I was cleaning my brushes this morning and I found myself wondering if I had to pick a favourite brush what would it be.

The MAC 187 Duo Fibre brush wins hands down. Sure there are other brushes in my collection that are essentials and much more necessary than this one. But this really is my favourite, even if it’s not a staple.

This brush makes foundation application flawless. When used properly it can leave the skin looking airbrushed.

The brush is made from 2 different fibres of different lengths. The white bristles seem quite porous so using this brush to apply foundation directly to the face is not ideal as it gobbles up a lot of product. The flawless effect comes from the blending.

I like to apply my foundation sloppily with my fingers and then blend with this brush.  My foundation has never looked so close to natural skin. I am a happy girl!

It can be use a brush like this with any foundation type. The downside is that it is expensive but I am happy to report that I love my Sigma SS187 just as much and it costs a fraction of the price.

What’s your favourite brush?

Posted on March 6, 2010 @ 18:13

Make-up |

9 Comments

Here is a list of the discounts available for make-up artists. Pro discounts make building your kit much easier. Each company will have different requirements for application so you will need to check their website for a full list. Here is some more information on the brands that offer a pro discount, what percentage they offer and how to apply.

MAC Pro – www.macpro.com

Makeup Artists receive 40% off when you download their pro membership application online and send  2 credentials (certificate, letter from employer, credits etc) (more…)

Posted on February 21, 2010 @ 09:00

Make-up |

10 Comments

This concealer has been in my make-up bag for nearly two years. I still have the same tube. It occurred to me that this is a product I use almost every day and I have never mentioned it. How very dare I!

The good

• Not oily or greasy
• Easy to work with
• Light but good coverage
• Smudge proof
• Sanitary.No need to stick your finger in a pot of product, just squeeze
• Works well under my eyes when I’m tired
• Covers my old spot marks on my chin
• Wide range of shades available for cool and warm skin tones
• It didn’t break me out
• Doesn’t look cakey

The bad

• Looked a little dry when I used it on a spot (but most concealers I have tried do)
• Plasticine scent isn’t really a winner
• Can be too drying on people with a dryer skin
• The cap is tiny, easy to loose.

Ok so it’s not a holy grail product but it does what it’s supposed to do. It’s reliable and that’s what I need in a concealer.

Have you tried select cover up?

Posted on February 20, 2010 @ 01:00

Make-up |

11 Comments

I was recently asked to recommend a few ways to wear MAC Sable eyeshadow. This is one of the most popular and most talked about MAC shadows so I thought I would share how I like to wear it. I would also love to hear how you use it.

My favourite ways to wear this eye shadow:

• A brighter colour on the lid (usually green, purple or pink) and sable smudged right under the eye
• Sable on the lid and a bright colour underneath the eye (I love a flash of turquoise, aquadisiac looks great under the eye with Sable on the lid)
• Phloof (highight shade) on inner third of the eye, Sable on the middle and Antiqued (red brown) in the outer third.
• All that Glitters (shimmery base colour) on the lid and Sable in the crease
• Urban Decay Sin on the lid, Sable in the crease
• Sable on the lid, Black Tied (black with flecks) in the outer corner

How do you wear Sable?

Posted on February 19, 2010 @ 09:00

Make-up |

5 Comments

I have decided to review all of MAC’s foundations. I am often asked which product I recommend for different skin types etc. I will start with the lightest coverage, Face and Body Foundation.

This foundation is water based, longer lasting than oil based products. It feels quite runny when you squeeze it out. I find the scent a little off-putting. I wouldn’t let that deter you though, I have a nose like a bloodhound. It reminds me of Calpol 6 plus (no, not the yummy pink one).

I like using this foundation on clients who need very little coverage, the ones blessed with fantastic skin. It’s also useful for use on men for television, photoshoots etc as it’s very natural. (more…)

Posted on February 13, 2010 @ 09:31

Make-up |

10 Comments

My kit includes a fair amount of MAC products. There are of course plenty of other brands in there but MAC definitely dominates. I love the eyeshadows, blush and lip products. Although I’m not a fan of their foundation or their mascaras.

I have to admit that I cheat a little as I have a MAC Pro card with the full Make-up artist discount. Because of this I tend to stick to MAC and then dabble in other brands. It occurred to me yesterday, whilst standing in the prescription queue at my local pharmacy, that for the price of Revlon Colourstay (in Ireland) I can buy a MAC foundation in the UK/US. This was a little sobering as I often think that I’m saving money by picking products up in Boots. I think it’s time I put my card to work.

Here is my current Eyeshadow wish list: (mostly for my kit) (more…)

Posted on February 12, 2010 @ 16:32

Make-up |

18 Comments

This is from my own experience. Yes, I have been duped many a time! Hopefully you won’t be as silly.

The following items are counterfeit:

MAC Eyeshadows with a mirror and applicator: (pictured above) Yes, it sounds like a genius idea but unfortunately MAC have never made eyeshadows with mirrors or applicators. These are made in the East and sold on ebay. In Ireland our friends and family often bring these back from Thailand and are delighted with the bargain. These shadows are no bargain. I myself bought a few of these from a friend in my teenage years. Awful! (more…)

Posted on January 22, 2010 @ 12:37

Make-up |

16 Comments