YOUR MAKEUP: What's in vogue VERSUS what works for your face.

Hey ladies! It has definately been more than a while. My apologies. So a few months back, I wrote this article for 100 percent woman, a  South African magazine (www.100percentwoman.co.za) and i thought to post a part of it for you.

Makeup, just like fashion, evolves with new trends and styles, though a bit more slow paced . As a result of this, there's usually a tendency for us to move with the trend and somewhat disregard our own facial peculiarities. There's definitely nothing wrong with trying out new stuff with our looks, but be sure get second opinion especially from people that have a great sense of style before you "go public". Also remember that- because it looks good on Brenda doesn't mean it'l be cool on you.  
Your Lips 
Your lips are either full, thin, or medium. During the trend of using very contrasting lip liners and lipsticks, if you're a sister with really thin lips, this might not b very ideal for you. Though it's always necessary for you to line your lips for definition before applying your lipstick, using very contrasting colours (a deep brown n a pink) would only make your lips look "button size" which we must admit isn't very flattering. Using matte lipsticks without a hint of gloss though workable, depending on the shade of your lipcolour wouldn't be as glam on you as when u wear it glossy or creamy as that adds volume and dimension to your lips. (Light colours add volume to almost anything it's on- from ur body to your lips.) so quit wishing you could afford a lip botox and rock your bright lippies with some gloss.
  Hey full-lipped sisters! I hope u love your lips, some people could pay a fortune to get'em. Who told you dark lip liners were made for you? Well maybe...but hey, u can rock almost anything. Here's d trick for you, don't wear any lippies that would give your lips more volume (they're already your perfect size). Cut down on the use of glosses except when u have very contrasting liners n lipsticks on. Rock your nude colours if they're in style and you like them. Don't be afraid to try out an all-red lipstick (matte only please), just be sure to get the shade that suits your complexion. If you have medium sized lips, you have the advantage of being able to explore around trends-from colours to textures to liners. But bear in mind that dark colours would make ur lips look smaller and bright colours give a fuller effect. So girls, make your selections based on the pout effect you'd like to create. 
Your Eyes
For flattering your eyes, the trick is in knowing what dark/ light colours do To your eyes. Black liners close up /reduce your eyes while white liners open up / brighten and give your eyes a lift when they're droopy or look tired. For slight redness in the eyes, a white liner in the waterline then a black or brown one on the lash-line just outside the whitened waterline. (This only applies for considerably slight redness otherwise eye makeup should be avoided totally) .So when coloured liners get in vogue, make your choice concerning what suits your eyes- black liners to create smaller eyes and white or other light shades for those bolder or more prominent eyes.   

I already have gone past where i thought i would but for you, I'm sure it's worth it. See you soon girls, and for the guys that snuck a peek(lol)...enjoy!

7 commandments of makeup

Hiya!
Did your eyes just pop at d sight of the title ? Yes, a good number of us would have been jailed repeatedly for the numerous crimes we commit against our faces daily.

Thou shall moisturize your face before applying makeup:
Having an oily skin is a common excuse for skipping this step, but shouldn't be. In fact, not using a mosturizer after washing your face, before using ur makeup "provokes" ur skin to produce more oils. Thankfully, there are oil-free moisturizers in the market that aren't too pricey and make our entire makeup settle well on us, leaving us with no excuses for not moisturizing before makeup.
(Whisper: a moisturizer will make your face less prone to a breakout from long wear of makeup)

Thou shall blend the edges of ur face PROPERLY after applying your foundation. A foundation, just as the name implies acts as a base for the rest of your makeup to create a more lasting wear. So just as the foundation of a building isn't meant to be seen, ur foundation(though with the needed coverage) should be made as invisible as can be, and should not form a line at the edge of your jaw line. Blend with a brush or sponge into the surrounding area(neck and ears).

Thou shall not use a black or red pencil for ur brows.
I have to admit here that I'm usually "awestruck" whenever I see any color that's not a brown used as a brow pencil.(I wonder what ladies that use red are thinking). The popular choice of black brow pencil is due to the perception that our brow hairs are black which creates a very un-natural effect. (Whisper: pencil thin brows aren't in style anymore, a nice arch that compliments your face will do.)

Thou shall not leave bare skin between your eyeliner and your lashes.
You can fix this by stretching your lid with your forefinger and going as close to your lashes as possible, then come back to fill any gaps. Your liner should accentuate your eyes without saying "hey, I've got my eyes lined". Gel and liquid liners are easier to work with.

Thou shall not apply blush as a circle on the apples of your cheeks.
Your blush can add a pop of glow and life to your face as it can make u clown-like. Blush should be applied on ur cheekbones in an outward direction towards your ears. You can make a fish-face to find ur cheekbones, smiling will hide them and make you apply your blush higher than appropriate. Bear in mind too that with the blush, less is better, so you can soften your blush by going over it with some powder.

Thou shall not line your lips without blending the lines all around.
We know it's called a lip liner, but to redefine and perfect the shape of your lips from your cupid all the way round. Line your lips making the extra effort (with a lip brush or your lightest finger ) to blend the color into your lips in order to get rid of any harsh lines.

Thou shall not be completely "anti-makeup". Some ladies would rather be completely natural "no matter the occasion ". But applying makeup isn't an all or nothing deal! I hold special sentiments to this particular commandment probably because of my profession, but hey...whether it's a simple concealing of dark circles or a little nude lipgloss or blush to warm up the skin, almost everyone can benefit from SOME makeup.

Whatever you do, keep being beautiful and always remember that no matter what goes out of style, well applied makeup is always in style . Toodles

My very first post

Hiya!
I've procastinated on starting my own blog for over a year now but by self motivation and inspiration from some people who probably are unaware of how much they've inspired me...here it is! my first post. #naughtychildgrinon my face.
So I can compare how i feel right now to trying out a new dress as a child.

Keep your eyes on this space because i'm going to be writing about anything and almost everything that's up my alley- The craft of MAKEUP, yes i like to call it a craft, not just an art(reasons will probably be discussed in another post). Toodles.