Bronzing and Temporary Tanning with Makeup Forever Face & Body

You have probably all seen me rave about Make Up For Ever Face and Body foundation here but I had to bring it up again so I could add how great this product is for bronzing and temporary tanning.

I always start by prepping the skin well making sure I have a really clean well moisturised base to work from before I start applying makeup.

Following the base application I like to sweep the tiniest drop of Face & Body in a gorgeous nutty, tan shade (no.12 is usually perfect) across the apples of the cheeks, bridge of the nose and across the forehead using a dual fibre brush. I really work the product in blending with a light circular motion and build the colour where needed to get a flawless bronzed glow. Remember to pay attention to ears and necks too!

I find the the sheer, slightly dewy finish of the Face & Body gives a more natural tanned look as apposed to many traditional powder based bronzers. When used with a light touch you can let freakles show through too, adding to the natural finish we want.

I also follow the same procedure for the body, buffing a darker shade of Face & Body than I used for the base into the skin. I concentrate the colour where the sun usually hits most such as the shoulders, chest, outer arms, ect and blend, blend, blend, the colour outward.

As the Make Up For Ever Face and Body is transfer and water resistant you don't have to worry about the colour disappearing or ruining clothing which is a huge bonus!

Let me know what tips you have for getting a summer glow by leaving a message in the comments section below.

Tried and Tested: Make Up For Ever Face & Body Foundation

I am a big fan of the Make Up For Ever line of cosmetics and not just because of their generous backstage card discount! Their Face and Body foundation is definitely a 'go to' product for me as I use it on just about every shoot I work on.

Make Up For Ever are one of the few lines to carry such a wide range of colours. With a selection of about 4 - 6 shades in your kit from the lightest to the darkest you shouldn't have a problem mixing a base to match anyone that sits in your chair.

The MUFE F&B base probably wont be favoured by those artists that like to work with products that give medium to heavy coverage even though it is buildable but it suits my way of working and is a kit staple and pro favourite for many.

Rather than covering up the skin I prefer to work with a lighter weight foundation that enhances the natural beauty of the model by just evening out the skin tone which Face and Body is perfect for. Even if I am working with someone with a blemish or two I prefer to use the MUFE F&B and just conceal with a cover up where needed.

The MUFE F&B has an unusual texture straight from the bottle as it is comes in a gel, emulsion formula which needs to be really shaken up to get the silky texture you need for a flawless application. After shaking well I find I get a nice finish by applying the F&B with a regular flat foundation brush roughly all over the face and I follow that by buffing it into the skin with circular motions using a dual fibre brush. You get a subtle dewy finish with this product which I like to combine with a dual finish powder to matt the t-zone and give slightly more coverage in that area.

As the product is transfer resistant and waterproof it is perfect for use on the body in all kinds of situations. I find it works wonders for evening out tan lines! You just need to wait for it to dry and remove any excess product with a tissue before dressing the model.

Although the face and body foundation does only give a light buildable coverage it photographs beautifully which is why I rarely feel the need to reach for another base. The moisturising properties make this foundation very forgiving on those with dry skin and I find it to be a real hit with brides. The natural looking dewy finish is silky to the touch and leaves skin feeling like it can breath which is prefect for bridal, particularly if you work with those who wear little or no makeup day to day.

You can see 4 examples where I have used Make Up For Ever Face and Body by looking at the first page of my website. Click here...

As you can tell I can do little but rave about this product although I would love to hear your thoughts good and bad so please leave a comment if you have something to share.

picture source: makeupforever.com/alexcollinsonline.com

Tried and Tested: Japonesque Precision Lash Curler

This weekend I got the chance to try out the Japonesque Precision Lash Curler while I was assisting Ayami and I can tell you this tool is definitely top of my wish list now.

I like to curl the lashes when doing a makeup application but always find the standard curlers awkward to use and its not always easy to catch all the lashes depending on the models eye shape ect. With the Precision Curler that's not a problem.

I found that once I'd got the hang of handling the small stainless steel curler it was much easier to get into the root of the lashes and really open up the eyes. I also got much better results particularly when curling the outer corners than I did with the regular curler I was using before.

You can work along the lash line curling section by section to get an even curl throughout and with the rounded silicone pad you don't get a harsh line or bend but a smooth sweeping curl. Combined with the Lancome Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base I got the longest curliest lashes ever on each models I worked on!

What Japonesque Say...

"The JAPONESQUE® Precision Eyelash Curler is the expert choice for its superior lash curl and close-up definition. This must- have tool is designed to create dramatic curl exactly where desired, curl the entire lash line or just add lift to the outer corner of the eye. The innovative stainless-steel narrow cage helps target a specific section of lashes for a perfect eye brightening curl. The curler is softly cushioned with a contoured pad for added comfort and control. Includes six refill pads in convenient travel case."

I am definitely a convert but would love to hear if any of you have tried the Japonesque Precision curler so leave a comment and let me know what you think.

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Picture Source: Karomanah 1980's

Tried and Tested: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

I have recently started using the Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser, which I have also added to my skin care kit, and I'm really pleased with its performance.

This cleanser is very gentle and comes in a gel form which feels soothing and refreshing when applied. I like the consistency as it is not too runny and as it is a gel you don't get any greasiness unlike some cream based cleansers I have tried.

You can remove the cleanser by rinsing it off or by using a dry cotton pad which is perfect if your using it in your makeup kit.

It is gentle enough to use around the eye area which I have done with absolutely no stinging or irritation and once removed my skin doesn't feel dry or striped and there is no residue.

I wasn't mad on the smell at first as I prefer a more clean and clinical smell as apposed to floral. This falls somewhere in the middle with a sort of 'natural plant extract' smell but i got over that quickly and don't mind it at all now.

What Dermologica say...

Recommended for environmentally sensitised skin.

An extremely gentle cleansing gel-cream designed to shield against external environmental assaults with Dermalogica’s exclusive Anti-Ozonate Complex. Contains Lavender, Echinacea and Raspberry extracts for their calming properties.

Effectively removes eye makeup and can be either rinsed off or removed with cotton. Leave no irritating residue and is formulated for even the most hypersensitive skin that cannot tolerate water. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour.

Leave me a comment and tell me which cleaner you use and your thoughts on the Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser.

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Tried and Tested: Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara

I have been a fan of Maybelline's Volum' Express mascara for several years now as I love that it makes my lashes look thicker and fuller but I have been bowled over by Maybelline's latest edition, The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara.

My first encounter with this mascara was whilst shopping for munchies with a friend who bought it on an impulse.

With just a couple of strokes her lashes look a.m.a.z.i.n.g and seemed to double in length. She doesn't wear that much makeup in the day so I thought perhaps it wasn't all down to the mascara and that maybe she just had fabulous long lashes I hadn't noticed before....

Fast forward to Jan and I actually got my hands on some and I am really, really impressed. Every mascara says 'no clumps' on the tube but that's not always strictly true in practice. I can actually confirm there were no clumps and after wearing all day it didn't flake either. This mascara added length to my lashes and looked incredibly light and natural on close inspection.

I tend to think its the brush that makes all the difference to the look of the lashes after application which is why I don't carry high end brands in my kit. I was surprised then to find that even when using a disposable wand to apply to one eye you couldn't tell the difference between the lashes I used the Maybelline brush on.

At only £4.84 at Boots right now don't take my word for it try it for yourself and let me know what you think!

What Maybelline say....

• Creates 9X the volume, instantly.
• Patented MegaBrush + Collagen Formula plump lashes one by one
• Dramatic Volume with no clumps
• Washable

For Best Results Sweep brush upwards from root to tip to plump individual
lashes and achieve dramatic volume. Continue building lashes until you reach
your desired look. Do not let dry between coats. Repeat for lower lash line.
Removes easily with soap and water or Maybelline® New York Expert Eyes® Eye
Makeup Remover Towelettes.

Looking forward to hearing you thoughts. Leave me a comment below...

Picture Source: maybelline.com