Bridal Makeup/Long Lasting Makeup

I had the pleasure of doing my good friend's wedding day makeup and her bridal party, that would be 6 in total.....phew. It was so much fun to make each one of them feel beautiful and comfortable.  While the former is paramount, the latter is extremely important too. For instance, three of my girls did not routinely wear makeup, which can be slightly uncomfortable for them and tricky for the makeup artist. Whether it be extremely natural makeup or a smokey eye, to them any amount of makeup was going to be shocking. The key is to really keep the colours neutral and use their colouring as a guide. For example, look at their natural lip colour and go a little a shade lighter or darker. For the eyes, keep the colours soft and matte and use these colours to accentuate their eye colour. Remember to explain to them that flash photography with wash them out and that makeup is needed. I like taking a picture with a flash just to show them the difference.

TRICKS

Use waterproof makeup wherever you can! Companies have some excellent products that keep that makeup from going anywhere.
Make Up For Ever aqua eye liners are fabulous

Layer, layer layer- this means using an eye pencil then going over it with a similar eye shadow. Use lip liner and then a lipstick, blot, lipstick ,blot, lipstick.

PRIMER - using a face primer and an eye primer is essential for any long lasting makeup. I love using Smashbox Photofinish Primer. They are all oil-free and great for making the skin smooth and flawless.

FOUNDATION when it is hot and you want it to last, I love using Cover FX Natural FX and MAC's Face and Body. These babies last under most conditions. Be warned - if you have super oily skin proceed with the aforementioned with caution. They do not work as well.

SETTING SPRAYS - Urban Decay De-Slick is an excellent one and MAC's Fix Plus

Wedding makeup is definitely individual. However, I am a firm believer of having the Bride looking like herself but glamorous.
xo Megs

Kohl Rimmed Eyes

We all know that the eyes are the windows to the soul and with a little Kohl those windows bring the heat. A little bit rock n' roll, sexy and smokey,the kohl rimmed eye dates back to the ancient Egyptians where it was used to protect the eyes from the sun and ward of the Evil Eye. Other parts of the world used it as a cosmetic. For instance in India, kohl brought attention to the eyes and dancers' movements. Whether you call it kohl or kajal, the look creates a sensual look and both sexes have been using it for years. Look at johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow or the past punk and rock n' roll gods - it draws you in, creates mystery and wantonness.

 
Skip to now and the sexiness of it isn't going anywhere. Just hit a club or a couple out on a date, the eyes will be smoked out with the blackness of kohl or a variation of it. The way kohl was made was a little suspect, now modern formulas are safe and beautiful. It comes in variations such as the traditional powder and the ease of a pencil. Such companies as Guerlain make an ornate packaged powdered version that intimidates me. For me, the pencil version is the easiest and gives me the desired look. Rimmel makes a fabulous version, as do MAC and Lancome. Be forewarned kohls are soft and will smudge, but that is what makes it sexy ;)

Recommended:

Guerlain Terracotta Kohl

Rimmel Kohl Kajal -Black

M.A.C Kohl - Feline and Smoulder

Lancome Le Crayon Khol - Black Ebony, Black Lapis

Thanks for dropping by.

xo Megs

Newly Tried Companies: LIT Cosmetics

I have never been much of a glitter girl, but having watched a few YouTube videos where Lit Cosmetics were either mentioned and/or used, piqued my interest in this Canadian company. Lit is a Calgary- based glitter cosmetic company and Jodie ,the owner and creator, seems like a free-spirit who believes in the power of sparkle and shine.

I browsed through the online catalog, which is very extensive in colours and sizes.There are four sizes of glitter S1 to S4. S1 is a microcut glitter and more refined, S2 is the most popular size and small cut; S3 is large cut and S4 is the largest. It also comes in different textures - Solids, Electrics, Metallics, and Shimmers. Furthermore, ordering a kit of is a better deal plus you receive glitter glue, a brush and a puff that removes any stray glitter. So I ordered three stackable colours - Punk, Fire Cracker and Beach Baby.

The colours are beautiful and the base is sticky at first, but after a few blinks you don't even feel it. It is also relatively easy to remove. The thing that stands out with this company is the customer service. At the time of ordering, Jodie and her crew were going to be in NYC at the IMATS so my order was going to be delayed. She wrote me and indicated that she threw in some extra goodies for me. When my package arrived a handwritten note accompanied it. Nice touch ;)

 Overall, great Canadian company and if you want a little glitter in your life, check out Lit.

www.litcosmetics.com


Price per glitter $12.95
package of 3 $68.95, includes puff, glitter base and brush

Take care,
xo Megs

Loving Now: Make Up For Ever

As a makeup artist, I have access to a variety of brands. One brand that most people have heard of but has not made a lot of hype is Make Up For Ever. On par with M.A.C., Illamasqua, Kryolan and Ben Nye, this French company is known to pro- artists as well as those who enjoy a good eyeshadow.  I feel that the lack of accessibility and less glamorous collections make this a slightly overlooked company.

For me, their HD foundation is a must. A natural finish and a fantastic colour range, makes this base one of my favourite foundations. Additionally, their eyeshadows are pigmented and so smooth. Great colours and versatility. Most like their Aqua Eyes liners and cream bases. I concur and add that their aqua black is a phenomenal liner, espeically for the water line.

I also ventured into their flash palette. This little gem contains creamy, smooth pigments that would be similar to M.A.C's chromaline, chromapaint and chromagraph line. It is also similar to Kryolan's pigment palette. For the daily makeup user, I don't think this little package is needed, however for those of us who love  and are deeply embedded in this art form, I recommend it.

I have also used their Stardust loose pigments. I have the black powder with black glitter..... uh gorgeous! Fallout is a slight problem, but with pigments that is always the case.

Other products that I recommend is the Face and Body foundation. Whilst, the fragrance is off-putting, the finish is beautiful and lasts all day. The texture is almost gel-like and lovely to blend. 

In Canada, Make Up For Ever can be found at Sephora. Additionally, head office is in Montreal and boutiques at some Sephora stores that carry pro products.

Thanks for reading and let me know, what Make Up For Ever products are your favourite?

xo Megs

Jennifer Lawrence Makeup Tutorial

I will admit it, I have a crush.....a girl crush on Jennifer Lawrence. Honestly, these days, who doesn't?! One can't help but like this young, talented and endearing actress.

She wears a smokey eye for most glamorous events and keeps it simple for other outings. This look is fabulous if you have a hooded eye. The keys to this look is to extend the wing, go lower on the bottom, go slightly above the crease and keep the upper lash liner thin.

Enjoy and take care,
xo Megs

Faves and Fails

Faves and Fails....

Faves
M.A.C Opulash Optimum Black Mascara
M.A.C. Pro Conceal and Correct
Revlon ColorStay Whipped Foundation
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre
Bioderma Sensibio
Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal
OCC Lip Tars
M.A.C. Lip Mixes
Caudalie S.O.S Vinosource
M.A.C. Prep and Prime Lip Conditioner
Lush Sweet Lips Exfoliant
Nuxe Reve de Miel
Vikings - History Channel
The Following- TV show
If I Had a Heart- Fever Ray

Fails:
Essence Fine Eyeliner
Physicians Formula Felt Eyeliner
NeoStrata Toning Solution 1
L'Oreal True Match Foundation
M.A.C In Extreme Dimension Mascara

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you enjoy.
xo Megs

Beauty Things I Suck At - TAG

Beauty Things I Suck At TAG

Shop and Share #2

Okay, I did it. I broke down and purchased the Make Up For Ever Flash Palette. Its gorgeousness and creaminess were calling my name, I couldn't stand it any longer. But I didn't stop there..... MUFE brow corrector, YSL Le Tient Touche Eclat, M.A.C. Japanese Maple and Sophisto lipsticks, Urban Decay De-slick setting spray, Butter London Thames and British Racing Green, Essence nail stamp, M.A.C. Pressed Pigment Light Touch and MUFE Aqua Black.

Reviews to come.......
Thanks for dropping by,
xo Megs

S/S 2013 Trends - Ethereal/ Healthy Skin

Listening to the strings of Vivaldi's Spring, transports me out of the greyness that is the lingering winter and inspires me to write about Spring and Summer Trends. Graphic liner and colours aside, the main focus seemed to be beautiful, glowing and radiant skin. Bring out your highlighter guys and gals because nothing is more youthful or more of a metaphor for spring, then shedding the winter layers of dullness to expose fresh and ethereal skin. Matthew Williamson, Marni, Theyskens' Theory and Balmain captured this perfectly. Along the same lines, is the ubiquitous bronzed glow. However, this season it is healthy and natural looking. Gone is the spray tan a la orange, it is replaced by a subtle refined bronze.

www.allure.com

While not looking difficult, this look does require the illusion of perfect skin. So taking care of it properly along with a great moisturiser, foundation and concealer are imperative. Following a good base, is placing a cream highlighter strategically. If you are going for a bronzed look, use cream bronzers as they blend into the skin better and thus create a natural look. Keep eye makeup to a minimum and use creams. Cheeks should also be restrained and creamy.

Suggested Products:

Make Up For Ever- Uplights
M.A.C. - Strobe cream, Pearl Cream Colour Base
Hourglass - Ambient Lighting Powder
Kevin Aucoin - Celestial Powder Candlelight
Chanel- Soliel Tan de Chanel
Rimmel - Wake Me Up Foundation
Revlon - Nearly Nude Foundation
Shiseido -Radiant Lifting Foundation
Benefit - Watts Up

What do you think of the dewy skin for spring and summer? What products do you enjoy using to look radiant?

Thanks for reading
xo Megs

P!NK Clump Crusher Eye Makeup Tutorial

P!NK Makeup Tutorial YouTube

Lately, CG's direction is funky, modern and edgy  - Nervo (Sister DJ's), Janelle Monae, and P!NK. I love P!NK's makeup for Cover Girl's Clump Crusher campaign. It is graphic, detailed and not the easiest thing to do. However, I am always up for a challenge, especially a makeup one ^_^


Products Used:
E/s - Lancome Volcano, Lancome Statuesque, M.A.C Crystal Avalanche, M.A.C Mylar
Liner - Rimmel Scandaleyes Black, M.A.C Fascinating,
Mascara - M.A.C False Lashes Maximum Black
Foundation - Revlon Nearly Naked in 130 Shell
Contour - Soleil Tan de Chanel
Blush - Bourjois Rose d'Or
Lipstick - M.A.C Innocence Beware
217 brush
Sigma E17
Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush
Real Techniques Contour Brush
Sigma F40
Lancome #12 Brush

Thanks for stopping by.
Cheers,
xo Megs

S/S 2013 Trend - Light Bright

I am just itching to pack my winter garb away and blow the dust off of my brighter and lighter spring clothes. However, inevitably winter isn't quite finished with us. Instead I am going to do it with S/S 2013 makeup trends.  Zesty lemon yellows, florescent pinks, and cyan blue painted nails, eyes, and lips took the spot light. Even prim and proper hair at Oscar De La Renta, was not immune to the bright hues of the catwalks.  You may ask yourself, how the frack do I follow this trend? The trick is to keep it to one feature and keep it simple.

Donna Karan: Image Source guestofaguest.com and cosmone.com

Kenzo
Image source: stylebistro.com

Oscar De La Renta
Image Source:://en.vogue.fr



michael kors- image source: www.vogue.co.uk

Here are some suggestions:
Lips:
Impassioned- M.A.C.
Neon Orange - M.A.C
Day Lily - Shiseido
Anime Lip Tar - Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
Stormy Pink - Revlon
Any of the Colour Sensational Vivids - Maybelline

Eyes:
Chromographic Pencil  Magenta, Hi-def Cyan, Primary Yellow - M.A.C
Chromaline Magenta - M.A.C
Loose Pigment in LOL - Annabelle
Heart Throb Pink Mascara - Hard Candy
Scream Green Eye Pencil - Essence

Hair:
Colour Bug - Kevin Murphy
Hypercolor Brow and Hair Powder - Anastasia Beverly Hills

Nails:
Big Yellow Taxi - Ciate
Electric - Top Speed Revlon
Mojito - Ciate
Lime Catwalk - Bourjois
Nail Art Neon - Revlon

Bring on the colour baby, I am ready for it.
Take care,
xo Megs

Natural Cut Crease

Products Used:

M.A.C e/s Patina, Brun, Concrete, Era

Annabelle Ivory

M.A.C. Pearlglide Eyeliner Undercurrent

M.A.C Opulash Optimum Black Mascara

Lancome Artliner Noir

Step 1. Use Patina all over the movable eyelid

Step 2. Take a narrow angled brush and dip into Brun. Trace the natural socket line of the eye

Step 3. Go over that socket line just above it, using upward strokes with the same angle brush and Brun. Be careful not to smudge that line as we want it strong.

Step 4. Take Era and a dense blending brush and go right above the smudged Brun to transition into the brow bone

Step 5. Take Ivory to highlight the brow bone and inner corners

Step 6. Take Brun and line under the eyes and smudge.

Step 7. Join the under eye to the corner and make a sharp line up to the end of the socket line

Step 8. Blend that sharp line inwards slightly

Step 9. Take Undercurrent and tight line the bottom eyes and smudge onto the Brun eyeshadow

Step 10. Take the Noir Artliner and line the upper eyes and create a wing.

Step 11. Use Concrete to soften the liquid liner.

Step 12. Curl lashes and apply mascara

* if your lines are not crisp enough, take concealer and run it along the edge of the shadow and liner.

Thanks for taking a peek, I hope you like it.

xo Megs

Birthstone Makeup Series - February Amethyst Makeup

Birthstones Makeup Series- Amethyst

Products used

Foundation L'Oreal True Match W2
M.A.C Luster Drops Pink Rebel

Concealer Revlon Photoready Light, Rimmel Wake Me Up Very Light

Eyes M.A.C. e/s Seedy Pearl, Beautiful Iris, Fig.1, Malt, Crystal Avalanche
M.A.C. Paint Pot Soft Ocher

M.A.C. Pigment Violet

M.A.C False Lash Mascara

Dior Mystic Smokys Palette- Dark Purple

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Ransom

Contour NYX Taupe

Blush Lancome Aplum

Lip Sheen Supreme Asian Flower

Lip Pencil M.A.C. Stone, Subculture

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you enjoyed it.

xo Megs