The Girl Behind the Blog: Halima Bepo from Pwetty Bambi

For anyone who has been following me from the beginning, you might remember a series I used to do called Bag Spy: What's in her bag? It was all about investigating the beauty cupboard contents, makeup bags etc of amazing women.

So I decided to bring it back, although this time I'm including a lot more information about the woman herself. A little stuck on a new title name though, so please free to share any suggestions in the comments

Without any more blabbing I present my fist amazing woman of the series.

The very lovely and very beautiful Halima Bepo, otherwise known as Pwetty Bambi - which I'm convinced is largely due to her bambiesque eyes! Don't believe me? check them out below... Halima is a makeup extraordinaire who writes the beauty blog Pwetty Bambi

So I got chatting with Halima and asked her to share a little about herself, beauty products and favourite things.

#72 Bag Spy: What's in your bag? Zara from Kiss And Makeup

Today’s bag spy comes courtesy of the lovely Zara from KissandMakeup.tv kissandmakeuptv , I met her at the NARS press event and we just clicked and immediately got chatting about beauty products et al. After Zara had suggested a number of fantastic tips and products for me to try out, I just knew I had to get her to share a bag spy…


Bag Spy: Zara Rabinowicz from Kiss And Makeup

Hi, I’m Zara from KissandMakeup.tv and I’m excited to be sharing the contents of my makeup bag with you. I’ve been involved in beauty ever since I was a little girl, smearing pieces of paper with kisses from 17 lippies to pinpoint my favourite shades. I’ve worked on various magazines, websites and papers in all sorts of fields, but beauty has been my one recurring love. Whether it has been finding the perfect lip balm to combat chapped lips, or the latest facial that plumps and refines lines, I’m at the forefront of testing and trialling and enjoying every minute. I love working online as feedback is so immediate and I find that having people respond to your work is the best way to refine and improve it, as well as sharing details and getting tips on news products. It’s hard to narrow down what are the most essential products in my makeup bag as I try so many things on a daily basis, but the below ten are the most recent staples that I couldn’t live without.

1. Givenchy Phenomen’eyes

This mascara has been a total godsend to me, as it separates and defines my lashes like nothing I've ever seen. Once you overcome your initial distrust of the oddly shaped brush, you'll find it a product you never leave the house without. They’ve just released details of a plum waterproof version for summer, and that’s next on my must-have list!

2. MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink

I get really dry chapped lips, and though I love using lip balm, sometimes I want something with little bit more colour. This lip conditioner from MAC is the loveliest shades of baby pink and gives you a really rosy looking glow. The texture sinks onto the lips, giving them soft sheer coverage and it really softens your wind battered pout. My Hello Kitty version never fails to get admiring looks either- they should bring this colour back permanently!

3. Clinique Dewy Smooth Anti-Aging foundation.

The idea of anti-aging foundation is something I was originally resistant too, as I feel that your skincare rather than your cosmetics should be the ones targeting lines. However the simply amazing, Photoshop like coverage speaks for itself as it smooth’s out the whole complexion, flattering you face from every angle and evening out any lines or blemishes. It makes you look absolutely amazing in photos and the dewy finish is flattering for everyone, regardless of their age

4. Stargazer Liquid Eyeliner

Stargazer is a brand I use to associate with goth-like wanders around Camden market, but though they retain their youthful associations with an array of ultra-bright and pigmented colours, they have moved onto slightly more impressive formulations. I’m currently loving their eyeliner as it provides a firm black line that can be fine-tuned or thickened as needed allowing me to create both feline flicks and Winehouse style eyes with ease. It dries extremely quickly and is really long lasting- a cult must have!



5. Collection 2000 Illuminating Concealer

Collection 2000 nowadays can be considered a premium brand with a surprisingly low price point. This creamy concealer works just as well as Touché Éclat, easily hiding circles and bags with a simple flick of the pen. The creamy consistency blends extremely easily and it’s magical on circles.

6. The Beauty Blender (get it at cult beauty)

This egg shaped pink tool has revolutionizes the way I apply my foundation as I’d generally choose this above both brushes and fingers. If you use a stippling effect when you apply this to the skin you get a really even finish with your makeup and the design means it’s extremely kind to your product, making sure you don’t use more than necessary.



7. Clarisonic

Whilst strictly not a cosmetic this skin cleaning brush device provides the skin with such a smooth texture and clean surface that it can almost be considered a makeup tool. Originally a sceptic about this product, once I’d used it for over a month I was converted as I never go a day without using this brush. Compatible with all cleansers and exfoliators the sonic powered device whizzes away grime and dirt and leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean- a great base for all products.

8. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

5 shimmering shades provide you with a great all over glow, and they can be used individual as eyeshadows as well. The palette is flattering on any skintone, and incredibly long lasting, as I’ve had mine for over three years (probably time for a new one). It’s a great way to create a subtle glow on the hairline and cheeks and the shimmery nature of the powders mean that you can really make your cheekbones pop. It has a nicely sized mirror as well, so it’s great for touching up on the go.

9. L’occitane hand cream

L’occitane hand creams are ultra-rich due to having 20% Shea butter in their formulation and they sink in really quickly. I love the fragrance of the limited edition honey and lemon version (out every Christmas and think the fact they’re handbag sized is a major plus point.




10. Urban Decay eyeshadows

I love the texture and pigmentation of Urban Decay shadows, as they can be used as sheer washes or built up for a stronger look. They’re extremely long lasting and they manage to combine glitter with shine without flaking all over your cheeks. My favourite colours would be Polyester Bride (a great white, fab as a brow bone highlighter) and Midnight Cowboy (a universally flattering brown shimmer). They feel really silky on the eyelids and make the eyes sparkle.

See, I told you she was fab didn't I? Drop by her blog for more tips and info ...I'm already eyeing the beauty blender and the clarisonic .....Thank you so much for taking part Zara.

#60 Bag Spy: What's in your bag? - Aquahearts Makeup Obsession

Today’s Bag Spy comes from the ever so lovely Stephanie from the Aquahearts Makeup Obsession blog (you should check her out aqua-heart. Stephanie is a makeup artist and cosmotologist and her blog is fantastic because she offers honest reviews and information about makeup and beauty products. She also offers some makeup looks and a breakdown of all the products she used for you to be able to try it out. I caught up with her to spy in her bag and find out just what she uses…

Chanel Imitable Mascara in Black

I have been buying this mascara for years and I love it. It does everything you need a mascara to do. Curls, seperates, volumizes, lengthens, everthing!

Clinique 3 Step Skin Care Set

I have really sensitive skin where anything can make it easily irritated and dry. I use the 3 step set because it doesn't dry out my skin. It makes my skin feel soft and moisturized. I use it every morning and every night.

MAC Fix +

I always need to have this in my makeup bag. Such an essential for everyday use. I use it to make my eye shadows more intense. Also when I use mineral eye shadows, so the product will stick better to my eyelid.

Milani Eye Tech Liquid Liner in Black

I actually did a recent liner test to see which would be better among expensive liners and drugstore liners on my blog. This is one won against MAC. This one is smudge-proof and very easy to use. I love how dark and rich the black is and a great inexpensive buy.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Now everyone needs to wear eye primer, and there are many different kinds you can use. I really like Too Faced Products and I like the Shadow Insurance. My eye shadow never creases when I wear it and it always makes my eye makeup last longer.

Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer and Highlighter

I just started using this recently and I cannot get enough. I heard about this from a fellow blogger and when I saw it at CVS, I grabbed it to try. I love it! The concealer is creamy and smooth, and the highlighter gives light to your cheekbones.

OCC Lip Tars

Everyone should own at least a couple of Lip Tars from OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics). They are so pigmented, you don't need a lot, and a little goes a long way. They go on like a lip gloss would and dry to a satin finish. I have about 4 of these and I can't wait to get more.







Nivea Soft Intensive Moisturizing Cream

This cream is amazing. I tend to use it for everything. I will use it on my entire body after a shower. I sometimes will use it to moisturize my face. If I'm out of makeup remover, I will use this cream. It's so soft and gentle, it will leave your skin feeling so moisturized and silky smooth.

Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil

This one I keep in my makeup bag and in my purse. Perfect for use at home and when you’re out on the go it's great for touch ups. Pencil on one end and brow brush on the other, makes it super easy to take with you and use whenever you need it.

Simply Organic Lip Balm

BEST lip balm you will ever find! I have tried so many different lip balms. Expensive ones and cheap ones, nothing has ever worked to get rid of my chapped lips. Until I used this one. The very next day my lips were smooth and soft. This lip balm is a definite in my makeup bag.

And there you have it, thank you so much for sharing your bag with us Stephanie - I'm going to be hunting out the Mac Fix+ and the OCC Lip Tars - they sound fab. Don't forget to check out her blog guys
Xoxo

#51 Bag Spy: What's in your bag? - Abi

Hey lovelies,

So today’s bag spy comes courtesy of a good friend called Abi who by the way has the most amazingly clear, glowy and completely even toned/blemish free skin! All I can say is that if she wasn’t a friend – she would be one of those girls that you love to hate!!!. Only kidding Abi – you know I love you. What I also love about Abi is that she is really into skin and she doesn’t just care about products that can help to enhance your best features. Instead she really cares about taking care of your skin believing the philosophy that if you take care of your skin it takes care of you – and when my skin went through its bad phase a few years ago she swooped in to help with tips and info.

Anyway I have spent many a time in years past sneaking into her beauty collection to hopefully pick up a crumb or two so it only made sense for her to share her bag spy with us… so here it is. Thanks Abi.

So my name is Abi and I’m a skinomaniac - basically am obsessed with skin, mainly mine. It is one of the most beautiful but overlooked asset we have. Many of us spend a lot of time and money covering it up rather than helping it to breathe and glow. Changing your facial personality with make up is great but grooming your skin so it becomes naturally flawless beats any product or tip. Since I go on about skin a bit, made sense for me to do a beauty bag spy! Everyone's skin is different, but don't let that stop you trying out new products. Just make sure you listen to your skin. Trust it to let you know when something isn't working, no matter how good it sounds or how many rave reviews it gets! If it burns, stings or irritates - don't believe the hype beauty shouldn't be painful. If you are trying out a new product - keep the receipt; if you have an allergic reaction just take it back for an exchange or refund.

Anyway on with the show, below are my absolute fave products from my beauty bag which I can't live without: If my boyfriend is reading this, sweetie what you see every day is all me I promise...:)

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish with muslin cloths

I use loads and loads and loads of moisture in my facial care and Liz Earle cleanse and polish is perfect for hydrating my skin and leaving it baby soft to touch. With cocoa butter, eucalyptus oil and chamomile - it is a lovely drink of natural products in a bottle for your face.

Jurlique Rosewater balancing mist.

Chemical filled toners usually strip and irritate my skin. This mist has essence of rosewater and aloe to soothe and give a refreshing blast of moisture to tired looking skin. Very refreshing and much needed in the dry recycled air on the tube! Also use Avene Thermal Spring water as an affordable alternative. It is a great in flight boost for dry or irritated skin.

Dr Nick Lowe Super Charged SP15 day cream

When I first heard of the amazing qualities of the Dr Nick Lowe range, I just thought Boots was trying to charge designer prices for cheap pretty packaged products. But now, I am a convert to his super charged SP15 day cream. It is really rich you only need a little bit (trust me, just a teeny bit) on your face to deliver super charged moisture and protection. It adds instant radiance to the skin and is the first face cream I have used and felt 'safe' walking out of house without make up.

Aromatherapy Associates Support Supersensitive Facial Oil

So you know I mentioned that am a skinomaniac - the downside to being fanatical about skin is that am also careful about what I use as facial care. Don’t use products just because the TV or magazine told me to except the benefits are obvious. So I had heard good things above AA but hesitated to try it. A few months ago, decided to take the plunge with their support supersensitive facial oil. My verdict - this oil is BEAUTIFUL! Gentle and an awesome instant facial treatment packed with natural products, it can even be used on 3 months old babies and older. Love love love it.

Caudalie Purifying Mask

Has loads of awesome qualities and is nearly all organic. Only use it once a fortnight but it has helped to keep my skin tone even.

Bliss eye cream

We are all going to get old but there is no reason we can't mask the process by softening the crows' feet and wrinkles. The eye cream from Bliss (the only product from Bliss I have found that really works!) does exactly what it says on the little pot - 'refines lines and reduces dark circles around the eye'! Ageing...me never? :)

ESPA facials

Absolutely love their facials, tried it out in Devon recently and my skin looked so relaxed-it almost purred! My recommendation with facials is find products and a therapist that works best for you. Have a treat facial once a month or ever quarter - however many times you like and your face would thank you. Have to give a shout out to Espa detoxifying salt scrub. Helped myself to a large scoop of the test sample and my body felt so smooth and lovely afterwards.

Vaseline

Last but certainly not the least - Vaseline: as lip balm, with broken vanilla pods as cheap fragranced body lotion, to thicken up light body lotions, as emergency make up removal, used to glam up boring eyeshadow, as hair gel, to slick down unruly eyebrows the list is endless! My mother, like many African mothers used it as a fix all for everything skin related. Vaseline rocks and is my number one product!

So when all these fail to give me my dewy, glowing complexion (not that it has ever happened :) - there are some secret products that will make it look like your skin is actually reflecting the rays of the sun (Does anyone really need to know you were out partying till 3am and are on a 'no water ever' diet ;)

Prescriptives

Prescriptives magic illuminating liquid potion deep translucent. Every woman's magic potion and concealer -it hides and makes your skin glow.

Shu Uemura

Shu Uemura face architect smoothing fluid foundation - glides on effortlessly and give great coverage, Comes in a range of colours for darker skin and doesn't need to be applied with a brush, fingers are fine!

Blush Beauty
BLUSH.beauty face sculpting bronzer - The blusher from the newest fabulous make-up brand around (Blush.beauty) is all you need to sculpt your face bringing out your cheekbones and make your eyes pop!

Thanks again Abi - Wow, am I the only one who is alreay thinking I need everything on this post??....sigh...now I need to go and hide my wallet again!!!.

Xoxo

#49 Bag Spy: What's in your bag? - The Beauty Edit

Today's bag spy comes courtesy of the very lovely Laura from The Beauty Edit. I was uber excited when Laura agreed to do a bag spy for us, as with over 20 years of working in the beauty industry (she was a beauty director on Company magazine and a beauty editor at British Cosmopolitan as well as working on other publications) she is an amazing source of beauty information, knowledge and secrets (I had to stop myself from bombarding her with loads of questions). She is also really lovely (as mentioned previously) check out her blog for everything beauty related at thebeautyedit

So guy's here is her bag spy and a bit more info about her.

I'm Laura from The Beauty Edit and I'm excited to be asked to contribute to Bag Spy!

A bit about me? I have been a beauty journalist for longer than I care to remember, most recently for Company Magazine. I won't lie, it was a great job, doing shoots here and abroad, going backstage to the shows in Milan, Paris, New York and London, attending product launches all round the world, meeting and interviewing experts, and of course, the run of the beauty cupboard! But the recession took its toll, I was made redundant (like I would ever leave?!) and so the logical step was to join the world of beauty blogging - guess what - I love it! It's great to be able to comment and share and to have content that's so fresh, new and inspiring. I'm in awe of the detailed research that so many dedicated bloggers apply to their posts. I love discovering new sources and it's a thrill every time I get a new follower! Blogging feels like a democracy where everyone's opinion is valid, quite different from magazines. In my blog, I cover trends and new products, introducing beauty experts that I've worked with and showcasing some of the shoots I have done from my portfolio, and basically anything beauty-related that's caught my eye.

OK, so I've tipped out my make-up bag and here's what's inside! These are my trusty standbys. With these I can do my make-up in the car in five minutes or less (as long as my husband is driving!) and they work for day or night. Usually for evening, I'll add more mascara, bronzer and the darkest eyeshadow from my palette.

#1) By Terry Soleil de Rose Freshtone Hydra-Reviver. I love to use this as a make-up base, or for those days when I'm not really wearing any make-up apart from this. It's meant to act as a bit of a tan accelerator, but to be honest I haven't noticed any difference in that respect. What I do notice is that the scent and the feel of it make my skin feel and look fresher.

#2) Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation in Medium Beige. I was a mineral make-up novice until I paired up with the brand for a charity Beauty Editors Day at Selfridges last year. I spent the whole day at the counter and learnt a lot about it! I love the way it gives skin a 'finished' polished look, blurring blemishes and dark circles but with none of the creasing that you sometimes get with liquid foundation. I was shown that you only need to use a tiny amount too, so it lasts ages.

#3) Bare Escentuals Max Coverage Concealer Brush. I use this small flat brush to apply the mineral powder all over.

#4) By Terry Bronze-Expert Sun Compact Brush. There are probably more affordable bronzing powders that are great, but for a treat, try this! You just stamp it on, once to each cheek, and your forehead and then blend it all in with the built-in brush. Definately makes me look more awake.

#5) Bourjois 1001 Lashes Mascara is my mascara du jour. I prefer mascaras that separate, lengthen and define rather than thicken, which is exactly what this does.

#6) Estee Lauder Brow Setting Gel. Nothing revolutionary, but somehow makes me feel a bit more groomed.

#7) Clinique Eye Contour Brush. Short, fat and round. Not me, the brush. Makes any eyeshadow go on better.

#8) Laura Mercier Eyeshadow Palette. Confession; this is absolutely ancient! So old the writing has worn off it, so I don't know the shade names. But I love the combo - a pale ivory for below the brow, a warm, sunny goldy-peach for the socket, a shimmery mid-brown for lids and a deep navy for occasional added emphasis. The new Revlon ColorStay quad in Sunrise, Sunset has similar shades.

#9) Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly. A light, wearable grey that actually looks quite fresh and classic - if you haven't tried grey yet, this would be a good way to start.

#10) Estee Lauder High Gloss Plump in Lilac Plump. I'm not really into lip colour for me (love it on other people) but sometimes I'll add a dab of this to finish off. Not sure why it's called Lilac, to me it's a great nude.

Thanks again Laura, I'm already planning a Bare Minerals trip to try out the foundation. Don't forget to check out her blog.

Xoxo

#47 Bag Spy: What's in Your Bag? - Clearly Beautiful

Today’s Bag Spy comes from the lovely Clearly Beautiful from the ClearlyBeautiful blog (you should check her out). I love her blog because she offers honest information/tips about beauty and products as well as some fantastic DIY beauty recipes for you to try at home. I caught up with her to find out a bit more about her blog and of course to spy in her bag…

Clearly Beautiful is a blog devoted to making one feel beautiful from the inside and outside. My personal philosophy is that for makeup to truly do its job, it needs to be applied onto a beautiful canvas. So its very important strive for radiant, clear skin, moisturized lips, and bright eyes (get enough sleep people!). My blog has a mix of skincare tips, health tips, and makeup tips. Here are products I just can't live without:

#1: MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation. The medium coverage is just perfect to even out complexion and hide redness. I have stopped using concealer since I started using this product. Also, its not pore-clogging, and MAC's shade matching is unrivaled.

#2: Rosewater spray: I buy rosewater from a local Indian grocery store, and fill it up in a travel-size spray bottle. I use it in the same way as Fix+, which is to set or refresh my makeup, and its just awesome.

#3: MAC Fluidline Blacktrack and Powerpoint Engraved: this is my winning team for a simple, polished everyday eye. I usually don't have much time for eyeshadow, so I line my waterline with Engraved, and my upper lid with Blacktrack. If I set it with a black e/s, it stays on ad infinitum.

#4: Threading: I know this isn't a product, but I can't stress enough what a big difference threading makes to my face. I not only get my eyebrows shaped, but also the sides of my face and my upper lip. I look bright, clean, and 2 shades lighter. I do this every 3 weeks, and it goes a long way towards keeping that "canvas" perfect. If you want to find a threader, ask someone who is of south asian descent. We usually know a lady who provides the service from her home, so its super affordable!

#5: Biore Ice Fighting Blemish Cleanser: I've repurchased this cleanser twice. It contains salicylic acid and is cold when you put it on. The smell is brilliant too. I use this in conjunction with an oil-based makeup remover and then a toner. Brilliant product to keep acne at bay.

#6: Egyptian Magic: I love this stuff. It makes such an effective lip treatment. Mind you, I DO NOT recommend putting this on acne prone skin. When I did that, I broke out the next morning. A lot of other skin types may bear it, but I only use it for my lips. Love it.

#7: Coastal Scents brushes: I love all my CS brushes. I have blending fluffs for eyes, duo fiber stipplers for face, and angled brushes for contouring. They are soft, high quality, and very affordable. Definitely give them a try, especially when they're having their free shipping sales!

There you have it, a fantastic selection of products - some of which I will be hunting out. Thanks so much Clearly Beautiful, that was great!

Don't forget to check out her blog for even more juicy beauty info...

Xoxo

#36 Bag Spy - Alison Cameron

Today’s Bag Spy is the extremely talented and fabulous Alison Cameron. Alison is a professional makeup artist working in both the Fashion and Wedding industry. I came across her work through a friend and after seeing the work on her site …it was literally love at first sight! I was so blown away. When you look at her work, everything is very clean, precise and it looks so seamless/flawless that it’s hard to tell where makeup and skin differ. Absolutely beautiful, that’s all I can say –check out her site – it really does speak for itself http://www.alisoncameronmakeup.com/

After speaking to her (she by the way is really lovely and so down to earth) she thankfully agreed to share her bag spy with me (I was fully prepared to go into full begging mode if she hadn’t). I will also have an exclusive interview with her tomorrow where she will be sharing a bit more about herself, her work, how she got into it and providing yet more tips. I’m so excited and can’t wait so check out the blog tomorrow …

So Alison – LPM wants to know: Bag Spy, What’s in Your Bag?



I can't live without Fix + spray by MAC. It's a bit of an indulgence but it's fantastic for dry skin as it adds pure moisture; I use it before moisturiser to hydrate the skin, after foundation and powder to set and bind my makeup to the skin and it's perfect to keep in your handbag or your desk to rejuvenate your skin when it's tired or dehydrated and especially if your going out straight from work. A couple of spritzs and a retouch of your makeup makes it look brand new.

I really like to use Bio Oil as a night cream. It fades my dark marks and blemishes over night as well as being a good conditioner for every type of skin.

I never leave home without a hand cream as my poor hands get very dry. Clarins do an excellent hand cream. Not the cheapest but it leaves the hands moisturised and not sticky or greasy.

For keeping eyeshadow on all day and all night I highly recommend a product from MAC called Paint or you can now get Paint Pots. They are creamy eyeshadows that are very water resistant and crease proof. They come in a variety of colours and have lovely skin tone shades - Constructivist (paint pot) for a black skin, Sublime Nature (paint) for an Asian skin, and Bare Canvas for paler skins.

Barry M do the best nail varnishes ever! They are creamy and streak proof and look good even after just one coat...they don't chip very easily too.

My favourite lip gloss in the whole world is Ample Pink plushglass by MAC.
It's a sheer cool pink tone (no shimmer) that's sits perfectly on the lips. It spreads evenly and is not too thin and not too sticky and even has a tingly lip plumping action that makes the lips look really smooth!

So there you have it guys, Alison's bag spy - tune in for part two of her interview tomorrow and check out her site.

Xoxo

#29 Bag Spy: What's in your Bag?

Today’s bag spy is the very fabulous and talented Becks Buki who happens to be an amazing makeup artist and hair-stylist, so you can imagine how excited I was to get a chance to snoop in her makeup or rather luggage bag! I felt like a child in a candy shop. Being a makeup artist she has an amazing amount of makeup so this write up of her everyday essentials doesn’t even make a dent in the treasure trove of makeup goodies she has.

As mentioned she is also a fantastic hair-stylist - you can spot her handwork and trademark weaves anywhere when you see it – the hair is usually flowing with movement and framing your face nicely. Many of her clients have found her simply because they have stopped another client on the street somewhere and said ‘please please give me the name of your hairdresser’. Check out the bag spy below as well as a mini interview about her.

Bag Spy: What's In Your Bag - Becks Buki

First up in my makeup bag is Le Metier De Beauty Flawless Foundation in X1 – this brand is a cutting edge brand from the US with a cult following that recently launched in the UK at Liberty’s. I love this foundation because it contains a large amount of minerals and provides me with a dewy effect. I also like it because unlike a lot of other foundations it doesn’t change colour on your face halfway through the day and I think it’s a colour that would suit quite a few black women. If when using it I feel it looks a little light I tend to use a blusher around the edges of my face.

I love a blusher by Sleek called Sahara, it’s a bit of a terracotta shade and I think it’s fantastic. I feel it’s on the same level as Raisin by Mac and I tend to use it both as a blusher and on my eyelids and temple to brighten up my face/make me look more ‘alive’. I especially love the fact that unlike a lot of other powder blushers which tend to break up, the Sleek one doesn’t break.


My best and favourite mascara has to be Volume Effect by YSL! The shape of the wand helps to create amazing lashes; it combs through and mounts enough volume without looking caked on or spidery

For my eyebrows I use the browset called Showoff by Mac – it’s like a mascara but for eyebrows. I tend not to use a pencil as I don’t like to feel like i'm drawing on my eyebrows. I like Showoff because it tints my brows into a nice auburn/chestnut brown and I think it would suit most complexions.

I tend to use the same colour lipstick over and over again! I use Nars Belle De Jour lipstick which is a beige/pink shade. It doesn’t dry out my lips but instead is quite creamy and hydrating

I only use Lancôme lip glosses as I found that most other lip glosses seemed to dry out my lips – with the Lancôme lip-gloss I find that not only is it hydrating but even if used on top of lipstick, you don’t get that separating effect that other lipsticks can cause.

To define my face I use a blusher by Mac called Reed, which unfortunately has now been discontinued but they have a new one called Definitive, which is specifically for defining your face. I tend to contour the inner edges of my nose and up to the corner of my eyebrows and eyes – it makes my face look more chiselled, straight and defined.

If I ever want to use a concealer I use Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage SC6 – I only ever use it under my eyes and as a highlighter under my brows. I love that it comes in two shades so you use the lighter part first and then put the darker shade over it.

Tell me a bit about yourself

I’m a normal girl who is creative, loves fashion and loves/breathes makeup and hair. I love helping people look good and I find that makeup and hair is both a passion and an avenue for me to help people look their best.

Where would you like to be in the future?

I would love to start doing prosthetic makeup and to develop my own makeup line. I would also like to do more editorial work and continue working with bridal makeup.

How did you get into makeup and hair?

When I was younger around 11 or so my Dad used to work as a diplomat so I travelled a lot. I used to look at the hair of the people around me which tended to be long and flowy and then compare it to mine – I essentially had no hair as my hair was extremely short. I remember one day I decided to cut out strips of paper and tie it to my head and then I proceeded to go to school – In hindsight I don’t know what I was thinking but I do remember that from the looks of all the other girls they must have thought “what the hell! its like Bob Marley on steroids”

I then went on to boarding school and an aunt used to do my hair as a weave for the school term, however by the time the school holidays came round and I could go back to get it redone my hair would be looking really bad, untidy and doing the backwards slide. So finally one day I decided to sit in front of a mirror in my dormitory and I redid the weave myself – from there I just kept on practising and then started doing weaves and braids for family and friends.

My big break came when I did the Angie Stones style of weave for a few clients - word just spread about me and from there, I started getting regular phonecalls. My flatmate at the time also gave me a blade and I practised and developed my style of cutting weaves to give them the right amount of movement and style.

With makeup I enjoy painting which I think helped to develop my eye for blending and mixing colours. I have always had a passion for makeup but everything I have learnt and developed is self taught – I guess you could say it’s just a natural talent. I went to work for Mac for some time but then I felt my own work both in hair and makeup was growing so I left to concentrate on that full time and that’s how my brand Becks Buki was born

Do you have any make up tips?

I find that many women of colour have quite a bit of discoloration due to the melanin in their skin so its a good idea to mix a couple of foundations together to get your correct shade. I also find that we tend to have at least two different tones on our faces and are usually lighter in the middle and darker around the edges so to avoid that mask effect of using one tone on your face it’s a good idea to mix two different foundation shades. Use a lighter shade for the light part and a darker one for the dark part. You just have to remember to blend it properly so that it looks seamless and flawless.

When trying out foundation you should try it both on your jaw line which most people know about but also under your eyes.

So ladies there you have it – some juicy secrets and products from the fabulous Becks Buki (I’m hoping I can get her to give us a makeup tutorial soon) check out her website which will be up and running in September on http://www.becksbuki.com/

Xoxo