Boots skin tonic

This is an original skin tonic formula that Boots pharmacies have introduced in the last few months. Its infused with damask rose essential oil and skin softening glycerin that soothes and calms the skin. It was based on one of the oldest combination's for skin care and it does not disappoint. Its a great revitalizing product for the skin and it will leave you feeling refreshed and clean. It removes all excess oil and cleanser and leaves you ready to moisturize straight away.

I really love this product and especially the packaging. To be perfectly honest i bought it purely based on image because i though the bottle would look really pretty on my dressing table but to my surprise it has to be one of the most refreshing toners i've ever used. I'm not really one for toner myself i don't think its particularity necessary for the skin. The duties of a toner are to restore the natural pH balance to the skin especially after cleansers remover all traces of make up dirt and NATURAL oils to the skin leaving it dry.. Most cleansers have toning product in them now so its not the end of the world if you dont use one. In fact using a moisturiser bout two minutes after cleansing will resore the natural balance.

So even though you don't need it i would highly recommend using this product. Its cheap and cheerfull, looks really pretty and even if your moisturizer and cleanser do all the work its still so refreshing and leaves you feeling awake and clean

Favourites that dont cost a fortune

• Vaseline lip therepy
• optrex eye dew blue eye drops
• Nivea soft cream
• Astral moisturizer
• soap and glory soothing eye gel
• soap and glory body butter travel size
• pampers baby wipes
• carmex lip balm (you can get it in cherry flavor too)yummy
• Boots new skin tonic- acts as a toner and is so refreshing

all these products are available in Boots or local pharmacies

About me

Im full time Make-up artist based in Dublin, Ireland. Since graduating from Inchicore College of Further Education in 2003 after studying Costume Design, Hair and Make up i have worked on over 30 theatrical productions, many of which were held in the Gaiety Theatre and The National Concert Hall. I have also worked on many award winning shows in the Waterford festival of light opera and received a group 'runner up' AIMS award for best Visuals in the 2003 Blackout production of Copacabana.
For almost a year i worked full time as head make up artist in a make-over photography studio based in Dublin. I now work mostly on weddings, bridal shows, special occasions etc..
My most recent work includes assisting on shows such as 'Pirates of Penzance' in the Helix Theatre,'Jeckle and Hyde' in the concert hall, Kazumi's (hair salon) opening show for The L'Oreal Colour Trophy 2009 which was covered by expose in may and recreating that look for a follow up show on Tv3's morning AM which was aired on June 5th.

FACE CHARTS

Here are a few face charts that i've done recently. Ill be posting up the products too and hopefuly some photos of the finished looks.

ENJOY

Bourjois SO LAQUE

I've always been a fan of Bourjois nail varnishes so i decided to stock up on a few bottles of SO LAQUE during the week.
Its enriched with vinyl for high shine and it goes on pretty easy. The brush is great, makes application easy enough ,and it dries pretty quick too. The only thing is its meant to last 7 days and it hardly lasted a day for me. Ive had to reapply it a good few times now because it chips very easily.

BUT when you apply it first it is pretty stunning and the shine is lovely on it. I'm a bit torn on what to rate it but i think 6/10 is probably a decent enough score. (actually i might be too generous at that but im in good form today xxx)

beach babe bronzers

As youve seen in the last few post it's been about bronzing for the summer months ahead of us and now heres a few products that you might be interested in using. ( i myself cant wait to try the armani bronze mania) Enjoy :)

1: Smashbox O-bronze :This innovative creamy cheek bronzer instantly transforms from white to your own custom shade of bronze. Apply a small dab to cheeks with fingertips and blend, breaking beads to release your most natural bronze glow.
2: Georgio armani bronze mania skin tint: A lightweight and fresh bronzing skin tint.
A unique combination of water-soluble tints and very fine Micro-fil mineral pigments in a fresh gel texture that blends naturally with skin’s surface for an immediate, soft colouration that lasts all-day, with reflective particles for a radiant and natural result that leaves skin instantly glowing with a Mediterranean tan.
3: Jiffy tan by Benefit: They say that this tinted body lotion goes on evenly, won't streak, and stays put for instant tanification but what 'ive read from some reviews it doesn't do all its says on the tin. I havnt tried it yet but ill let you know how i get on if i do.
4:Givenchy Glow To Wear:apparantly it allows you to sculpt and enhance your body up, down leaving you with a bronzy tint and glow! This satiny body enhancer contains a high concentration of mother-of-pearl to create a wet and shimmering finish—I have faith in givenchy so i have no doubt that what they say is true.
5:Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess golden perfection,self tanning milk for body:This light, milky lotion is meant to glide on effortlessly and dry quickly, all of the products claim that they leave a radiant glow so whats new there but this one claims to leave a light beachy scent, which i would be interested in testing.
6:Loose powder highlights: mineral make up with the finest tanning pigments and soft bronzing activators that give you skin a natural, attractive tan and a silky complexion.
7:Smashbox Fusion soft lights: Customeise your glow with this silk like shimmering powder. Their flattering shades work on every skin tone. This is definatly a must have for every season..

The GOLDEN rules

I'm all about the fake tan today. here are some handy tips when applying it.

According to make-up artist Wayne Chick, everyone should own a bronzer. "It can lift a tired face and make flaws appear less obvious," he says. When choosing a bronzer, pick one that's a similar colour to what your skin turns when naturally tanned. Go for a matt blend if you are tanning the entire face. Go for a shimmer blend if using it as a highlighter.

• Before you apply a powder bronzer, it's best to sweep some translucent powder to the face. This way it will prevent the bronzer from grabbing the skin and it will make it easier to blend into the face. Also watch out for dry or oily patches on the skin as the bronzer will cling to these areas making your skin look dirty.
• Use two bronzer shades; one darker than the other. Apply the lighter colour over the face blending into the hairline, then use the darker shade to highlight.
• Use the bronzer under the cheekbone to contour the cheeks, then blend up into the hairline. Dab some on your forhead and under your chin to reduce the appearance of a double chin.
• To match a darker body with a lighter face simply add bronzer to the jawline, around the hairline and cheekbones.
• Instead of using foundation, apply a matt liquid bronzer to the face. Make sure you blend well around the ears, hairline and jawline for a healthy glow.
• Dont be tempted to use bronzers that are too dark, bronzers should enhance the skin.
  

Good to Glow

Now that the summer is here(well kinda)were so excited about what the sunshine has in store for us. But because us Irish folk tend to be a bit on the pasty side its always useful to have that perfect bronzer or fake tan just in case. Summer '09 is all about radiant sun kissed looks without THEM streaks. Here's how you can get it right.

BASE: Because bronzing products are rich in colour they tend to stick to dry or blotchy skin, giving a dirty look, so make sure you exfoliate regularly. (i think maybe two or three times a week is plenty because if you exfoliate on your skin everyday it will end up damaging in in the long run). During hot weather you should really try to avoid wearing full face foundations, opt for a tinted moisturizer instead(clinique 'almost make up' SPF15 is nice and Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer got voted In Style best beauty buy April 2009. Otherwise opt for a sheer foundation and blend really well into the neck line. REMEMBER Just because its lighter than your winter foundation it doesn't mean its invisible so make sure you blend really well.

LIPS: Try use a creme bronzer on your cheeks, lips and eyes to give a barley there glow to your face. Finish the look with a brown tinted lippy or gloss.

EYES: As always dab a bit of concealer over your eyelids to create an even base. use a shimmery bronze shadow starting at the lash line and blend well so it fades out towards the brow bone. For a night time look use the same technique but maybe add a stronger pigment to the eye so it will hold its colour for longer. Mmmm nows the best part add a slick line of glitter eyeliner along the lash line and some shimmer pigment to the inside corners of your eye. That'll really make them pop.

"for the most natural-looking sun kissed face, pair bronzer with a soft pop of pink or rosy colour on the cheek" says make-up artist Bobbi Brown

3 great ways tp use a cotton bud

1: As a lip exfoliator - dampen one, swirl it in baking soda, then rub it over your lips to buff up the skin
2: As a make-up applicator - dab a bit of foundation on the tip and use it to get to those hard to reach places like around the eye.
3: As a root concealer - to cover grey hair gently run the cotton but over your mascara want and match the colour to your hair as close as possible. Gently run it iver them grey hairs and 'voila' itll buy you a bit f time until your next salon visit

Bare essentials

No matter how hard you buff you still cant get mineral make up to sit well on your skin. If your skin always looks dry and powdery here are two Liquid versions of mineral make up you may find useful.

*Maybelline pure liquid mineral
*Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita Mineral make up

They glide on beautifully and give a great glow and feel weightless

Good Nude Foundations

These foundations provide perfect polish and theres no need for powder. Oilier skin may need a lil bit of blotting to get SPRINGS GLEAMING but not-so-shiny look.

1: 'Darphin Instantly Radiant' brightens under eye area
This unique touch-up stick delivers an instant sheer radiance as it hydrates, soothes and brightens the under-eye area. Perfect alone or over make-up to refresh and chase signs of fatigue. Apply Darphin Instantly Radiant any time of the day.
2: Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10. This liquid foundation contains nearly 40% water Gives skin a fresh, comfortable sensation. It instantly blends with skin & imparts a light coverage that evens out complexion for a natural & transparent appearance. Used daily skin becomes more beautiful & radiant.
3:Dior Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Powder SPF 10.
An ultra light loose powder that invisibly hydrates and gives skin a radiant, natural, fresh glow like ideal, flawless, bare skin.
4:Givenchy Photo'Perfexion Fluid Foundation SPF 20. A creamy foundation with SPF protection that works like a concealer to correct imperfections, smooth the skin's texture, and even out the complexion. With the expertise and speed of a digital retoucher, Photo'Perfexion conceals dark shadows and sallow complexions.
5: Bobbi’s Skin Foundation SPF 15 is formulated with a unique balance of pigments, emollients and light reflective optics that will leave skin looking smooth and hydrated.This foundation offers the lightest amount of coverage without being transparent.
6:Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence.Light-Mastering & Line-Smoothing Makeup SPF 15. Master the light for a glowing smooth and refined complexion. Pure Luminous Perfection is a unique association of coated pigments and micro-pearls, produces endless radiance from within.
7: Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Make Up The latest offering from Revlon isn’t on shelves until spring, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Evening out skin tone and giving a medium coverage, the foundation comes out of the tube white and then turns to the exact shade your skin tone needs to look perfect. WOW(cant wait to try it)

In the Nude

This spring the loveliest make up trends take a tip from the all-natural look. On the spring/summer catwalk make up artists played up creamily perfect skin,plumpy pink lips and a fresh air flush, while the latest shades to hit the shelves have been pretty pastels or dewy nudes.

The Look: Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney and Anna Sui focus on soft playful plush pinks. A pop of shimmery pinks is the prettiest way to lift any skin tome especially after a dark and dreary winter we deserve to bring the soft blush back.

How to do it: 'Natural make up mustn't look like make up'. Skin should look flawless but all you own. Start with a sheer foundation applied with a make up brush. For a dewy look add a small bit of powder but be careful not to overload. It should vanish from sight when you apply it. A shade that's one or two shades lighter than your skin tone will add luminosity .Then starting at the apples of each cheek and ending at the brow bone, brush on a luminising or a powdered shimmer in a curve around each eye. Lancome diva Magic powder is a good choice. This spring is pushing pinks to the limits, so forget about your usual dot of creme blush and use a product like Giorgio Armani Blending Blush Duo . This comes with two tones. Apply the paler one along the cheekbone and then blend the darker shade to the apples of your cheeks, but instead of blending it towards your hairline blend it in a downwards motion towards your jaw. Carry the colour to your lips with a matching pink stain.

The look:Chloe, Burberry and Cacharel, barley there lips and mascara free lashes. Its all about the skin.

How to do it: For a flawless face prep is essential. To plump up fine lines and brighten dark shadows darphin instant radiant is a good choice of product to use. Naked faces are naturally uneven so you may need a bit more make up than expected. Apply your base only where you really need it but consider maybe applying up to three coats blending well into your skin. When your happy with your base conceal them spots and under eye dark circles with a light reflective concealer. Next comes colour but instead of opting for pinks this time try a natural nude just enough to add contour. Knock back any redness in the eye with a natural colour eyeshadow also. Go mascara free and a hint of gloss in pale pink.

Celeb's who rock the Red Lip Look :)

Celebrity make up's

Ohhh to be able to shimmy down that glorious red carpet with the stars at the oscars, golden globes, Mtv awards etc mmmmm. Well that might be a far cry away from reality (for some) but you can totally copy the stars look for your very own special occasion. All it takes is a little polishing here and a pluck or two there.

Over the next few weeks ill be posting different categories of looks eg:modern, classic, edgy, etc etc etc.....

My first choice is gonna be Celebs who rock the red lip look:)
(face charts are provided for all the looks chosen)

* Jennifer, Hayden, Jessica : dark sultry eyes with fire engine red lip is usually a bit risky but somehow these ladies pull it off ( jealous much)
* Gwen, Ditta and Katie : While Gwen has made her look something of a trade mark Katie is definitely on the same track. As for Ditta, i really don't think id recognize her without her red lippy :)...All three lovely ladies have it down when it comes to heavy eyeliner, lashes and lippy.
* Katherine, Kate and Heidi : These ladies have opted for a more subtle eye make up and they really empower old school glamour. As Kate is a bit older than the others you can see what a difference in lip shade can make. It has a rosy tint more so than an orange tint.(and we can totally forgive Katherine, just this once for going a bit heavy handed with the bronzer because she still looks fab)

***product suggestions available in face chart section****

Comments

The Glam MakeUp Club

It's not easy to stay looking impeccable all day - your foundation moves around, your mascara runs, and your lip gloss disappears before you even make it to work. That's why today I'm going to give you a few tricks that will help you to look impeccable all day long...

- Use a prebase

Prebases make your foundation last all day and prevent shine. Using one adds another step to your makeup routine, but it's worth it.

- Set your foundation with powder

You should set both your foundation and concealer with loose powder in the same shade as your foundation, or even better, translucent powder. This will help it set and it will last longer.

- Touch up

Carry lip gloss (because it's inevitable that it will disappear), matt e powder, blush, and a brush with you. Oh, and the most important thing - carry a concealer stick to touch up the inner corners of your eyes after lunch. This will erase any signs of circles that may have appeared throughout the morning.

The Glam MakeUp Club

Recycle and win


In times of economical crisis, it's important to save. That's why we're going to review products that are multi-purpose. The best way to save is not to spend in the first place...

Lip products : these are really 3-in-1 products, because you can use them on your lips, cheeks, and eyes. Once the weather warms up, cream textures are ideal for the new season.

Cream blush : this also has three uses - for cheeks, lips, and eyes. The best thing is that it hardly takes up any space in your makeup bag.

Clear mascara : you can use this on lashes and brows.

Powder eye shadow : with a dampened brush, you can use shadow as eyeliner. Or if you prefer, moisten the brush and apply the shadow over the entire eye to create different textures.

MAKE ME OVER

This site is dedicated to all you ladies out there that love to be pampered. I can provide a service that will make you feel beautiful and stylish on whatever the occasion.


Let the professionals take over and bring you beyond your average look. I am available for:

Weddings,
Debs,
Special occasions,
Hen parties or
maybe just a night in with the ladies.


There are lots of fun ideas at very reasonable prices. Why not even try NEXT TOP MODEL parties where we bring along a professional photographer to capture you in a high fashion look. Make up Charts are available to help decide your individual look to make you feel glamorous and confident. I can also create a hairstyle to suit your look so feel free to be adventurous and bring along extensions or maybe even party wigs for you fancy dress lovers out there.

party theme ideas

HEN PARTY THEMES THEMES

Sex in the City Theme Party -Find the sky-high heels, to-die-for dresses and killer handbags. Hens who enjoy getting dressed up will enjoy this theme. For those who enjoy the odd cocktail-making class and or traveling by limo, throw on your best dress because this is the theme for you.
Carrie, Samantha, Miranda or Charlotte whomever you choose to be we can create their look on you.


Black and Bling – Who ever said that Diamonds are a girls best friend? well lets be honest they were right. This is one of the more simple themes to co-ordinate with your Hen party. Get all the girls to dress in their little black numbers and decorate with diamonds, you should even try customize an old dress you have. We have a range of makeup charts for you to see and choose from to suit your look.

French Maids - Dress in your LBD, don a white lacy pinny and grab a feather duster. With false eyelashes, Smokey eyes and red lips it will be a night to remember.


Sexy 70's Party – ‘Night Fever, Night Feveeeer’ Get your groove on with a 70's Disco Party Theme! Yes! I mean Lots of glitter, fabulous ‘fros, lots of makeup, oversized star glasses, sparkling outfits, flares, platforms, the list is endless.

Super heroines/ Super villainess Theme –Why not come up with your very own superhero alias. You can be a super hero or surrender to your dark side and become a super villain. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, there’s a host of comic book superheroes and villains to impersonate such as Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Bat Woman, Catwoman, Supergirl, The Bionic Woman, She-ra, Spider-Woman, The Invisible Woman, Æon Flux, Elektra, Lara Croft, Xena: Warrior Princess, Poison Ivy, Rogue, Mystique or Storm from X-men, or my favorite the power puff girls.

Pink Ladies Theme – Is your Hen the first on the dance floor when the Grease soundtrack starts up. Think big hair, pink bomber jacket, black leggings and get practicing your Greased Lightnin' moves.

Horny Devils Party – Get everyone to wear bold red clothes to get into this devil theme. Accessories with horns for a guaranteed ice-breaker with the boys!

Angels Party Theme – Calling all Victoria Secret’s Model wannabee’s. Dress in white lingerie and wearing feathered wings, then take this look as far as you want! There is some beautiful makeup ideas that you can link with this theme.

Mardi Gras – Anything is possible with this them, Crazy make up, feather headdresses, glamorous gowns and lots and lots of eyelashes

Special Occasions

Special Occasions and Parties

Whether it’s just a night on the town or that Christmas party you have been waiting for, I can take the pressure off and transform you into red carpet material. Why not try something different like a themed birthday party or just dress up for the fun of it.

Whether your occasion is in your house or at a venue I can come to you.

Try something different like SEX AND THE CITY themed night and dress up as your favorite character or why not get your girlfriends around and have an Oscar themed party. (any excuse for us girlies to dress up in diamonds).

Ideas for themed Parties: Oscar Party, James Bond,Mardi Gras,Masquerade,50’s Icons,Pop star Parties,25 years into the future,60’s and 70’s,Sex and the city

There is also the great option of AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL parties where I bring my team to your house, make you over and set up a profession Photo Shoot for you and your friends. (Contact for quote)

“On your wedding day you should look like you at your most beautiful”

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life so its only natural to want to look and feel your best. You will be the center of attention for the day and your makeup plays such an important role. Planning your wedding can be both stressful and time consuming and with this in mind preparation is the key to ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch.

Which is why I am here to help the bride and her party look fantastic on her ‘BIG DAY’. Its not about wearing too much make up its about wearing the right amount for you. I will work closely with the bride to ensure she is comfortable and happy.

The first step is to schedule a trial for your hair and make up. During this trial the bride can discuss what ideas she may have of if she has any make up preferences. It might be an idea for the bride to collect ideas eg: colours, hairstyles, make up, cut outs from magazines etc.

My kit includes most of the top branded products like MAC, BOBBI BROWN, LANCOME, CHANNEL etc