So for the next week i am going to be MIA. I have to have to finish off my job search stuff. I know it has nothing to do with the usual posts but....So i need to work on my logo designm which needless to say I have been struggling with. Im having diffculty narrowing down what image i want to portray in my business card, my resume , my portfolio. I know I want colour and I want it to be elegant, sophisticated, simple but edgy too. Im in my early 20's i dont want fuddy dud but i dont want something that screams youth either.

Since i had given myself a deadline of March 1st to finish my business card and resume, everyday next week I will be solely working on that. No blogs, no surfing, no research (except design related).

So I'll see you in march

Red eye. In Jamaica you call some one red eye acutally it would be more like red yie, when there lusting after something or jealous. In my case Im lusting after something. Trish McEvoy brushes to be exact. I took out her book "The Power of Makeup" from the library and became interested in her products, mainly her planners and her brushes. The one draw back apart from the price is I dont know if her colours are compatible with darker complexions. Many companies say that the colours will fit all skin types but do they really no, they dont.

This palette is called "The Prettiest" it is in remembance of a former Trish employee who passed away or so the story goes.

This is the power of makeup took kit which retails about $295.00 American. Yeah too bad the Canadian dollar isnt even with it anymore. :(

The petite simple chic double decker palette. Your all in one, I dont know if it comes in different shades for different skin tones but it would be really nice. Unfortuantely her website is under construction, so the only way you can check is to search on other sites.

The reviews for her products vary but one thing that everybody agrees on is that her brushes are worth the cost. I dont think that they are really any more expensive than a M.A.C. brush or a Bobby Brown brush, but hey I haven't bought one from either company so what do I know :)

So, I have started to test my samples. Ill start with the foundation first. Meow cosmectics was a straight dud, I didnt even have to try it on, to know. All the samples were way too light, So that was a pass. Next up is Lumeire, there warm deep is passable, though when I took a pic I seriously seriously looked like michael jackson, white sheen and all, Even the hair it was so not cool. My monave sample came yesterday and I wore it today it was good, I had a Brandy base with some Yolanda. Now i dont have the exact ratio as I was just eyeballing it and using a mini concealer brush to transfer it. Ghetto. yes I know.

For the eye shadows I absolutely love Meow Cosmetics Vandeleyes: Mugshot it is the perfect nude colour for me. Pretty sure I will purchase a full size one, I mixed in a little Idealeyes: Feroucious feline purrl, just to add a little warmth, it was okay. I still have to play with it a bit.
I have done green eyes, purples eyes and the neutal. I have to be careful though that I dont do too shimmery on my face. Shimmer on the eyes and black folk dont usually gree. It makes us look ashy, which it did make me look ashy.

I bought an eye and lip primer, on sunday, it was okay today, I couldnt really rate it as my eyes were irratating me and I pretty much wiped all the makeup off :D I also used my clean and clear shine control for a primer last week. It was awesome, the eye makeup was still there. Im oily and Ive got creases in my eyelids so the makeup doesnt usually last. I was very pleased with that.

Hey, it was a snow or it is a snow day today, so my work is closed. Sweet deal. I now have more time to search the net for research and stuff.
Anyways some of my samples of mineral makeup have come in. Lumiere, she space and meow have sent their samples, Im waiting on Monave and silk naturals to send theres. Im hesitant to try them out, I've read tons of great reviews for the products from each company, but theres so much technique behind it that I want to know before I start putting it one. I want to achieve the optimal look with the makeup. Im thinking if I dont use the primer and the proper way to apply concealer then the product might be great but I wont think so because it looks bad on me.
So I am reading up on the techinques and which and which primer most are using or most recommend. I think Im going to use the one recommended by www.shadesofu.blogspot.com she uses Camilla rose skin smoothing primer. I have checked out camillas website, its pretty low key, but she gets tons of orders so there is a waiting period.
Thinking about it now maybe Ill try and place and order right after this, she does offer sample sizes, so you can try out the primer and see if you like it. Did I ever say that I love samples because well I do.
They allow you to try the product ( sometimes I wish they could give you a little more, but hey they have to make some money no?) without committing to a large size and a large cost which is the bonus. You can see if the foundation is the right shade for you or if you need to mix two shades together, you can do that with the samples.
Ahhh you gotta love them.

So, since I have renewed my interest in make up, Im learning all kinds of things that really sound helpful. Long and intricate but helpful, like face primer( which I was familiar with before) eye primer ( not famililar with it at all) and eye shadow base( now I know what ppl were talking about in there tutorials.
Here is an article that I found to be helpful, its from http://www.beauty-advices.com/

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MAKEUP STAY PUT ON FOR LONGER:

Use a moisturizer

Always use a moisturizer before the makeup application. Moisturizers protect your skin from the sun, wind, cold, from the environmental pollutants and nourish your skin. They plump and comfort your skin and make the foundation easier to blend smoothly and to stay put longer. Moisturizers improve your skin quality and act as a protective layer to help trap the moisture in the skin and stop it from evaporation. Starting into the centre of the face apply the moisturizer up and out to give your face a bit of a lift. Apply the moisturizer and let it soak in at least 3 minutes before applying foundation. if your skin is oily look for oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer. If your skin is sensitive look for a product specifically designed for sensitive skin. The appropriate moisturizer for you will be the one that is fragrance-free and doesn’t contain potential allergens.If you have dry skin look for a heavier, oil-based and hypoallergenic moisturizer. There are many moisturizers for dry skin on the market that nourish, soothe, calms dry skin.

Use a makeup primer

Using a makeup primer is the best way to make your makeup stay put on for longer. The makeup primers are relatively new products on the market. Their aim is to prepare the skin for the makeup application, they pamper the skin and create a protective base for longer- lasting, natural looking foundation application and wear. The primers give the makeup something to grab onto and help your makeup last longer, because the makeup primers create a smooth and perfect surface. Most of them are oil and fragrance-free and have a gel formula that allows an even and precise application. They work especially well for people with oily and combination skin as they control both excess shine and absorb the oil.If you apply makeup primer before the foundation it won’t rub off. A primer should be applied after your moisturizer and before the foundation. It’s essential to let it sink in for a few minutes. Apply it with your fingers to the areas where your makeup doesn’t last /usually chin, lips, eyelids/ or over to the whole face.

Use eyeshadow base

The best way to make your eye shadows stay put on for longer is using an eyeshadow base. Eyeshadow bases are nude eye base that glides on over the eyelid and create a perfect base for the eye shadow application. They usually come in gel, powder and cream formula. The eyeshadow bases stop your shadows from smudging, streaking and creasing by increasing the lasting-power of your shadows. The creamy formulas deliver precious moisture to the delicate skin around the eyes and protect the eyes. A good eyeshadow base not only prevents your shadows from creasing but also aids in blending the eyeshadows to perfection. They intensify your shadow and make it stay put on for longer.To apply an eyeshadow base dab on lightly and blend evenly over the entire lid using a brush or your fingertips. The application of eyeshdow is as usual.

Use a face powder

Face powder improves the appearance of your skin, adds a matte finish to the face and evens out your skin. When using face powder you can conceal minor blemishes and discoloration, to tone down the excessive shine and create a flawless look. Powder is great to be used during the day on these areas of your face that get shiny. Pressed powder works especially well for those with oily skin as it minimize shine and boost the staying power of your makeup.
Use powder or a little bit of a foundation to make your lipstick stay put on for longer
Applying a dusting of powder or a bit of foundation to the lips helps maximize the lipstick’s staying power. The foundation or the powder should be the same shade that you are using for your face. Applying a bit of foundation to your lips creates a perfect base for the lipstick and emphasizes its color.Outline your lips with a lip pencil to keep the color from bleeding. The lip pencil allows your lipstick or lip gloss to last longer by creating a base for your lipstick.

Use waterproof mascara

To avoid smearing mascara use a waterproof mascara as it doesn’t dissolve in water. Apply a powder to the lashes, this will give your lashes volume and will allow the mascara to stay longer. Look down into a mirror and stroke lashes upwards with just the tip of the brush. Always brush the lashes from above and then upwards from below to get the both sides of the lashes. First apply a thin coat, lit it dry and then build up with a second coat of mascara. When applying mascara to the lower lashes, gently brush the tip of the applicator across them. Always allow the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. At the end comb the lashes to separate the hairs and to remove the excess mascara.

Use oil blotters

The oil blotters or oil absorbing wipes as they are also called are a must for those with oily or combination skin. The oil blotters blot off the excess oil from your face without removing the makeup. They don’t leave a residue and keep your makeup fresh. You can use blotters instead of face powder to correct your makeup during the day – they instantly remove the excess shine and oil from the face, allowing your makeup to stay put on for longer. Just press them gently to the areas that get shiny – forehead, chin and nose area to blot up the excess oil and perspiration from your skin. Oil is soaked up and away from your face and your makeup won’t be disturbed at all you can use them as often as required.

So for the last couple posts I've mentioned mineral make-up. I have ordered some samples from various companies whom I've read about in various blogs. My samples from she space came they were all eye shadows. I haven't tried them yet , as I am waiting for my brushes to arrive. Yeah they would be a little help ful no? :D
Anyways it got me to thinking what is the best way to put on mineral make-up. Many posts I have read mention using a primer of some sort, even when its not mineral make-up they mention that. So I searched for application tips for mineral make-up. Most of them are pretty much the same in what they are saying, so I found a simplified version from wikihow.

The steps as per wikihow:

Allow your moisturizer to dry and absorb before applying your makeup.

Apply eye liner next and use your kabuki brush to dust off any powder droppings from your cheeks.

Dab on any enhancers that you may need to specific areas, such as under the eyes. Press fingertip in foundation for a concentrated amount and dab your blemishes to make them disappear.

Apply foundation, blush, eye shadow and mascara. Apply a non-talc rice setting powder if needed.

Tips:

Always use a non-mineral, oil-based moisturizer that will not clog pores. If your moisturizer does not absorb into your skin, neither will your mineral makeup!

Use a setting powder on eyelids to set shadows and avoid creases.

Use a setting powder as a base all over if you have oily skin...it will help absorb the oil naturally.

With the correct brush, eyeliner will glide on with no gaps. Powder tends to sprinkle, so use your kabuki brush to "pick up" the fallen powder.

Always apply eyeliner prior to foundation so you won't leave smudges from sprinkles.

Using special enhancers such as "polished" will refract light and make your dark under-eye cirles disappear. Also use in the corner of eyes, mouth, etc. to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Foundation should be applied in light layers. If you feel you need more coverage, keep applying light layers.

Brush your blush on the same way you would traditonal makeup, but be sure to use your kabuki brush to avoid outlines and streaking.

Apply mineral eye shadow as usual..lighter colors under brow line and darker colors on the lid.

For those with oily skin, finishing with a setting powder will give extra protection and oil absorbtion and help you obtain a matte finish.


So far this is the simpliest explanation that I have found, though I will continue to search.