.com, Cosme-De.com, FragranceX.com, SkincareDirect.com.au and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.

Buy Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence online from: StrawberryNet.com, FragranceX.com, SkincareDirect.com.au and FragrancesAndCosmetics.com.au.


Are you tired of your foundation wearing off part way through the day? is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/long-lasting-foundation/feed/ 1 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/night-makeup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=night-makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/night-makeup/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:29:09 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1483

Day-to-night makeup.

Are you heading out for a few drinks or going on a dinner date straight after work? In a few simple steps … take your office-look into the evening. Grab a portable mirror and do it at your desk!

Makeup artist tip: This look is perfect for Valentine’s Day. You will totally rock his socks!






THE DAYTIME LOOK.

A wash of light-beige metallic eyeshadow⁽¹⁾ over the eyelid, a slick of liquid liner⁽²⁾ across the top lashes, paired with a pink lip⁽³⁾ and cheek⁽⁴⁾. To take this look into the night, watch the video tutorial and follow the steps below:



THE NIGHTTIME LOOK.



1. Ramp up your eyes!

a). Highlight the inner corner. This will brighten your eyes, make them appear further apart, and give them a mysterious glimmer.

Take a small amount of light-colored, shimmery eyeshadow^(a) on the tip of a pencil brush^(b), tap off any excess; then, using a patting motion, apply it to the inner corner of the eye. Also, blend it along the innermost part of the top and bottom lash lines.

Which color should I choose? For a cool edge, pick a sheer silver or pearlized white pigment. If you prefer a gilded glow, go for a frosted gold or bronze hue. Both color options work well on light and dark complexions.

b). Add depth to the eyelid. To take your eyeshadow from day to night, apply a deeper shade.



To achieve a good color pay-off, pat a mid-toned shadow^(c) over the eyelid with a firm, flat eyeshadow brush^(d). Then, to soften the edges, take a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e), and using a combination of back and forth strokes and circular motions, work the eyeshadow through the crease and blend it upward onto the lower section of the brow bone. For extra oomph, take the shadow beneath the eye and feather it along the lower lash line with a medium angled brush^(f).

Next, to add more intensity, press a deep-toned eyeshadow^(g) over the outer half of the eyelid with a firm, flat eyeshadow brush^(d). Then, using a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e), blend it backwards and forwards over the outer corner of the lid and up through the socket line.

What color eyeshadow suits me? Earthy shades suit most eye colors and skin tones. Matte or metallic beige shadows work well on blue eyes and white complexions, while yellow or orangey-peach shades suit brown eyes and Asian or yellow-based black skins. If your skin is black with a red undertone, use an orange, reddish-brown or burgundy eyeshadow.



c). Define the lower lash line. To give the eye definition, work a dark-colored eyeshadow^(h) in between the bottom lashes with a small angled brush⁽ⁱ⁾.

What color eyeliner is best? Use a dark-brown or gray powder eyeshadow to create a more natural under-eye contour; or for a stronger, sharper line, opt for jet black.

d). Liven up your lashes! To open up the eye, apply a lick of mascara^(j) to both the top and bottom lashes. Wiggle the wand from root to tip for maximum coverage.

Makeup artist tip: Don’t forget to coat the top side of the upper lashes. This will give extra length and volume, and camouflage any fall-out from your eyeshadow application.

2. Freshen up the rest of your face!



Lips.

For an even application of color, touch-up your lippy^(k) with a lip brush^(l).

Lipstick picks! For a full and plump-looking pout, choose a lipstick or gloss in a light shade. Nudes and pale pinks are perfect choices for white skins, while browns and caramels flatter olive complexions. If you have large lips and want them to appear smaller and thinner, opt for darker tones and matte textures.

Complexion.

For radiant skin, sweep on a luminizing bronzing powder^(m) with a large, fluffy powder brush⁽ⁿ⁾.

Bronzing basics! Swirl the brush in bronzing powder and tap off any excess. Then, using short up-and-down and side-to-side strokes, blend it over the areas of the face that would naturally catch the sun (i.e. cheekbones, temples, forehead, nose and chin).



3. Want to add some serious va va voom to your look?

Adorn your eyelids with a set of full-strip false lashes^(o). For step-by-step instructions on how to apply them, watch my Wink and Flutter video tutorial.

Lastly, put on your party outfit and spray on some fragrance. You’re ready to roll!



Product list.

^(a) Fardel Loose Iridescent Powder in Gold 602.

^(b) M·A·C Pencil Brush 219.

^(c) Light-brown eyeshadow from Dior 5 Couleur Iridescent Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection 609.

^(d) Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10.

^(e) M·A·C Tapered Blender Brush 224.

^(f) M·A·C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275.

^(g) Dark-brown eyeshadow from Dior 5 Couleur Iridescent Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection 609.

^(h) M·A·C Eyeshadow in Carbon.

⁽ⁱ⁾ Shu Uemura Natural Brush 6ob.

^(j) Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara in Black-Kohl 099.



^(k) Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Trendy Pink 376 and Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Trenchcoat Beige 137.

^(l) Chanel Small Concealer Brush.

^(m) M·A·C Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden.

⁽ⁿ⁾ M·A·C Large Powder Brush 150.

^(o) 3 Lash by M·A·C  (and Duo Adhesive).

(Daytime look: ⁽¹⁾White and Beige from Dior 5 Couleur Iridescent Eyeshadow in Parisian Lights 559, ⁽²⁾M·A·C Fluidline in Blacktrack, ⁽³⁾Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Fuchsia Poplin 677, ⁽⁴⁾Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in P Wine 25.)

Have a hot date? Put on your night eyes! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/night-makeup/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/clarins-instant-smooth-perfecting-touch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=clarins-instant-smooth-perfecting-touch http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/clarins-instant-smooth-perfecting-touch/#comments Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:28:05 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1454

Meet the perfect makeup base … Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. It visually smooths lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores leaving the complexion flawless and radiant.

The Formulation.

A silky-textured, oil-free, pale pink paste which, upon application, forms an invisible veil over the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used alone or under foundation.

The Packaging.

A small, red glass pot with a plastic screw-top lid. It comes complete with a spatula so you can decant the product hygienically. Beauty bonus! Zero waste. The wide neck means every last remnant can be scraped from the jar. (Note: Due to the consistency of this formulation, a pump dispenser or tube was not a practical packaging option.)

How It Works.

When applied to the face, Acacia Micro-Pearls expand in response to the natural moisture levels in the skin and plump out imperfections, resulting in a visibly smoothed complexion. Soft-focus pigments give the skin a subtle glow, and Vitamin E and plant extracts offer anti-aging protection.

How To Use It.

1). Cleanse, tone and moisturize the face.

2). Take a small amount of Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch on the spatula provided, and using a patting motion, blend it onto the skin with your fingertips. Target the trouble zones, that is, the areas of the face where there are wrinkles, fine lines and/or enlarged pores. Truly, less is more! A pea-sized amount of product will be enough to cover your entire face.

3). Let it settle into the skin for a minute or two, and then apply your foundation over the top.

My Application Secrets.

• Want smooth skin from forehead to chin? Mix Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch with a liquid foundation, and then apply it to your face.
• Goodbye, tired eye! Gently pat Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch around the eye prior to applying concealer. It fills in fine lines, disguises dark shadows, and makes blending concealer a breeze.
• Ace as an eyeshadow base! For crease-free eyeshadow, prepare your eyelids with Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch prior to applying your eye makeup.
• Lineless lip contour! To soften lines on and around the lips, dab on Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch before you apply your lipstick.

The Price.

It’s a beauty bargain! RRP $30 US for 15 ml. Yes, that’s the standard volume of an eye cream, but trust me … a little goes a very long way.

My Advice.

Get some! Shop online, NOW: United States, International, Australia!

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Complexion perfection? is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/clarins-instant-smooth-perfecting-touch/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-december-2009-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=links-to-fashion-blogs-december-2009-2 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-december-2009-2/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:04:13 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1433

Edited by Retrochick. Well, I suppose I should start this week’s Links à la Mode with this:

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Here are some lovely links to keep you busy over the Christmas period. M.I.S.S. and JewelryWhore have DIY ideas to keep your mind and body occupied, ID Style and Little Miss Makeup show you how to ramp up the glamour in your makeup bag, whilst Daily Diva Dish and The Working Wardrobe help you plan what to wear for New Year’s Eve and your first day back at work post-holiday. If you run out of entertainment here, then you should check out the full Links à la Mode thread for more yummy fashion goodness. Have a fantastic holiday and I hope that Santa brings you everything you wish for!

Links à la Mode: December 24th.

• Alice in Stilettos – Don’t Be Victimized By Fashion.
• DailyDivaDish – New Year’s Eve Fashion: Make an entrance without breaking the bank. Includes 2 looks + DIY ideas.
• Fashion X K8 – Fashionably literary.
• Fasshonaburu – An interview with Liu Wen, the first Asian model to strut her stuff on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show catwalk.
• Idiosyncratic Style – Wham GLAM Thank You Ma’am – Indulge in a little glamour for the holidays.
• Jewelry Whore – HUGE Roundup of DIY Christmas Present Ideas! It’s not too late to make some fabulous jewelry for Christmas presents!
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – You’re only a couple of clicks and a few stitches away from owning your own one-of-a-kind designer piece with free patterns from SHOWstudio.
• La Société de Mode – A scream of an interview with stylist Brett Bailey.
• Little Miss Makeup – Bold lips: This season’s hottest makeup trend.
• M.I.S.S. – Another simple yet attractive necklace, by Pandora from Accessory Source, in this week’s She’s Crafty.
• Previously Owned – To celebrate the [almost there] opening of the ONLINE store, Previously Owned BLOG is giving away a Royal Blue hobo!
• Retro Chick – Vintage Hair Styling with Flamingo Amy.
• Style on a String – Harem Pants: Yay or Nay? And, some quick tips on how to buy and wear them.
• Sugar and spice and all things nice – 10 things I like … no, LOVE … about FANTASY SHOPPING!!
• sweetarchivia – Review of the much anticipated launch of the Rodarte for Target line by the Mulleavy sisters.
• THE COVETED – Versace pre-fall returns to color.
• The Demoiselles – Wing Tips: Your First Time … at the Tailor.
• The Fashion Planner – The Fashion Planner is excited to announce the publication of The Fashion Planner’s Guide!
• The Style PA – I review the comfy Cable Cosy by Isabella Oliver.
• The Working Wardrobe – Learning the art of layering that is both fashion-forward and office-appropriate.

Links à la Mode: The Happy Holiday Edition is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-december-2009-2/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/red-lipstick/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=red-lipstick http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/red-lipstick/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:13:20 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1321

“My favorite look of the season is a red lip paired with a nude face, as seen on the runway in the Yves Saint Laurent and House of Holland shows. To get the look, team groomed brows with a wash of light-brown matte eyeshadow and a slick of black mascara. Add a touch of beige to the cheekbones, and to create a bold lip, paint on a rich creamy red lipstick.”

Rock out in red lips!

To achieve perfect red smackers:

1). Start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dry, flaky skin.

Makeup artist tip: Want a quick and easy exfoliation technique? Rub a dry, soft-bristled baby’s toothbrush over your lips.

2). To hydrate your lips, apply a good lip balm (I love The Lip Balm by Crème De La Mer and the Carmex range).

Makeup artist tip: Ensure you tissue off any excess lip balm before you apply your lipliner. If you don’t, your lipliner is likely to smear everywhere!



3). Outline your lips with lipliner.

Why use lipliner? When applied correctly, lipliner shapes and defines the lips. It also helps lipstick last longer and prevents dark colors bleeding.

Lipliner tips!

• For a precision-perfect pout, choose a lipliner in a shade that closely matches the color of your lipstick.
• Prior to application, always warm the tip of the pencil on the back of your hand. A slightly blunt point is best because it doesn’t drag the skin and gives a smooth, even finish.
• Begin in the middle of the top lip, and following the natural contour, work toward the corners of the mouth using a series of short strokes; then, repeat along the bottom lip, working outward from the center.

4). For a precise and even application of color, apply your lipstick with a lip brush. Or, for a low maintenance bitten-lip look, pat the lipstick over your lips with your fingertip.

Lipstick tricks!



• Bored with your signature red lippy? Get creative. For a subtle change in tone, line your lips with a lipliner in a different shade and then apply your lipstick, ensuring you blend well at the edges so the lipliner and lipstick merge seamlessly. Want a more dramatic color change? Fill in the entire lip area with lipliner first.

In the video below, I demonstrate how to deepen a red lipstick with a blackcurrant lipliner:



• Blot your lipstick by biting down on a tissue. Or put your thumb in your mouth, suck tightly and pull it out. This way, any excess lipstick will end up on the tissue or your thumb, not on your teeth!
• Out for a few drinks? To preserve your pout, drink through a straw!

What red to wear!



Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Color in Enthusiast 64 is a hot choice. It’s a gorgeous red which leaves the lips feeling as though they are draped in luxury. This shade flatters all faces and gives the complexion a tan-like radiance. Team all that with the minimalist design and you have one very slick lipstick.

Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Rouge Cancan 17 by Givenchy is a makeup bag must-have! It’s an intense, statement red with a creamy texture and hydrating finish. The silver and black, ribbon-adorned packaging is simply stunning.

For scarlet lips with staying power, choose a matte formulation. My favorite long-wearing reds are M·A·C’s Ruby Woo and Russian Red. Beauty bonus! Both of these shades are blue-based reds, which means your smile will appear whiter and brighter.

Scared of bright red? For sheer shine, slick on a ruby-tinted gloss such as Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Little Red Dress 856, La Laque Fever in Simply Red 104 by Lancôme or Chanel’s Aqualumière Gloss in Party Red 65.



Get out and about, and show off your pout!

Red lipstick: The ultimate power pout! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/red-lipstick/feed/ 6 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eye-makeup-techniques/glitter-eye-makeup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=glitter-eye-makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eye-makeup-techniques/glitter-eye-makeup/#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:45:49 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1304

At party time, glitter is a girl’s best friend!

For eyelids that sparkle like shiny disco balls, watch the video tutorial and follow the step-by-step instructions below:



The lowdown.

Makeup artist tip! To make eye makeup application easier, keep your eyes open, tilt your head backwards (to stretch the skin on your eyelid taut) and look into a mirror.

1). Begin by creating a base. Prime the eyelid and the area beneath the eye with concealer, and to ensure it stays put, dust on a layer of loose, matte powder.

2). Blend a powder eyeshadow over the eyelid.

Makeup artist tip! To make gaps less noticeable, choose a shade which complements your choice of glitter.

3). To give the eye extra oomph, take the eyeshadow underneath the eye and blend it along the lower lashes; then, work a black eyeliner pencil across the top and bottom lash lines, and along the upper and lower inner rims.

4). For a fan-like flutter, apply two coats of black mascara to the lashes.

5). Dip a flat, synthetic eyeshadow brush ^(a) in glitter glue ^(b) and press it over the eyelid.

Makeup artist tip! Avoid the lash line, as the adhesive can sting if it enters the eye.



6). Pick up some glitter ^(c) on the same brush (as used in Step 5) and, using the flat side, pat it onto the eyelid. Keep adding more until you build up the desired intensity.

Makeup artist tip! To prevent fall-out onto the face, hold a folded tissue below the eye with your free hand. If, despite your best efforts, you still get specks of glitter on your cheeks, don’t panic. Simply use a clean mascara wand to remove them. Swipe the brush over any stray glitter particles and it will pull them from the skin without ruining your foundation. Clean the brush by running your fingers over the bristles, and then repeat the process if necessary.



Coordinate your look … wear matching eyes and nails!

For disco-licious fingers and toes, simply add glitter to clear nail polish and paint it on.


It’s time to rock the party, gals!

Shopping list.



^(a) Flat, synthetic eyeshadow brush: The Body Shop Eyeshadow Brush.

^(b) Glitter glue: Glitter Glue by Ben Nye.

^(c) Glitter: M•A•C Glitter in Silver.

For perfect party eyes … go glittery! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eye-makeup-techniques/glitter-eye-makeup/feed/ 6 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-december-2009/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=links-to-fashion-blogs-december-2009 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-december-2009/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:24:13 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1279

Links à la Stocking Stuffers!

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily.

This week, as I’ve been getting geared up for the holiday season’s shopping (both loving and dreading it) via Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I couldn’t help but compare the posts to stocking stuffers. Why? Because it felt like a nice, sentimental hodge podge of little items that although different, still fit together into the bigger equation, hence my new phrase, “Links à la Stocking Stuffers!” Although I jest, I love the variety of posts this week, from Retro Chick‘s guide to ’40s hair for holiday parties, CoolMamaStyle.com‘s tuxedo jacket, The Coveted‘s adventures in Century 21 and What to Wear‘s Art Basel fashionable looks, to Prom Mafia‘s run in with Black Friday and SwaySwaySway‘s blissful tactics to keep your computer off on Cyber Monday. As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode: December 3rd.

• 39th and Broadway - How zoning may save the fashion industry.
• Bonne Vie - Talks about knockoffs and why making fashion accessible isn’t a bad thing.
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor - Interview with Katie Mackay of What Katie Wore, as she reaches the end of her year-long style challenge, to wear something different every day!
• CoolMamaStyle.com - Binge or Bargain: Black Tuxedo Jacket.
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Saks Fifth Avenue & Windows 7; an unlikely pairing for the holidays!
• Fashion XK8 - Explores fashion through local anthropology.
• Girl Friday - Mad About the Tote.
• Little Miss Makeup - Smoky Eyeshadow: A Timeless Makeup Trend.
• Oranges and Apples - Fashioning the Future: my favorites from the 2009 sustainable fashion awards.
• Painfully Hip - Edie Sedgwick takes San Francisco (she was born a California girl, afterall)!
• Prom Mafia - Surviving Old Navy’s Black Friday Sales.
• Rags to Reverie - How Essie got me to embrace nail color once again.
• Retro Chick - A Step-by-step Guide to Easy ’40s Style Party Hair.
• Style Symmetry - Blog to Watch: My Mom, The Style Icon.
• SwaySwaySway - A short and humorous guide to beating those seductive Cyber Monday urges.
• [the 3st] - Interview with Hungarian Designer Dora Mojzes, recently featured at the Marie Claire Fashion Show.
• The Art of Accessories - Helps you find a gift for everyone on your list with the 2009 Winter Gift Guide.
• The Coveted - Finds designers at an old favorite discount department store, Century 21.
• The Door in My Wardrobe - A lengthy post about fabric weaves and fibers, helpful for vintage hunters.
• The Working Wardrobe - Check out these eco-friendly ties that work with your outfit and your office dress code.
• What to Wear - Art Basel Miami Beach: the most important art show in the United States.

Links à la Mode: What to wear & how to wear it is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-december-2009/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/smoky-eyeshadow/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=smoky-eyeshadow http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/smoky-eyeshadow/#comments Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:36:24 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1185

SMOKING HOT!

“The secret to creating a smoky eye is layering and blending. Layer dark colors over light and blend well.”

“This look is not only reserved for those with blue eyes. Simply adjust the tone and intensity to suit your eye color and complexion.”



Step-by-step instructions!

1). Cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin.



2). For a natural-looking complexion, blend Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous foundation over the face with your fingertips.



3). To even out the skin tone, apply Benefit Boi-ing concealer where needed (i.e. beneath the eye, over the eyelid, and on any imperfections) with a concealer brush^(a), and then blend by patting it into the skin with your fingertip.

4). Next, to set the foundation and concealer, take a matte translucent powder^(b) on a large, fluffy powder brush^(c) and dust it over the face.

5). To make your lashes appear longer, curl them with eyelash curlers^(d).



6). Use the lightest-colored eyeshadow in the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit (pink) as a base, and blend it over the eyelid with a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e).

7). Then, to add depth, take the mid-toned eyeshadow from the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit (pewter) and press it onto the outer two-thirds of the eyelid with a firm, flat eyeshadow brush^(f). To build up a strong layer of color, use the flat side of the brush and repeatedly pat the shadow onto the lid. Next, to make the eyes smolder, use a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e), and blend the pewter shadow over the eyelid and through the crease, using a combination of back-and-forth strokes and circular motions.

8). It’s time to get smoky! Take the darkest eyeshadow in the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit (charcoal) on a flat, dense-bristled eyeshadow brush^(g), and using a patting motion, press it over the outer third of the eyelid; then, blend backward and forward, and round and round, with a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e) until you achieve the desired effect.



9). Now, take the mid-toned shadow (pewter) on a small shading brush^(h) and work it along the lower lash line. To enhance the smoky intensity, smooth the finish by blending over it with an angled blending brush⁽ⁱ⁾.

10). For a sexy shimmer, take the lightest shadow (pink) on a pencil brush^(j) and apply it to the inner corner of the eye (both top and bottom).

11). To define the lash line, feather the black eyeliner pencil from the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit through the roots of the top and bottom lashes. To soften the finish along the upper lash line, smudge the darkest shadow (charcoal) over the eyeliner with the hard angled brush supplied in the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit. Lastly, line the inner rim of the lower eyelid with the black pencil.

12). Then, to open up the eyes, coat the top and bottom lashes with Benefit BADgal Lash mascara in black.



13). Finally, for healthy-looking cheeks and lips, brush on Benefit Benetint and blend with your fingertips for a seamless finish. Want a pout with more punch? Slick a brighter lipgloss on top^(k).

14). Pop on your party dress and go have some fun!





Brushes and Accessories.
^(a)Concealer brush: Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10. ^(b)Powder: Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte in Colorless. ^(c)Powder brush: M•A•C Large Powder Brush 134. ^(d)Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. ^(e)Soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush: M•A•C Tapered Blender Brush 224. ^(f)Firm, flat eyeshadow brush: Chanel Eyeshadow Brush #2. ^(g)Flat, dense-bristled eyeshadow brush: M•A•C Eye Shading Brush 239. ^(h)Small shading brush: M•A•C Mini Shader Brush 228. ⁽ⁱ⁾Angled blending brush: M•A•C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275. ^(j)Pencil brush: M•A•C Pencil Brush 219. ^(k)Lipgloss: Clarins Gloss Appeal in 06 Orchyd.



Wanna buy Benefit Cosmetics online? Pick your country: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or International.


Smoky Eyeshadow: Forever Fashionable is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/smoky-eyeshadow/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/smoky-eye-makeup-preview/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=smoky-eye-makeup-preview http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/smoky-eye-makeup-preview/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:48:40 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1134

Want on-trend eye makeup? Go smoky!

For a totally wearable look, team a stormy gray eye with a juicy pink lip.

Step-by-step instructions, video tutorial and product list coming soon.

Watch this space!



Before things get smoky!



Ash-laden lids!



A flush of berry blush!



Perfect pink pout!

Photoshoot Preview: Smoking hot! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/smoky-eye-makeup-preview/feed/ 2 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/beauty-by-angelique/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beauty-by-angelique http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/beauty-by-angelique/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:43:38 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1045

byANGÉLIQUE … where cosmetics and convenience collide!

Angélique is the Wonder Woman of the beauty world. Her innovative range of beauty products and accessories are not only funky and affordable, but they make life easier for the modern girl.



The byANGÉLIQUE Range.



Tweeze, please!

TweezeMe: Tweezers with an in-built light! Perfect for tweezing eyebrow hairs in low-light environments such as hotel bathrooms. Also, a total godsend if you have blonde eyebrow hairs which play invisible when you are plucking.

Other product features: Choice of a pink or silver protective case. Pink TweezeMe comes complete with a magnifying mirror and cleaning cloth, while Silver TweezeMe includes an Allen key to make battery changes a breeze. Beauty Bonus! Both packages contain complimentary spare batteries.

Makeup artist tip!

When tweezing, use a brow comb or clean mascara wand to brush the eyebrow hairs in an upward direction. A groomed brow line is easier to shape and you will be less likely to over-pluck. Extract hair from the underside of the brow first, and then tidy along the top. Always tweeze in the direction of hair growth and pull the skin taut to lessen the pain!



Think mirror compacts are old-fashioned? Think again!

MakeMeUp: A cute pink compact with two mirrors inside; one lights up at the push of a button and the other offers 2× magnification. Use the lighted mirror to touch up your makeup in the dark. Powdering your face in the back of a taxi cab at night has never been so easy! And, during daylight hours, the magnifying mirror is perfect for those up close and personal makeup moments. MakeMeUp is sleek and lightweight – quite simply, every handbag should have one!



Lights! Mirror! Hydration!

LipDelight: A nourishing lipgloss with an in-built light and mirror. No more putting your lippy on crooked! Apply it anywhere, any time, day or night, with laser-sharp precision. Choice of six stunning shades.

Makeup artist tip!

Team smoky eyes with LipDelight in Elegant (a dark nude) for a sultry evening look. Coral has made a comeback, so for an on-trend lip choose LipDelight in Gorgeous. Want sexy smackers? LipDelight in Sassy (a watermelon pink) is my pick.



The balm with bite!

LipFresh: A tinted, moisture-rich, mint-infused lip balm. Kiss pout drought and coffee breath good-bye! Choose from five fun shades.

Makeup artist tip!

For a shiny but understated smile, opt for LipFresh in Nude. Mimic the makeup seen in recent runway shows, and pair heavily lined eyes with LipFresh in Rose (a sheer plum-red). To bring the most boring lipstick to life, simply pat LipFresh in Clear over the top. Want juicy pink kissers? Layer on LipFresh in Fuchsia.

For well-conditioned, glossy lips and a lingering fresh breath, the answer is . . . LipFresh!

Shopping List!







TweezeMe.

MakeMeUp.

LipDelight.

LipFresh.

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byANGÉLIQUE: An innovative beauty brand is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/beauty-by-angelique/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/makeup-for-halloween/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=makeup-for-halloween http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/makeup-for-halloween/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:48:31 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=1014 Modern vampire-inspired makeup.  Glitter + Vampire = “Glampire!”

To learn how to get this look, turn up the volume and watch the video tutorial below:











Shopping List!

Products.
Foundation: Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous. Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing. Powder: Shu Uemura Matte Powder in Colorless. Eyeshadow and Eyeliner: Benefit Smokin’ Eyes Kit. Mascara: Benefit BADgal Lash in Black. Lip color: Benefit Benetint and Clarins Gloss Appeal in 06 Orchyd. Blush: M•A•C Powder Blush in Pink Swoon. Glue: Glitter Glue by Ben Nye. Glitter: M•A•C Glitter in Silver. Fake blood: Stage Blood by Ben Nye.

Brushes and Accessories.
Concealer: Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10. Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. Eyeshadow: M•A•C Tapered Blender Brush 224, Chanel Eyeshadow Brush #2, M•A•C Mini Shader Brush 228, M•A•C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275, M•A•C Pencil Brush 219. Powder and blush: M•A•C Large Powder Brush 134. Glue and Glitter: The Body Shop Eyeshadow Brush. Blood: Kryolan Brush 6-4206.

Wanna buy Benefit Cosmetics online? Pick your country: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or International.










Halloween “Glampire” Makeup is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/makeup-for-halloween/feed/ 6 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-october/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=links-to-fashion-blogs-october http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-october/#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:32:17 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=981

Edited by Retro Chick.

There’s a thrifty feel abound in this week’s Links à la Mode. Maybe we are all saving money for Christmas, or perhaps we’re those recessionistas that I hear so much about. Oranges and Apples spends a week living out of a capsule wardrobe to prove it can be done, Further Ado tells us why “Investment Dressing” is just another way that fashion magazines try and part us from our cash, Style Symmetry shows us three ways to work the same plaid blazer, and Fashion is my Crush saves money by making her own studded vest (that’s a waistcoat, if you’re British …).

As the end of October creeps closer and the night’s draw in, this week’s Links à la Mode also, inevitably, includes some Halloween inspiration from The New Wave and Style Amor, along with the usual amazing mix of giveaways, interviews and reviews that we’ve come to expect.

Of course, if you need more tips and tricks, remember to check out all the submissions for this week in the Links à la Mode thread.

Links à la Mode: October 22nd.

• A Typical Atypical – Make me a … 1940’s wartime woman.
• Awakened Aesthetic – Men need sexy shoes too! Awakened Aesthetic searches for the best men’s dress shoes … and all of them are vegan.
• Bobbins and Bombshells – Sharin Foo of The Raveonettes. A modern Hitchcock Blonde with a guitar.
• Fashion in my eyes – Revlon fantasy eyelashes review and giveaway.
• Fashion is My Crush – DIY Embellished Vest: make your own hardware strewn vest with some beads, studs & chains.
• Fasshonaburu – Alyssa & Vyque go to the local Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out.
• ferOHHHsh – Blatant Designer Knockoffs – Not just in the back of vans anymore.
• Further Ado – Investment dressing – is it a real investment, or another women’s magazine catch-phrase used to encourage us to buy, buy, buy?
• Idiosyncratic Style – Q & A with amazing photographer, Dana Brushette.
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Emily Howse: A look at an up-and-coming fashion graduate with a taste for ethical production, architectural inspired pieces, and plenty of ruffles.
• Little Miss Makeup – Brown is the new gray! Learn how to do a smoky eye for daytime.
• Oranges and Apples – The Capsule Wardrobe Challenge: Roundup and Reflections.
• Prom Mafia – ’80s Done Right: How to Rock the ’80s Fashion Trend.
• Retro Chick – Win an organic cotton jumper, worth £70 from Urban Buzz.
• slsvgg Fashion – Lily Allen’s jewellery line has finally been released in Selfridges.
• Style Amor – Need costume inspiration with a bad ass fashionable twist?
• Style Symmetry – Three Ways to Wear a Plaid Blazer This Season!
• Styletastic – A roundup of S/S 2010 runway shoes – what will we all be wanting to wear on our feet next summer? (Or not, as the case may be.)
• The Coveted – Behind the Scenes at Christian Francis Roth.
• The New Wave – DIY Halloween inspiration from the S/S 2010 runway shows.
• The Working Wardrobe – Something to Remember: Your Work Attire Not Only Represents You, It Represents Your Workplace. Think Before You Dress.

Links à la Mode: Thrifty Chic is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-october/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/smoky-eyes-for-daytime/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=smoky-eyes-for-daytime http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/smoky-eyes-for-daytime/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:43:34 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=838 Daytime Chic: Smoky eyes with a modern edge.

Before.	Eyes.	Lips & Cheeks.	Daytime Chic!

To recreate this look, watch the video tutorial and follow the step-by-step instructions below:



PRE-MAKEUP APPLICATION.



Begin by plucking your eyebrows, and cleansing, toning and moisturizing the skin.

Makeup artist tip! Always wipe over the eyelids with a cotton pad dampened with cleansing water prior to applying makeup. This will remove any oil from the surface of the skin and help your eye makeup adhere better.

EYES.



Makeup artist tip! When I am using a dark-colored eyeshadow, I like to apply the eye makeup first. This way, if there is any fallout, it won’t ruin the foundation.

Prep and prime.

Brush on the base!

1.    Apply a light layer of Thevi Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation to the eye area with a firm, flat brush^(a), and blend it with your fingertips.

Makeup artist tip! Foundation will help to even out the skin tone in the eye area; however, it will only mask minor imperfections. For heavy duty help . . .

Call up the concealer!

2.    Apply a creamy concealer^(b) to the eyelid and underneath the eye with a firm, flat brush^(a), and then use the warmth of your fingertip to blend it onto the skin. For optimal coverage, pat the concealer into the skin with the pad of your finger; don’t rub, because this will wipe the concealer away.

Why conceal? Concealing the eye area is important because it allows you to create a blank canvas to work on. To get a true color pay-off from your eyeshadow, you need to block the unwanted undertones in the eyelid (i.e. red and/or blue hues caused by small veins). When concealing around the eye socket, the aim is to mask the pink or gray tones so the skin in this area matches the rest of the face.

Powder those lids!

Makeup artist tip! To make blending “matte” eyeshadows easier, always prepare the eyelid with powder first.

3.    To create a powder base, blend Thevi Mineral Pressed Powder over the eyelid with a small powder brush^(c).

Eyelashes.

For lengthy-looking top lashes, curl them with eyelash curlers^(d).



Eyeshadow.

Makeup artist tip! For the perfect eyeshadow application, keep your eyes open, tilt your head slightly backwards (to stretch the skin on your eyelid taut) and look into a mirror.

Lightest shade.


1.    To create the illusion of wider-set eyes, press the lightest color in the Thevi Triple Split Shadow in Bistro (a light yellow/gold frost) into the inner corner of the eye (both top and bottom) with a firm, flat brush^(a); then blend it outward over the eyelid and upward over the brow bone with a soft, fluffy brush^(e). For this look, the color should be lightest at the inner corner of the eye and graduate upward and outwards.

Makeup artist tip! Initially pressing the shadow onto the inner corner of the eye, as opposed to blending back and forth, allows you to build up a more intense layer of color.



Middle shade.

2.    Using a soft, fluffy brush^(e), blend Thevi Matte Shadow in Cameo over the center of the eyelid, into the crease and onto the outer corner of the eye.

Darkest shade.

Makeup artist tip! To achieve an initial strong application of color and reduce fallout, use the flat side of the brush to stipple on the shadow. If flakes of eyeshadow do fall beneath the eyes and onto the cheeks, remove them with a Q-Tip (cotton bud) dipped in cleansing water.

3.    Take Thevi Matte Shadow in Dark Brown on a small, flat brush^(f), and using a patting motion, block the color over the outer edge of the eyelid and through the socket line; then, following the natural contour of the eye, blend back and forth with a soft, fluffy brush^(e) to shape and soften the color. To create a modern smoky eye, wing the eyeshadow out slightly at the outer corner and blend using circular motions. To achieve the desired depth and dimension, add more Thevi Matte Shadow in Dark Brown to the outer corner of the lid and blend it through the crease. Next, sweep Thevi Matte Shadow in Cameo onto the ball of the eyelid and blend with a soft, fluffy brush^(e).

Highlight.

Touch up the inner corner of the eye with the lightest color in the Thevi Triple Split Shadow in Bistro. Take it beneath the eye, and using a pointed blending brush^(g), blend it from the inner corner to the middle of the lower lash line. This will open up the eye and give it a sexy sheen.

Hot tip! Yellow and gold tones work well on olive skin and make brown eyes fizz!

Intensify the eye!

To enhance the smoky intensity, take a small, flat blending brush^(h) and work Thevi Matte Shadow in Dark Brown along the lower lash line. Using a medium angled brush⁽ⁱ⁾, blend the eyeshadow to smooth and soften the finish.

Eyeliner.




To give the eye definition, take Thevi Automatic Longlasting Eyeliner in Onyx, and using a series of short, overlapping strokes, apply it to the top and bottom lash lines. The lines should be thicker at the outer corner of the eye, tapering inwards. Also, apply Thevi Automatic Longlasting Eyeliner in Onyx to the upper and lower inner rims. For a professional finish, blend along the lash lines with a small angled brush^(j) and create a wing at the outer corner of the eye, so the bottom and top lash lines meet in a smooth point. Finally, for added smoulder, soften the lower lash line with a small, flat blending brush^(h).

Eyelashes.



Coat the top and bottom eyelashes with Thevi Lush Mascara in Black.

Makeup artist tip! Do you have trouble applying mascara to the lower lashes? Yes? Apply it when there is only a small amount of product on the brush. Paint your top lashes first, and without re-dipping the wand, hold the brush horizontally and wiggle it over and through the bottom lashes, coating them from base to tip.

FACE.

Foundation.

For fresh and flawless skin, apply Thevi Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation to the face with a foundation brush^(k) and then work it in with your fingertips. Test the color along the jawline first, and once you have selected the right shade, start in the middle of the face, and using outward and downward strokes, blend it onto the skin. To avoid obvious lines of demarcation, apply foundation sparingly near the hairline, jawline and eyebrows, and BLEND, BLEND, BLEND!

Makeup artist tip! Check your foundation regularly to ensure you have the perfect shade for your skin tone. Seasonal changes (and other factors) can alter the color of your complexion.

Concealer.

What spot?

Take a full-coverage concealer^(b) on a firm, flat brush^(a) and apply it to any imperfections and blemishes; then, for a faultless finish, pat it into the skin with your fingertip so it blends seamlessly with your foundation.

Bright eyes.

Makeup artist tip! To create a perfectly textured product for the skin beneath the eye, I mix a concealer with the contents of a highlighter pen. This combination gives coverage as well as light reflective luminosity.

It’s time to touch up! Mix a concealer^(b) and highlighter pen^(l) together on the back of your hand and apply it under the eye with a firm, flat brush^(a). To blend, press it into the skin with your fingertips.

Powder.

To set your foundation and minimize shine, dust Thevi Mineral Pressed Powder over the face with a large, fluffy powder brush^(m).



LIPS.

For a glossy nude lip, apply Thevi High Impact Lipstick in Sequin with a lip brush⁽ⁿ⁾.



CHEEKS.

Lastly, apply Thevi Sheer Matte Blush in Whisper Apricot to the cheekbones with a large, fluffy powder brush^(m).

You are ready to take the day on. Très chic!



SHOPPING LIST.

Foundation: Thevi Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation.

Powder: Thevi Mineral Pressed Powder.

Eyeshadow:     Thevi Triple Split Shadow in Bistro.

Thevi Matte Shadow in Cameo.

Thevi Matte Shadow in Dark Brown.

Eyeliner: Thevi Automatic Longlasting Eyeliner in Onyx.

Mascara: Thevi Lush Mascara in Black.

Lipstick: Thevi High Impact Lipstick in Sequin.

Blush: Thevi Sheer Matte Blush in Whisper Apricot.



The Daytime Chic Color Collection: Thevi Special Package Deals.

Not sure what colors you need?

Try Thevi’s sample sizes! The following products are available: Thevi Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation Sample, Thevi Mineral Pressed Powder Sample, Thevi Matte Shadow Sample and Thevi Sheer Matte Blush Sample.

^(a)Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10, ^(b)M·A·C Studio Finish, ^(c)Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 14, ^(d)Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, ^(e)M·A·C Tapered Blender Brush 224, ^(f)M·A·C Eye Shading Brush 239, ^(g)M·A·C Pencil Brush 219, ^(h)M·A·C Mini Shader Brush 228, ⁽ⁱ⁾M·A·C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275, ^(j)M·A·C Small Angle Brush 266, ^(k)Les Pinceaux De Chanel Foundation Brush 6, ^(l)Dior SkinFlash, ^(m)M·A·C Large Powder Brush 134, ⁽ⁿ⁾M·A·C Concealer Brush 194.

For a print-friendly version of Daytime Chic, click on the image below.



Our eBooks are in PDF format and require Adobe Reader. If you don’t already have this software installed, click on the icon below to download it: 



How to do smoky eyes for daytime is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eyeshadow-application/smoky-eyes-for-daytime/feed/ 21 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/makeup-for-olive-skin/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=makeup-for-olive-skin http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/makeup-for-olive-skin/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:42:45 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=781

Before makeup.

Want to recreate this look?

Step-by-step instructions and video tutorial coming soon.

Watch this space!



After makeup.

Photoshoot Preview: Exotic Beauty is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/makeup-for-olive-skin/feed/ 2 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-september-2009/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=links-to-fashion-blogs-september-2009 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-september-2009/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:59:18 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=721

Shifting Gears

Edited by Jennine.

It’s here. Summer’s (basically) over, back to school, back to work, … plus, today is the first official day of Fashion Week madness … and New York is just the beginning. I’ve always thought once Labor Day rolled around, we shifted gears and started jamming everything in, struck by the realization that the year is almost out! This week, we’ve got an amazing round of links, seriously, it was so hard to pick only 20. Style Amor wonders if we really need Fashion Week at all, Heavy Heels senses the Wind of Change, as models start chopping their locks, The Demoiselles begin a ‘get healthy’ project, and kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS does a remarkable interview with Patricia Ayres.

Links à la Mode: September 10th.

• Art of Accessories – Translating the Trends: Ruffles.
• BRICK MY LANE – The ruffled neckpiece – part 2.
• dramatis personae – “Plus-Sized” Bras for Busty Gals.
• Fashion Hippo – Giveaway: Tory Burch Logo Clutch.
• Fashion Pulse Daily – FelixRey.com: Fashion Pulse Daily Readers Get an Exclusive 20% Off!
• fete a fete – Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Manta Ray & Eyes To Kill.
• Heavy Heels – Wind of Change.
• Idiosyncratic Style – IdStyle File – Kaitlyn Regehr.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – How Important is Trust? A Review of Trust Agents.
• Intrinsically Florrie – Luella Loveage.
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Interview with Patricia Ayres.
• Little Miss Makeup – Is applying liquid eyeliner your biggest beauty frustration?
• Meilily – Ruffled Makeup Bag by Christian Siriano for VS Makeup.
• Retro Chick – Planning an Autumn Winter 2009-10 Wardrobe.
• Style Amor – Do We Need Fashion Week?
• Style it You – Breaking Barriers.
• Style Symmetry – The Last Hurrah Giveaway.
• Stylish Thought – Stylish Thoughts on Coco, Karl & Feminism.
• Super Kawaii Mama – Worn Wild – MSFW’s Dark Side.
• THE COVETED – Mahtab Azimi’s Cozy Little Black Dress.
• The Demoiselles – We’re Getting Healthy.

Links à la Mode: Presented by Independent Fashion Bloggers is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-september-2009/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eye-makeup-techniques/how-to-apply-liquid-eyeliner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-apply-liquid-eyeliner http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eye-makeup-techniques/how-to-apply-liquid-eyeliner/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:45:56 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=629 Wanna know how to do designer liner? Think Audrey Hepburn and Angelina Jolie. Yes? Watch the video tutorial and follow the instructions below:



Prepare your peepers!

1) Apply concealer to the eyelid to even out any discoloration and then apply a light layer of loose powder over the top. A dusting of powder will help both your eyeshadow and eyeliner adhere smoothly and last longer.

2) Apply your eyeshadow as normal.



Use pencil as a stencil!

1) Before applying liquid liner, draw a guide line with an eye pencil or matte eyeshadow first.

2) When you have a perfect line, trace straight over it with liquid eyeliner.

Why draw a guide line? I prefer to draft a line with pencil or powder first because these formulations are more forgiving when it comes to mistakes than their liquid counterparts. Because they don’t tend to set hard or dry completely, errors can easily be smudged away with a dry Q-Tip (cotton bud). And, once you have created a precise powder or pencil line to follow, you will be less likely to go wrong when it’s time to apply the liquid layer.

Pointers for using a pencil! Always sharpen an eye pencil before use; and prior to application, warm the point on the back of your hand to soften it. If the tip is too sharp, it may drag or damage the delicate skin in the eye area. Ouch!

Sketch on some shadow! Take a small amount of matte eyeshadow on an angled eyeliner brush, knock off any excess and then carefully stipple it along the lash line.

Makeup artist tip: Good eyeliner defines and shapes the eye. To achieve a perfect lash line, apply the eyeliner as close to the base of the eyelashes as possible and work it in between them.



Elongate the eyes by creating a wing at the outer corner of the upper lash line.

Wanna know the trick to achieving the perfect flick?

1) Look into a mirror and draw the wing on with your eyes open. This way you are more likely to position it correctly.

2) To get the right angle, imagine you are drawing a line from the corner of your nose to the outer corner of your eye, and simply extend the line in an upward direction toward your temple. If you can’t visualize it, lie a ruler across your face.

3) To start, draw a very faint, fine line and gradually modify it to achieve the desired width and intensity.



Unleash the liquid!

1) Take a small amount of liquid eyeliner on an eyeliner brush and wipe the tip on the back of your hand to remove any excess.

Makeup artist tip: Just learning? To get familiar with your brush, paint a few lines of varying thickness on the back of your hand.

2) In front of a mirror, tilt your head backwards and gently pull the eyelid taut with the fingertips of your free hand. Tightening the skin will help eliminate creases and gaps.

3) Following your pencil or powder guide line, start in the middle of the eye and work outward along the top lash line using a series of short, overlapping strokes. Lastly, line the inner upper corner of the eye with any product remaining on the brush.

Makeup artist tip: For a precise and controlled application, use an eyeliner brush with a very fine head. Press the side of the brush against the eyelid to create the line, not just the tip. This way you can sweep the liner on flawlessly.



Mucked up?

If you make a boo-boo with liquid eyeliner, you generally have to call for heavy-duty help! If a liquid eyeliner emergency does strike, administer First Aid as follows:

1) Wet one end of a fine Q-Tip with an oil-based eye makeup remover and gently wipe the mistake away.

2) Use the dry end of the Q-Tip to remove any traces of oil from the skin. If any residue remains you won’t be able to reapply the eyeliner properly, so be thorough!

3) If the mistake was a monster, don’t forget to reapply the base products you have erased (i.e. concealer, powder, eyeshadow) before you reattempt the eyeliner. If you don’t, the end color may appear patchy.



What’s the best eyeliner look for my eye shape?

Makeup artist tip: For a classic look, only use liquid eyeliner on the top lash line. For less mess and improved durability underneath the eye, use a matte powder or pencil along the lower lash line and/or inner rim.

Round eyes: On the upper and lower lash lines, draw a thicker line at the outer corner of the eye, tapering toward the inner corner.

Almond-shaped eyes: Wear thick or thin eyeliner the whole way across the eyelid, both top and bottom.

Small eyes: Paint a fine line right at the roots of the top lashes and leave the bottom lash line bare.

Protruding eyes: Draw a thick, dark-colored line along the upper lashes to help push back the pronounced eyelids. Line the outer corner of the lower lid if desired.

Remember: Practice makes perfect. Go forth and make liquid eyeliner your signature statement!

Shopping List!



Powder line: Shu Uemura Natural Brush 6ob and M·A·C Eye Shadow in Carbon.
Liquid line: *M·A·C Eyeliner Brush 25 and M·A·C Fluidline in Blacktrack.

*Please note: M·A·C Eyeliner Brush 25 has been discontinued. Its replacement in the current range is M·A·C Eyeliner Brush 210.

Buy M·A·C products online from MACCosmetics.com.

Is applying liquid eyeliner your biggest beauty frustration? is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/eye-makeup-techniques/how-to-apply-liquid-eyeliner/feed/ 12 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/liquid-eyeliner-tutorial-coming-soon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liquid-eyeliner-tutorial-coming-soon http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/liquid-eyeliner-tutorial-coming-soon/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:07:44 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=603

Is applying liquid eyeliner the bane of your beauty routine? Not anymore!

I am launching my “How to apply liquid eyeliner” tutorial very soon.

Want a pre-launch preview? Check out the photos below.



Draw a line with powder first.



Then paint over the powder line with liquid.

The secret to applying liquid eyeliner is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/liquid-eyeliner-tutorial-coming-soon/feed/ 2 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-august-2009/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=links-to-fashion-blogs-august-2009 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-august-2009/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:04:27 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=557

Beauty, Style, & the Blogosphere

Edited by Ashe Mischief.

Beauty and Style come in many forms, and this week’s Links à la Mode choices showcase the many discussions entering the world of fashion blogging at the moment: excessive judgements, the value of personalities, and cultivating your inner beauty as well as your outer beauty. Bonne-Vie challenges the values of the show “More to Love” and Fivve Blog shares model sensation Lara Stone. Newcomer Jaka’s Tea Party calls to action with the Wholestyle Manifesto and Betsey J asks “Are we too judgemental as fashion bloggers?”

Not to overshadow this week’s Links à la Mode with too heavy of discussions, we’ve also got a great roundup of makeup tutorials & inspiration, along with great DIY projects & giveaways in the forums!

Links à la Mode: August 20th.

• Ask ThinkThru: – What Can You Wear From the Office to an Event?
• Betsey J: – Have we become too judgemental when it comes to fashion & style?
• Bonne Vie: – Fox is doin’ it wrong with new reality show “More to Love”.
• Brick My Lane: – 3-in-1 DIYs: Ripping, slashing and patching everything, rock’n'roll style.
• Broke & Beautiful: – International Indie Designers can be found with Novica, plus an opportunity to REALLY make a difference by shopping.
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor: – Fed up with emails from big fashion brands demanding interviews, I decided to speak to a young, bright and new designer instead.
• Denim Debutante: – How to Clean & Care for Your Premium Denim.
• Fivve Blog: – If you have a fashion mag addiction, then you have probably seen who W Magazine is calling the “fashion it-girl”, Lara Stone.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: – What’s so great about Gravatars?
• Jaka’s Tea Party: – A mission statement for a new movement that believes style isn’t about the clothes you wear, it’s about being a whole person.
• Little Miss Makeup: – Pretty makeup is an evergreen fashion trend. Get the low-down on how to get the look!
• Meilily: – Highlights the debut collection of Project Runway phenom Christian Siriano for VS Makeup.
• Pie Wacket: – Yesterday I worked with Kiehl’s to create a wonderful late summer giveaway and shot an original beauty story to demo the products.
• Rags to Reverie: – 2 days ago Space 15 Twenty’s Pangaea Pop-Up makes Deka Ray’s architectural jewelry available to the masses.
• Retro Chick: – Why we buy – One woman’s journey in fashion and the decisions we make every day.
• Sweet Archivia: – Anthropologie’s Secret Code – In-House Brand Guide.
• The Coveted: – Make that a double: Take Off Your Clothes Double T-Shirt Dress.
• The Demoiselles: – Jennifer Nicole uncovers the secrets behind the new PETA ad, which degrades women based on weight.
• The Fashion Planner: – The Fashion Planner’s Guide to Chicago offers great places to eat, shop, and more.
• The Midnight Feast: – Did I really just put on black lipstick? How to tackle this trend: a guide for those who would prefer to leave the gothic look in the 90s.
• Unfunded: – White Rabbit-Inspired Baubles.
• Wit & Whimsy: – First Look: Michael Kors Goes Hollywood Glam with the launch of VeryHollywood.com.

Independent Fashion Bloggers Presents: Links à la Mode is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/fashion-2009/links-to-fashion-blogs-august-2009/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/pretty-makeup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pretty-makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/pretty-makeup/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:33:34 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=393

Get the Pink Lady look!

Skin.	Eyes.	Lips.	Pink Lady!

For step-by-step instructions on how to recreate it, watch the video tutorial and follow the steps below:



It’s all about the pink pout.

Makeup artist tip!

Before you begin applying makeup, always tweeze any stray eyebrow hairs first.

Skin



1. For a natural-looking complexion, select a sheer foundation^(a) and apply it with a foundation brush^(b). Blend outward and downward from the center of the face and use your fingertips where needed (i.e. near the hairline and on areas that require a fuller, more built-up coverage).

2. Conceal the eyelids, dark under-eye circles, redness and spots. Apply concealer^(c) to the necessary areas with a brush^(d); then, for a natural finish, blend by “patting” it into the skin with the pad of your finger.



Shade secrets!

The aim, when concealing beneath the eye, is to banish the cool (blue) tones in the skin so this area merges seamlessly with the rest of the complexion. A warm (pink) based concealer usually works best to accomplish this, whereas a shade closely matching your foundation should be used on the rest of the face. Achieving a perfect color match sometimes means mixing a pink- and yellow-based concealer together.

Eyes



3. Choose a metallic, beige-colored eyeshadow^(e) and, using an eyeshadow blending brush^(f), apply it to the eyelid. Starting at the top lashline and then moving upward to the crease, blend back and forth, following the natural contour of the eye. Begin with a small amount of shadow on the brush and slowly add more until the desired effect is achieved.

Makeup artist tip!

To strengthen the sheen of a metallic eyeshadow, use a concealer with a satin finish on the eyelid prior to application. If your eyelids are oily, choose endurance over added shine, and opt for a longer-lasting matte base.

Makeup artist tip!

Can’t find the right color? Make it. I wanted a muted shade for this look, so I blended two metallic eyeshadows (white and beige) together. Beige tones work particularly well on white skins and make blue eyes pop!




4. Curl the eyelashes with an eyelash curler^(g) and apply two coats of black mascara^(h). Take a freshly-dipped wand and work from the outside of the eye inward. This way, the longer lashes at the outer corner of the eye are covered first—when the most mascara is available on the brush. Wriggle the wand through the lashes from base to tip for optimal fullness and length.

5. For a groomed browline, brush the brows upward and fix in place with gel⁽ⁱ⁾.

Lips

6. Using a lip brush (or similar; I usually prefer something a little larger like a slightly tapered concealer brush^(j)), paint a pretty shade of pink on your pout^(k,l).

Makeup artist tip!



Choose a natural color for fuller-looking lips or make a statement with a stronger shade; it’s your pick! Have you hunted high and low for the perfect pink lipstick? No luck? DIY! I mixed two lippies to make “Pink Lady”. First, I applied a veil of pale pink to the lips^(k); then, to give the pout more punch, I added a brighter pink^(l) on top. Gradually working dark shades over light not only builds intensity, but is a great way to achieve a flawless, strong lip without having to use a lipliner.



Face

7. To set the look, take some loose powder^(m) on a large powder brush⁽ⁿ⁾ and dust it over the face, paying particular attention to the T-zone (across the forehead, down the nose and on the chin).

Cheeks

8. Finally, pinken the cheeks. Using a large powder brush⁽ⁿ⁾, sweep blush^(o) onto the cheekbone and blend with short, up-and-down strokes.

Shopping List!

^(a)Foundation: M·A·C Face and Body, ^(b)Foundation brush: Les Pinceaux De Chanel Foundation Brush 6, ^(c)Concealer: M·A·C Studio Finish, ^(d)Concealer brush: Shu Uemura Eye Brush Synthetic 10, ^(e)Eyeshadow: White and Beige from Dior 5 Couleur Iridescent Eyeshadow, Parisian Lights 559, ^(f)Eyeshadow brush: M·A·C Tapered Blending Brush 224, ^(g)Eyelash curler by Shu Uemura, ^(h)Mascara: Lancôme Virtuôse, Black, ⁽ⁱ⁾Brow gel: Clarins Double Fix Mascara, ^(j)Lip brush: M·A·C Concealer Brush 194, ^(k)Lipstick: Dior Addict High Shine, Nude Silhouette 214, ^(l)Lipstick: Rouge Dior, Star Fuchsia 766, ^(m)Loose powder: Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte, Colorless, ⁽ⁿ⁾Powder brush: M·A·C Large Powder Brush 134, ^(o)Blush: Shu Uemura Glow On Blush, P Wine 25.

Want a print-friendly version of Pink Lady? Click on the thumbnail below.



Our eBooks are in PDF format and require Adobe Reader. If you don’t already have this software installed, click on the icon below to download it:



Love pretty makeup? is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/pretty-makeup/feed/ 2 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/summer-makeup-trend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-makeup-trend http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/summer-makeup-trend/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:29:13 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=348 Grab a sneak peek of this summer’s hottest makeup trend: Pink Lady! Step-by-step instructions coming soon.


Rosy pink cheeks.



Hot-pink pout.

Pink makes the boys wink! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/summer-makeup-trend/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-concealer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-apply-concealer http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-concealer/#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:46:45 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=310 … the master of disguise!



We’ve all got something to hide! Whether you are troubled by dark under-eye circles, lines and wrinkles, spots, blemishes, scars, pigmentation, freckles, moles, birthmarks, tattoos, broken capillaries, veins or rosacea (among other conditions), a concealer should be the number one item in your cosmetic arsenal.

Concealers are available in a variety of textures (i.e. cream, liquid or powder) and come packaged in many different ways (i.e. pots, tubes, pencils, palettes and sticks). Most concealers do more than simply camouflage; they also offer users additional benefits. Some are infused with anti-bacterial ingredients to treat spots and blemishes, while others are enriched with antioxidants (i.e. vitamins A and D) to help fight premature aging. Waterproof and silica-rich formulations are popular, long-wearing, shine-free options in humid environments. The best concealer(s) for you will depend on a number of factors, including your skin type, the preferred finish, and the specific area being treated.

It’s a cover up!

To get the best finish from your concealer, pat it onto the problem area and use a tapping motion to work it onto the skin. Apply it sparingly initially, and slowly build up the desired coverage layer by layer. Ensure you blend well at the edges so the concealed area merges seamlessly with surrounding skin, and for a longer lasting finish set it with a light dusting of translucent powder.

Makeup artist tip: Dry skin has a tendency to “grab” makeup. So, if you don’t want concealed areas to stand out, and appear dark and patchy, ensure the skin is adequately hydrated before you begin.

Tools of the trade.

The consistency of the concealer, the coverage needed, and the size and shape of the treatment area are just some of the variables that you need to consider when choosing a method of application. Overall, fingertips work well at blending most textures of concealer as their warmth helps to dissolve the product onto the skin. For more controlled application over small areas, use a concealer brush; and for larger areas on the body, employ a foundation brush or sponge for a fast, mess-free result.

Makeup artist tip: For easy application in hard-to-reach areas such as the inner corner of the eye and side of the nose, use a concealer brush or a latex, wedge-shaped sponge to apply the product, and then complete the blending process with your fingertip.

FAQs.

Which concealer brush is best?

Choose a small, slightly pointed brush with firm but flexible bristles for precise application. If you can’t find a concealer brush, a lip brush that fits the aforementioned criteria will do a perfect job. For bigger areas, or those requiring optimal coverage, select a firm, flat, dense-bristled brush with a rounded edge or tapered tip. Want one-brush-fits-all? My personal favorite all-purpose concealing tool is a flat, medium-sized brush with synthetic bristles and a slightly rounded tip (as pictured).

Should I apply concealer or foundation first?



It depends! Most often I apply foundation before concealer; this way the foundation covers up any minor imperfections and I can focus my attention on the real issues. However, there are exceptions. For instance, to stop the fall-out from dark eyeshadow smudging foundation, I conceal the eye area first, apply the eyeshadow (and remove any flakes which have fallen onto the face), then follow up with foundation (and sometimes more concealer).

Makeup artist tip: If you do apply your concealer first, be careful that you don’t wipe the benefits away when you blend foundation over the top. The times when I do apply concealer before foundation, I take this into account and conceal more heavily.

What concealer should I choose?

Ultimately you are trying to achieve a consistent skin tone, so experiment with different shades and formulas to find a solution that meets your specific needs. Below are some general guidelines:

Color.

For spots, blemishes and discolorations, pick an opaque (full coverage) concealer in a shade that matches the color of your foundation. If you don’t wear foundation, select a shade which closely matches your tinted moisturiser or natural skin tone. Most white skins have a yellow or pink undertone, Asian complexions tend to be yellow based, and black skins are generally yellow, red or blue toned. To mask dark under-eye circles, choose a concealer that has a warm (pink) base to counteract the blue/gray undertones in the skin, even if the rest of your face has a yellow tone.

Texture.

If you have dry skin, select a moisturizing concealer to give coverage, provide comfort and soften lines. Matte formulations are likely to make the skin feel tight and appear crepey. Not good! However, if your skin is oily, go matte to prevent the concealer “slipping” and wearing off quickly.

The best way to smooth and relax expression lines and wrinkles and lighten and brighten the complexion is to opt for a skin-perfecting formulation which contains light-diffusing pigments.



Makeup artist tip: Highlighter pens are not concealers! Never use a highlighter pen alone on dark under-eye circles because, as the name suggests, it will highlight them … making your zombie eyes even more obvious! Do you want to erase dark circles and get a fatigue-free glow? Make your own perfectly-textured under-eye concealment product by combining a highlighter pen and opaque concealer. Mix them together on the back of your hand before applying to the face.

How to Apply Concealer is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-concealer/feed/ 8 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-makeup-for-non-professional-photographs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-apply-makeup-for-non-professional-photographs http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-makeup-for-non-professional-photographs/#comments Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:00:20 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=301 (i.e. those being taken with a standard point-and-shoot camera and flash, without any set lighting.)

Do you have a special occasion to attend, or a big night out coming up? Wanna look great in person and on film? It can be done!

Ready! Steady! Shoot!

1. Start by creating a camera-friendly canvas! Exfoliate the face to remove any dry, flaky skin; then, tone and moisturize to create a smooth base for foundation application.

2. Opt for a foundation with no SPF (Sun Protection Factor).

Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are common ingredients in foundations that have an SPF rating, and are added to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Both are white pigments which reflect light and, when combined with the camera flash, can cause the complexion to appear pasty and ghost-like. This doesn’t make for hot shots, unless it’s Halloween!

Remember: If you are outside during the day and not wearing sunscreen, sit in the shade, or seek shelter underneath an umbrella.

3. Choose a matte foundation and powder.

These typically work best because they are long-wearing and minimize shine. While light-reflecting foundations and powders make the complexion look radiant to the naked eye, they can react with the camera flash and give the skin a greasy appearance in photos; however, if your skin is dry or deeply lined, choose a semi-matte or satin formulation for a more flattering finish. Achieve a consistent skin tone by powdering the face, neck, collarbone and chest, and don’t forget your ears if they are prone to redness.

Makeup artist tip: Blend foundation outwards from the center of the face. To finish, blend downward to ensure any downy facial hair is lying flat against the surface of the skin.



4. Conceal and camouflage.

For an overall even complexion, pat an opaque concealer over dark, under-eye circles and on blemishes after foundation has been applied. A pink-based concealer works best to neutralize the gray undertones around the eye, while a concealer that closely matches the foundation color seamlessly disguises spots and imperfections. Set the concealed areas with a light dusting of powder.

Makeup artist tip: Tone down redness (caused by broken capillaries or rosacea) by applying a green-based correcting product to the affected areas before foundation.

5. Contour and highlight.

The camera flash can flatten facial features, so contouring and highlighting (using light versus shade) can help give the face dimension in photographs. Areas where light naturally falls on the face should be highlighted (so they protrude), i.e. browbone, top of the cheekbone, collarbone; and areas where shadows are cast should be contoured (so they recede), i.e. crease of the eyelid, underside of the cheekbone, top of the collarbone.

Makeup artist tip: Tonal variation is critical for black and white images – in the absence of color, contrast is the key!

6. Avoid products that are heavily frosted or contain glitter.

When the camera flashes, light bounces off highly pearlized pigments and, instead of adding glitz and glamor to a shot, results in splotches and speckles. Products containing a slight shimmer work well in print and give a soft-focus finish, while matte textures provide a more intense color pay-off.

Makeup artist tip: The same rules apply to hair too, so watch out for products like glitter hair spray. On film your pretty hair decoration may look more like dandruff. Eeek!



7. Line, define and shape.

A bright camera flash can leave the face looking washed out, so give your features form and structure. Shape the lips by outlining them with lipliner, and define the eyes by softly smudging an eye pencil along the top and bottom lashlines. For extra oomph, layer mascara on the lashes and craft a picture-perfect frame by softly contouring the brows with powder. Splash some color around to liven up your look!

8. Buff up the bod!

For super-hydrated and luminous-looking limbs slather a rich, nourishing lotion all over your body. Get the perfect shoulder-to-toe glow with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Body Gloss – my fave!

Click goes the camera, girls. Click, click, click!

How to Apply Makeup for Non-professional Photographs is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-makeup-for-non-professional-photographs/feed/ 2 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/beauty-on-a-budget/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beauty-on-a-budget http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/beauty-on-a-budget/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:56:39 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=284 Can you feel the recession biting? Is it time to tighten your cosmetic purse strings? Yes? Then start with a stocktake! Get clear on what you already have in your makeup collection before your next trip to the cosmetic candy store.

Drag out everything, including the long-forgotten items buried in the beauty product graveyard, right at the back of the bathroom cupboard. It’s time to resurrect some of these pre-loved treasures.

Tough times call for creativity. C’mon girls, let’s experiment!

Do it differently!

If the product was relegated to the darkest corner of the deepest drawer because it didn’t deliver the desired effect first time round, try something new. Don’t forget: when it comes to makeup, the method of application has a big impact on the finish. For example, if your powder leaves the skin with a cakey finish, trade the powder puff for a brush. Want a better color pay-off from your eyeshadow? Pat on the color with a firm, flat, dense-bristled eyeshadow brush, instead of blending it with a sponge-tipped applicator. Need more coverage from your powder foundation? Apply it with a sponge and use a dabbing motion to work it onto the skin, instead of long, sweeping strokes. To get a smooth, sheer finish from a liquid base, choose a sponge specifically designed for blending, and before use, dampen it slightly with water to prevent it from absorbing too much product.

Mix it up!

If makeup artists do it, why can’t you? Despite the amazing range of colors and textures available at the cosmetic counters, makeup artists continue to mix products to achieve the perfect hue or ideal consistency. So follow their lead, mix up the contents of your beauty bag and create a stack of new shades without spending a single cent.

Makeup artist tip 1: Use the back of your hand as an artist’s palette. It’s very convenient and the warmth of the skin makes blending colors easier. Some product formulations don’t mix together well (and either separate, streak or cake), so it’s great to find this out on your hand, not your face.

Need a new-look lip color? Mix two lippies together to create your own custom-made tint. Want a long-lasting lipgloss in a hot new shade? Fill in the entire lip area with lipliner or lipstick and pop a gloss over top.

Do you have lots of dark-colored eyeshadows you never use? Take them from bland and boring to moody and mysterious in minutes. Simply apply a light-colored, shimmery shadow or dust over the dark shade, and blend, baby, blend. Layer cream on black to create a gorgeous frosted gray. Similarly, make plain eyeliner pretty by blending a white eyeliner pencil over the top. For the perfect pastel blue, wash white over navy.

Makeup artist tip 2: When blending products, the best way to get the color “bang-on” is to alter it gradually. For example, to knock-down a dark shade, introduce a light color little by little, slowly adding more until the dark pigment is diluted to perfection.

Personalize your nail polish! For new-look nails add a colored loose powder pigment to clear nail lacquer. Warning: Mix this on a spatula, not the back of your hand! Happy painting.

Have fun trialing and testing, girls. Make your purse proud!

Beauty on a Budget is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/beauty-tips/beauty-on-a-budget/feed/ 2 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-blush/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-apply-blush http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-blush/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 02:50:14 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=170 … and contour and highlight your cheekbones to supermodel proportions!

For the ultimate in chiseled cheekbones, follow these three steps:

1) Contour: shade the underside of the cheekbone.

2) Color: apply blush to the apple of the cheek and on the cheekbone.

3) Highlight: illuminate the area above the cheekbone.



Without blush the face can look flat and lack dimension.

Not blessed with prominent bone structure? The three-step technique outlined above, which is based on the principles of light and shade, will allow you to define your facial contours and alter your perceived face shape. Basically, light shades are applied to features you want to highlight, maximize or bring forward, and dark shades are applied to those you wish to play down, minimize or push back. These principles not only apply to the cheekbones, they can be used all over the face. For example, if you want to make your eyes pop, create depth by using a dark shadow along the crease of the eyelid; and for a fuller-looking pout, add a lighter shade of lipstick or gloss to the middle of the bottom lip.

Where to start.

After applying foundation, concealer, eye and brow makeup, and loose powder, familiarize yourself with your facial structure. Using your fingertips, press over, under and along your cheekbones to determine the areas you will need to contour, color and highlight.

1) Contour (with the darkest shade).



Step 1: Contour.

The aim of contouring is to define the “hollow of the cheek” (underside of the cheekbone). Select a matte, natural brown blush or bronzing powder that is two or three shades darker than your skin tone. Take a small amount of the powder on an angled blush brush and tap off any excess on the back of your hand. Begin near the ear and follow the natural curve of your cheek until you reach the point which lines up with the outer corner of your eye. Build the color gradually and blend well using a series of upward and downward strokes.

Catwalk talk … Contouring is a fantastic way to add drama and definition. For photoshoots and runway shows, makeup artists can afford to be heavy-handed with bronzers and blush because the strong lights pare it down, leaving the features sharp and face sculpted.

2) Cheek color (Little Miss In-Between).



Step 2a: Color on the apples of the cheeks.



Step 2b: Color on the cheekbones.

To emphasize the apple of the cheek and cheekbone, add a flush of powder blush! Select a color that complements your skin tone and matches the contour shade you used. Peach and beige browns look great on blondes, while pink and plum tones work well on brunettes and redheads. Using a soft, round blush brush, apply blush to the apple of the cheek (this is the part of the cheek that protrudes most when you smile) and on the cheekbone right up to the temple. Blend the color in an up-and-down motion over the cheekbone to achieve seamless integration with the underlying contour shade (no obvious lines please, girls!)

Makeup artist tip: To add a touch of radiance to the cheeks, choose a powder blush with a hint of shimmer. For a dewy effect, use a cream or stick formulation and blend well. Fingertips are a useful blending tool: their warmth helps to melt the color onto the skin. Creamy-textured blush should be reserved for those with dry skin because it often makes oily skin too shiny. For a bolder finish, liquid tints and cheek stains are another option, but blend quickly because they tend to dry fast.

Want fast yet effective?

Only have time for a quick flick? Just do steps 1 and/or 2.  Use step 1 alone to top up a tan, or step 2a by itself for a flirty flush. Feeling cheeky? Combine steps 1 and 2 for a strong and structured party look.

3) Highlight (with the lightest shade).



Step 3: Highlight.

To make your facial structure more pronounced, apply a light-reflecting powder, cream or fluid to the top of the cheekbone (just under the outer eye socket). Choose an iridescent highlighter with white or silver pigments for ethereal luminosity, or one with gold undertones for subtle warmth. Don’t want sparkle or shimmer? Use a matte highlighting powder.

Confused about color? Some cosmetic companies produce palettes for the cheeks, which makes the color selection process relatively painless. The duos generally contain a contouring shade plus a cheek color, while the trios also include a highlighter.

FAQ: Should I apply powder before my blush? When I use a powder-textured blush, bronzer or highlighter, I usually prep the skin with a layer of loose powder first. However, when I use creams and liquids, I don’t powder the cheek area beforehand.


Now, swipe on some lipstick and strike a pose. Work it!

How to Apply Blush is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-blush/feed/ 4 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-mascara/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-apply-mascara http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-mascara/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 01:16:26 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=119 There are a multitude of mascaras on the market today, promising an array of lash-enhancing qualities. Whether you seek extreme length, maximum volume, intense curl, or a combination of these things, there is a smorgasbord of choice. Most mascaras are available in a variety of shades too, and many companies also offer waterproof versions.

As important as the mascara formulation itself, is the wand that it is applied with. Recent advances in technology have given rise to innovative wand designs, with features such as in-built battery-powered vibration, curved brushes, and perfectly slanted and spaced bristles. The latest generation mascaras boast 360° lash-by-lash coverage, and promise to provide users with the ultimate application experience.

For hygiene reasons, mascara is one of the most difficult products to trial properly before purchase. Disposable mascara wands often accompany testers, but if they are not an exact replica of the original brush, many of the benefits of the complete package may go unnoticed.



Application

1) To enhance the lashes, curl them with eyelash curlers before applying mascara. Gently position the curlers at the base of your lashes (taking care not to pinch your eyelid) and hold them firmly for 5–10 seconds.

2) Make sure you wipe the brush free of any clumps or loose bristles before you start.

3) Place your finger under the middle of your eyebrow and gently pull the skin upwards to hold the eyelid taut.

4) Holding the mascara wand horizontal, begin by coating the underside of the upper lashes. Start at the center of the eye and work outwards, leaving the inner corner until last (when the least amount of product remains on the brush). Drag the brush through the lashes using a slight zig-zag motion, coating each lash from the base to the tip. Wait for the first coat to dry and then apply another if you wish.

5) Also apply a coat to the upper side of the top lashes. This not only makes the lashes appear thicker, but also removes any fall-out from your eyeshadow application.

6) Comb through your lashes with a metal-toothed eyelash comb to remove any clumps and separate the lashes.

7) If desired, apply a light layer of mascara to the bottom lashes by sweeping the wand across them.



Makeup artist tips!

· For extra-long lashes, ensure you drench them in mascara from the root to the tip. Many people naturally have blonde tips on their lashes, and failure to coat them in mascara means missing out on added length. For a super-elongated effect, apply the first coat (as outlined above), then hold the wand vertically to apply the second. Pull the brush upwards through the lashes, in a series of strokes, for a stretched and sculpted appearance.

· To add intensity to the eye, work a kohl pencil into the base of the lashes prior to mascara application.

· Never pump the wand in and out of the tube to retrieve more product; this dries mascara out. Instead, wiggle the wand back and forth inside the tube.

· Most people can wear black mascara. For those with fair complexions and light-colored eyelashes, brown, plum, violet or navy can look more natural.

· Dare to be different! Mascaras are available in a rainbow of shades, including emerald, turquoise, yellow and pink. To give your look a funky edge, saturate your lashes in black mascara first, and then wave a bright-colored mascara over the tips. Wow!

· Does your mascara smudge, flake or run? Try Double Fix Mascara by Clarins and bid panda eyes farewell!



Eeeny, meeny, miney mo, my favorite mascara is Diorshow!

I love Dior’s Diorshow range of mascaras which were developed to deliver catwalk-style lashes without having to hire a professional makeup artist. Diorshow Black Out is the queen of all mascaras. The brush is enormous and terrifies many at first glance, but it is easy to use if you are brave enough to give it a try. The formulation is very thick and heavily pigmented, which results in luxuriously fat, jet black lashes. If you prefer a more natural look, one stroke of Diorshow Iconic and your lashes will be cloaked in black (brown or navy) silk. Its smooth composition makes the lashes glossy and sleek, and leaves them with a lingering curve.

Wanna buy Diorshow? Click on the adjacent image.

Prefer false lashes? Watch the Wink and Flutter video tutorial.

How to Apply Mascara is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-application/how-to-apply-mascara/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/makeup-ideas-for-winter-2009/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=makeup-ideas-for-winter-2009 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/makeup-ideas-for-winter-2009/#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 11:36:50 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=104 Winter blues.

Change it up this season and team a smoky eye with a dramatic lip. Define the eyes with matte shades of navy and pair them with a bright, matte, blue-based pink lippy. Wearing strong eyes and lips together is reminiscent of the ’80s, but if it’s done the right way it is easy to modernize.

Beige beauty.

Play up your eyes using lighter shades of eyeshadow.  Use a wash of warm metallic beige around the entire eye, and open up the inner corner with a frosty white highlighter. Further accentuate your eyes by feathering a dark chocolate-colored pencil through the roots of the top lashes. Don’t draw a line in one movement, but instead use a series of short strokes to apply the color; this will look natural and create the illusion of thicker, denser lashes. Apply a generous coat of mascara, and softly fill in the brow for a more groomed look.

Sweet cheeks.

Powdered and contoured cheeks have made a comeback. Apply powder blush using a large, soft brush, and always tap off any excess product on the back of your hand before touching your face. Using sweeping strokes in an up-and-down motion, work the color onto and under your cheekbones while continuously blending. If you apply too much, use a loose powder to knock the color down and blend it out. To create a bronzed look that’s more sophisticated, contour the cheeks slightly with a matte bronzing powder, and then add a touch of mineral blush to the apples of the cheeks for a girly glow.

Hot off the runway!

Need a new look? Draw inspiration from the catwalk if you want to update your makeup. At recent autumn/winter fashion shows, opaque eyeshadow applied from the upper lashline to the brow bone was a common theme. While the effect is striking on the catwalk, it is probably too harsh for the street; but with a little imagination, this look can easily be transformed into something more wearable.  Simply tone down the dark shadow! Keep the color intense close to the lashline, and then fade it out gradually up toward the brow. Add a hint of gold to the middle of the lid to catch the light and make your eyes gleam, and to finish, slick on some mascara. Then, go beckon the guys with your saucy bedroom eyes!

Makeup Ideas for Fall 2009 is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/makeup-ideas-for-winter-2009/feed/ 0 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/clarins-double-fix-mascara/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=clarins-double-fix-mascara http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/clarins-double-fix-mascara/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 01:05:00 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=79

If your mascara smudges easily and you end up with panda eyes part way through the working day, Double Fix Mascara by Clarins could very well be the answer to your prayers. This clear, lightweight gel not only holds mascara in place and improves its wear time, but also waterproofs the lashes and adds shine. Additionally, it can be used to tame wayward brows.

Double Fix is the perfect companion product for your favorite mascara, which may not be available in a waterproof formulation. And even if your mascara claims to be waterproof, it may not quite live up to expectations. One simple coat of Double Fix, and in minutes you will have mess-free lashes that repel tears and resist rain.

Lights! Camera! Action!

From a professional perspective, Double Fix works fabulously on outdoor photo shoots in hot, humid climates, as well as on set under the heat and glare of studio lights. In these conditions, traditional mascaras used alone can become sticky and easily smear or run. Double Fix also withstands the rigors of the runway (including multiple outfit changes), making it a model and makeup artist’s best friend.

Behind the scenes.

It is a common backstage practice to build the lashes by layering different types of mascara. After curling the lashes with eyelash curlers, makeup artists often apply a volumizing mascara, followed by a lengthening mascara, then Double Fix to finish. The result … high-volume, waterproof lashes with extended length and extra curl. Lush!

How to apply it.

Double Fix comes packaged exactly like mascara, except that the wand is coated with a transparent gel which dries quickly upon application. It’s very simple and easy to use:

1. Curl your top lashes with eyelash curlers.

2. Apply a generous coat of your favorite mascara.

3. Comb through your lashes with a metal eyelash comb to remove any clumps (if necessary).

4. Apply a fine layer of Double Fix (ensuring you wipe any excess product off the wand first).

5. Comb through your lashes with a metal eyelash comb to separate them (if necessary).

6. Repeat steps 2–5 on the bottom lashes (if desired).

7. It’s time to go swimming!



Want to add Clarins Double Fix Mascara to your makeup bag? Purchase Clarins products online by clicking on the adjacent image.

Clarins Double Fix Mascara is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

]]> http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-product-reviews/clarins-double-fix-mascara/feed/ 4 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/summer-makeup-look-2009/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-makeup-look-2009 http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/makeup-2009/summer-makeup-look-2009/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:46:36 +0000 Little Miss Makeup http://littlemissmakeup.com/blog/?p=72 With only seven makeup items, you can create several totally wearable looks and be on-trend all summer long!

1. Foundation.
Select a light-textured, liquid foundation that will even out your skin tone. Let your concealer do the heavy-duty work! Using a small amount of foundation on your fingertips, start in the center of the face and blend outwards. Apply it very sparingly near the hairline, eyebrows and jawline. Don’t forget to choose something with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) if you are an outdoor kind of girl.

2. Concealer.
Apply concealer sparingly around the eyes (to disguise dark circles), nostrils (to banish shadows and redness) and on any blemishes. Always dab concealer; never rub it. Also, prime your eyelids with concealer; this will even out the skin tone, help your eyeshadow last longer and stop it creasing. A crème concealer will provide a moist base for metallic eyeshadow, which will help intensify the color and strengthen the sheen.

3. Brow powder.
For a natural-looking, groomed brow line, use a brow powder or matte eyeshadow (a few shades lighter than your brow color) to fill in any gaps in the hair growth. For a much stronger look, use a slightly darker shade and create a sharper edge using an angled brush.

4. Eyeshadow.
An eyeshadow palette equals endless options! Most come with four or five different shades, so with a single palette you can create loads of different looks. Opt for a semi-metallic selection, as opposed to completely matte shadows, because they are easier to blend.

For a flattering nude look, earthy tones of bronze, brown and chocolate, and ochre, gold, beige and cream are great for naturally enhancing brown, blue or green eyes. These are foolproof colors that work well for blondes, redheads and brunettes. If you are blonde with blue, green or gray eyes, and prefer a cooler palette, then slate gray, safari green and navy can also be made to look very natural. To take your daytime look into the evening, simply add more depth with darker shades.

To create an easy look straight off the palette, simply use a wash of mid-toned shadow across the lower eyelid and blend it up to the socket. You can take it under the eye too, but ensure you blend well. Add a hint of the lightest shade to the inner corner of the eye, both top and bottom: this makes the eyes appear further apart and gives them a summery sparkle. Then, starting at the middle of the eye and working outwards, pat the darkest shadow in the palette into the roots of the top lashes. This will define the lashline and make it appear fuller.

5. Mascara.
Curl your top lashes with an eyelash curler, and then apply a generous coat of black mascara. Also add a touch to the bottom lashes, if you have lined them with shadow.

6. Lip color.
Gloss is boss this summer, so slick on your favorite shade to emphasize your pout. For soft, healthy looking lips, lather on the lip conditioner and choose creamy textured lipsticks in neutral tones. Liven up lifeless, pale complexions with cool-edged reds, and choose lippies with blue hues for a whiter, brighter-looking smile.

7. Bronzing powder.
Select a shade which is only slightly darker than your skin. The trick to attaining an even finish without making the face look cakey, is to use a very large, soft brush and to tap off any excess powder prior to application. Apply a touch of bronzer to the forehead, chin and across the bridge of the nose. Add a little under the jawline, along the cheekbones and to the apples of the cheeks for a healthy, sun-kissed glow.

Have fun in the sun, girls!

Summer Makeup Look 2009 is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

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