Work It!

Happy Sunday Girls, 

As the weekend come to an end, what better way than to prepare you for a week ahead at work?

I know work might not be something we all love thinking about, but what can be worse than going into work looking rough to find out you have an unexpected meeting, or even bumping into a certain somebody (friend or foe) on your lunch break or after work? 

Getting ready for work shouldn't be a chore, I have in the past shared some tips on quick hair first thing in the morning. Now I will share my everyday work make-up products. I usually aim to get ready for work in the space of 15 minutes and these are the products I use: 

Everyday Basics

Products l-r: Thick and Fast Mascara, Sigma kabuki brush,
Bobbi Brown BB Cream, Face Form palette, Studio Fix.

Base: My everyday base is Bobbi Brown's BB Cream (£29) in medium. I personally like to keep my base light, to try and maintain my skin so it doesn't feel full and heavy throughout the day. I love this BB Cream as it gives me the coverage I need for a day to day look and feels light on my skin.  Although it isn't the cheapest product, I love it and it is also SPF 35 so a great skin protector. To 'top up' my coverage and finish I use Mac's Studio Fix Powder Plus (£21.50) in NC42. I buff this into my skin using Sigma's Round Kabuki F82 (£18.95) brush.  

Contour & Blush: A quick and easy contour can be done, and I do mine using the Sleek Face Form (£10) palette, this is also perfect to add to your handbag and using the highlighter for that after work drinks or unplanned dinner. 

Mascara: I was given Soap & Glory Thick and Fast (£10) mascara by a work colleague as it didn't suit her, I now live by this on a day to day basis. I'm not saying this particular one will work for everyone, but a good mascara should be essential for every girls work look. 

Brows: Groomed brows are essential everyday, but its also important not to look 'overdone' for an everyday look. I usually use Anastasia Dipbrow for evenings and weekend but for a simpler look the Brow Wiz (£15.50) is the most perfect pencil to achieve this look. 

Lips: This is the most essential part of any overall make up and can change a look completely. Recently i have been experimenting with lip glosses and crayons with good staying power for my work day. The top three I have tried are: 

Products top- bottom:
Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 203 complex
Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 205 Elusive
Rimmel Provacalips in 200 I'll Call You
Rimmel Provcalips in 730 Make Your Move 

- NYX Matte Lip Cream (£7.50)

These will always remain my favourite, so many shades and so much staying power, it lasts the day with very little top up needed. 

-Revlon Colorburst Matte Lip Balm (£7.99) 

These are my new addition, and I love the finish and feel of these, they do need some top up but the finish is amazing and I love my two work appropriate shades which are 

- Rimmel Provocalips Lip Colour (£6.99)

I bought two colours in this lip cream, and although they stay put all day the shades aren't ones for me. I think lighter and more porcelain skin tones would be more suited to this range. 

Handbag Essentials 

As well as the daily essentials, you need a few things in your bag for that impromptu dinner or after work drinks. As you can see above I keep eye make up minimal, so one of my handbag essentials is Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (£18) in black ink and a flat brush (I use Eco Tools, which came as a set from Boots). A winged liner is always perfect for any occasion. 

The second essential is bright lippy , Mac do my favourite brights and my three go-to handbag shades (all £15.50) are : 

Vegas Volt (creamy light coral)
Chatterbox  (creamy pink)
Lady Danger (matte red) 

As I use light coverage daily I also like to keep a Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick (£29) in my bag, it's easy to carry and can be used to build up coverage for the evening. I also carry my studio fix and face form palette for touch ups. 

There you have it girls a few simple products in the morning, and the handbag essentials will take you from the office to date night or drinks with the girls so don't forget to pack them!

What are your work wardrobe make-up essentials? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Koko's Christmas Giftlist

Happy Wednesday Folks, 

Its the time of year where the last minute panic of Christmas presents takes place (especially for the males) so I decided to put together a suggested gift list for all the lovely ladies who love make up and beauty. Boys I hope your reading... I have saved you hours of time and effort! 

I have broken down my top picks into categories to fit every girls taste and every gift givers budget.

Something Special (£50-£200)

For that special person, the sister who always goes the extra mile  for you, the girlfriend you want to spoil, or just to say thanks to your mum for everything she does.  

Source:
http://www.ghdhair.com/hair-straighteners/
ghd-rose-gold-deluxe-set

GHD Rose Gold Deluxe Set 

£195.00

This was on my wish list this year, thanks to my lovely mum I was able to get it as a slightly early Christmas Present. This gift would make any girly girl ridiculously happy on Christmas day. 

GHD is the most well known hair appliance brand, and this range oozes beauty. It comes with both the GHD V hair straightener in rose gold; which straightens, curls and flicks hair and the the black and rose gold GHD Air hairdryer. I have tried this hairdryer before, the results are so amazing you will never want to go back to any old hairdryer, it reduces the time needed to straighten and smoothes hair like a dream. 

Source:
http://www.beautybay.com/accessories/
zoeva/rosegoldenbrushset/

Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Gift Set

£56.95

Not only are Zoeva brushes great quality for any make up fanatic, rose gold is SO in right now (can't you tell I just love the trend). The recipient will instantly fall in love with this, even if it was not on their list. This beautiful set includes the following brushes : 

106 Powder Brush

102 Silk Finish Brush

110 Face Shape Brush

127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush

142 Concealer Buffer

227 Soft Definer

231 Petite Crease Brush

317 Wing Liner Brush

Source:
http://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/
the-bombshell-gift-box.html

Charlotte Tilbury 'The Bombshell '

£145.00 

For every females inner glamour girl this set is a must have, it is perfect for a festive season party look. 

Charlotte Tilbury is the queen of high end make up products and gets it right every time. Out of all the sets she has released, this one is my favourite because the products create a classic look. Every girl should master this trend to get heads turning on a night out. 

The set includes the following products: 

Colour Chameleon - Amber Haze (Eyeshadow Pencil) 
The Feline Flick - Panther (Eye Liner) 
Full Fat Lashes – Glossy Black (Mascara) 
Cheek to Chic – Sex On Fire (Blusher) 
Lip Cheat – Kiss ‘N’ Tell (Lip Liner) 
K.I.S.S.I.N.G – So Marilyn (Lipstick) 
Lip Lustre – Red Vixen (Lip Gloss) 
Complimentary Make Up Bag & Gift Box

Source:
http://www.selfridges.com/en/yves-saint-laurent-limited-
edition-la-laque-nail-varnish-24-
piece-collection_456-84033258-TGB23159/

YSL La Laque Collections

These nail colour sets are exclusive to Selfridges, I have found myself gazing at them in absolute awe. Then again my justification for spending £405.00 on nail products is limited, however the La laque nail varnish trio is a lovely and more affordable treat and a great gift for a girl who loves to have her nails done. 

La Laque Couture

£405.00 

24 shades to compliment any girls wardrobe all year around.

Source: http://www.selfridges.com/en/
yves-saint-laurent-la-laque-nail-varnish-trio
_456-84033258-TGB23160/

La Laque Nail Varnish Trio

£55.00 

The set includes three festive colours; white, glitter gold and reflective bronze in the following shades:

Blanc Symbolist

Bronze Aztec 

Feuille D'Or

Just Because... (£50-£70)

These are great smaller gift ideas or to add as part of a bigger gift. 

Source:
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/
product/2325/
32022/Makeup/
Cheeks/Shimmer-Brick/
Shimmer-Brick-Compact--Copper-Diamond/
FH14/index.tmpl#i.1ar0my2wc3dywy

Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick

£35.00 

If you know the Bobbi Brown collections well you will know the shimmer brick is one of the most amazing and essential additions to any girls make up bag, so what better over the festive season than this new copper diamond shimmer brick?  This is a great highlighting product, and Bobbi's shimmer bricks are always a people pleaser, you just can't go wrong! 

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

£45.00 

This is a great gift for any girl; whether she likes subtle and natural every day make up, or is just a make up junkie. The most amazing part of this unique palette is that it actually smells like chocolate- make up AND chocolate you say? What more could a girl want?!

I am aware Too Faced is releasing its new Semi Sweet Chocolate palette on the 15th December, however I am not sure if this launch will be exclusive to Sephora, or also be available within the UK. 

Source:
http://www.theperfumebaseline.com/
female-perfume/black-orchid-tom-ford/

Tom Ford- Black Orchid

Price begins at £46.50 for 30ml

I first came across this amazing fragrance from my manager, once she shared the secret with me I HAD to try it at the airport on my way back from holiday. Although it doesn't come cheap, I will guarantee the scent of this is worth every penny spent. 

The scent is a combination of luxury florals and fruits, and is so beautifully distinctive it will get people talking as you walk past. 

Stocking Fillers and Secret Santa (£15-£40)

Beauty essentials any girl would love to receive...

Source:
http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/
anastasia-beverly-hills-dipbrow-pomade.html

Anastasia Dipbrow Promade

£15.00 

This is the revolution in eyebrow products. Since I have got my hands on this I will never turn back, and neither will any blogger you come across. This is the best eyebrow product on the market, no matter what your eyebrow shape or shade. 

Source:
http://www.beautyblender.co.uk/
product/beautyblender_classic/

The Beauty Blender

£16.00 

I shamefully only just received my first beauty blender, and all I can say is I can't believe it took me this long. 

The beauty blender is a sponge like tool which blends foundation and concealer effortlessly for a flawless finish. 

If you girls don't have one of these in your make up bag, please send a hint to get one for Christmas- I promise you won't regret it! 

Source:
http://www.selfridges.com/
en/tom-ford-lip-color_450-3001058-LIPCOLOR/

Tom Ford lipstick

£37.00 

There has been a big trend on Tom Ford lipsticks, I did not quite understand it until I tried one for myself. Oh gosh, I want them all! 

These are slightly on the expensive side for a lippie, but make amazing gifts to treat someone special. I recommend a shade which can be worn both day and night to get the most wear and money out of the product, I opted for 'Casablanca.' 

Source: http://www.boots.com/en/
Essie-Winter-Baby-Its-Cold-Outside-Quad-Box_1636143/

Essie Baby its Cold Outside Quad

£24.99 

I love loVE LOVE Essie nail varnishes. Anyone who knows me well knows my obsession for nail colour. These polishes are great value for the price they come at and are available in a massive variety of colours. I find they stay on well with a good top coat (I use Seche Vite). 

Each season a gift set is available, this winter the set includes: 

Mademoiselle : the most classic grown up pink 

Chinchilly: sleek granite grey

Toggle to the top : sparkling crushed garnet red

Belugaria : highly textured matte black

So those are my top recommendations guys and girls... 

Are you are struggling with beauty related gift ideas?

I am always here to help and give me opinions so leave a message and I will try my best to advise you, in the mean time happy holidays... 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Do Miracle Products Exist?

Bobbi Brown BB Cream 

£29  

Source: Bobbi Brown Website

Some of you may know from my previous posts that I am quite conscience of my skin following teenage acne, therefore I refuse to wear foundation on a daily basis. Until now the Laura Mercier oil free tinted moisturiser has been my daily choice of skin base, until I received a sample of the Bobbi Brown BB cream which I tested for a week and then decided to buy.  

I never did give in to the BB Cream phase, it all seemed like empty promises to me, and I have never come across a review that completely changed my perception of this. I still remain unconvinced that any BB Cream is the "miracle solution" but I have to say I have been quite pleased with the Bobbi Brown Product. 

I used the tester I received for a week in my day to day routine to see how it held up against my original skin routine. It can sometimes get anywhere between 10-14 hours within my day before I get a chance to remove my make up in the work week, at the end of the day my face is usually oily and my dry patches seem more obvious that usual. 

Apologies for the poor picture,
it was the only photo I could track where
I could show the use of the BB Cream
on my holiday. 

I noticed with the Bobbi Brown Bb Cream my face did not look oily at the end of the day, and my skin remained matte with maybe a slight shine at the most. The coverage is also good, I have red patches which are covered as well as evening my skin tone without looking like I am wearing anything.I don't like to feel like I am wearing much on my face during the week, so this product worked out great for me as it was light; the oil free part was a bonus! 

I decided to purchase the full size in time for my trip to India seeing as my tinted moisturiser was running low and following my recent laser treatment I was also in need of a high SPF product (this is SPF 35). This was the real test of the product, as I wanted to see if I would get the same level of result in 28 degrees and long days. 

Overall I found the product worked really well for about 6 hours in the day before needing a blot, or powder touch up. By the end of the day my skin was slightly greasy, but not anymore so than with my normal products, as well as some dry patches.  

I would recommend this product as a good day to day skin cover, however it is quite on the expensive side for a BB cream (£29) however it still works out cheaper than the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser, so I would be willing to repurchase until I come across something that might be more suited to my skin. 

Have you ever come across a product which really is a "miracle" cure? 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Is The Beauty Industry Too Crowded?

Hi All, 

I have had a busy few weeks, and it has given me a lot of time to think about the beauty industry.  I will today be writing about my latest adventure, my first step into becoming a hair and make up professional; after taking a course with Mink make up school in London. I took a 5 day intensive course, focusing on becoming  a bridal hair and make up artist; as this is where I feel my future interest lies. 

I learnt a lot about the reality of the job, as well as much theoretical knowledge which I had not gained before. In a practical aspect I felt my largest accomplishment was the ability to practise on different skin tones/types and mastering blending, highlighting and contouring techniques. There is plenty you can teach yourself about make up, but the industry is one thing you can only prepare yourself for through experience. 

Make up above done by myself
during training at Mink London.

Through the duration of my course I had two amazing teachers, with much experience and knowledge within their particular fields. Both had a very different teaching style, however I feel I have taken back valuable tips and knowledge from each of them. My class consisted of 8 other females who have as much enthusiasm and motivation as myself to make a career of themselves in hair and beauty. i am happy to say as well as networking, I also gained friends  who I will stay in touch with in future.

Although beauty is an industry sector I have always loved, I do have a regular 9-5 day job which I aim to continue. For me make up has always been fun, and its something I wanted to develop further from being a hobby. 

With beauty being a fast growing industry, there is a high level of competition. Even coming from such a small village there are 4 hair salons and and 3 beauty salons. On my Facebook alone I have 7 make up artists/enthusiasts who are trying to break into the industry. 

Knowing the high level of competition makes it difficult, but I have come to terms with the fact that I am in this for my own level of enjoyment and progression. For me hair and make up is about making the most of somebody’s existing features and highlighting each their beauty for any special occasion. It is important to take pride in each client individually, and focus on what will work best for the individual in front of you. The most important part is to make clients feel comfortable, and not force your own ideas or opinions onto them. 

I have come to the realisation that this is not a cheap hobby. For me being a hair and make up artist is less about the income, and more about furthering my interest.  Starting up a kit, and your own business requires much dedication, time and also money. To keep up with competition and please clients certain branded items might be necessary. Although I have discovered a range of good quality and cheaper brands, clients may never have heard of these and will want recognised brands and products to be used on them. 

This is just my first step, but I hope its the beginning of a successful journey. I shall be keeping you all up to date with my progress, and the products I will be adding to my professional kit. 

I would love to know the opinions of my readers :

Is the beauty industry overcrowded? 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others.