The Eye Suite

Hi all,

I have been busy filming, editing and uploading a new suite of videos all about eyes today. These are short videos that break down the four stages of eye makeup application in an easy, worksafe way. The first two videos are up, and this is the final look:

Ugh, ghastly photo. But work safe and easy!

BOT Eye Suite #1: Preparation - concealing eye discolouration, eyelid base and sticky primer.

  Products:

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in "Vanilla" - available at all NARS counters and in Sephora

NYX Eyeshadow Base in "White" - available at Target and Rexall (Canada), most US drugstores

Fyrinnae "Pixie Epoxy" - available online(the store is closed at the moment, but keep checking) - This product isn't strictly necessary for this look, but you might want to try it for very glittery/sparkly shadows in order to keep them in place.

BOT Eye Suite #2: Eyeshadow Application - the three-colour method for easy, eye-lifting looks

  Products:

TheBalm "Balmsai" Palette - available at select Rexall (Canada), Ulta (US) and online. 

Shiro Cosmetics Eyeshadow in "What Does This Lever Do?" - available online.

Brushes

I really like Rexall's home brand "Kit" brushes. They are so soft and easy to use, and they blend well. Bonus, they are also very well-priced at ~$5-8CAD per brush, and are available at most Rexall stores in Canada. Of course, both Sigma and Real Techniques brushes are available for Canadians through FTBBeauty, and for Americans at Ulta stores (and Sephora in the US? Let me know!

I'm working on editing and processing the third (eyeliner and mascara) and fourth (eyebrows) videos to complete the suite. As always, let me know what you think!

Til next time,
Amanda

A Very SFW Look

Last night I worked on a look that is VERY safe for work (SFW). It isn't a "no makeup makeup" look, as there are clear indicators of makeup! It's professional and polished, but has some colour in the eyes to make a lady happy. 

Changes to Makeup Over Thirty - Daywear

I'm finding out that it's important to recognize that makeup needs change as we get older, just like skincare, fashion, shoes (I don't know about you, but my 5" stilettos haven't been used in ages!) and so many other things. We are moving up the career ladder and what a 25 year-old entry-level woman can get away with isn't appropriate for 35 year-olds who are rushing from meeting to meeting. 

Polish and professionalism is where it's at on a day-to-day basis and I'm going to talk more about that in an upcoming video.  However, what are we to do with our huge collections? Here are a few suggestions:

• Toss makeup that has been open for more than two years. If you love it and it's old, replace it.
• Curate your daywear collection. Keep products that are your holy grails (i.e. pieces you replace over and over because they work so well for you). 
• Take the time to find your holy grail foundation. Having a perfect match and formula is essential to a polished look. 
• Invest in mid/high-range products for day-to-day. Brands like Hourglass, Guerlain, Tarte, Make Up For Ever and most high-end designer brands (Tom Ford, YSL, Dior, etc) produce makeup that is timeless, polished and usually OK for sensitive skin. Most can be purchased at Sephora. 
• Drugstore brands often produce terrific makeup (Wet N Wild. I'm serious!) but I generally use these products for fun or eye/lip liner. NYX is the exception. If you're on a budget, NYX has everything a lady needs. 

Let me know what you think of this look, and please share your own experiences in changing makeup as you moved forward in your career. I'd love to hear from you!

Product List

*(HG) = my holy grails

Face:

Benefit The PoreFessional (t-zone) (HG)

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer in Green (redness reducing)

Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in Porcelain (possible HG, but I love my MAC!)

Jurlique Rose Finishing Powder

Physician's Formula Bronzer in Light Bronze

Fusion Beauty Blush in Crave (linked because not many people know about this brand)

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl highlighter

Eyes:

Urban Decay Eden Primer Potion

NYX Milk crayon

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette (most of the matte pink colours)

Maybelline Eye Studio gel eyeliner in Charcoal

L'Oréal Voluminous Butterfly mascara in Brown Black (HG)

ELF Brow Kit in Dark

Lips:

NYX lip primer crayon

NYX lip liner in Natural (HG)

Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in 81 Insouciante