How to revive a dry Mac Paint Pot

Don't you just hate it when your creamy makeup product dries up long before you finish with it?

Well the other day I opened up one of my favourite creamy eye bases, in this case Macs paint pot in Constructivist and it was so dry that it looked like it had been basking in the sun! What sun? I hear you ask...exactly its 10 degrees and rainy!

Anyway I had at least half of the product left in the pot and didn't really want to waste it so I did a little research and found a way to revive it ...woo hoo!

Here is a little tutorial below and I hope it helps someone else.

#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

#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

Interview with Alison Cameron

Drumrolls please......yesterdays bag spy was with the very talented makeup artist, Alison Cameron, and here is the second part with her personal interview.

1) Tell me a bit about yourself personally

My name is Alison Cameron, I’m a freelance makeup artist and I’ve been doing makeup for about 4 years starting my career out at MAC Cosmetics.

2) What led you to become a make up artist? Who or what inspired you? Did you always want to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance?

I have always had a “good” eye for colour and like most girls I love fashion but what led me to pursue makeup as a profession believe it or not is photography! I love beautiful images and I love the way my makeup can accentuate or manipulate an image and pull it together to be eye catching and thought provoking. I’m inspired by my surroundings, colour, texture, moods, the atmosphere and the electricity of an environment, a smile a look, the wind the sea….everything! I’m also inspired by Pat McGrath, she is black, self taught with a fine art background and highly influential and successful. True genius….I’ve always been into makeup but started out as a professional dancer (10years) but when I felt I had had enough, I looked to pursue other endeavours and realised I had a natural aptitude for makeup J

3) Did you attend makeup school or you are a self taught makeup artist?

I’m completely self taught although I owe a lot to my wonderful and talented colleagues at MAC over the years who by inspiration have helped my to become a better artist

4) What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?

The most exciting aspect I think is the realisation that your concept that started out as a tiny idea in your head has become a very real and successful translation whether it is video, print, catwalk or a beautiful bride!

5) What areas of makeup and media do you frequently work in?

I frequently work with brides, fashion and editorial. Wherever the wind blows!

6) What is the most exciting or challenging opportunity you have had as a freelance artist?

The most exciting and challenging aspect that I have had so far has been heading a team of makeup artists for a fashion show. Everything from designing the look to managing the backstage makeup area was exciting and rewarding

7) How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? How do you incorporate them into

your makeup repertoire?

I love looking through magazine and pulling out ideas that inspire me. I look for reoccurring trends then work out how to translate that into my own personal style of makeup.

8) What sets you apart from other makeup artists?

I can only try to be me but I pay extreme attention to detail and look at my opportunity to work as a team as collaboration with a common end goal rather than a chance to show off my makeup.

9) Do you think women of colour need special attention with their makeup? What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?

I think that women of colour have had a raw deal over the years and we need to make sure that the colours and textures we choose suit us as individuals rather than as an ethnic group. To achieve a perfect look flawless look be prepared to learn about your skin and its undertone. Black skin is often lighter in the centre of the face and darker around the edges which may require 2 products (sorry :-( ) to look seamless and natural; otherwise a lighter colour used all over can look ashy on darker areas. Pay attention to your brows making them look lovely and neat and that will pull your whole look together. Also invest in a good blusher to bring some dimension back to your skin. Often women of colour focus on the foundation and leave the skin looking perfect but flat. Blusher makes our faces look 3D!

10) What makeup brands do you feel works best on our skin

I think MAC and Bobbi Brown have the most sophisticated colours and textures for ethnic skin and it gives us the chance to play with colours that we wouldn’t traditionally associate with black skin. Clarins does excellent skin care and will really change the texture, clarity and quality of your skin making it vey smooth and supple.

11) Are there any makeup or skincare tips you would like to share with our readers?

Always moisturize, even if your skin is oily! Find a good moisturiser that will hydrate your skin…whether it’s a light gel based texture for oily/combination skin or a rich creamy texture for dryer skin. It will greatly enhance the look of your makeup. It doesn’t have to be expensive and it will keep your skin looking younger and smoother for longer. Exfoliate and definitely use an eye cream as they do work and make a difference. When I’m working on a model or even a bride, I pay special attention to the cleansing and moisturising of the skin…it changes everything!

Thank you so much Alison for taking part - you were lovely to work with and thanks for the foundation tips as well - i will be practising!! Ladies please check out her website to see her fantastic work www.alisoncameronmakeup.com/.

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