Mastering Your Makeup: November 2015

Amazing Shine Lashes- Have You Tried Them??

15:04:00
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True Skin Lash Extensions Dublin- My experience of Semi-Permanent Lashes

Hey Everyone,

How are we all today?
I am in wonderful form, Christmas is coming closer, I've started my shopping and my apartment is lovely and cosy as I sit and write out this blog post.

So today I am talking to you about lash extensions from True Skin Lash Extensions Dublin. I went to visit Louise last week to get a full set of lashes. Louise is an old friend from home in Waterford, it was so lovely to catch up with her and she has very kindly linked in with my blog to give away a set of lashes to one lucky reader so be sure to head over to my Facebook page Mastering Your Makeup for your chance to enter.

Lovely Louise

For this post, Louise has broken down some of the much asked questions in relation to Lash Extensions so let's take a look...

What are lash extensions

Lash extensions are artificial lashes that are adhered to your own natural lash. Lash extensions are completely safe, and if applied correctly by a trained technician, will cause no damage to your natural lash. The lash extensions are applied with medical grade glue to each of your natural lashes. During the application of your lashes I apply between 80-100 lashes to your natural lashes, takes approximately an hour and a half to two hours to apply your lash extensions. Most of my clients find the time flies by!

Lash extensions will last up to 4 weeks. I do recommend that you have your lashes infills at about 2-3 weeks. This is because you naturally loose 2-3 lashes per day, so in 2-3 weeks you will find that you have some gaps in your natural lashes. We infill your lashes to keep them full and beautiful.

There is no need to take a break from your semi permanent lashes, as long as they are applied correctly you can safely wear your lash extensions for as long as you wish.

Lash extensions can be as natural yo as dramatic as you wish, I work with the natural lash to enhance it appropriately. I will discuss the options of lashes and styles with each client at their consultation. Together we find a style which will work best for you.

False Lashes vs Semi Permanent Lashes

False lashes, are single wear lashes that you would apply yourself at home, they can be applied in a strip, or individual clusters. These lashes are applied directly on top of your lashes and are intended for occasional wear, these lashes use a light lash friendly adhesive, but are not intended for long term wear. This is due to the fact that the cluster or strip lashes are applied across a number of lashes and will not allow your lashes to shed naturally. This would not be a good alternative for long term wear.

Individual lashes are applied individually to each lash, the lash is first isolated and the lash extension is then properly and safely adhered to the natural lash, this is done to as many lashes as possible. The adhesive used would be more hard wearing and will attach to the lash, and will last long enough to grow out with your lashes. As the lashes are applied to each lash, your natural lash with the attached lash will grow out without causing any damage to your natural lash.

The cluster lashes are not to be confused with volume lashes. Volume lashes are applied the same way as classic lash extensions, the lash is isolated and a fan which is hand made by the lash technician is applied to this lash. The cluster lashes are applied across the lashes without isolation and therefore unsuitable for long term wear.

The strip and cluster lashes are great alternatives if you do not wish to wear lashes long term. Semi permanent lashes would be a better solution to those clients who would apply strip lashes or cluster lashes a few times per month. They also look more natural and will not damage your lashes. If you can't get the hang of applying these strip lashes or cluster lashes you can attend a technician for party lashes, these lashes can be worn for two weeks, they are a great alternative for clients who wear strip lashes a lot, but do not want lash extensions.

Which Lash Style is Best for Me

Are you a mascara loving addict, or are you a little is enough kind of girl! Rest assured there is a look for you! There are so many different types and curls and lengths and diameters of lashes. Your lash technician will carefully examine your lashes, and they will ascertain which is the safest lash for you to ensure the safety of your natural lashes.

When the diameter is chosen, you can request extra long, short, full or very natural. Depending on your personal choice you can really control what look you go for.

Generally if you usually just wear a small coat or mascara and light make up, I generally advise on a short length with a little thickness

If you like lots of mascara, then I recommend a little thicker in diameter and long and fluttery lashes

If you like an extra layer of mascara on top of lots of mascara or are a wearer of fibre mascara, I generally advise ellipse lashes in a long length.

It's important to remember that your lash technician will only do what is safe and suitable for your natural lash. And you will achieve a longer and slightly duller result at the end. If your nature lashes are very short and have gaps, please remember that you will achieve a better look than what you have naturally, but we can only work with that you have naturally! I will always advise and manage your expectations. I will guide you through the process from beginning to end and ensue your lashes last as long as possible.

Types of lashes available

When you first look into lash extensions, there appears to be so many to choose from. The most common lash extension styles are
•classic lashes
• volume lashes

Classic lashes

Classic lashes are the lashes they I specialise in, these are a single lash extension applied to each individual natural lash. They are the most natural lashes available, but can be made dramatic too. Classic lashes are the most popular lashes at the moment

Volume lashes

Volume lashes are made by hour technician throughout your appointment, the technician will make a fan of artificial lashes either 2,3,4,5 up to 6 lashes and these fans are attached to each of your individual lashes. These are very dramatic, they are also a good option for clients who have gaps in their natural lashes, or have spaces present.

The type of lash extension you decide upon would be based on the type of look you want. Classic lashes will give s longer and fuller look. They are elegant and can be as dramatic as you wish. Should you require volume lashes, I would be happy to recommend a technician for you. I do advise when you first have lash extensions, it is a good idea to go for classics.

Please feel free to contact Louise on 0833377263 for information on which type of lashes would belt suitable for you! You will also need a patch test so we can arrange that before your appointment.

Beautiful studio room

So there you have it...Loads of info from Louise which I really hope will help you consider getting these lashes. I didn't feel I knew a lot about lashes before getting them done but from speaking to Louise in the lead up to the appointment I was confident I'd like them. I now have them on 4 days, I feel they are lasting really well, I'm being very gentle, I don't have to use mascara, no false lashes and no oil cleanser. I'm not struggling with the lashes at all, I haven't seen many fall out which again is a great thing. So I'm sure you wanna see a before and after???

My before lashes all set and ready to go

My after lashes big and bold

Here are my lashes with makeup last Friday

I really love my lash extensions more than I thought I would if I'm honest, they are so lightweight, I don't feel I am missing out not wearing my mascara as my lashes look so full and so natural now. I think with the festive season coming up it would be a lovely treat for someone who loves their lashes. For me, I think I might miss my mad strip lashes for nights out but we shall see, I still have another week or so to decide before I'll need to get them filled in. I am getting so many lovely comments on my lashes and people saying I look really bright and awake so I hate to think what I look like now without them haha! Thanks so much to Louise for having me over, be sure to check out her Facebook page linked above and do enter the comp for your chance to win a full set.

14:43:00
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Cocoa Brown Instant Tan Bronzing Gels

Happy Wednesday Folks!

Today we are going to look at a new(ish) product to the market which has been reviewed left right and centre. I actually have these products ages but just hadn't tried them so I have included the press release info and my own opinion on the new CB Instant Tan Bronzing Gels. I'd love to know you opinions on them if you've tried them.

So here we go....

Press Release Blurb:

As you all know, the BESTSELLING Cocoa Brown by Marissa Cartertanning range has just added two new Instant Tan Bronzing Gels to their already extensive tanning range. The highly anticipated Bronzing Gels have been released in both matte and shimmer variants and became available in Cocoa Brown stockists from the end of September 2015. Like all Cocoa Brown tanning products, the new Instant Tan Bronzing Gels are noncomodengenic meaning they are safe to be used on your face. As always, the Bronzing Gels are scented with the signature Cocoa Brown Tahitian Gardenia scent no fake tan pong! What makes the NEW Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter Instant Tan Bronzing Gels a musthave beauty buy for Autumn 2015?

➔ Instant / Wash off : Great for last minute tanning for special occasions. Rinses off in the shower.

➔ No fake tan pong : Beautifully scented with Cocoa Brown Tahitian Gardenia signature scent.

➔ Two variants :Available in ‘Shimmer’ with light reflecting minerals & ‘Matte’ for that signature

bronzed, Cocoa Brown glow.

➔ Lightweight gel formula :Easy, nonsticky application & results will last longer than bronzing

powder.

➔ Dries instantly :Apply and get dressed within minutes before heading out!

➔ Facial tanning :Can be layered over your makeup to contour/highlight or used as a foundation

replacement for an easy, everyday glow.

So I’ve had these two instant tans in my drawers for weeks now. I wasn’t exactly sure when I’d get to use then as like a lot of people I was once a worshipper of the Rimmel Instant tans on nights out and I can clearly remember at 18 running from the car to the door of the nightclub and being destroyed in rain drops ruining my tan. I am always weary of instant tans but last weekend while on a girly weekend away in Limerick I decided to really put them to the test. I used both products, I decided to add some shimmer to my legs and matte to my top half while I was wearing a small black playsuit.

I have to say, although I wouldn’t use instant tan that often, these really are a welcome addition to my collection. Now be warned, when it says shimmer, it means shimmer! That is perfect for me, I really liked the shimmer on my legs but I did get some of my arms and I was starting to feel a little like a disco ball so for me the shimmer will only be used on my legs. I also have to say that I applied these instant tans over another tan I already had applied and rinsed off so I cannot say for sure what the result would be like on my paley pale skin. I can however say that a coat of Laurens way in dark goes well with the new Cocoa Brown products.

There I am in the black playsuit with the matte on top and shimmer on the legs

All in all for €6.99 I would really suggest you buy the shimmer for all the festive nights out you might have coming up to add that extra sparkle to your outfit. I will be using this now on more nights out for sure and I think it’s something I’d like to have on tap so to speak even when Christmas has past as I feel if you’re gonna get the legs out, they may as well be looking awesome!

In the press release a good few weeks back it also included some of owner Marissa Carter’s top tip so check them out and please do let me know if you have tried any!

Marissa’s Top Tips for applying Cocoa Brown Instant Tan Bronzing Gels :

● Use a Cocoa Brown Double Sided Deluxe Pink Velvet Tanning Mittto apply. Dispense a large

coinsized amount of the Bronzing Gel on the mitt and use soft, circular motions to buff the tan on

your skin

● Use the ‘Shimmer’ Bronzing Gelto highlight. Apply on cheekbones, down the front of your legs

and on your shoulders for an instant radiant complexion.

● Add a dash of the ‘Matte’ Bronzing Gelto your foundation for a bronzed makeup look.

● Use a contouring makeup brush to apply the Instant Bronzing Gel to contour your face over or

instead of makeup.

I think for me I’d deffo like to add the shimmer to my collarbone, I’m not sure I’m brave enough to use it on my cheekbones just yet but I also love the idea of bronzing up your foundation so I will absolutely be giving this a go.

Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter Instant Tan Bronzing Gels, €6.99, are available on www.Cloud10Beauty.com now and in Cocoa Brown stockists such as Penneys.

17:00:00
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Max Factor Makeup Latest Products Review

12:58:00
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#ZiajaLove Orange Butter Scrub- How has it taken me this long?

Hi Everyone,

I'm Emma and I am one of Ziaja Skincare Ireland's Brand Ambassadors. I am a genuine fan of this Polish brand and over the coming weeks I am going to talk you through some of my favourite Ziaja products and also some of their products my friends and family love also. As a brand ambassador, I have had the opportunity to try out some of the Ziaja ranges but as a true fan, I regularly buy my own products, sourcing them from the number of stockists they have throughout Ireland. If there is any product in this post you would like to try and cannot find it in a local stockist, you can purchase all of Ziaja Skincare's Irish products on www.originalbeauty.ie Ziaja has been celebrating their 25th birthday this year and we have so far visited three Irish stockists to showcase their many ranges and to introduce more people to the affordable brand. The quality of the Ziaja products are excellent and the value just leaves you more change to buy more of their products so it's a win win for any skin lover.

This is a super quick post for you all today. My week has been absolutely mental and with an event tomorrow night, I won’t get time to rejig this so bear with me, it’s late on Wednesday night and sleep is calling.

I am heading away this weekend with my bestie Elaine for her birthday. We are hitting Limerick on Saturday night and I can’t wait to have a look around Inglot on Saturday afternoon, I’m sure I owe myself something new ;)

Anyway this week has been all about prepping my skin for tan. I wear lot of tan and mostly take my prep seriously but it’s always different when you actually plan to show off some skin. At the weekend I plan to wear a black playsuit which I saw on Faces by Grace one time and bought it online. I liked the look of it and while it’s not my ‘perfect’ black playsuit I am really looking forward to wearing it. It’s been a while since I had such a glam night out so it should be excellent. This is why tanning is all the more important.

I have been scrubbing and moisturising my skin as best I can the last few days. I am getting every scrap of tan off my skin, I am making sure all dead skin is away and then lashing on the good stuff so I can have an even glowing tan for the weekend. I am still undecided on which tan I will be using so that’ll be a last minute decision.

The reason for the post…If I ever get to it is this!!!! The Ziaja Orange Butter Shower Scrub with microgranules. It’s an absolutely amazing product that I have only recently started using. I am a real scrub lover and up until now the ‘No More Dramas’ was all I used to really get my tan off or to get my skin ready for tanning. This little beauty is amazing. I have a usual routine I’ll soak in the bath a little bit and then get to work scrubbing with a glove to really work product into my skin and get it all nice and clean.

We all know I’m a Ziaja lover but this is a huge love of mine now. It retails at €7.99 for a big tub a 200ml that’ll last ages. I only literally tap my finger into the pot, take up the product and it spreads so easily. It is suitable for all skin types and the Ziaja blurb say “Delicately cleanses and massages the skin. Gently peels off dead epidermal cells. Enhances blood circulation and oxygenates skin cells. Restores natural smoothness and softness to the skin. Contains orange butter, coco-glucoside and Vit. E.”

Well I am showing some serious #ZiajaLove for this bad boy….Welcome to my collection!!!

16:25:00
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Forever Products- Skincare & Makeup Review from Go Aloe Forever

Hi Everyone,

So if you have been on the blog’s Facebook page lately then you’ll have seen my laptop has died. I am not impressed, It’s pretty old but I’m just raging this has happened now when clearly I do not have the funds to be buy a new one.

Thankfully, J has one that I can now use whenever I need so that’s a massive plus. It’s almost like having my own new one except I don’t really know how to use it yet.

Anyway onto today’s post…Forever is a brand I have seen taking social media by storm, it is a brand which focuses on using Aloe Vera in their products. Some of the bio of this brand will tell you that founder Rex Maughan, had a vision of a healthier life for everyone. Forever’s aloe vera is one of the purest on the market. It starts with 100% inner leaf gel and then delicately adds enough other ingredients to produce outstanding products.

I was recently contacted by Waterford based duo Jamie & Gemma from Go Aloe Forever to see if I would like to try some of the products. I said yes without much hesitation but I was filled with curiosity as I had no idea what to expect. The easiest way to describe it for anyone who hasn’t heard of it, Jamie and Gemma are distributors I would say similar to Avon so you order through them as your local rep and they are part of a wider Forever community.

I was excited when my package arrived, I opted for a mask and then a mineral makeup and blush as we all know I am a makeup fiend. So let’s get onto the products…

Packing on the skincare products is basic, this is something that before blogging may have put me off but I have to say in the two years I am writing, although I am still like a magpie and love everything shiny and pink, I am more interested in what’s inside the packaging and how it will work on my skin than anything else. I am also a great lover of value for money and that’s something I think all beauty lovers have to be aware of, there’s no point in buying everything you want when let’s face it you’ll be broke and not everything will suit your skin.

My skincare products are the Mask Powder & the Aloe Activator.

Mask Powder:

Ultra-fine powder with a unique combination of rich ingredients to smooth, condition and cleanse the skin whilst renewing skin cells and encouraging new cell growth. Contains camomile to soothe and calm sensitive skin. Blend this with the Aloe Activator to create a rejuvenating face mask.

This is product no. 341 from the catalogue and costs €19.96. It’s a round 29g tub.

Aloe Activator:

Great moisturising and cleansing agent containing enzymes and amino acids. Blend with the Mask Powder to create a rejuvenating face mask to help reveal radiant looking skin.

This is product no. 343 and costs €14.02 for a 118ml bottle.

How did I find them?

Well first of all I am not going to lie, the first time I used the mask it scared the bejaysus outta me. It says on the packaging to mix one teaspoon of each product and create a ‘paste’ which you then work onto your face. I did this, I felt it wasn’t overly pasty but I spread it all over my face and then (a point I do like) it tells you to lie down and relax for 30 mins- easily done for me! My face has never felt so tight in its life... I couldn’t leave the mask on for 30 mins! I panicked and just felt my face was way too tight so I rubbed off the product with a warm face-cloth and warm water. I have tried the mask since then as did my mum when I was home and she quite liked the tightness but for me I’m just not 100% convinced that this is the right type of product for my skin. When I used it for the third time I used more of the Aloe Activator to create more of a paste but there was still a tight feeling.

I think for me, I have a fear of my skin, it’s completely personal but I have just had so many negative experiences in the last while that while this products suggests using it two to three times a week I just can’t see myself doing that. I can see myself creating a smoother paste and using it once a week or maybe once every two weeks when my skin needs a kick.

I feel that if you are someone who loves an intense facial then you will enjoy these products mixed. As far as I know you do need to you the two together to create a mask so it will cost you in total €33.98 but as you only use a teaspoon of each to make a mask this is well worth the money, it will last you AGES!! There’s no denying that this product won’t harm your skin, as I said earlier it’s a total personal preference to me that I am just scared it’s a little too much for my face to handle. I will always endeavour to be really honest in this blog but I cannot expect that everyone will feel the same as me. I didn’t have a break out from the mask nor was I in any pain so I am conscious not to give an overly negative few I’m just on the fence as to whether it’s a me kind of product.

The next product I have tried is by far my favourite product. This is the Mineral Makeup in the shade Natural from the Flawless by Sonya range. This range is infused with the goodness of aloe and the latest innovations that nature and science offer, flawless by Sonya products empower women from around the world to explore and express their individual perception of beauty.

The Mineral Makeup in Natural is product no. 411 Natural and costs you €30.70 for a 6g pot. I love the finish of this makeup on my skin. I recently got into mineral makeup and my going out setting powder has actually been the Fuschia mineral powder in Fawn. I have run out of that and this has been brilliant for me. It’s not as dewy as the Fuschia one but I love the shade when I have some tan on, it does leave my skin with a natural looking glow. I didn’t want a pale shade as again I had a negative experience using the bare minerals shade medium, I felt like a pale ghost event though the girl told me it matched my skin, that was a waste of €29. The bare minerals is of similar price and size as it’s only 2g bigger but a huge saving compared to fuschia which is a massive €45 but you do get a 10g pot, their 5g pot is €26 so it’s makes our 6g pot very reasonable. I think if you know you like mineral makeup and you want something really natural on your skin then I would suggest this mineral makeup. I am happy to use it over foundation and sometimes I will add a BB cream to my skin and top it up with the powder when I want a more natural day.

The mineral makeup with flash & no flash

Again it is total personal preference but I am not a ‘natural’ look kinda gal, I’m either wearing makeup or I’m not so I’m sure loads of people can wear this foundation on its own and not need a base of liquid but that’s just me, I can’t deal with my spot. I feel this pot will last me ages as well which of course promotes good value.

The second Flawless by Sonya product I have is the Brilliant Blush in 388 ‘Aanya’. This is an aloe inspired, silky powder blush which delivers perfect, sheer colour to highlight, contour and define your cheeks, creating natural and healthy glow. It is available in six shades. I chose the Aanya shade and it’s a peachy pink colour and looks fab on the cheeks. I have been wearing this loads and I can see it bringing me through these winter months. This is product no. 388 and will cost you €21.75.

The beautiful blush with flash & no flash

I think this is the slightly out of my normal price range for a blusher, I do love it but just being me, if I am to spend €21 on a blusher I would probably go to MAC. I think again that’s a preference thing but maybe if this product was about €16 I’d say go and buy it now.

So there we go a full look at the Forever products I was gifted to try. I hope you enjoyed the post, I was trying to be as balanced as possible and sometimes I do feel we, the general public, underestimate the cost of products when they are not a ‘known’ brand and decide it’s not value for money. I think my experience in trying things over the last two years as part of the blog is it’s very easy to say wonderful things about everything, most products to be fair are good but there are some just more suited to people’s skin and also their pocket. I enjoyed trying some new and I am genuinely glad to have found a new mineral makeup which is good for my skin.

If you have any questions on these products then please call Jamie & Gemma on 0831014788 & 0874104021 or check out their Facebook page HERE