Make-Up Storage

There was a time when little bags or plastic boxes were acceptable to store make up, but no. We can make it all look beautiful as it sits on our shelves or on our counters or dressing table. Even those who have built in storage in their vanity tables and dressing tables would love to have what I am about to show you. Ever since the beautiful Kim Kardashian showed them for only a second or two on her television show, the craze caught on. It's almost as if people believe that if you store your make-up like Kim, you can look like Kim. As many look-a-likes as there are, I know that I could never look as wonderful as her, but what did I do? I travelled about an hour and a half to Muji and bought these clear acrylic cubes to store my growing collection of make-up. Not even skin care, just make-up. I bought 4 drawer sets ( 1 x 3 drawers, 2 x 5 drawers and 1 x 2 drawers with the flap lid), 1 envelope holder which holds small palettes and 1 desk tidy for my brushes and some of my foundations.  I do love them a lot better than the plastic boxes I had, I have to admit.

I still had a lot of skin care, brush cleansers and nail stuff which I really had nowhere to put. I googled make-up storage again and came across this beautiful carousel on QVC for cosmetics. It is called the Tabletop Spinning Cosmetic Organizer by Lori Greiner. I instantly fell in love with it. I told a friend I wanted it and I got it as a birthday present. It now holds all my skin care, nail stuff, samples and cotton pads. Its very handy to have you can keep it in your bathroom or bedroom. There are many uses for this, not just make-up. I know its something everyone can enjoy. (http://www.qvc.com/Tabletop-Spinning-Cosmetic-Organizer-by-Lori-Greiner.product.H164200.html) 

Another idea would be to keep it all in a train case. It is easy to travel with and can easily be organised However, one it is full, you either will have to buy a bigger one or another one. You are limited on space.

I am still in the search for more innovative ways to store make up. When something awesome comes out. You all will be the first to know.

To buy? Definitely invest in the QVC carousel. You will find some use for it.

 Not to buy? If you have a Vanity or dressing table, it may have been completely irrelevant to you and I'm sure you have a better spread than me.

Click on the video below to watch my make-up collection and storage video.

BareMinerals READY Luminizer

I know that people with dry skin long for the dewy look a lot of the time, which can be achieved with satin foundation. There is also looks that want to look mat bit just the cheeks look dewy. Or how about highlighting the higher points on your face without having to do so much blending. This product is a press powder luminizer. The one that I own in in 'The Shining Moment' which has a yellow undertone and looks gold. Bare Minerals do have another one in a peachy colour.

This is a great product for day and night looks and really achieves a beautiful and healthy glow. Just a sweep along the cheeks, down the bridge of the nose and on the forehead (and maybe a bit on the cheek) brings you one step closer to a beautifully contoured face. Cheek bones will be more prominent, the forehead will appear smaller and the nose will appear slimmer. It is very easy to use, totally inexpensive and a definite must have for those days when you are trying to get ready in a rush. A little goes a long way with it. The shimmer levels are perfect. And it is build-able, so if you want more just apply more.

It is important to understand the difference between a highlighter and a luminizer. This is not a product you want to be putting under your eyes (but it is a beautiful eye shadow . It needs to be used very lightly to achieve a dewy effect to the skin. It looks really great it a night club.There are down falls. Using too much can make the face appear cakey and unnatural. It also isn't the best product to use on liquid foundation. I do feel that it looks better with evening and late night looks rather than day. It is a Bare Minerals product so try and use it with their foundation also.

Apply the product where you have good lighting. If you apply it in a darker room, you won't see it how others see it when your outside, so remember that a little goes a long way. If you do that correctly than you will have no problems. Play with it a little bit and see what works for you. I personally love to use it on my tear-duct aswell.

To Buy? If you feel you need it, why not. Its a nice luxury to have.

Click below to watch my video review of this product.

Physicians Formula - Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush

Physicians Formula as a brand creates cosmetics and skin care for people with sensitive skin. As we all know that these are quality products that are not as bad for our skin, all kinds of people with all skin types buy these products. Physicians Formula pride themselves on providing products that are high-quality and hypo-allergenic. In fact, they are so gentle on the skin that they are recommended by allergists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The origin of this company is actually a love story and I am a sucker for love stories. “Dr. Frank Crandall created a unique line of cosmetics for his wife”. She was a woman who wanted to feel beautiful and he did what we all want our men to do, make us feel beautiful.

Now this product that I am reviewing is the only one of two products I have tried from this brand. And to be honest, it is my favourite blush. The reason that I love this blush is that it is multi coloured. “Made from the finest Italian talc, it provides a silky-smooth application that blends easily.” It blends and adapts to any skin tone to make your skin look more beautiful. It really works and you will have this beautiful natural blend without looking too pink or overdone.

The second thing I like about this product is the Brush. The brush is like a thick contour brush helping you to blush in precision as people apply it to different points of the face. For people with more prominent cheek bones, it may just go on the apples of the cheek, for people with a flatter face, it may by higher actually on the cheek bone itself and closer to the ear.

After getting product on to the brush, it will never leave you with excess. You use what you get on the brush.

And lastly, it is so compact and small. But even though it is small, it will last you a long time. There is so much product in it you won’t find yourself running out any time soon. The compact size allows it to fit in the smallest of purses. It is too cute.

There are some negatives. First of all, now that I am suffering with acne which does make the skin a lot more dry, it would be nice to have a little shimmer in the blush but not too much.

The last thing you need to worry about is dropping it. Once it hits the floor, you will have a lot of product everywhere. Enjoy cleaning it up. It is just an excuse to go shopping and buy another one as well as a lot of other goodies.

To Buy?: Hell YEAH!! A Total Must Have. 

Collection 2000 - Primed and Ready Smoothing Primer

I have never been more impressed with the quality of this drugstore primer. This is best used with other drugstore foundations though. This would not work as well on a high end foundation as it would drugstore. When I used a high end foundation  (Estée Lauder Double wear) I noticed that the foundation started to break and it didn't last too long. However, with foundations like Maybelline Fit Me and and Dream Matte Mousse, they worked amazingly well.

The smoothing properties were amazing, ensuring that skin feels like silk. And the best thing about it is that it is air light. You won't even feel it on your face once applied. It’s very similar to Bare Minerals Prime Time. It goes on matte but there is a glowing aspect to it too. I’m not saying there are little specs of glitter in it, because i wouldn't like that either, but its almost velvet.

Surprisingly, it is wonderful at hiding blemishes and I've noticed that it has reduced redness somehow. So for all of you with acne, this may be a good step with your drugstore make-up routine. Not that you should be wearing make-up, but I know we all do anyway.

Since the ‘Primer’ came into the market, I have been on quite the hunt. I felt that I could only use primers with foundations that were of the same brand, but that isn't the case. For everyday make-up users, you will be happy to know that a little goes a long way with this product and it will last you a long time. And it only costs £5.99 (Boots). This product is suitable for all skin types

To be honest, there isn't much to say other than it is a wonderful product.

Sheer Cover VS Bare Minerals

This comparison just doesn't get made enough. It is truly magnificent as to how similar these products are. People are often torn between which one to buy? Which one is better? Which one is more effective? Which one is worth the money I pay? Well I am going to answer these questions for you.

Let’s look at what you get with each kit. Now, you have ready my previous posts, I have talked about what these consist of in depth. But here is a brief summary.

Sheer Cover (£59.85 per three months)	Bare Minerals (£51)
2 Foundations (one lighter, one darker)	1 Foundation (colour matched)
Primer	Primer
Duo concealer	Contour brush
Concealer brush	Concealer brush
Foundation brush	Foundation brush
Mascara	Warmth
Colour palette	Mineral veil
Vanity Case	Instructional DVD

Sheer cover offers an introductory package to try it for £29.99. To receive it in the post every three months, you can pay £19.95 a month which is £59.85.

If I am going to cut it short, I can tell you now that Sheer Cover gives you more for your money and the product is great for all skin types.

Bare Minerals is cheaper, and the starter package does last (more or less) 3 months also. In addition, the amount of product in the foundation is more in comparison, but this may be because the foundation powder is also used a concealer. They also have the option to buy matt and satin finishes.

Sheer Covers a lot more to create an entire look as for Bare Minerals; it is just your foundation and contour.

Other Comparisons

Sheer Cover (£59.85 per three months)	Bare Minerals (£51)
Softer brushes	More Product
Free gifts	Foundation can also be used as the concealer
Advertised to be good for aging skin also.	Brushes don’t shed

What are your opinions on what is better?

M.A.C Products for Oily Skin

If you’re anything like me, you will find that oily skin can be a real problem when looking for a long lasting foundation that offers a great coverage. I found this difficult back in the day. I had my first MAC experience when I was 21. Late... I know, but before it I was only using mineral foundation. I had never used liquid foundation before in my life (tinted moisturiser doesn't count).

MAC is a great brand to turn to for oily skin. It is one of many brands that offer products for oily skin. Now when I say products, I mean numerous products from skincare to make-up.

MACs skincare line is not the most popular but they do have some products that can really help ensure a long lasting finish without any interruptions if you know what I mean. So I am going to show you the MAC products I used for my oily skin and explain why I like them so much.

MAC like to ensure that the oil in your skin doesn't mess up the make-up you have on your skin, even if it may be oil free. MAC Oil Control Lotion is made to control how the skin creates oil and to make sure it helps with the make-up instead of ruin it. This lotion can be used without make up if you want to ensure a matt yet moisturised look to your face. It goes on quite oily but finishes matt and after that it is ready for make-up. Also with this product, I have noticed that touch ups are unnecessary. I never feel the need to touch up my make-up any more. This product is £12.50 for 30ml. It also comes in 50ml for £21.50.

A preparatory step that MAC have that I believe is working well for my oily skin is the  MAC Prep + Prime -Skin Refined Zone Treatment. It is a light, oil-free emulsion that helps cloak visible pores while controlling oil and shine. It goes on wet but when dried it is very matt. Make sure it is dry before applying make-up. You can also just use this on the T-zone if you wish but I use it all over my skin. This product is £15.50 for 15ml of product.

Now when it comes to make-up, MAC is the go to brand for quality products. Holding its place as market leader ensures us that they are definitely doing something right, and having amazing make-up artists who are internationally known use their products backing up these products allows us to achieve the same look that they give to others (we hope). Concealing is very important. Especially for oily skin, its the oil that causes the breakouts. A great concealer is the Studio Finish concealer. I use NW 35 and NW40. I have a darker shade to assist with grey patches that may occur and also to help with contouring my cheek bones. Use your finger to apply it to the skin. Make sure your hands are super clean first. A little goes a long way just one dab can hide the most stubborn of blemishes and dark spots. A little additional information- it has an SPF 35, you get 7g of product and can last you a long time.

Moving onto foundation, the most popular oil-free foundation that MAC have for high coverage is (drum roll) Studio Fix Fluid. I have to say, it is one of my favourite foundations ever. The coverage is amazing. Only small amounts are needed. Skin glows with this product. It is beautiful. I use NC43.5. MAC is the best at colour matching. They will do is so precisely that it will astonish you. It is why they lead in foundations in comparison to other leading brands.

Now of course if you have oily skin, you are going to need a powder. It is crucial. Otherwise that make-up will just melt off your face and it won’t last all day. You have to lock that colour in there. Please make sure you use a primer. Otherwise the make-up will go into your pores to cause spots. Back to the powder, use MAC Blot Pressed Powder. I use the medium/dark one. It comes with an awesome puff that can keep good coverage and keep it looking natural. It’s a fantastic product. It is a wonderful product to keep in your purse. I honestly have never had to touch up anyway so you don’t need to carry it. But it depends how oily you are. 

 So these are your essentials. There are other products but I think these are all you really need. MAC have the ability to cater to all skin types. It may not be blemish fighting or anything but it’s the best it can be for professional standards. 

TAG: 40 Beauty Questions

How many times do you wash your face daily?

-Twice a day. When I wake up and before going to sleep

What skin type do you have? (dry, oily or combination)

- I have oily skin

What is your current facial wash?

- Vichy Laboratories- Normaderm Unclogging Exfoliating Gel

Do you exfoliate?

- Yes. gently and everyday 

What brand do you use?

- Vichy Laboratories.

What moisturiser do you use? 

- Vichy Laboratories Normaderm Total  Mat - Anti-shine, anti-humidity fresh hydrating gel (non comedogenic and paraben free)

Do you have freckles?

- I do not

Do you use eye cream?

- I do not

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

-I currently have acne prone skin

Did you ever use ProActiv?

- It's what CAUSED my acne!!! (angry face)

What foundation do you use?

- Benefit Hello Flawless (Beige)

- MAC Studio Fix Fluid (NC43.5)

- Estée Lauder Double Wear (4N2 Spiced Sand 98)

- Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse (050 Sun Bronze)

- Maybelline Fit Me (315)

- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (Almond)

- Bourjois Bio Detox Organic (58)

How about concealer?

- MAC Studio Finish (NW35)

- Sheer Cover Dual (Medium -Tan)

- Costal Scents Camoflage Palette

- Maybelline Fit Me (35)

Do you know your undertone colour?

- I think its Red

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

- I have never tried them

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

-Indeed

What brand of mascara do you use?

-My favourite is Max Factor but I also have Sheer Cover, w7, Rimmel and L'Oreal

Sephora or Mac?

-I'm guessing Sephora is an American thing, so I am going to say MAC

Do you have a MAC Pro-Card?

- Nope. Ufff I wish though

What make-up tools do you use in make-up application?

- Costal Scents brushes and also the Beauty Blender. I use a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to contour and blend.

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

-I do not

For the face?

- Clinique Pore Refining Solutions

- Smashbox Photo Finish

- Sheer Cover Base Perfector Primer

- Benefit the POREfessional

- BareMinerals - Prime Time

- MAC Prep+Prime Face Protect SPF 50

- Collection 2000 Primed and Ready

What is your favourite eye shadow? (Colour or Shade)

- NYX - Luster

Do you use pencil or liquid eye-liner?

-I haven't used liquid in a long time. I prefer pencil and gel.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eye liner pencil?

-It has only happened once in my entire life when I was 16 or 17.

What do you think of pigment eye shadows?

-Really heavy

Do you use mineral make-up? 

- Sheer Cover (Almond)

- Bare Minerals (Golden Suntan)

What is your favourite lipstick?

- Calvin Klein - Mulberry

How about lip gloss? 

- Revlon Colourburst (028 Sienna Sparkle)

What is your favourite blush?

-Physicians Formula - Blushing Natural

Do you buy make-up on e-bay?

-Hell No

Do you like drug store make-up?

-I don't want to but I do

Do you go to CCO's? (Cosmetic Company Outlets)

-They exist?

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?

-I took a 3 hour workshop. I want to be fully qualified but I can't afford it

Are you clumsy in putting on make-up?

-Not really, I just suck with eye make-up. But practise makes perfect.

Name a make-up crime that you hate?

-Flashbacks!! Totally terrible. Like MakeUp Forever HD Powder. So terrible

Do you like colourful shades of make-up (lipstick, eye shadow) or neutral tones?

-Neutral. I'm too old to play around with colours. I like the professional look.

Which celebrity always has great make-up?

-All of them!! 

If you could leave the house with just ONE Make-up item, what would you use?

-Concealer

Could you ever leave the house without any make-up on?

- NO

Do you think you look good even without any make-up on?

- NO

In your opinion, what is the BEST make-up line?

- Ummmmmmm I don't think there is a best. 

What do you think of Make-up?

- Make Up is a lifesaver. It's meditation. It keeps me sane and boosts my confidence.

Bare Minerals

Bare Minerals are very well known for breaking into the market with healthy make-up. I have used Bare Minerals before and absolutely loved it. This is when they first became popular like two years ago and a box set was £40. Recently I have decided to repurchase it because I remember natural it looked on me back then. Today, I am the shade Golden Tan, which I think is too dark, but it is the lightest one in that range. So I am thinking about buying the lighter one and mixing them to make the perfect shade.


Now there have always been talks about mineral make-up, especially with Bare Minerals. You can work out with it; you can take quick naps with it on and so on. These are all pretty much true, because they are minerals. They cannot do any harm to your skin or body. So go to the gym, and go for it, take a nap also. But be ready to retouch, and wash your pillow  case, because a dirty pillow case can break you out. 

When you go to get colour matched, they ask you if you want more of a shimmery look or more matt. As I only like shimmer in my blush, I chose the matt option. Another reason whyI chose the Matt option is because I have oily skin.

The starter kit comes with three brushes which I love. The Full Face Coverage is like a Kabuki on a stick. It is easy to manoeuvre, the bristles are (kind of) soft and it really does give good coverage. It’s almost impressive. The flawless face brush is like a really thick and pressed together fan brush, made to bronze and contour. Its precision will help achieve a natural looking depth to the face. Another impressive tool in this box is the concealer brush. It is a usual make-up concealer brush that is used for liquid foundation. You will be impressed with that it can do with powder. It really hides the blemishes. 

Let’s move on to product now. What’s the first thing you do before applying foundation? Primer has become an important part of the make-up routine for a while now. I remember, the old kit didn't consist of the primer as it wasn't even invented then. But I do remember getting a bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper. I don’t remember what it does though. The innovation of primer allows our foundation to stay on longer. Other primers include the USP of either helping to lock in moisture, conceal blemishes and look better in photos. What Prime Time does is keep the foundation on for longer and keeps it looking natural. It is also what allows us to wear it through naps, at the gym and in the clubs. You will also be happy to know that it is SPF15. 

Moving on to the foundation. I know you think I missed a step, but the foundation is the concealer. Oh you already know that, didn't you? With the way that the concealer brush is made is that it allows us to conceal on a high level. The dark spots and pimples and the dark under eye circles will disappear. Well, it did for me. But I'm not sure how this product is for hiding wrinkles and anti-ageing but I know it works for my young skin. Hehehe. So I wear Golden Tan. It’s the lightest colour in the Tan range.

When wanting to apply the foundation there is a technique which is used with all mineral make up kits. Swirl, Tap and Buff (as demonstrated in the picture). You pour the powder into the lid, take your full coverage brush or kabuki brush and swirl the brush into the product so that it is in the bristles. Tap off any excess powder. Save that product. Lastly, buff it into your skin LIGHTLY.  The coverage is buildable and can still feel like there isn't a lot on your face. It is so light it may even feel weird, like you’re naked. But it’s good because, there is no harm to your skin and there is high coverage without having to feel conscious about lines, cakiness or smudging. And that’s the wonder of mineral make up. 

Let’s add some depth to your face now. Make it look more 3D rather than 2D. Warmth is a bronzer like product. Contour your face with that, and let your glowing-self highlight yourself. But if you do need additional help, I do recommend Benefits High Beam. But we’ll talk about that another time. So now, grab that flawless face brush, put some warmth in your lid and swirl, tap and don’t puff. You want to make a ‘3’ shape from your temple to the hollow of your cheek to you jaw line. This will add definition and depth to your face. And also make your face look a lot slimmer. 

It’s time to set that make up and add a beautiful glow. And this is the last step. Now first of all, I must mention that the mineral veil can be worn with or without the foundation. It is a beautiful, translucent powder that makes you look so ravishing in pictures. Brush the mineral veil lightly over your finished look using any brush you’d like (except the concealer brush) and now you are done. Enjoy the rest of your day looking naturally beautiful and blemish free.

Now if anything I just said doesn't make any sense, there is an instructional DVD in every kit. So don’t you worry.

To Buy: It’s a must have. Go out and get it.

Maybelline - Fit Me

Its product lines like this that help me regain faith in drug-store products. Maybelline Fit Me has the potential to be a high end product. All three products round up to create a flawless everyday look. The foundation offers a natural look and buildable coverage. The concealer hides blemishes and puts away those dark circles. Its easy application makes applying everyday make up fairly quick. The pressed powder is wonderful for mattifying foundation to hide shine and I must say that the puff that comes with it is my new favourite puff.

The foundation is in liquid form with an SPF of 18. The colour that I wear is 315 which is Soft Honey. 30ml of product will last a while. My prediction will be 3-6 months depending on how often you wear make-up and the coverage you wish to achieve. The packaging is beautiful and looks professional. This product can be applied using fingers, a brush or a sponge. My personal preference is to use the beauty blender as I feel I achieve a high coverage with not as much product. There is only one negative: if you are trying to avoid parabens, then do not use this product. It has methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben.

I do regret to inform you that the packaging is not filled with concealer that there is less than you think inside. However the 6.8ml (or maybe less) will be enough to cover up what you need along with the 30ml of foundation. The shade I wear is 35. It is perfect for my skin tone. I can say that that this concealer is very close to the concealer offered by Luminess Air.

The pressed powder is amazing. I must say that I see no need for touching up, so I don’t carry it with me. It offers a matt finish for the whole day. Keep in mind I have only used this product in the winter. In the summer, touch ups may be necessary. I must say, as I mentioned above that the puff is what makes this product. You see, a lot of people think that the quality depends on the product, but not the applicator, but you must remember that they are both just as important as each other. I use shade 315 Soft Honey. This product blends really well; it lets the skin breath and gives a natural and smooth finish.

Overall, the collection has a wonderful finish and can be worn every day and semi-formal occasions.

To buy: go for it

Revlon Lip Butters

I try to stay away from drug-store products, but there are always good reviews on some on the products that I always end up giving in. Revlon Lip Butters are something new to me. I have seen many beauty gurus who have this in their make up collection. I wasn't really too sure what the big deal is so I went to my local drug-store and purchased 4 Revlon Lip Butters.
They are in these colours:
-Macroon
-Lollipop
-Pink Truffle
-Raspberry Pie

I was truly amazed with how amazing they made my lips felt. It was like having a beautiful consistency of lipstick but it was actually good for my lips. The finish shocked me. It looks natural and subtle yet it really brings out your lips. Its like you’re wearing a really good lip gloss that is highly pigmented yet not as thick or sticky or annoying.

Another thing that is great about this product is that it is long wear. don’t get me wrong, I have had to touch up. Put it this way, I am in the office for 9 hours 5 days a week. In that 9 hours, I only re-apply once like 1 or 2 hours before I finish work. And then off to the gym I go. And it will stay on till I go home. It even stays when I shower. It is amazing.

The packaging is beautiful. Easy, compact, and fits in most storage spaces. You don’t find the lid flying off in your handbag.

By the way, when you first take a look at these products, the colours may seem a bit playful and childish, but don’t let that scare you. These colours look natural when you apply it. It’s all about choosing the right colours for your skin tone. If you have darker skin like me, you can refer to the list above. I love all four of them. It is important to look after your lips though, so some Carmex underneath won’t kill you. I won’t recommend using Vaseline lip jelly under the lip butter at they will clash and the product will not last as long.

To buy: Hell yeah.