Strobing – the new contour

Contouring

Strobing

Just when you had got your head around contouring, strobing pops up! Strobing is a technique that enhances a natural looking glow by accentuating where the light hits the face. It's a 'glow from within' type of idea and, unlike contouring, it doesn't make use of the face's natural shadows. Illuminators and highlighters are used but to prevent looking like a glitter ball or going from dewy glow to sweaty mess. Here are a few things to help: 

1. Use a toner, serum, moisturiser etc, like you normally would. Strobing is all about radiating light so dry skin patches won't help! 

2. Pick a tone of highlighter that suits your skin tone. Being a mid to fair toned gal, something champagney toned will suit. My friend, who has a darker complexion uses Liquid Soliel De Tan Chanel and it looks amazing. 

3. Use a brush, such as the Sigma Duo Fibre F50, that lightly picks up the product and gently deposits it. 

4. Apply your chosen product to the areas that the light naturally hits the face: bridge of the nose, cupid's bow, centre of forehead, top of the cheeks, top of the forehead, above the cheek bone and below it. 

5. Try not to over shimmer. Obviously, the whole idea is to highlight certain areas, but they are only accentuated if the other makeup isn't equally as shimmery. 

6. A little trial and error is required with this one. If it all goes slightly awry, use a damp beauty blender to blend it. Less is more and you can always build up the product. 

It suddenly occurred to me that MAC's Strobe Cream has been designed to do just that – to strobe! Despite my dappy moment for not working this out sooner, I will be trying it out for this purpose.

Conclusion:
So far, I'm not convinced. I still prefer the contour look but, I will keep trying it out and see how I feel in a few weeks. 

Spring colour inspired makeup looks: Green

Don't be afraid of using colour. If it all goes wrong and you end up looking a bit like a great aunt, either own it and pretend that was the look you were going for or blend it with more workable colours. However, I don't think that you can go far wrong with greens. They suit all different eye colours and depending upon the shade you pick, green suits the majority of skin tones too. I will let you know some of the brands that I used but quite frankly, this is more about experimenting with what you already have and trying out new combinations.

Using a flat brush, I patted a yellow/gold shade from the inner corner of my eye to the middle of my eye. From the middle to the opposite end, I applied a bright, light shimmery green.

Using a round shadow brush, I applied an emerald green colour to the crease and using the same light shimmery green, blended it out. Then, in the crease, I applied more of the emerald green colour for definition. I then applied eye liner (by Dr Hauschka, which is natural and all but quite frankly goes everywhere and the application brush is difficult to control) and then a coat of mascara. 

For green colours, Inglot are superb. The picture below gives you an idea of the wide range of shades they have that you can combine to create your own palette using their Freedom System. I also have a gorgeous quad from Givenchy, and MAC and Urban Decay do some great shades. For a cheaper option, Sleek's Garden of Eden Palette is pretty flinking flanking good. However, I'm not a big fan of makeup suggestions where you are encouraged to buy this palette or that specific brand. I would rather suggest colour tones and ideas that can be applied to any make up brand.

Inglot eye shadows - left to right, shades: 58, 477, 17, 24, 16

Sleek – Garden of Eden palette

www.sleekmakeup.com
www.inglotcosmetics.com
www.maccosmetics.co.uk

A YBBF catch up and some of my spring favourites....

Never too early for a cocktail....

Last week Kay and I got together for a catch up/blog meeting, but most importantly some food and a bit of shopping. We started out with lunch at The Big Easy, a BBQ place in Covent Garden that I knew Kay would love as it has a distinctly American vibe. Personally, I love anywhere that I can get a veggie burger, fries, cupcake and a margarita for £10....

The Big Easy, Covent Garden

We then moved on to a bit of shopping and a discussion about how much we love spring, warmer weather and the generally cheerier colours that start emerging in fashion and beauty this time of year. (Kay was on the hunt for a very specific pair of hot pink heels to wear for her birthday, which sadly we couldn't find… she assures me that she has since found a beautiful alternative!) So as spring has officially arrived in London, I thought I’d share a couple of things that I have been loving this month… 

Orange nails

I don’t wear a lot of orange clothing but I do love an orange accessory; a bright handbag, coral lipstick, and in this case…. tangerine orange nails! Oh yeah. As we have been focussing on healthier choices this year, here are a few of my favourites by OPI, a brand on the 'less-chemically' end of the nail polish spectrum. You might just be able to make out my orange nails in the picture at the top although it is slightly fuzzy! We'll blame that on the dim lighting and not Kay's photography skills.....

From left to right: Juice Bar Hopping, Toucan Do It If You Try, Where Did Suzi's Man-go?

Makeup collaborations

I do love a good makeup collaboration and this spring there are several exciting ones emerging. Charlotte Tilbury’s Norman Parkinson packaging is fantastic! I am a tad bias as he is one of my favourite fashion photographers, but if you are a sucker for great packaging then you might want to check this one out. Charlotte’s eponymous collection has received glowing reviews across the board so it is most definitely not a case of style over substance. The only downside,we’ll have to wait until July for this one. Below is the best selling Filmstar Bronze & Glow Palette featuring Parkinson's iconic shot of Jerry Hall.

Yesterday saw the release of the latest in a long line of exciting MAC collaborations, this time with none other than milliner-extraordinaire Philip Treacy. He has drawn inspiration from his own work to create a collection that ‘enhance the face’s most evocative features’ – sounds good to me!

Booja Booja ice cream

Last but not least I had to include my latest food discovery. I’ve been meaning to try Booja Booja ice cream for a while and it just sort of ended up in my basket on a recent trip to Holland & Barrett. My review? Amazing! I got the Hunky Punky Chocolate flavour and it is really rich and so delicious. Best of all it only contains four ingredients; water, agave syrup, cashew nuts and cocoa powder. It might be a little on the pricey side but it is so worth it for a product that tastes better than most dairy ice creams I’ve had in the past but that is infinitely better for your health.

I think that’s all for now. Hope you are having a wonderful month so far and the sun is shining where you are!

Rocky Horror Picture Show - Limited Edition MAC Collection

We love a good Halloween-themed MAC collection, and this year its limited edition line is a tribute to none other than the fabulous Rocky Horror Picture Show. It's a logical collaboration really, if you're looking for a red-lipstick-wearing glamour icon then Dr Frank N. Furter is pretty tough to beat! The 21-piece-range includes an array of products from false lashes and pigments to nail lacquer and lipsticks. All in some seriously sexy packaging.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic about transformation, diversity, individuality and fantasy; all elements that are part of MAC's DNA", says James Gager, MAC's senior vice president. Halloween is one of MAC's favourite holidays, and ours too, and if you're looking for a bit of holiday inspiration we hope this helps.....

Rocky Horror Lipstick, £17

Rocky Horror 7 Lash, £11.50

Rocky Horror Powder Blush, £20

You can find PDFs of all the collection looks (including the one above) and details of the products used here.

Find the full collection at www.maccosmetics.co.uk but be warned, it's selling out fast!

Kay's Make Up Routine

PRIMER

Benefit That Gal, £22.50 for 11ml and Olay 30 Second Wrinkle Filler, £12.45 for 100ml

The Wrinkle Filler is amazing and smooths skin, not only filling in wrinkles but minimising pores. That Gal is the only illuminating primer that I don't react to. It gives skin healthy sheen. 

REPURCHASE?

About to for both as I have just run out. 

EYE PRIMER

Urban Decay Primer Potion Eden, £16

Better than Paint Pots and will hold eyeliner all day, even in hot and sticky weather. I have worn it without eye shadow and it gives the eyelid an even tone. 

REPURCHASE?

Yes. I like it better than the original. 

CONCEALER

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot, £29 for 5.8g

One half is for blemishes and is the best at hiding red spots from acne scarring. The other half is for the under eye area and is a peachy creamy texture. I am so-so about this. Underneath the concealers is their setting powder, which is a good'un. 

REPURCHASE?

I have done and probably will when autumn rolls around and I need slightly more coverage. 

FOUNDATION

Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua B30 B40, £33 for 30ml

A fluid based, light-coverage foundation, which is buildable and does not tend to oxidise (certainly not on my skin). Easily blendable and is scented, which doesn't particularly bother me. Creates a lovely, natural sheen to the skin and is excellent for my dry skin type. 

REPURCHASE?

Yes, although they last a long old time. Currently switching to CC cream and MAC powder for the summer months. 

HIGHLIGHTER

MAC Prep and Prime in Radiant Rose, £18 for 3.6ml and Sleek Face Form, £9.99 for 20g

Made almost un-buy able by the Kim Kardashian contour craze, Prep and Prime Highlighter is a staple. It gives a beautiful natural highlight, which is great for any skin, especially my dry skin and in the summer, I often use it in place of a concealer. Blends beautifully – better than YSL's Touché Eclat. The Sleek highlight is a subtle shimmer that makes all the difference to the shape of the face....or the shape that is trying to be enhanced. 

REPURCHASE?

Yes, yes, yes. 

CONTOUR

Sleek Face Form, £9.99 for 20g

The best contouring set that I have tried. I prefer the bronze colour to Laguna (Sorry, Nars) and although it needs to be blended thoroughly, it is such a good contouring colour. It really defines the cheek bones. Plus, I love the price. 

REPURCHASE?

Yes but will take me a while to get through it. 

BLUSH

Sleek Pink Lemonade, £9.99

Cream and powder pinks. A flush of summer. A little goes a heck of a long way and it is easy to blend. Lasts for the long haul. 

REPURCHASE? I would like to try the range before going back to this. Greedy? Yes. Hey ho! 

BROWS

Beautiful Brows, £38

You can read a full review of my new brow must-have product here

REPURCHASE?

YES. In caps....I mean business. 

EYE SHADOW

Urban Decay Create Your Own Palette, Too Faced Chocolate Palette, Inglot, Dior quads, Sigma, MAC Build Your Own (see various reviews...more to come) 

REPURCHASE?

These are my favourite lines for shadows, with some, like the Sigma Smoke Screen, only just discovered. I am planning to buy more from all of the companies. Lord help my mortgage. 

EYELINER

MAC Fluid Gel Liner in Black Track, £15 for 3g, Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner Black, £7.99 for 10ml

I use MAC for the initial line and then fill in and define with the Maybelline. I find that the Maybelline feathers on its own. The MAC line controls it! 

RE-PURCHASE?

Yes, but I'm always on the look out for a new liner. 

MASCARA

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara, £21 for 6ml; Lancôme Hypnose, £22.50 for 6.ml; Dior Extase, £24.50 for 6ml; YSL Babydoll, £24.50 for 5ml

Estée Lauder does not budge. It's defining, dramatic and does not budge. Sometimes after cleansing three times, I have to do a fourth to get the remaining mascara residue off. Dior is great and doesn't seem to get the recognition that it deserves. I have written a post on it....I need to get on the website asap. YSL Baby Doll is dramatic and defining. The colour can wander but it creates a lovely shape and opens the eyes. It does tend to go off quicker than other mascaras. Lancôme is my every day mascara; easy to apply and easy to get off of an evening. 

REPURCHASE?

Yes to Estée Lauder and YSL. Dior, already have, several times. I also like Armani Eyes to Kill but haven't used it in a while. 

SETTING

Urban Decay Chill Spray, £20 (see separate review here) and the Laura Mercier Setting Powder, £ 29 for 11.3g

Both are good and do what they say. 

REPURCHASE?

I'm going to use MAC powder for a while. I think that my skin has got used to the products and they are not working quite as effectively as they once were. 

PERFUME

Jo Malone Peony and Blush, £40 for 30ml and Tuberose Angelica, £100 for 100ml

REPURCHASE?

Without a shadow of a doubt. Not only do they smell amazing and luxurious but the customer care at Jo Malone is traditional and quite the experience. After visiting the Covent Garden store, I received a hand written note, thanking me for visiting. I was utterly blown away. In this day and age, hand written anything is a shock, but it was such a lovely gesture. Plus, Jo Malone offer a complimentary hand and arm massage. It's advisable to book and be warned, you will want to buy every product that they use. 

 

www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

www.boots.com

www.debenhams.com

www.uk.spacenk.com

www.superdrug.com

www.beautifulbrows.co.uk 

www.maccosmetics.co.uk

www.maybelline.co.uk

www.esteelauder.co.uk

www.lancome.co.uk

www.jomalone.co.uk

Summer Lip Colours

First and foremost, I am an utter child when it comes to any type of product on my lips. I swear, half the time, I seem to eat it off! Useless. So, when I say a lip colour stays in place or works for me, it has been put through rigorous testing. Note to self....leave lip products on the lips. 

There are several things that I want from a lip product: something that feels moisturising, something that is long lasting and a product that has a good applicator.

I have three favourites that I have been wearing a fair bit recently. In hot or warmer weather I tend to stay away from lipstick. There’s no real reason, it’s just a preference. Therefore, the products below are glosses and balms.

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH COLOUR RUSH BALM – I Want Candy

 

THOUGHTS 

This has an amazing colour pay off. It literally lasts all day and even after removing makeup, it’s still faintly there. I've tried the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable and Clinique Chubby Sticks and they pale in comparison.
 
The only negative of the Rimmel Balm is that it is a tad drying. I tend to apply it and then apply a gloss on top or my ever faithful Carmex. I can apply the Rimmel product once (with perhaps one re-application later in the day) but other than that, an occasional Carmex top up is enough. Hurrah! Also, the smell is immense. Extreme sweetness but it's not an 'I’m in a sweetshop and starting to feel nauseous' kind of smell.

To emphasise just how long lasting this product is, the picture below shows what remains after makeup remover and cleanser have been used! Impressive. Although, my lips look swollen in this photo! Instant fillers. Hurrah! 

APPLICATION/PACKAGING

Apply like a lipstick. It’s like a giant crayon but the point makes precision slightly easier.
I feel like I am colouring – it’s wonderful! Chunky and fuchsia pink…nothing better.

REPURCHASE?

Yes. I’m going back to get more colours. Do I need more colours? No, but that is utterly irrelevant.

£5.99 for 2.5g

http://uk.rimmellondon.com 



MAC CREMESHEEN GLASS – BOY BAIT

THOUGHTS

I love the name. Although, I am far too old to be baiting boys…ewww! This is the perfect nude that leaves a glossed lip without colour. It goes over lipsticks and other glosses and is often found in my work bag. It’s really smooth and creamy, without being sticky. I can feel it on my lips, which I like, but it’s not something that my hair will get stuck to on a windy day. There are two negatives: firstly it doesn’t last that long (on me…so it could last for hours on more responsible lip colour wearing people). Secondly, the doe foot applicator is a little sharp. I often feel that it is pulling the lip, rather than gliding across it. However, like usual, MAC lip products smell gorgeous and it is a really handy product.

APPLICATION/PACKAGING

Gloss product with doe foot applicator.

REPURCHASE?

Probably. Not too sure yet. 

£17.50 for 2.7g

www.maccosmetics.co.uk

TANYA BURR LIP GLOSS BY EYE CANDY – Picnic in the Park

THOUGHTS

This is the perfect pink. It’s brighter than a baby pink and isn’t draining on the complexion (I find some baby pink colours make me look ill) yet, it’s not an over the top pink. It’s not too bright but has a bit of umph about it. It smells super sweet, to the point it can be a little much if in a delicate mood and had a few too many tipples the night before. The only negative is that it feels slightly grainy when first applied. However, the colour lasts a fairly long time and it is moisturising.  

APPLICATION/ PACKAGING

I really love the applicator. It’s shape means that it is pliable and fits the shape of the mouth

REPURCHASE?

I have bought several colours and all are nice but this is my favourite. 

£6.99 for 8ml

www.superdrug.com
www.feelunique.com 

MAC's Maleficent Collection – fit for a Disney villain!

BEAUTY NEWS

You can't beat a good MAC collaboration and here at YBBF there are two things we are particularly passionate about: makeup and Disney. So to say we're excited about MAC's Maleficent collection would be an understatement! In keeping with true Disney villain style, it features powders and highlighters for flawless yet dramatically contoured skin, fluttering false eyelashes and a dose of blood red gloss.

With the help of special effects make up artist Rick Baker (who has previously created a collection for MAC), Angelina Jolie brings the classic Sleeping Beauty villain to life, and the Maleficent makeup is a reflection of that classic look.

At the heart of the collection is a beautiful bold red lipstick, True Love's Kiss (pictured above, £16.50). Also pictured above from left to right: Nail Lacquer in Uninvited (£12), Sculpting Powder in Sculpt (£20) and the Maleficent Palette eyeshadow quad (£33).

For the rest of the collection visit www.maccosmetics.com. Now available online and in stores in the US from May 15 to June 26. Don't miss out!

Maleficent is in cinemas from May 30 2014