Label Your Kit

While your spring cleaning your kit why not get labeling to help stop items in your kit going walk about.

Creature Comforts have 4 sets of gorgeous labels for you to download - for free!

You can use picture editing software such as Photoshop or Gimp to add your name or hand write your labels before sticking to your palettes and bottles with double sided tape and covering with sticky back paper.

Enjoy...

Find more DIY freebies from Creature Comforts here... :)

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POUT Fashion Networking Event 19th March 2009 Update

I'm looking forward to meeting some of you, for an afternoon of cakes and networking tomorrow afternoon.

POUT have just announce that Ruby&Millie will be sponsoring one of the featured guests, meaning some nice surprises in our gift bags!

They have also revealed there will be 3 special guests at the event - all of whom are apparently successful and fantastic at what they do in their area of the industry. You will be able to see live examples of their work, talk to them about their journey and make vital connections for future projects.

The event is open to make-up artists, designers, models, pr agents, editors, photographers and fashion bloggers so if you haven't secured your ticket yet click here...

Spring Clean Your Makeup Kit

Spring is definitely in the air today so what better time to give your kit a spring clean!

The best place to start with a spring clean is to have a clear out and get rid of any old or damaged products. If you have makeup in your kit that is past its expiry date its no longer going to be safe, clean or effective so there is no point holding on to something if its past its prime.

Nearly all cosmetics have an open jar symbol with the number of months you can safely use the product for once opened. If a products smell, colour or texture appears to have changed its definitely a sign a product should be tossed.

Unless otherwise stated on the product use these makeup expiry dates as a guide to how long you should keep a product once opened.

3 months
Mascara
6 months
Eye Cream
6-12 months
Toner
1 year
Moisturisers/Cleansers/Foundation/Concealer
1-2 years
Lipstick/Lip Pencils/Eye Pencils
2 years
Powders/Eye Shadow/Blush/Cream Blush

Give everything that's left a good wipe down. Cosmetic wipes and some paper towel are great for this plus you can spray palettes with alcohol to make sure they are clean and sanitary. Replace any travel bags that are worse for wear or have broken zips and give your main case or bag a really good scrub.

If you have any cracked or broken eye shadows or blushes that you just cant bare to part with check out this tutorial for re-pressing broken shadows from Enkore here...

Although you should be cleaning your brushes between each use to keep them sanitary a regular deep clean will help keep your brushes in good condition.

• Gently rinse your brush under the tap being careful not to let water run up into the handle.
• You can then use a tiny drop of shampoo in your hand and swirl the brush round until you have a nice lather.
• Rinse again making sure the water runs clear.
• Reshape the bristles and leave to dry hanging over the table edge so air can circulate all round the brush.
• Tip: For lip and eye liner brushes which can be harder to remove product from try rubbing a drop of olive oil into the bristles and wiping on a paper towel until most of the colour has come out before shampooing.

Finally replace any sponges and puffs in your kit that have seen better days and stock up on disposables as you will get a better deal if you buy in bulk at a beauty supply store every few months.

Throw your personal makeup bag in the wash or treat yourself to a nice new bag. I prefer clear travel bags as you can see what you have which saves time rummaging in the morning. They are also good as they can be wiped clean.

As a guide you should clean your personal brushes monthly and wash reusable sponges and powder puffs on a weekly basis so there is not a big build up of product or dirt.

To clean sponges and puffs rub an anti bacterial hand wash into the sponge whilst still dry and really work it into the areas that are stained with product. You can then rinse until the water runs clear and leave to air dry. If that seems like too much hard work most quality sponges can be put through a gentle cycle in your washing machine. You can get mesh sponge bags for use in machines from PAM

Although its good to have a blitz of your kit every few months to deep clean, restock and replace items in your kit it is essential that you keep on top of cleaning between jobs so your kit is sanitary. No one wants to work with an artist who's kit is dirty and disorganised. Take a look at my Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Makeup Kit Clean and Sanitary.

Do you have any tips for keeping clean and organised? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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Picture Source: The beautiful spring blossom picture is from the Abby Try Again blog and can be bought as a print here.

POUT Fashion Networking Event 19th March 2009

POUT are holding a fantastic networking event for women in the fashion industry this Thursday 19th March in London.

The afternoon is a chance for makeup artists, hairstylists, models, photographers, stylists, designers, and fashion and beauty bloggers to network and get to know each other a little better over a relaxed afternoon of tea and cakes in West London.

It would be great to meet some of you so let me know if your going to be there so I can say hi!

Tickets are £5 which include all the lovely cakes and tea but they are limited so get yours quick! Visit POUT for tickets and more info.

Picture Source:Claudia Assas

Links to Love: FashionFace.tv

Makeup artists Samantha and Nicola Chapman have launched FashionFace.tv to better showcase the makeup tutorials that have bought them a huge following on their YouTube channel.

Sam and Nicola bring you everything from period looks from the 1920's through to the 1980's, celebrity inspired looks from Blondi to Beyonce and on trend looks from the catwalk and basic makeup application.

As well as the tutorials FashionFace.tv also has a forum where both pros and beauty fanatics can talk makeup, get help and advice and meet other like minded people. You can also follow Sam and Nicola on their blog here...

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Twitter...Whats it All About?

I succumbed to the lure of Twitter a while ago but I have only just managed to get my head around the whole business of tweeting so thought now was a good time to announce that you can Follow Me!

When I first signed up I'll admit I didn't really get what the fuss was about but I was determined to give it a try. I didn't think I had anything particularly interesting to say nor did I have a desire to know that random 'followers' were "eating breakfast!" or other trivial details of their day.

The more I persevered and followed others the more I began to understand that there was more to twitter than it seemed. I have since found that Twitter is a really powerful, fast paced tool that is excellent for sharing of information and staying connected with those around you.

For those that don't know, Twitter is basically a way of communicating with friends by exchanging short updates called Tweets which are limited to 140 characters or less. These messages are posted to your Twitter page, sent to your friends who are called 'Followers' and are searchable on Twitter search. To find out more about Twitter click here...

If you would like to Follow me and receive my updates on Twitter click here...

As I said before I'm not particularly interested if you are "eating lunch!" so I try not to inflict those kind of Tweets on my followers either. But what can you use twitter for?

I like that through Twitter you easily build a community of like minded people who are all swapping tit-bits of information. If I'm surfing the web and come across something I like or think others would be interested in I post a link telling my followers all about it on Twitter. I have found so many great blog posts and new websites that I have been introduced to through updates posted by those I follow.

I also often use twitter to announcing new blog posts or ask questions relating to a piece I'm thinking of writing to find out what peoples interest and opinions are on the topic. I like that I can also get a better understanding of those that are reading my blog and what you like by watching what you are tweeting.

Another great thing about twitter is there always seems to be someone there! Got a question and need an answer now? Tweet it and you will probably get an answer almost instantly from those Following you. Achieved something and want to shout it from the roof top? Someone will give you a virtual pat on the back. Struggling to find something or need inspiration? You could find just what you need by Tweeting the problem to your Followers.

Most of all Twitter is fun. You cant get too bogged down with floods of info when people can only send you short bursts that take seconds to read. Its then your choice if something catches your eye to follow the link.

Let me know what you think of Twitter. I would love to know what you use Twitter for so please leave a comment.

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

Top 10 Blogs To Bookmark

You may have noticed the top ten blogs to bookmark list pop up on my side bar last week so I thought I would let you know what these blogs are all about...

Calestine makeup artist Amy Chance shares her makeup obsessions and the work she does for high profile clients and magazines through her blog The Amy Face.



Jennine Tamm, founder of the Independent Fashion Bloggers, posts stylish self portraits on The Coveted to accompany her personal style posts as well as covering a wide variety of topics centred around style, beauty and fashion culture with contributors Sonja and Kezia.

Examples of fashion photography at its best are compiled on deMode to create an excellent resource for inspiration and research.

Kit Lee's blog The Fashion Assistant and Her Camera illustrates the fashion world through her behind the scenes pictures taken while working as a fashion stylists assistant.

Get your Parisian street style fix with Garance Dore. Beautiful fashion illustrations and street style photographs are showcased along side her well written personal thoughts on style, dressing and fashion trends.

Follow the trials and tribulations of Jessica Jean Myers, a Canadian makeup artist living and working in Shanghai.

Spoiled Pretty is the beauty bloggings of Daneen, who not only reviews makeup, skincare and beauty products but also gets to go behind the scenes to bring her readers interviews, trends and tips.

For those who err on the side of caution when it comes to fashion, live vicariously through fashion forward Susie Bubble. Amongst posts on designers, trends and anything that catches her eye Susie documents her amazing and sometimes outlandish outfits on her blog Style Bubble.

Follow the work of New York based pro, Lottie Stannard, through her blog Superfluous Lotstar.

The We Love Beauty blog has makeup artist profiles and interviews, how to's, tips and tricks and insider secrets from the likes of Billy B and Paul Starr all rolled into one.

I would love to know which blogs get your stamp of approval so let me know what you have bookmarked by leaving a comment. (please don't post your own blog!)

Top 3 Products Seen Backstage at Fashion Week

So what were the cult beauty products seen everywhere backstage this season? Here are the top three...

Evian Face Mist - This product was definitely a hit with the male models as I heard several requesting it back stage at both the James Long and Tim Soar shows at LFW!

This is a 3 in 1 product to moisturise and tone whilst re-hydrating the skin. The Evian Face Mist is a great prep product to refresh stressed out, tired skin. I also saw a few artists using the Evian spray to slightly moisten their sponges before using them to blend cream foundations.

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate - I saw this stashed in many kits this season and here's why. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate is a brilliant all round moisturiser that is particularly great for rescuing dry, flaky, dehydrated skin to give you a smooth and nourished canvas to work on.

Bioderma Crealine H2O Cleansing Solution - Yep another french brand with a cult following so next time you hop across the channel stock up. The Bioderma Crealine H2O Cleansing Solution is a super gentle, fragrance free, calming cleanser that performs.

I did a little investigating to find out what makes this popular cleanser so great so here's the science bit... "Solution of fatty acid esters, both emulgatory and filmogenous, enables dirt to be emulsified and surface hydrolipidic film to be reconstituted.Soothing and emollient, thanks to cucumber extract.Non detergent, non foaming, neutral pH. Soap free."

Let me know what the staples are in your kit that you couldn't do with out come fashion week. I would also be interested to know what you think of these products if you use them so leave a comment if you have something to add!

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Picture Source: CLTNYC

Understanding the Basics of Colour Theory

Knowing the theory behind colour is essential for any artist as an understanding of colour theory will help you when selecting and applying colour. Having an eye for colour and knowing what colours work together should also give you more confidence as a makeup artist.

Using a colour wheel can help you when designing makeup looks by guiding you when deciding on a colour palette or when looking for colours that will work to enhance a particular eye colour for example.

Here are the basics you should know about colour theory and the colour wheel.

Primary Colours
The Primary Colours are Red, Blue and Yellow and they cannot be made by mixing any other colours.

Secondary Colours
Two primary colours can be mixed to produce the Secondary Colours.
Red + Yellow = Orange
Red + Blue = Purple
Blue + Yellow = Green

Tertiary Colours
Tertiary colours can be made by mixing a primary with its adjacent secondary colour. See the wheel above for examples.

Warm and Cool
Red, Orange and Yellow tend to seem closer and stand out more than the cool colours Blue, Violet and Green which can appear to recede.

Complimentary Colours
Colours that are opposite each other on the wheel are complimentary colours and consist of one Primary and one Secondary colour. When these colours are placed next to each other they appear brightest and when mixed together will produce a neutral grey tone. To make a colour darker don’t add black but add its complimentary partner
The complimentary partners are Blue and Orange, Yellow and Violet, Red and Green.

Do you find the colour wheel helpful when designing makeup looks? Let me know if you found this post useful or if you have anything else to add by leaving a comment.