NEW & Affordable: Max Factor CC Colour Correct Crayons

NEW & Affordable: Max Factor CC Colour Correct Crayons

Although CC Creams are fast becoming the buzz product of 2014, there's still a lot of confusion surrounding their purpose and application. Put simply, CC creams help to neutralise colours or pigments in our skin that can leave us looking tired, dull, red or sallow. If you've ever looked in the mirror and thought you're looking a bit knackered, it's probably accurate to assume your normal makeup just doesn't look the same once it's applied. The reason is that the base colour of our skin changes, often becoming darker or yellowy in tone, impacting the way our complexion is perceived. CC products help to counteract those tones, providing shades of colour to rebalance and great a much 'healthier' glow. If you like the idea of a colour correction product, but not the thought of applying something over your entire face, then these new Colour Corrector crayons from MaxFactor are a great alternative. Available in five different variants, each providing targeted skincare solutions, they're easy to use and don't require an NVQ in makeup application.

 

Within the collection is an under eye circle, dark spot, redness and dullness corrector, as well as a highlighting crayon for adding a touch of light to skin. They're chunky, fun and simple to use, as well as enabling targeted and precise application to where you need colour correction most. What I love most about these products is Max Factor have taken an 'industry' secret or complex idea and made it relevant and approachable for every woman - there's nothing scary about these little tools.

1. Under Eye Circles: My favourite of the bunch, this little yellow crayon really does help to conceal and counteract even the darkest of circles. I've been using it almost daily over foundation, touching up with just a little concealer - nobody knows I'm feeling half dead inside!

2. Highlighter: Probably the most disappointing out of the five, as the pay off is really quite limited. If you want to add a minimal touch of very subtle light reflecting pigments, then this could be for you. However, for my needs this just wasn't strong enough.

3. Dark Spot: As I don't suffer from pigmentation issues this was hard for me to use, but the formula is pigmented and provides a delicate shade of pink to lighten dark areas. Great for those wishing to create a natural makeup finish, but still want to counteract dark spots.

4. Redness: It's long been known green pigments can counteract redness, but this crayon brings that story to life in a modern way. The colour is light, rather than a dark colour that proves hard to blend, and works well to counteract redness around the nose and on the cheeks.

5. Dullness: I've never thought of using a blue colour to counteract dullness, but it really works. I loved the YSL lilac CC Cream - this is a great budget alternative. Great applied around the eyes to lift skin and help your complexion appear fresher.  

At £9.99 each these are much more affordable than other CC products currently available, as well as breaking the colour and purpose down easily for even the most novice of makeup enthusiasts. Max Factor are definitely having a moment in makeup, bringing us a range of products that really bring to life their once-lost ethos. For once, I can really believe these crayons are the makeup of makeup artists. What do you think of these CC Colour Correct Crayons

The Max Factor CC Colour Correct Crayons are available from Boots priced £9.99 each.

How To: Clean Your Makeup Brushes

How To: Clean Your Makeup Brushes

If you don't wash your makeup brushes regularly you may want to know what could be happening to your skin, each and every time you use them. Brushes can harbour nasty little bacteria that cause spots and other skin viruses. Keeping your makeup brushes clean is one of the first steps to achieving a flawless face and cutting down on any unnecessary breakouts; your skincare can only do so much if you don't keep those brushes free from nasty bacteria. If you're not sure how to look after your brushes and keep them top notch, here's my quick guide that covers everything you need to know - from a time consuming deep clean to daily spot checking.

Every Week - The Intensive Version
Nothing beats a freshly cleaned makeup brush, especially one that has been lovingly tended to by your own hard work and dedication. I use Baby Shampoo for a solid deep clean as it's so gentle, but you could quite easily use a mixture of three parts washing up liquid and one part olive oil, which is just as effective.

1. Start with your most used, heavily caked makeup brushes and apply a spot of baby shampoo (or another equally gentle and nourishing shampoo.)
2. With a little cold water straight from the tap, start swirling in circular motions in the palm of your hand. This is where you'll start to see all the product leaving the brush and filling up the sink!
3. Keep adding water until there's no product left on the brush. This may require a fair amount of elbow grease, but keep at it. Rinse with some more cold water.
5. Reshape the bristles into their natural shape: they can sometimes get a little manic and you don't want them to dry this way, as it will prevent the brush working effectively.
6. Place brushes on some kitchen roll, tissue or a towel to dry.

There's some controversy over whether to elevate the brushes angling downward or to leave them flat while drying. It is said the glue can start to wear down if the water seeps into the head of the brush, but I've always let my brushes lie flat to dry and they're still going strong! If you feel more comfortable, pop a circular item such as a pen under the kitchen roll, tissue or towel to create a seesaw that you can use to prop your brushes against. The main thing is to bear in mind is simply not to let them dry facing upward and you'll have brushes that will stand the test of time.

Every Week - The Speedy Version
Let's face it, we may not always have the time to spend painstakingly cleaning through 20+ brushes, when there's so much going on in our lives. Don't worry though, as the saviour to our dirty makeup roll nightmares can be found in a pump action bottle! I was lucky enough to pick up a bottle of Beauty So Clean's Conditioning Brush Cleanser for cleaning on the go, but there are plenty of great sprays out there to experiment with. I like this one as not only is it chemical free but it's formulated with natural ingredients that condition natural and synthetic brushes alike, a real bonus for any collection.

1. Apply a few sprays of brush cleanser directly on the brush head, soaking all the bristles equally.
2. Take a sheet of kitchen roll or tissue paper and buff the brush head back and forth, spraying more brush cleanser if necessary, until the brush comes away clean.
3. Leave the brushes for a few minutes to dry completely. There will be no residue, just clean, soft and hygienic bristles!

Every Day
Spot cleaning your makeup brushes is a useful and effective way to cut down on your weekly deep clean and extend the life span of your treasured tools. It's also an essential task for Makeup Artists who need to clean brushes and makeup (yes, that's right, makeup) between clients.

1.  Spritz a little brush cleanser on each brush, but don't saturate it like you would with a deep clean.
2. Brush the bristles across some tissue to remove as much product as you can, which will stop any bacteria dead in it's tracks. Simple!

If you implement this routine your brushes will last longer and you should see a visible difference in your makeup application, as well as helping to prevent excess skin irritations and spots. A simple routine that will make a big difference. Happy cleaning! 

Pick up Beauty So Clean's Conditioning Brush Cleanser from Feel Unique for £11.00 

Good Enough To Eat: My New 'Pastry Chefs' Swatch Watch

Good Enough To Eat: My New 'Pastry Chefs' Swatch Watch

Candy bracelets remind me of being a kid, being given a pound and sent off to the corner shop to see how much swag I could get for one hundred whole pennies. There's something extremeley playful and fun about them, as well as their colour palette being totally on-trend for this season's pastel love-in. When I saw this Swatch watch on display at London Fashion Week last season, it instantly put a smile on my face and left me dreaming of sweet things. Although I forgot about it, as soon as I stumbled upon the Swatch stand in Westfield London I knew I had to have it. Part of the delightfully yummy 'Pastry Chefs' collection, this 'Caramellissima' watch is possibly the best thing I've bought all year... (If not my life.) 

The watch is made up of two long 'sweetie' bracelets attached to the watch face, both of which can be individually twisted in two and worn as a statement wrist piece. The beads look identical to the sweetie versions - so much so that my best friend's three year old daughter tried to eat them! I love everything about this watch and how it makes me feel, how playful it is and how it works seamlessly with the pastel trend this summer. Although it doesn't go with everything, it's certainly a statement piece and a watch I can finally get excited about.

The feedback I've had posting this on Instagram or showing my friends has been amazing. Universal praise and admiration has come my way, as well as jealously, showing the power of the retro sweet. Although I expected this to cost a small fortune, at £38.00 it's actually really affordable! It's super comfy to wear and even comes in three sizes, so you can be assured to get the perfect fit. Every time I put it on I feel like a kid again, so I can't see me packing it away any time soon. Do you love my new watch as much as I do?

The 'Caramellissima' watch is available online priced £38.00.

Too Faced Makes My Heart Flutter: NEW 'Natural Eyes' Mini Eyeshadow Palette

Too Faced Makes My Heart Flutter: NEW 'Natural Eyes' Mini Eyeshadow Palette

Although the bloggers collective favourite eyeshadow definitely seems to include the 'Naked' palettes, for me it's all about Too Faced. They may be lesser known and cause much less of a hoohah, but their eyeshadow formulations are beautiful and the colour collections to die for. I'm currently adoring the previously mentioned 'Chocolate Bar' palette, but this new 'Natural Eyes' mini collection is equally as lust-enducing. Containing nine eyeshadows split into three looks (including day, classic and fashion,) the collection includes great base colours, nude hues that work well to define the eye, and darker shades to line and shape. Altogether, it includes practically every nude, beige and brown shade you'll ever need to ensure your eyes are looking amazing.

Cheekily named Chocolate Martini, Sexpresso, Heaven, Silk Teddy, Push-Up, Honey Pot, Nudie, Cashmere Bunny and Erotica, there's an eyeshadow and colour combination for every possible occasion within this handy little palette. The texture of these shadows is one of the silkiest I've ever experienced, so soft to the touch it feels like velvet. All nine colours in the palette are completely wearable, with the focus being on the nude and base shades that often get used up more quickly than their dark counterparts - there's nothing that annoys me more than running out of the shades I use most and being left with a pan of colours I forget about.

The blending 'mid' shades have a metallic sheen that looks incredible within the eye socket, working well to create a subtle smokey effect that's perfect for daytime. Furthermore, the darker shades create an amazing sexy smokey look around the eyeline without the need for intimidating black or grey shades. The palette itself is slim, compact and perfectly sized for handbags and weekends away; it even includes a handy mirror and a 'how to' guide to illustrate three ways to wear the different colours included. At £32.00 for the palette, it works out around £3.55 for each individual shade - overall making it good value for money and a palette you'll treasure until you hit the bottom of the pan. When you'll cry.

The Too Faced 'Natural Eyes' Mini Eyeshadow Palette is available online priced £32.00

Matte Is HOT Right Now: New Illamasqua Matte Lip Liquid

Matte Is HOT Right Now: New Illamasqua Matte Lip Liquid

Gone are shiny, glistening and juicy lips. This summer it's all about matte textures and bold colours. Not one to let a trend pass them by, Illamasqua's newest innovation provides a rich liquid texture that dries to leave a matte finish on lips; partnered with a bold and tropical colour, these Matte Lip Liquids are great at providing a long-lasting finish. Neither a lipstick or a gloss, the unusual texture is quite thick to apply and leaves a great colour result - once set, the colour stays put without drying the lips or causing an uncomfortable sensation. The precise applicator helps to ensure the colour is applied exactly where you need and want it, as well as aiding to blend the shade and create a uniformed finish. Although these won't be for everyone, they're fab if you love colour but hate the stickiness of gloss or the transference of lipstick... These definitely stay put!

NEW: Barry M 'Cor Balmy' Tinted Lipbalm (A Baby Lips Dupe?)

NEW: Barry M 'Cor Balmy' Tinted Lipbalm (A Baby Lips Dupe?)

As a nation, we're a little bit addicted to lipbalms. There's something about applying a sweet scented soothing balm to lips, almost becoming a comforting and ritualistic action rather than a functional one. I have over fifty different lipbalms in my collection (featuring every brand, bright colour and flavour imaginable,) but these new little gems from Barry M are a welcome addition. Cor Balmy lipbalms are available in five different shades - ranging from a practically invisible pale pink to a strong hit of berry - and feature a rich moisturising core to ensure lips are hydrated. The core is enriched with Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter to protect and revitalise dry skin, while the tinted balm provides a delicate hit of colour that complements the natural shade of lips.

NEW From Barry M: Matte Nail Paint (But Not Too Matte!)

NEW From Barry M: Matte Nail Paint (But Not Too Matte!)

Barry keeps on churning out the nail varnish collections as quick as One Direction churn out a new piece of merchandise - they just keep on coming, with no relent! While other brands are still focusing on pastel hues and tropical shades fit for the beach, the new matte collection of colour from Barry M is much bolder and keeps colour at the forefront this summer. Available in six new colours, these shades are quite a departure from the nude shades currently available. However, what excites me is the new texture they seem to have created here - mattes are traditionally quite chalky and dull, creating a finish on nails that looks like it's going to chip off at any moment. These matte polishes aren't totally shine free, making them much more exciting and wearable.

The finish still has an element of shine, without the exceptional glossy finish of a traditional polish; the result is a much more interesting texture, and one I haven't previously seen from other brands. If you love the idea of a matte nail but there's something about it that doesn't quite float your boat in reality, then these matte polishes could definitely be one to check out. Together red, pink, purple, blue, turquoise and olive create a bold and wearable collection that can be worn all year round. All the colours apply easily to the nail, drying quickly and leaving a true-to-colour finish in only two coats. In my opinion the finish is much more sophisticated than a glossy nail, making colour more wearable. For the first time in ages I've wanted to wear a colour that's neither nude or pastel...

The new shades of Barry M Matte Nail Paint will launch in June priced £3.99 each.

how to start your own lip gloss line

Creating your own lip gloss line!!!

Creating your own lip gloss line, can be hard work and time efficient. You have to keep four things in mind. 

• Making the ingredient
• Coming up with a unique name
• Getting the name trademarked
• Marketing your product

Well, when you first think about this, you might say to yourself " Too much work". To me, I think that if this is your dream, you would do all that it takes to accomplish thisDREAM. Now that you have an idea on where to start, let's go step by step. First we'll talk about-

Making the ingredient 
When you think of ideas to put in your lip gloss, keep in mind what audience you are aiming for. If you want to sell to the younger audience you might want to add fruity smells to the gloss. The younger crowd loves to smell the sweet gloss on their lips and to be honest, that's the only reason they purchase it sometimes. If your intention is to sell to the early 20's and upper age group, you should ask family or friends in that age range what do they look for in a lip gloss. Now, you might get different answers, but take notes and combine those ideas. When you shop for ingredients, try to pick up organic materials such as beeswax, coconut oil, pure jojoba oil, flavored oil (for smells), mica powders (for color) that's approved for lips, and etc. With these kind of ingredients, you can eliminate the chances of people having allergic reactions to harsh chemicals that's often put in gloss. When you gather the ingredients you want, it's now time to experiment. When you're done with your final product, let people you know sample it. They would give you their opinion on what should be added or changed. You should accept all criticism, because it would only help you get better.

Coming up with a unique name
This is the fun part! You should allow your creactivity to run wild. Think of a catchy name that would be remembered. Your product alone would have the customers coming back, but when someone ask the person the name of the lip gloss the're wearing you don't want them to be like "Oh, I can't remember the name, but it's a great lip gloss". Think of a name or should I say word no other lip gloss brand has. For example- pucker, smack, treat, and so on are words that's used in other lip brands. You want your name to STAND OUT. Try mix matching letters in your name. . Kind of weird but it's one word and easy to remember. It will also get your name, as well as your lip gloss reconized. If you prefer to get a little professional, just signature your lip gloss and that would be your first and last name.

Getting the name trademarked 
Now that you have your recipe and your name, it's time to get it trademarked or patented. You should not sell your product without getting it trademarked as your own. There are many people that have trouble coming up with ingredients or names that they would steal your name and trademark it before you do. This would not be cool. If you plan on selling your product to the public you should get your business liscense. You could do this by going to the SBA website. They would help you get your business up and running. You could also get logos to go on your labels, which I would post another blog about, trademarked. If you go here this site would allow you to put in your logo into it's worldwide database to see if it's taken or available. Although it's impossible to get ingredients copyrighted, you should store your recipe in a safe and private area that only you may have access to.

Marketing your lip gloss

Okay, now you have your recipe, name,  logo, and business liscense, you can start to promote your lip gloss. You have to come up with a price for your lip gloss. Make the price reasonable but profitable at the same time. Go out and PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE. I can't express how much this would get the customers coming back. Go to local flea markets and sell your product. The flea market draws a lot of attention. Another idea I came across was a website called Etsy. This is a website where handmade items are sold all over the world. Just create an account and set up your online store. If you want you could go to Godaddy and create a dot com website for an extremely low price to promote your lip gloss in a unique way. It's up to you how much money you want or how big you want your lip gloss line to grow.