Las Vegas Sephora Picks

Hi Guys,

Another break on the posts but I have finally had a chance to properly test some of my goodies, which I picked up on my trip to Las Vegas in the summer. All of the below products are from what has to be my fave cosmetics store; Sephora. I have to say a massive thank you to the assistant who helped me at the store and really guided me to pick up some good items.

I specifically asked if I could have a few “American favourites” as I wanted to try a wider range of products to my usual collection. 

Bite Lipstick in Coral- No more expensive than my normal Mac or Bobbi Brown favourites, and I LOVE the pigment, colour range and the texture. The colour staying power is incredible and it was totally worth the money I spent, I will definitely be reinvesting in a more varied range of colours from Bite. The shade I went for is named "Coral" although I find it is more of a fuscia pink than coral. 

Bite Lipstick- $24  (£15.80) 

Lashes with the use of Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara

Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara- I have always been lucky enough to be blessed with long curly lashes and therefore I admit I am slightly lazy on the mascara hunt. but OH MY this has to be the best mascara I have ever picked up. For me the results imitate a false lash look and really volumise and intensify my lashes. The only downfall was the mascara wasn’t available in a waterproof version, as I have really sensitive eyes which tend to water a lot. The massive plus side is this was one of my steals at $15 which works out to around £9.54- bargain! 

Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara- $15 (£9.54)

Kat Von D Palette in Poetica- I needed a new more colourful palette for my pro kit as I already own the Urban Decay Naked for my more neutral colours. The assistant in the store suggested the Kat Von D palettes. I did a colour swatch on my hand and found the intensity and pigments to be strong and easy to blend, just what I like. The palette is based on purple and orange tones, and has some pearl and glittery shadows included. I have used this on a few clients as well as myself and I love the results to vamp up a smokey eye. I love this palette as it includes varied shades rather than 8 shades in the same spectrum. 

Kat Von D Shadows, Poetica- $36 (£22.31)

Overall I love all of the above additions to both my personal collection and pro kit. I will surely be reordering online soon, or grabbing some on my next holiday to keep me going. I also wondered if any of you have been in a similar dilemma: 

Do you have any overseas favourites you would like to see in UK stores? 

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. 

A Quickfix for Skincare Insecurity

Hi All, 

I know I have been slacking on the blogposts, therefore I thought I would use my Easter weekend to catch up. I wanted to dedicate today's short and sweet blog to possibly the BEST foundation/concealer I have used to date. 

As mentioned in previous posts I have an ongoing battle with my skin. Although I have weeks where my skin will glow and I need little cover up, this has not been one of those weeks. With my graduation, and an uncomfortableness to reveal marks on my skin I searched high and low for good camouflage make up. 

 Clinique Even Better Concealer £18

I picked up two products, one Clinique’s Even Better concealer and the other  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup. I bought the Clinique concealer based on online reviews, and I can’t help but say I was very disappointed. I love Clinique for their skin range, but I don’t think I will be in a rush to buy make up from this brand again based on this product. Considering a very small pot cost me £18, I found the concealer worked well to cover some minor blemishes but no better than my everyday concealer stick by Bobbi Brown. 

Disappointed with my first buy I asked friends for recommendations, and was told to try the  Estée Lauder Maximum Cover. Although it cost £27.50 for a small tube, I can really say this investment was well worth it. The product is marketed as a camouflage foundation, which means it’s great to cover more noticeable blemishes, marks and areas on both the face and body. Only a small amount is needed, therefore it is better applied like a concealer than foundation due to the thickness of consistency. 

As little as this amount of the foundation
was enough to cover half my face well. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover £27.50

It felt and looked flawless on my skin and I can ensure it will be what I first reach for on a bad skin day. Due to the thickness of the product I don’t think it is one I could personally use daily as I prefer light make up for every day purposes. 

Before and after the use of 

 

  Estée Lauder Double Wear without the use of any other powder or product on top

All in all this has been the best foundation I have come across for full coverage, and would recommend anyone to invest in buying regardless of it falling into a higher price range. My blemishes are one insecurity I fell will always lie with me, we all have our own insecurities whether it be inside or out. I ask my readers today: 

How do you tackle your beauty insecurities? 

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

Do Cosmetics Equal Confidence?

Hi Guys, 

Welcome to the first entry of my blog, of which I hope many will follow. For my first post I felt it would be best to express the reasons behind the start up of my blog and share some background information on myself. 

With the beauty industry booming, people want to look (and feel) better than they ever have. I found that from living the city life over four years I  became drawn to new products, methods and looks which I would have never previously had the courage to take on before. I took inspiration from passers by, make up counters and magazines and my love for all things that make-a-girl-up began.

I grew up in a small town, and moved to an even smaller village before turning to city life for higher education. My area did not have many places to shop, and high end beauty products were difficult to get hold of in my hometown. From a young age I went from a tomboy, to a teenager who was useless with her looks. I had little to work with, little inspiration and to be honest little hope with my elder sister knowing even less than I did. I was introduced to the world of beauty by my aunt, an experienced high level beautician. This new world taught me that no matter how you felt, giving yourself a little attention would create the smallest pick-me-up and change your mood. 

In the words of Yyves-Saint Laurent "The most beautiful makeup for a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy"

I went into University a plain jane, as well as an unfortunate hair cut I had never worn lipstick or blusher and the only make up I owned was a pencil eyeliner and foundation from the days of teenage skin. I took particular interest from many of the girls around me at University, the make up they wore, how they did their hair and the confidence some of them carried through. As time went on I began to experiment with cosmetics, skin care, hair tools and hair products. 

Moving forward my looks have evolved and this has had a knock on effect in my confidence, which shows on the inside and out. I have come across many who feel appearance compromises brains, if you spend so much time looking after your looks you can not be spending enough time on the things that matter but I have to say I strongly disagree. Spending just 15 minutes longer on myself in the morning makes me feel fresher, and allows me to start my day with a better perspective; which I try to carry throughout. I have never compromised learning for my hobby if anything I feel they have gone hand in hand, and my confidence allowed me to gain a better social perspective and feel comfortable in my own skin in a new world with new people. This in turn gave me the courage to take on new and exciting challenges both within my education and now in my day-job.

Don't get me wrong, every individual has their day off; hair scraped back no or minimal make up and a PJ day are needed However, once I step out of my house the simple tinted moisturiser and a touch of bronzer for shopping to smokey eyes and volumised hair for drinks with the girls can instantly change both my look and feel. 

In my future blogs I will aim to discuss some new products I have come across, including picks of my favourites, new methods and looks as well as developing my knowledge about the world of beauty and asking my readers to share their tips and views with me. I hope you will continue to show interest in my future posts and support me on my journey of becoming an aspiring beautician. It won't happen over night, but watch this space.

For now I ask all my readers one question do you think cosmetics can give you a confidence boost?

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