Sunday, 2 September 2012

My amazing collection of Cosmo, Cleo, Vogue and other beauty magazines, gathered over two or three years. Before I fly back to Auckland I'm going to rip out every single beauty page that I like and make it into one giant beauty magazine, from which i'll pick and try out my favourite looks to share with you all :)

Saturday, 1 September 2012

Bold Lip

The ratio should always be 50/50 when it comes to eyes or just one or the other. NEVER go 100% eyes and 100% lips - it works for no one and guys just don't understand it.

If you want to start wearing lipstick but aren't confident with it, build up to it buy wearing tinted balms, glosses or patting on a lipstick subtly before you go for the full on bold lip. 'Bloom' do a fantastic range of lip tints, I highly recommend.


1. Face:  Shiny skin + Shiny lips = no no. I've created a flawless base with my day foundation (Max Factor Second Skin) and applied translucent powder to eliminate shine.

2. Eyes: With a bold lip you want to keep the eye makeup to a minimum but decide what's best for you! Personally I can't get away with no eye makeup, as my eyes are quite small and I have short lashes but that's okay! Makeup is about working with and enhancing what you have, not trying to change what's already there. I always have at least a swipe of liquid eyeliner on, a layer of mascara and a soft application of dark brown eyeshadow on the outer corners of my eyelid to widen the appearance of my eyes. Black/brown mascara for lighter colored eyes works best with this look, hazel or darker - always wear black!

3. Lips: If you're a lipstick wearer it's important to keep your lips maintained. Once a week exfoliate with a baby toothbrush to keep them soft, or try this awesome lip exfoliator by Lush, its around $7 and comes in assorted flavors. 

Sometimes if I want my lips to really stand out and last I foundation over them before application, try it out and see if it works for you!

Apply a tinted lip balm - I use Lipice, $7 from the pharmacy, Strawberry blistex is also good - to create a good base. I don't use lip liner because i'm on a budget, but the revlon lipliner range is fantastic and creates a good base for the lipstick to cling to. It's actually better to apply a lip liner the shade of your own lips so as not to interfere with the lipstick shade, it works!

4. Apply lipstick with a lip brush for precision and even application, it also makes the lipstick itself last longer because you aren't using as much. 
Blot by pressing your lips either side of a tissue and reapply for long lasting colour.

I am 100% pro Revlon lipsticks :) If you're going out keep a compact mirror, lipstick and a cotton bud handy do wipe away any lipstick bleeding, they're the best tool ever.

My makeup bag!

I'm packing my bag to go home to Christchurch for the week, I thought this would be a good excuse to post about my essential makeup items that I can't travel without :)



1. Thin Lizzy Concealer in 'Miss Von Dita' - Amazing coverage, the range of shades is massive and it's well priced.

2. Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse Foundation - I always splash out on foundation, I wear this one on days where I need better coverage or i'm going out at night, it has awesome staying power.

3. Max Factor Second Skin Foundation - $42 - Great liquid day foundation, it's light and reflective and blends really well, easy to use! Max Factor has amazing foundations, highly recommend.

4. Lipice Strawberry Touch - $7, good all around lipbalm plus it tastes like strawberries and gives you a nice berry tint. Great on its own or over/under lipstick as you maintain the rosiness but it keeps you well hydrated.

5. Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in 'Wine With Everything' - My favourite red lippy with an appropriate title :) Looks good in block colour and makes for a really nice tint when mixed with lipbalm or patted on, it's a rosy colour.

6. Revlon Colourburst Lipstick in Crimson - $25-$30 - ALWAYS go Revlon lipsticks, they're incredible and there are millions of shades. This one is nice because it's moisturizing but not too glossy, darker lippy for going out.

7. IT GIRL colour palette - $3 from an Asian import store - Such a good buy. It gives you subtle washes of colour if you aren't into or confident with bold coloured eyes, these are shimmery and great for going out.

8. Powder Brush - This came from a set and I carry it everywhere, I only carry around the brushes I use the most. This is used for dusting on translucent powder for a soft finish after foundation rather than using a sponge and risking a cakey look.

9. Powder Blush - This came from a massive set of makeup I received when I was thirteen, powder is awesome because it lasts forever and it can be bought cheaply! I only splash on cream blush for its reflective qualities.

10. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Palette - $$$$$$$. I was given this as a gift and I LOVE IT. This one includes shades white through to black, 4 matte shadows and one sparkly. If you want a decent black shadow you have to pay a bit for the colour but this is sooo worth it! Comes with a little double ended brush as well, this is ideal for going out.

11. Foundation Brush - $11 - Again a necessity, your fingers carry germs and it isn't ideal to be applying your foundation with them. Brushes allow for control and smooth blending, be sure to wash them once a week with shampoo and warm water.

12. Double ended eye pencil - $1!!! - WINWINWIN. Asian import stores for the win, I got two for $2, use them every day. One end is dark grey for softer, smudgier eyes and the other side is black for day and night wear.

13. Loreal Open Eyes Pro Eyeshadow - Probably expensive. - This was given to me by a friend, I estimate $30+, nice every day brown shades but with a lot more sparkle. I like this for during the day when I want to wear more eye makeup or night time when i'm going for a bold lip and want more subtle eyes but still with some glamour.

14. Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder - $18 - By far the best value for money i've come across, gives a light coverage and eliminates shine and lasts so well! Comes in a travel handy compact with a mirror and a sponge.

15. Blush brush - Basic, required only for powder blush. If you don't own one just pat on a pink or red lipstick very subtly, slightly different texture but looks just as pretty, plus double product usage!

16. Natio Black Liquid Liner - about $20. - Good colour and lasting power, however I prefer the Maybelline liquid liners that come in a pen rather than a tube with a brush. They last longer, the liquid doesn't get clumpy and it makes for a much finer and more precise line, worth the few extra dollars and much easier to apply! I give this a 6/10

17. Soft Bristled Eyeshadow Brush - Came as a set, I only ever use hard bristled brushes for special application. Soft bristles are good for every day wear when you just need a soft wash of colour and easy blending.

18. Moisture Mist Eyebrow Pencil - $25+ - this was quite pricey I thought, the colour is very light which I prefer because I like subtle definition but I only give it a 6/10. Try a hard angled brush with a light brown matte shadow for eyebrows if you want a softer look, make sure the shadow isn't sparkly because it will be obvious

19. Maybelline Eyeshadow Palette - $25 - This is my everyday palette, the shades are matte, neutral and good quality. When applied with a soft bristled brush they're great for every day, with a hard angled brush they make for a great brown smokey eye when going out!

20 + 21. Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Liner - $$$$$$ - Another gift that I cherish, application is thicker because of the limitations of the brush but makes for an awesome long staying black smokey eye, works well for the lower rim as well. If you want a thin line on your upper lash i'd stick to liquid!

22. Eye Pencil Sharpener - $7 - basic pharmacy standard sharpeners are a must

23. Loreal Lash Define Mascara in Black/Brown - $25+ - Stole this one from Mum, it's great for during the day because its dark enough to thicken your lashes but the brown makes blue and green eyes pop. Soft yet striking definition and better for volume as opposed to length