No7 Stay Perfect Smoothing and Brightening Eye Base - Eye Primer

Yet another day and I'm standing in Boots after being handed a 7.50euro off voucher for No. 7 and I haven't a clue what to buy. So far in the last few weeks I've gotten from No. 7 - 3 nail polishes - each one of them more crap than the next, a cuticle cream which was a bit blah, an eyebrow pencil for brown/black hair - this one is a red orangey pencil which would only be flattering on someone with roaring red hair!!! and a lip gloss that's like wallpaper paste. All in all I 'm not a great fan of their makeup..its a bit shite for what it costs.
 But regardless of how shite they are I wasn't leaving without some little piece of free makeup or relatively cheaper makeup. I was just about to grab a horrible black eye pencil to use up the voucher when this little bad boy caught my eye.

Its called the ' Stay Perfect Smoothing and Brightening Eye Base' and I LOVE this eyelid primer. To me its a creamier dupe of MAC Painterly Paint Pot at half the price.

 

Because of the pigment in this the product it helps to hide veins and dark spots as well as being a lovely base to pack your eye shadows onto. It really helps intensify the colour and in my experience it helps prevent the shadows creasing. This is also lovely to wear on its own with just a flick of eyeliner and some mascara as it really does brighten up the eye.
When I first got this, it creased on me badly because I applied too much so the trick with this product is to use it sparingly. It comes with a sponge tip applicator but you would do better tossing that and using other means of applying it like with your finger tip or a brush.

It cost 10.50euro so I just had to give 3 bucks for this with the voucher and since I got it I've used it everyday. Because this sucker is so creamy I don't think it would be great if you had very oily lids.

Laters...xx

Debs/ Prom Makeup

I recently did a photo shoot for Debs/Prom makeup. All of the models were from aged 14 to 20. Everyone of them wanted the same look, a timeless elegant look, full coverage and lashes.

One of the first tips I'd recommend for young skin for a special occasion would be to cleanse and tone first and then use a primer. Young skin produces alot of oils so once you have removed them I would then use a primer instead of a moisturiser. For very oily young skin I would recommend only using a moisturiser if you have dry patches - only on the dry patches. For a primer I love Smashbox Hydrating Primer and use this on most of my clients. This can be a bit pricey for younger people so for a second less expensive option I'd definitely recommend Gosh primers.Your skin feels like silk with these and makes your makeup last all day.
For foundation for a big occasion like a Debs I think its really important to use a long lasting foundation and to invest in a good one. I'm loving Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, it doesn't budge all night and gives really good coverage especially if your conscious of spots or acne marks. It also photographs brilliant.
Lastly I think everyone should wear a nice set of falsies....They really finish the look. Alot of girls will bring the Cheryl or Sarah from Girls Aloud lashes but these would look really tacky for a debs. The Nicola or Kimberly are fab lashes and add drama without looking too freaky...
Have a look below at a few of the pictures taken....
The hair is by a friend of mine Louise Byrne, she is a mobile hair stylist who is amazing at up styles. She is also mobile which is brilliant for brides as alot of salons now wont send people out on the day of your wedding. She has just launched her new website www.mobilehairstylist.ie . Check her out. Here's a look at a few of the photos..x

Also the photographs are done by a local photographer Bernard Dilger who has an amazing set up in Ennis in Roslevan shopping centre. He does individual or family portraits from just 30euros. He caters for every occasion at his studio or alternatively he is also mobile and can bring his mobile studio to you at a location of your choice at no extra cost. Here's a link to his website www.dilgerstudios.com.
 It was great fun working with them.

Laters..xx

Review: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

This product is definitely one product I need. This is 8 hours sleep in a handy tube! I use this on clients that need to brighten their skin or I find its brilliant if you've had a bad night(or a hangover), and it works wonders. Beauty Flash Balm is a great product to use as a primer underneath foundation. It smooths out the skin and makes it more radiant and fresh. I keep it for special occasions like if I'm going to a wedding or a night out...x

The secret to getting a good finish with this is all in the application.When your applying the Balm you're trying to spread it out (like butter on toast) don't rub in in. Put a thin layer on the skin (you don't want it in your skin, you want it on your skin)

Immediately apply your foundation using the same method. You're not 'rubbing your foundation in' you're trying to spread it out so you won't ruin the Balm effect.

Long-winded but it works It's hard to describe the effect it has. It just seems to enhance your complexion by balancing out any unevenness and makes skin look more luminous. You could wear this alone if you are feeling a bit lazy and fancy a makeup free day. The only downside of that is that it contains no SPF and the hefty price tag but then again a little goes a long way.

 

p.s. Its great if you want to touch up your foundation during the day as well, apply the Beauty Flash Balm over your face (no need to cleanse foundation first) and then apply fresh layer of foundation. It gives my skin a glow and the foundation glides on.
Laters..x