Cruelty Free brands

 

Since becoming a makeup artist one thing has stood out to me more than before - animal testing. When applying just a beauty balm and lipbalm was enough I didn't take much notice of the brands I was using. To be honest I closed my eyes and ears to cruelty in any form, not wanting to know the bad stuff going on in the world. If a nasty picture of an animal testing flashed before me I would glance away thinking 'I don't want to see that'. That doesn't mean it's not happening though. As I started adding more and more makeup to my kit I started to see that I could be aiding these horrendous tests! That thought was numbing. During my research I found everyday brands that I've used for ages that are tested on animals - Chapstick, Aquafresh, Clean & Clear and Febreze are both Procter & Gamble products, Dove, Comfort, Vasaline and even MAC!

 

I adore animals - in my households there have been hamsters, fish, stick insects, lizards, guinea pigs, cats and dogs. I volunteered at The Dogs Trust in Snetterton for 1 morning a week for 2 years. It was a 45min journey one way and I savoured the time I got to spend with all the different breeds - giving them a chance to leave their kennels and get some much needed exercise. The state at which some dogs came into the centre is very distressing for the staff to see. You would hear the stories of animals being tied to the gate for the staff to find because the owners are to gutless to admit how they have neglected the poor animals. Have you watched Paul O Grady's love of Dogs?

 

So I decided that if I'm going to be in this industry that I was not going to aid in any animal testing. The best way to do this? Use brands that are against cruelty. There are already lists available on Peta and Leaping Bunny but it would take you hours to go through them all. The simplest way to see if the brands you're using are cruelty free is to look for the bunny logo on the bottles. 

 

 

Unfortunately, three of the largest cruelty-free companies, Avon, Mary Kay and Estee Lauder, recently resumed animal testing in order to satisfy legal requirements in China, so that they could sell their products there. Revlon, which was one of the first large mainstream companies to go cruelty-free, is now selling in China but will not answer questions about their animal testing policy. Because of their refusal to answer questions, Revlon is now on the cruel list. Products sold in the EU remain free of testing since march 2013, see my post all about it here.

 

Below is my own list of brands which I have researched and found to be cruelty free. There are some known and unknowns which are worth checking out.

 

Bare Faced Minerals 

B. Makeup

Beauty so clean
Evamar Beauty Solutions

Eyes Lips Face (e.l.f)

Dermalogica
Face Atelier
Furless (Australian)

Kryolan

Limecrime
LUSH
Mehron

NYX

Stila

Sugarpill
The Body Shop
Too Faced

Urban Decay

 

You will notice that I have listed 2 brands which are owned by L'Oreal (who everyone knows tests on animals). Why are Urban Decay and The Body Shop on my list then? This is a grey area and causes the most questions and opinions. When a cruelty-free company is owned or acquired by a parent company that tests on animals. For example, The Body Shop is cruelty-free, but was acquired by L’Oreal in 2006. Although The Body Shop still does not test its products on animals, L’Oreal continues to conduct animal testing. They were acquired on one condition - that they stay separate from L'Oreal and no animal testing at any stage of the process is carried out. It is your own choice whether you choose to use these companies or not.

 

In my opinion if we all stopped using the cruelty free brands owned by the parent brands what kind of message are we sending back to them? If we were to JUST use Urban Decay and The Body Shop and boycott any other brand underneath L'Oreal then at some point they will have to adjust their business strategy as they will see their primary income coming from the brands who do not test on animals.

 

Remember that an animal may only be a small part of your life but to them you are their whole world! Treat them with the love that they deserve.

 

To see the full list of brands that are cruelty free visit Petas' website as linked earlier. Please accept that these are my own views and respect my opinion before commenting. Would you like me to post about the brands that DO test on animals and who to avoid?

 

Wendy xo

Homemade Christmas Beauty

 

I've always been a big fan of homemade products (especially if their edible). One Christmas I made rum truffles and cookies and packaged them up in cute bags for gifts. It was a nice change from the usual store bought presents. There was always the odd person who thought I was being "cheap". They can't appreciate the time and love that goes into making something special, it's such a shame. So I was quite excited when my boyfriend came home from his works party with a little something for me.

 

His workmate Leah had made a little lip balm for me. My first thought was GERMS! I'm terrible I know but I don't like to use my hands to apply things. I prefer to use tube sticks. Understandably these would have cost more. I plan on keeping it in my bathroom for use after exfoliating my lips. Surely it's not just me who gets dry lips after a good brushing. I asked Leah kindly if I could write a blog post about her little homemade products and she was happy to share her secret.

 

Leah says, "I decided this Christmas that the ladies of my life should have something a bit more unique and something homemade with love. Plus it's worked out a lot cheaper than buying presents for everyone." See her fabulous products pictured above and now give these a try yourself with Leahs how to -

 

How to:

Soap: melting some goats milk soap base down and adding shredded coconut and lime essential oil, pour into moulds and leave to set.

 

Lip balm: melted down beeswax and cocoa butter added oil and peppermint essential oil. Pour into sterilised lip balm tins or tubes - leave to set

 

Solid hand lotion: melt down beeswax and cocoa butter, add oil, vitamin e and any essential oil of your choosing, e.g. lime

 

Sugar scrub: add oil to sugar mix together and add essential oil and food colouring if desired

 

Buy your lip tins from Amazon. Thank you Leah for sharing your tips with my readers.

 

Wendy Xo

Behind the Scenes Bridal shoot

 

Yesterday saw the bridal shoot which I have been organising for several weeks finally come together. It was a long tiring day and after a last minute dash around Norwich centre to find flowers we could get started. The shoot took place at Jackie Hamiltons School of Beauty who kindly opened their doors to past and present students for the evening. My models and myself seemed to take over the studio with three billowing wedding dresses and lots of laughs.

 

Make up all spread out and my Karla Charts were being used as a reference. The time was limited so I had to work quickly. The studio was very hot with so many people and lights so lots of water was on hand to cool us down. My first look was classic bridal modelled by the beautiful Rachel. I kept the makeup minimalistic with a focus on glowing skin and fluttering eyelashes. The second look (seen above) was modelled by Charly an editorial bridal; inspiration was taken from steampunk. With the makeup I could go slightly more dramatic with big eyelashes and shades of bronze and gold. Lips were kept simple to keep focus on the eyes.

 

The gorgeous wedding gowns were on loan from Wedding Angels, Norwich. The photographers couldn't get enough of the champagne dress. So much so I had to say enough because other makeup artists were waiting to get their models infront of the camera. It was a fantastic night! I thrive on photo shoots. I feel like I have found what I truly love to do. I look forward to sharing the final photos with you when I receive them.

 

Wendy xo

Business Collaborations

 

 

If I've learnt one thing from starting my own business it's to work with others. Funny isn't it really? You start out your own business because you want to work for yourself but soon find out that the only way forward is to work with others. I don't mean employing others either. I mean working with like-minded individuals and businesses.

 

Anyone starting out with their own business will understand the importance of collaborating with other businesses. If anything it helps you learn what works and who you want to work with in the future. Small businesses need to look at each other as partners, not competitors. By making yourself known to those within your industry on a local scale you set your business up for a better future.

 

Relationships in business are crucial to the success of your own. I have collaborated with many people and hope to continue this well into the new year. As a makeup artist I need models, photographers, stylists and more to be able to make my vision a reality. By joining forces with these other creatives who are also starting their businesses we in turn help each other to reach our goals. Today I visited Wedding Angels (photos above) on Angel Road in Norwich to view a wedding dress. The fabulous owner James has kindly agreed to loan me the dress for a photo shoot and in return he will receive the photos for his own use. Without this collaboration I wouldn't have been able to go ahead with the shoot, my funds don't stretch to the cost of a bridal gown. This way I get my photos for my portfolio and future publishing's and James business get free photos and press. It's a win win.

 

There are many ways to find businesses to work with: Word of mouth, social networks, email, yellow pages, even referrals. Sites like Purpleport and Model Mayhem and perfect for people in the creative industry. You set yourself up a profile and can put out casting calls for free. I have benefited most from Purpleport than any other in regards to collaborations. It's great for Time for Print (TFP) assignments but not so much if you want paid work.

 

Would you like to read more business posts like this one?

 

Karla Face Charts Review

 

I'm relativly new to the world of face charts. Face charts are used by makeup artists to experiment with different makeup techniques and products. I have never used paper charts until now, instead opting for an app on my iPad. But nothing can take the place of using real products and pigments.

 

When I heard that my favourite makeup artist Karla Powell was bringing out her own range of products under the brand Karla Cosmetics I was first in line. The day, in fact the hour, the face charts were released I was waiting patiently to click 'buy now'. I bought mine directly from Crownbrush who Karla is the Ambassador for. I ordered 2 A4 pads. Each pad housing 35 tear-off sheets of the highest quality, 200gsm textured card stock and opens like a flip-book. There are also A5 sized pads but I like to have a big working surface.

 

It has taken me a few practices but I'm finally getting the hang of using makeup to 'paint' with. You don't need to be an artist to use these but it does help to understand how lighting affects colours and contours. I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. It's only since becoming a makeup artist that I have truly started to understand how to create a realistic looking picture. I normally spend about 2hrs completing one chart and document all the products used underneath in the space provided. These are your own personal documents. You may need someone else to understand them if you are working with several other makeup artists, like on a fashion show for example. In which case it's best to keep them skin simple and focus on colour and placement.

 

The face charts have proved very popular due to their simple line drawing and quality of paper. There are 3 places online they can be currently bought but due to their high demand may not always be in stock. My advice to you is stock up when they are available!

 

A5 £11

A4 £13

 

Crownbrush, Cocktail Cosmetics, Beauty Chamber

 

oX Wendy Xo

 

The Hunger Games Catching Fire preview

 

Tonight I was lucky enough to see The Hunger Games Catching Fire before it's release in the UK tomorrow. And..O...M...G!! It was amazing!! I was utterly engrossed and loved every minute of it. The makeup was outstanding. The fashion creations were drop dead gorgeous and the emotion, oh the emotion. It was so much more moving than the first film. I warn you that you will need tissues. Within 20 minutes of the film started tears were rolling down my cheeks. I've only even seen the first film once and yet I felt I knew the characters' like the back of my hand.

 

I was so absorbed in the film that I almost forgot I had handed my phone over before entering the screen. Yes you read that right. Before we were allowed into screen 3 of our Odeon cinema we had to hand over all recording devices. I thought there were cameras in the screen to be able to see if people were being 'naughty'? It was quite scary to think how much we really rely on our phones, I felt lost. I've never seen a screen empty so fast; people were almost jumping over one another to get there phones back. Then ofcourse they were all standing around seeing what they had missed out on in the virtual world over the last 2hrs 30mins.

 

You may have seen from my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram that I had been re-creating Jennifer Lawrence's red carpet makeup for the occasion. Save to say I didn't wear the wig to the cinema but the makeup turned out lovely. It still amazes me how makeup can transform my whole look. My website is now up and running if you'd like to check it out. Still a few creases to iron out with text, links and pictures but it's getting there. The web address is currently www.whereswendy.co.uk but it will be changing to www.wendyenglandmua.co.uk very soon.

 

Blog Winter Giveaway

 

It's been some time since I held a giveaway and as Christmas is almost upon us I felt someone would really benefit from a treat from the postman. Keep your giggles to yourself girls, I clearly mean some fabulous goodies from yours truly. I decided to mix it up a bit this time and include jewellery, skincare and chocolates as well as makeup. All you have to do to be in with a chance to win this lot is simply LIKE my Facebook page via the widget at the bottom of this page. Once you have done that then you have the option to gain yourself more entries into the giveaway.

 

So what will one lucky person be winning on Dec 5th???

 

Mini Chocolates from Drop Dead Gorgeous

Mesmereyez 1 day whiteout contact lenses

Sample of Benefit Total Moisture Cream

New Look (non-adjustable) Bow Ring

Sample NUXE Multi-purpose dry oil

B. Complete Long-lasting Nail Polish in Sunrise

Sample Dahlia Noir L-Eau Perfume by Givenchy

Avon ANEW Clinical A-F33 Treatment cream

e.l.f Plumping Lip Glaze in Oasis

Figs & Rouge Lip Balm Coca Rose

XOXO Bracelet from H&M

Avon Ideal Flawless BB Cream in Shell

 

These would make wonderful stocking fillers for friends and family this Christmas or as a naughty treat for yourself. The choice is completely upto you. You have to be in it to win it as they say so scroll drown and enter. This Winter Giveaway ends at 5pm on 05/12/2013

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Take a Look at Me Now by Miranda Dickinson

A MUST READ!!!!

I wasn't planning on buying another book but when I was walking down the entertainment isle in Tesco, there on the top self was a new book (published Oct 2013). It called out to me with it's title 'Take a look at me now' and the blurb drew me in like a basket of kittens...

Back Cover

 

How far would you go to make a new start? Heart-warming and romantic, Take a Look at Me Now will make you laugh, cry and cheer Nell on from start to finish.

What a difference a day makes…

Nell Sullivan has always been known as ‘Miss Five-Year Plan’. But when she finds herself jobless and newly single on the same day, Nell decides it is time to stop planning and start taking chances.

Nell blows her redundancy cheque on a trip of lifetime to a place where anything is possible – San Francisco. There she meets a host of colourful characters, including the intriguing and gorgeous Max. Very soon the city begins to feel like Nell’s second home.

But when it’s time to return to London, will she leave the ‘new Nell’ behind? And can the magic of San Francisco continue to sparkle thousands of miles away?

 

Miranda Dickinson, author, has hit a pot of gold with this heart warming book. In a time when many people are out of work and struggling to get back on the ladder this book comes in and endears itself to the reader. Most of us can sympathise with Nell and her journey. I myself have never been made redundant but my boyfriend has twice and it's not pleasant.

 

Every part of me wanted to jump on that plane and travel to San Francisco myself. It's actually become my first destination on my travelling wish list. I'm currently unemployed and trying to start up my own business as a Makeup Artist. Like Nell it was a secret for sometime but eventually you have to stop saying "I'm thinking about doing.." and start saying "I AM starting my own business." Life throws us curve balls and sometimes we just have to go with the flow and take every opportunity as a chance to move forward. They aren't always the right path but if we don't try we'll never know.

 

I read this book in three sittings. I just couldn't wait to find out what path Nell took and why. The twist in the love story (I won't spoil it if you haven't read the book already) didn't actually matter too much to me. I was more intrigued by her journey into another path of work. I felt close to her, as if a part of Nell was in me. When I finished reading I didn't want to put the book down. I'd love to see a second book - Does her business succeed? What obstacles does she have to overcome? And does her heart truly belong in San Francisco?

Little Mix Jesy Makeup look

 

I finally got around to making my first YouTube video. I decided to recreate Jesy's Little Mix look following Pixiwoos steps on their YouTube. I swapped some of the products for my own and changed a couple of steps. I hope you like watching it as much as I enjoyed making it. It's a simple video with no speaking as I still feel very self-conscious about speaking to a camera. I have a deep voice you see and I think I sound miserable. I'll do one if people ask me to but for now here's my recreation of Pixiwoos Jesy look. You can find a list of all the products I used and links to the sites below.

It took me over half the day to film it, list all the products and upload it from my camera to my computer, edit and finally upload to YouTube. Do people really do this all the time? I found the experience exhausting and much prefer to write blog posts..

 

 

    Face Benefit Porefessional primer MAC face & body in N1 Real Techniques stippling brush e.l.f Complete Coverage Concealer in light L'Oreal Lumi magique highlighting concealer in ivory beige Crownbrush Concealer Brush MUA Undress your Skin highlighter e.l.f angled blush brush Sleek blush in pixie pink MAC Bronzer in Harmony Real Techniques blush brush   Eyes B. Stunning Eye Shimmer in Bittersweet MUA Heaven & Earth & Undressed palettes Crownbrush C139 crease brush e.l.f crease brush Maybelline Brow pencil in soft brown (used as eyeliner) Models Own eyeliner in black Rimmel Scandaleyes retro glam extreme black mascara   Lips Models Own lipliner in red Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 880 MUA Out there plumping lipgloss in Candy Pink   If anyone would like me to review any of the products listed please leave a comment and I'll step right to it.  

 oX Wendy Xo

Teenage Dreams Tag

Image not my own - credit goes to Timberlake Youth

 

The weekend is coming to a close too soon. For most people it will be back to work/school/college tomorrow. Are you doing what you thought you would be doing at your age? Are you living the dream? I have created this tag to find out more about my readers, your dreams and aspirations. Maybe you're 16 and life is really just starting for you or perhaps your heading into your 30s like myself and reflecting back at youth past. I have created a few questions to make you think and look forward to reading your answers.

 

Rules: Answer both the questions honestly and tag 8 people who you think would like to continue the tag. Always give credit to the person who you found the tag from. Simples (◡‿◡✿)

Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

 

This primer has been around for some time now. I believe it was actually the first primer I ever tried. I found a sample in a magazine and proceeded to try it out. My first impressions were why is it so great, I can't see anything!? Little did I know back then about how this primer was going to transform my makeup routine.

 

So what is a primer? A primer is a base product; the first step in your makeup routine. You apply it before foundation but now most primers can be worn alone too. They create a smooth and even canvas for you to work your magic on. Some primers can colour correct, some have tints, and some even fight breakouts.

 

So why do I love Smashbox Photo Finish Primer? I use it on models and clients who are going to be infront of a camera. It prevents flashback and stops your skin looking shiny. It's an oil-free primer which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. I know I can use this on models with oily skin and it will stay put. Due to it's blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea (known for it's antioxidants) won't break out your skin. I find I use a lot of it due to it's consistency. If it were lighter though it probably wouldn't leave an even finish.

 

As with any makeup and primer remove ALL traces of it from your face before bed. If you don't cleanse, tone and moisturise properly you are essentially blocking your pores and this will lead to breakouts.

 

Overall I give this primer a 5 out of 5! It does exactly what it says and worth every penny. I want to try the other primers in this range too but not sure I can stray from the original as I love it so much.

Urban Decay 'Naked 3' it's true!

Photos are not my own, see original blog post HERE

 

Last night I logged onto Twitter to join in the #bbloggers chat like I do every week but this time it was different. Within seconds of logging on all these whispers were going round - "Can it be true", "Have your heard..", "I've seen it, it's real!". What everyone was gossiping about was the NEW Urban Decay Naked 3 palette.

 

Before you get to excited it's not out in the UK yet. Nobody has heard anything directly from UD as to when it will be out here but we are all hoping before Christmas. It's out in France and one of the first blogger to get their hands on it was French blogger Natacha Birds which is where the above photos are from. So the real question is, do we need another Naked palette?

 

Straight away I can see some of the colours look very familiar. Overall though the palette has a warm undertone to it. There appears to be a few more mattes and the duel ended brush would be very welcome in my collection. UD's brushes work perfectly with their eyeshadows. I tried using another brush once and the outcome was very different. They are so creamy and glide onto the skin. I wouldn't be seen dead without my Naked palette when working on clients.

UPDATE: PROMO Vid up on  https://www.facebook.com/urbandecaycosmetics

 

Ever since the first palette I have been addicted to the palettes so I know I will be one of the first to purchase the Naked 3. I've heard on the grape vine there may even be a 4 in the works! So what do you think? Is it too similar or does it even matter? I personally cannot get enough and want one now.

Behind the scenes of the Ice Princess

 

A few weeks ago I joined a site for creatives called Purpleport. Within a week of joining I had answered a casting call to be a Makeup Artist for a photoshoot themed around winter. Being Autumn and that the shoot was going to be outdoors made for difficulties from the onset. The date was set and the model booked but the weather was against us. We had to reschedule for a couple of days after which meant finding a new model. Fortunately the photographer knew someone he had worked with previously who was available.

 

I looked for inspiration on Pinterest and YouTube. The Snow Queen theme seems to have been done to death and easy to find looks relating to it. I was given pretty much free reign on the look but was given a few ideas which the photographer liked. I ended up going in a different direction to what he previously wanted to accommodate the fact I couldn't work down her neck (the dress was on loan and worth over £200!). He was very flexible and happy with my face chart.

 

I chose to make the theme Ice Princess rather than Snow Queen as the model was so young. I made the headpiece by hand and also made the eyebrows (if anyone wants to know how I created them I can do a separate post on them). I mostly used MAC but several more inexpensive brands too. I ended up straying from my chart on the day as time was limited (I got lost on my way there). It was set in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk. I'd never been there before and had no idea it was right next to a US airbase. I quite enjoyed watching the planes fly above.

 

I doubled as the stylist during the 3 hours we were there, adjusting hair, clothes and even posing the model. I had so much fun and got my hands dirty when I became I human smoke machine (no jokes please haha) when I was asked to throw talc behind the model to create the illusion of mist.

 

Both the model, Jodi, and the photographer, James Sheldon, were a dream to work with and so professional. We were all working on a TFP basis (time for print). We hit it off straight away, it felt like I'd known them for ages. We have kept in regular contact since and my photos are now in the post. If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen a few of the final images already; there are also a couple of images on my portfolio page. Once I have my hands on the photos I'll do another quick post for you.

 

Thank you for following me on my journey into the Makeup industry (っ◔‿◔)っ♡

How to HAC

 

 

Last night I posted a before and after shot of my HAC (that's highlight and contour for those of you not in the know) via my Instagram. Many of you asked how I done it and also how I managed to get my brows so thick. I'll do a separate post on my brows. For now I want to focus on HAC-ing.

 

So what is HAC-ing? It's used among many celebrities and applied by their makeup artists. It helps define and accentuate the facial features. Always wanted a slimmer nose? Done! Want higher cheekbones? Easy! Makeup is used to create the illusion of flawless skin. Once you try this you'll be addicted. You will have seen HAC-ing on people like Kim Kardashian and Mila Kunis.

 

 



photos taken from the Daily Mail online

 

This makeup application can take 10 years off you if done right. I've always hated my nose and this technique is like a magic trick for my face. No plastic surgery needed. So the easiest way to show you is with a step by step guide. It takes a lot of practise and I wouldn't expect anyone to wear it on a daily basis. Be warned you will use ALOT of makeup for this look.

 

 

Prep your face with a good primer, I use Smashbox Photo Finish primer (£25)

 

Use any corrective creams you may need and apply your normal foundation. I use MAC Face and Body foundation in N1 (£21.50). I also have to conceal any spots, which I have many of at the moment. Apply highlighter in a 'v' from the corner of your nose to just beyond your eyes. Stay off the side of your nose or you'll make it appear wider. I took mine right up under my eyes as I have terrible baggies. Apply in another 'v' on your forehead and under your mouth. I apply above my lip also to give the appearance of a fuller lip. I mix my own highlighter using L'Oreal Lumi Magique pen (£8) and a very light foundation.

 

Add contour with a dark foundation, 3-4 shades darker than your normal shade. Any darker and you'll be verging on the 'orange' look which isn't flattering and won't blend well. Apply it where ever you want you face to appear slimmer. In my case I want higher cheekbones, smaller chin and nose. Applying it to the outside of the face creates depth.

 

I'm showing you how I've started to blend. The trick is to blend upwards to avoid losing the lines which define your look. 

 

Everything is now blended. It looks slightly darker than my neck due to using colours darker than I normally would to create more definition. I was starting to lose light at this point so finished up my makeup and took the last picture in my conservatory.

 

As you can see my nose looks slimmer and my cheekbones higher. Below is a full product list of the colours used to complete the look.

 

Urban Decay NAKED palette

Benefit They're Real Mascara

Sleek Dip it Eyeliner in black

Sleek Blusher in Pixie Pink

Topshop Lip liner in Fearless

L'Oreal Glam Shine gloss in Fresh Fuchsia