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Wedding top tips
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Congratulations Kate and William! It's never too late for some wedding makeup tips for the perfect look...
If you're getting married soon then here is Jasmine's step by step guide to long lasting natural looking wedding makeup.
Being a bride is stressful. So it's not uncommon for to have an unfortunate zit on the morning of your wedding. Apply the fast acting and colourless Zit Zapper to take down the worst of the redness and swelling.
Next up we have a primer. Primers help to fill in fine lines and pores without blocking them and allow makeup to glide flawlessly over them. Apply a very thin layer of this lightweight gel to powder formula to cleansed and moisturised skin. Only apply to areas of your face where you might be oilier or touch frequently (such as nose and chin).
If you have redness or discolouration such as veins or dark circles then use a colour corrective concealer first. Remember to dab gently trying not to rub, corrective concealers are not meant to blend away as they sit under foundation and your normal concealer blocking out discolouration. Use sparingly, building up in gentle layers until the discolouration is blocked. Your foundation whether powder, liquid or cream will cover the corrective concealer.
Less is more with foundation, only apply it where it is needed and blend along the hair line and down the neck for a flawless look. If you are wearing your hair up, then don't forget to apply foundation to your ears! Mineral foundation is great for combination and oily skins, All Over Cover Sticks are ideal for drier skins.
At this stage you should need a minimal amount of concealer as the corrective concealer and foundation have done most of the work. To look bright and fresh choose a liquid concealer under the eyes (Undereye Concealer & Highligher) and blend with a small fluffy brush (such as the Blending Eye Brush). If you can still see a discolouration or spot use a thicker concealer such as the Studio Concealer or Studio Concealer Pencil & Brush. Use either of these but be very precise and only cover the area needed. Gently blend around the area, careful not to blend away the concealer.
Apply a thin layer of All Over Colour Stick as a cream blush, this lasts much longer than powder blush and adds depth and lustre to your look. You can also apply a little Shimmering Facial Whip to eye brow bone, tops of the cheekbone and cupids bow of the lip. But not too much or flash photography will make you look like a glitter ball!
At this stage you can consider contouring your face, using the All Over Cover Stick in a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone, common places are nose, cheekbones, forehead and jawline. Apply and blend with a damp sponge. This is worth practising until you are comfortable with the look and to avoid harsh lines.
I prefer to use the Mineral Booster as a setting powder, it is very finely milled and gives an airbrushed look and feel as it is so light and long lasting. Gently dust over a light layer, push in to the skin with a clean cosmetic sponge and brush away all the excess to avoid a cakey look.
For a neutral, but emphasised look I use neutral tones such as those from the Every Day or Basic Eyes Beauty Encyclopedia, these tones suit every skin tone and eye colour. Start by using aneye lid primer and set that with your setting powder. This will really lock your eye shadows into place. Pick four eyeshadow colours. First, a neutral satin shade which is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply this all over the lid and up to the brow bone. Then carefully take a coffee or black cream eyeliner and line very closely to the lash lines going in between the lashes, emphasising the outer corners by making them a little thicker. Now take your second shadow which is a mid-tone brown/grey perhaps one or two shades darker than your skin tone and semi matte. Apply this on the outer corner and slightly above the crease and blend gently. Then take a darker shadow, close to your eyeliner shade and using a precision brush, trace your liner and crease for emphasis. My favourite eyeshadow for adding a bit of lustre to the eyes and looks gorgeous in photography is the Mineral Eyeshadow in Celebrity. Place a small dab on the ball of the eyelid (the roundest part of the eyelid) and blend gently.
Curl your lashes using an eyelash curler and apply two or three coats of mascara, waterproof of course, concentrating on reaching every single lash but the outer ones the most. Comb through to remove any excess and to separate and elongate your lashes.
A lot of brides ignore their eyebrows, but they are essential to pulling together the look. Gently brush the eyebrows into shape and apply a thin layer of the wax from the kit. Using a stencil really helps if you want a defined look or just some guidance! Then apply the powder or a clear eyebrow mascara to set them.
A natural blushing colour is all that is needed, choose something which is one or two shades deeper or more intense than your natural lip colour. The Mineral Lipstick in Rustic Brick or Rosy Tan are excellent choices for all complexions, apply in thin layers up to the desired intensity. Using a lip definer pencil or lip lock pencil will keep it lasting longer. A hint of lipgloss on the centre of the lips helps to make the lips look fuller.
A blush that is less intense than your eye and lip colours will complete the look. I have found that the Mineral Blushes are the longest lasting and most pigmented, Joy is a gorgeous shade that suits most skin tones. If you are unsure of a colour then consider a light bronzer over the cheekbones and temples.
If it is hot, humid or you're prone to facial perspiration, then apply a light layer of Makeup Mist & Set Spray before leaving for your ceremony.
Things to keep with you on your wedding day (give these to your bridesmaids and later your husband for safe keeping):
Translucent powder compact and lipgloss for photography touch-ups!
Things to remember: If you are doing your own makeup, make opportunities to practice your look a few times before the big day so you can tweak colours and refine your techniques. Things will be easier on your wedding day if you can give yourself plenty of time. Any mistakes can be erased easily. Keep a supply of cotton wool buds and makeup remover wipes handy. Apply lipstick and mascara after you have put on your dress, but then cover your dress with a towel or robe to avoid smudges. Clean your hands regularly whilst applying your makeup to avoid smudges on your face and dress.
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Love from e.l.f.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Roses are red; violets are blue; use our makeup tips to find the romantic in you!
As couples across the country rekindle their love for each other, Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to break the makeup mould. Whether you’re going all out for a candle-lit dinner or simply cuddling on the sofa with a DVD, try these Valentine-inspired looks from e.l.f. to help ensure you have anunforgettable night with your significant other.
Romantic Valentine’s Day – pink smoky
Create a pink smoky eye with the Brightening Eye Color in Glam. Use the darker shade in the crease of the eyelid or as a soft eyeliner. Add a touch of colour to cheeks with the Natural Radiance Blusher in Shy. Take a brush and sweep gently over the powder, tap excess powder off the brush and then blend into the apples of cheeks. Apply the Lipstick in Classy to lips and blend in colour. This pink shade glides easily onto lips. Complete look with a coat of Nail Polish in Light Pink or Innocent. This colour-lock formula with chip resistant shield gives long lasting nail colour with high shine.
Sexy Valentine’s Day – Hollywood glamour
Glide Mineral Eyeshadow in Celebrity over the whole eyelid using your fingertips or an eyeshadow brush. Worn either wet or dry, this shimmery colour really helps eyes stand out. Create “come to bed” lashes with the all-in-one Hollywood Eyelashes Kit. The kit includes a lash applicator, lash stand, false lashes and adhesive glue. The e.l.f. Nail Polish in Red Velvet is an opulent deep red colour which adds a luxurious touch to any evening outfit. Finish off by creating a perfectly kissable Valentine’s Day mouth with Studio Lip Stain in Red Carpet. The long-wear formula provides full coverage that lasts for hours. Apply the stain to bare lips and allow to dry for a matte finish. Then add the clear gloss on top of the colour for a shiny effect.
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Confessions of a (Hand) Bag Lady
Friday, January 28, 2011
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What’s a better way to get know a lady, than to take a peek inside her handbag? So I thought I’d let you into mine, to see what it reveals.
For starters, I love handbags – and I’m not a one-bag kinda gal! I chop and change depending on my outfit and the occasion, but I do have a core of friendly regular-use handbags; enormous for air travel (now that regulations on hand luggage are so tight), gigantic (for everyday) and large (for work). Did I mention I like big handbags?! Hmmm – I don’t exactly travel light!
So, what do I have inside these mammoth sacks? Of course I have the basics – phone, purse, comb…but what else weighs so much? Well there’s my diary and a pen, essential for remembering where I’m supposed to be, writing lists (endless lists...) and jotting down ideas for new burlesque routines and costumes (which often spring to mind at the least convenient moments!), sunglasses (a bit hopeful in January, I’ll agree) and business card holder. Emery board for on-the-go nail repairs, Kirby grips for hairstyle maintenance, tissues (in a little embroidered pouch which reads “Anna Fur Laxis” – made by my mum) and painkillers for headaches. So far, so sensible. Anything silly? Not yet. There are gloves (lace for summer, warmer ones for winter days), ear-phones for listening to my music before I perform, eyelash glue for falselash disasters and glitter for showgirl sparkle.
Oh my goodness I can’t believe I almost forgot – tea bags! My tipple of choice is Earl Grey, and I can’t rely on being able to get a cup when I need it (I go so far as to carry a kettle when travelling abroad for shows, but more on that another day) so I carry individually-wrapped teabags with me for emergencies.
But the most important section of my handbag’s contents is my makeup. I carry a tiny sparkly makeup bag which easily transfers between handbags, is never forgotten, and contains the holy grail of essential cosmetics. What’s in there? I shall tell you!
First of all, a mirror, so you can see if you even need a makeup touch-up! (mine has my axe-throwing logo on it, designed by Artist Kev Grey, and available at www.annafurlaxis.com). Next, pressed powder, for powdering one’s nose. e.l.f. have several of these little beauties to choose from, and my favourite is the Studio Pressed Powder in Porcelain. The compact is sleek and smart, but if you prefer vintage accessories, it’s easy enough to transfer your modern powder in to a vintage compact, using instructions which are easily found with a quick online search.
My final handbag essential, arguably the most essential item in my whole handbag: red lipstick and a lip brush. I know you can apply lipstick straight from the tube, but you’ll get a more precise, even and longer-lasting result with brush. Try e.l.f.’s “ Posh” or “ Cheerful Cherry”.
So that’s it. That’s Anna in a handbag!
Anna xx
Get Anna's look:
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Look fresh all day
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
It’s an all too familiar situation: you’ve applied your makeup at the start of the day, and by the end of a hard day’s work, it’s completely vanished!
Try our fabulous Studio Makeup Mist & Set spray. This magic formula sets makeup, meaning that dreaded ‘powdery’ look is avoided and skin is hydrated. A quick spritz is all you need to ensure your makeup stays looking as fresh as when you applied it. The spray also comes in a handbag friendly size so won’t add any unnecessary bulk to your makeup bag.
The Studio Makeup Mist & Set spray combines aloe, green tea and cucumber to cool skin, and Vitamins A, C and E to nourish and moisturise skin. The lightweight, alcohol free formula improves makeup wearability while preventing application from running or fading.
Top tips
After applying makeup, spray a light mist 15-20 cm from your face with eyes closed to set makeup in place. It can also be used throughout the day for a quick touch up to refresh makeup and to hydrate skin. Let the mist dry naturally or blot with a tissue to help dry faster.
What the press say...
“Like a hairspray for the face, it will give your makeup hold as well as moisturising your skin” (Cosmopolitan)
“This spray sealer works especially well over eye makeup. Make this your new night-out must-have.” (Look)
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Welcome to 2011!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Our Facebook fans are great at making New Year's beauty resolutions!
* To find a quick makeup routine for every day;
* To experiment with smoky eye looks;
* To take off all makeup before bed and use a good skin care routine;
* To drink more water.
To go with those admirable resolutions, here are a few easy ones from e.l.f. If they are new to you, why not give them a try?
Clear out and replace worn out, old and expired makeup with fresh new items. Gloopy lipglosses, caked powder puffs and dishevelled brushes would be better off replaced with joyfully fresh and new ones.
Organise your makeup for maximum speed and efficiency on those rushed days. Isn't there always an annoying powdery residue from a half closed blush or smashed shadow in there? Reinvigorate your old makeup bags and holders, use a damp soapy sponge to clean the inside of your makeup bag. If you discover it is beyond salvation, why not replace it with a stylish new one from our range.
Clean brushes more often with our antibacterial brush cleanser and weekly with our brush shampoo. You'll be surprised at how much better your brushes work and how much clearer your skin will look.
Sharpen pencils and wipe lipsticks/creams to keep them clean and germ free.
Replace mascara every three months and clean the wand every week using tissue or a wipe to avoid build up of clumpy old mascara.
Try something new, add primers and finishing powders to your routine to keep makeup looking fresh and polished.
What are your New Year's resolutions this year?
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