Makeup Academy Matte lipstick

 

I can safely say this is the worst lipstick I have ever bought. I don't like negative posts and often refrain from writing them but I was asked to by several beauty bloggers so here goes. The lipstick in question is the new Matte lippie by Makeup Academy. I bought it in a hurry and because it was cheap, simply £1 - how could I complain really?

 

I took it to a photo shoot as I was doing the makeup and actually almost forgot to use it. I scrapped some onto a palette and used a lip brush to apply to the model. On first application it looked no different, the models lips were still showing through, so I applied a second coat but it just didn't look anything like what was in the tube. I had to blend in some black to make it thicker and darker hence why I haven't uploaded the final images as they won't show the true disappointing colour of the lipstick.

 

Honestly my first thought was did I pick up a fake demo? You know how some demo products are just plastic for display? Yep I thought that's what I had bought. I'm not even sure why there is an extra pot which you can unscrew as it's exactly the same product, not a gloss or top coat. I decided to wear it on myself today and it lasted 30mins before I looked in the mirror and saw just a faint outline left. I know I haven't lost out as it was just £1 but I was quite disappointed in Makeup Academy as I've often used their products without complaint. I felt it was only right I shared this with you as I'm always 100% honest in my posts and I didn't want to just show you the good products - for every good product there is a bad one right?

 

oX Wendy Xo

Makeup Artists' Assistant

 

On the 01/02/14 I headed off to London to assist a Makeup Artist who was building her portfolio of work. We met through the same place we both trained. Despite being there at different times are paths had crossed several times. Freya Bolton had seen my work and asked me to come on this shoot with her as she felt it would be a great experience for me, she wasn't wrong!

 

The shoot took part in Brixton at the Shooting Beauty studio where models, photographers and stylists come together to help each other build their portfolios and find work. It was a culture shock for sure - being a country girl - everyone wore fashionable clothing (not just the models) and personalities were big and bright. We were taken straight through to the back room which was decked out with mirrors and lights so hot I was melting - without them it would be impossible to work though. I help set up and spent most of my time taking photos and video. I cleaned brushes in between models and even had some input on looks.

 

We were a bit rushed because we couldn't find the place initially so had to work quickly as some models had to leave at certain times. We were also limited on choices of fashions as models had already worn most of the clothes for other shoots throughout the morning. I loved sifting through all the accessories. If it had been my own shoot I would have asked for the artwork on the wall though! It was these amazing pair of wings fashioned from metal. I found that more inspiring than anything on the rail. I love unusual props.

 

By 5pm we started to realise there was no way we were making our 6pm train home. We hadn't eaten all day and were starting to get tired. There was still a couple of meetings to sit through and 3 tubes to get back. Unfortunately Freya had to buy us more tickets to get home in the end. Lesson learnt - leave more time for shooting, you never know what may happen and best to have too much time than too little.

 

Overall I really enjoyed the experience and a huge thank you to Freya for paying for me to accompany her. I made a 2 minute video of the day and included a couple of the unedited images from the day. If you are looking for experience as a makeup artist I highly recommend assisting.

 

oX Wendy Xo

Makeup Academy Collection

I've been using MUA for a few years now and have accumulated many a product. Naturally I have a clear out now and then and keep an eye on best before dates. Foundations, eyeshadows and lipsticks are generally good for 12 months, liquid eyeliners, mascaras and lip glosses need replacing every 6 months. I had a clear out this January to make way for new, exciting spring/summer makeup - ok so I'm a bit ahead but I'm so over winter now.

Photographed above is what I had left after my clear out of my MUA products. My sister bought me a new palette and lip colours for Christmas which I'm yet to use. 

So what do I own now?

Undress Your Skin shimmer highlighter

Lipstick Trio Scarlet

Fashionista customizable palette

Pro-Base Fixing Mist Spray

Out There Plumping lipgloss in Candy Pink

3 in 1 Extreme Contour Liner in Black

Liquid Eyeliner shade 1

Professional Eyes Primer

Undressed Eyeshadow Palette x2

Heaven and Earth Eyeshadow Palette

Poptastic Eyeshadow Palette

The highlighted products link to a review, please check them out and leave a comment. If you would like a review of any of the above products which aren't highlighted leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.

Wendy xo

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

 

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♡

Paperself Lashes

October gives people an excuse to walk around in giant dog costumes, Lycra onsies and wear Ann Summers "clothes" on a night out. It use to be just October 31st that people dressed up but now more and more Brits are embracing the festivities. Oranges and greens feature heavily throughout the month in what we wear and that includes our makeup. I myself haven't celebrated Halloween in probably 4 years: I was always working. I felt it was time I enjoyed this holiday more. So I'm starting now!

Makeup Swap: 2 bloggers, 2 parcels

 

 

Recently I asked around on Twitter to see who of my lovely blogger friends would be interested in a makeup swap. The criteria was simple, just 5 unused full sized items. I have so much stuff lying around without a home and was considering putting them on eBay but thought why not swap!

The MUA Fashionista Palette Review

 

 

Now here's some style! This palette is sleek, shiny and packed full of YOUR OWN shades. MUA have outdone themselves this time. I love their palettes anyway, but the new FashionistA range has panache.

 

Step 1: Pick your palette, there are 2 options to choose from

- Fill with 4 shades for £7

- Fill with 6 shades for £10

Makeup Academy & more makeup haul

It's been some time since I had a haul like this. I'm due to do a photoshoot to build my portfolio on Tuesday so headed into the city to buy some extras to play with. I plan on designing my own eyelashes inspired by the many works of Karla Powell MUA. Fingers crossed they turn out fabulous! My first stop was Chapelfield, Norwich and into Superdrug, boyfriend in tow. I couldn't find what I was looking for so decided to go to the other Superdrug on the street just outside. As I turned on my heels I walked smack into a display (swear it wasn't there before!) much to my boyfriends dismay. I actually cut my arm and walked out the shop at a fast pace, head low. I can be such a klutz sometimes haha thankfully I didn't send products flying (now that would have been embaressing).

Tattoo Cover kit by Veil reviewed

 

 

I have always been interested in learning new skills, especially when it comes to applying makeup. My sister said to me once she regretted having her tattoo done because she doesn't want it on show if she gets married one day. So when I was reading some wonderful blogs from the #bbloggers feed last Sunday and I stumbled across a blog by the lovely Andrew James MUA who reviewed a Tattoo Cover up kit I was excited! I went straight over to www.veilcovercream.com and bought myself the same kit.

The Kit Contents

5 different shades of cover cream so that you can mix together to get your perfect skin tone match, 1 x 10g pot of finishing powder, 1 x 30g jar of cleansing cream, 1 x 30ml bottle of toning lotion, an empty jar for mixing, 2 spatulas, 4 cotton pads and a powder brush. You get all this in your kit plus a cute re-usable zip bag with pockets just the right size to keep the powders secure. It's priced at £34.97 plus postage.

The creams are highly pigmented and ever so smooth. They look exactly as they do in the pots so I didn't do a swatch test, just no need when I was going to test them to cover my tattoo. I started by mixing the lightest colour Oyster with the white. I found the small pot very small indeed and so had to switch to my palette to mix the creams. It was very hard to get the right colour. My skin tone is pink to fair so the Oyster cream was the lightest of the creams in this kit. I'll need more practise at mixing to get the right colour or maybe Veil could suggest to me a lighter colour? It would be very much appreciated.

Below is my first attempt at a cover up. My tattoo is only small and it will be the only time you see it covered because I adore it and always want my doggy on show ^o^ Veil covered well and I was very happy with the result accept from how dark it was. Considering I have never done this before I was suitably impressed. I just need more practise with colour mixing and getting a cleaner, blended edge. I kept going further and further away from the tattoo.

The staying power is amazing! I had this on most of the day and when I tried to shift it I had to scrub at it with makeup remover. It's waterproof naturally so if I were to use it on a bride god forbid she got caught in the rain, her hair maybe ruined but at least her tattoo cover up would be fine.

oX Wendy Xo

 

Makeup Academy (MUA) Palette Poptastic Review

 

 

 

 

 

'A show stopping collection of eyeshadows that will make your eyes Pop'

A review of one of many products I bought from my MUA haul the other week.  

March Favourite Posts

What a month! I don't think it could have been any busier. I've managed to do 18 (19 with this post) blog posts this month. My aim was to blog every day but I'm not disappointed as without that goal I wouldn't have done this many. As well as my blog I started my Makeup course and so far have had 4 lessons. I've learnt the basics of foundation application, how to line a lip and eye among many other skills. Next month I'll be able to put those lessons to the test on models (aka my friends). I'm watching more and more YouTube tutorials than ever before so if YOU have a channel where you show how to apply makeup plz leave your linkies for me.

 

Makeup Academy (MUA) 3 in 1 contour pen

I was very excited to get my hands on these 3 in 1 contour pens by MUA. They are a complete steal at £1.50 each. I bought both the black and dark brown, one for day and one for night. They can be used in 3 ways .. the tip for corners, the edge for a thin line and the flat for a thick line.

Milestone Giveaway

THANK YOU!! I can't believe I've had over 10,000 page views on my blog in just 8 months. I am so thankful to all my readers, especially those of you who read frequently and keep in touch with me through your comments and on Twitter/Facebook. As a way of thanks I wanted to do a small Giveaway for you; a few products I've gathered together which I think you may like -

MUA Undress Your Skin highlighter review

 

New addition to the Makeup Academy range Undress Your Skin highlighting powder. What the

say ... Undress your Skin Highlighting Powder is a lightweight baked powder designed to provide sheer coverage and a radiant soft-focus effect to transform your complexion with luminescence shimmer. The Undress Your Skin Highlighting Powder perfects any look by creating a natural, healthy glow that is suitable for all skin tones.

MUA Undressed Palette Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my first ever palette, not just my first ever palette post for you. I have never been interested in palettes to be honest, instead opting for a single, double or quad eyeshadows. Since becoming a blogger I have noticed how popular palettes are, most of all MUA's palettes. They are talked about almost on a daily bases across blogs. So when I had the chance to head into Superdrug I thought how aweful it would be of me to not buy one for myself.