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Showing posts with label Makeup Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makeup Tips. Show all posts

6/25/12

Makeup For Passport Photo & Tips

I got a new Passport photo taken recently, and thought I'd show it to you all, although I might regret it =) Now I'm not claiming that I'm a 'pro' at good passport photos. I'll never be, and I've made peace with that. But I have learnt from past mistakes, and this time it turned out a lot better than all of my previous photos.
I look at an old Passport Photo and this is what I think:
  • Hair too limp & flat (I went to the studio with just-washed-partly-wet hair), so face looks too big, nose & cheekbones too sharp.
  • Expression looks too mean & nostrils flaring too much.
  • Lips too glossy.
  • Eyes too dark. You shouldn't have overdone the black kohl.
  • Big silver hoop earrings? Really?!
  • White shirt with white background? Sigh.
  • You look too MADE-UP! It's a struggling studio that you'll find out had shut down in 2012, not a cocktail party!
Now let's talk about my new photo. First things first, the make-up! It's supposed to look subtle, and we tried our best.

5/1/12

Black Smokey Eyes Tutorial


Here's the tutorial of the eye make-up I wore here & here. I'd just like to say, as always, it's very easy- easier than it looks.

Things you'll need:


4/12/12

Basic Eyeshadow Blending Tutorial & Tips

I have been meaning to do this post for a long long time! I did do one last year in September (!!!), but I did not like the photos & the lighting & my brows looked so untidy....let's just say I wasted a few hours & a pictorial.
When I say "What is blending?" I can't help saying it like Channel [V] VJ ~ Lola Kutty:
"Whaaht ees theese blanding?", with a hand gesture to go with it.
The reason I'm doing this tut is because I feel silly writing in my tutorials: "Blend well/ blend the edges" I always imagine someone reading my blog thinking- "Yes woman, blend, but howww???" I would be thinking the same if I didn't already know. Like in cooking, you can't just say "Cut the tomatoes julienne" without explaining how to do it. I don't really know what 'julienne' means, I learned the word from Monica Gellar. You remember her job interview with the creepy perv? "Are they, uh,  firm?..... I like it dirty" - about tomatoes & lettuce.
The main aim of eye shadow blending: To blur out the prominent edges so you don't really know where the color begins and ends. In most cases, the goal is to make it look like a gradient. Blended eyeshadows look more natural, especially when bold colors are used- a vibrant blue eyeshadow looks less trampy when blended well. With good blending, you can make 10 colors look like 3-4 colors.
I use only 2 blending techniques: 
Blending Technique 1: Windshield Wiper Motion- Place your blending brush on the line, and starting from outer corner of your lid, move the blending brush in a windshield wiper motion. Left-right-left-right......moving with the curve of your eyeshadow. This won't be hard to do if you have a deep defined crease. Most times, this technique is not enough, so you do the next technique in-between or after, whichever way you are comfortable with.....
Blending Technique 2: Swirling Circular Motion- In this, you make little circular swirls quickly. Start from outer corner and work your way inwards. This blending technique works well especially if you're applying one color on inner half of lid & another on the outer half, and you want to blur the prominent line in the middle where the two colors meet.

3/7/12

Big Buns & Glam Makeup by Lakmé Studio, Day-5 Lakmé Fashion Week

The last day at LFW Talent Box was all about big buns (up north!). Lakmé Studio created 2 types of buns- side & center. They looked so good that I'm thinking about getting some clip-on extensions & hair stuffing for myself, so I can do one someday. The make-up was nude & peachy & glittery- super pretty!
Look-1: For Priyal Prakash

2/28/12

Kareena Kapoor's Eye Makeup Tutorial


I showed you a preview of Kareena Kapoor's Eye Makeup here, and today I will be showing you how I did it. It is very very easy, no kidding. Products used are also not a lot:
  • Plummy brown eyeshadow
  • Black Eyeshadow
  • Black kohl pencil (Lakme Kohl Ultimate)
  • Eyelash Curler
  • Black Mascara (Bourjois Fast & Perfect Mascara)
  • Brushes: Fluffy blending brush, angled liner brush, pencil brush.  

1/31/12

Makeup For A Maroon & Silver Saree

This is a reader query. She will be attending an Indian wedding & would be wearing a gorgeous maroon saree with silver embellishments.

She sent me a photo of the saree:


If I'm wearing a saree like that, I am guessing my makeup will be pretty much the same as Vanessa Hudgens' here....


Eyeshadows:
Since the saree is so bling & I'm assuming you'd be wearing some bling jewelry too, I'd want to keep my eyes matte, maybe just a little shimmery color on the center of my lids & inner corners. A simple smokey eye look will suit it well:
  • A matte brown like MAC Espresso + something with a hint of plum-like MAC Sketch- on lids
  • A matte black like MAC Carbon or Bourjois Intense Eyeshadow #10 on the outer V, and blend it with MAC Sketch.
  • A pearly vanilla highlight color on your brow bone & inner tear duct areas.
  • Black pencil liner, like Lakme Kohl Ultimate, smudged on top and bottom lash line
  • Black  mascara. Maybe add some natural-looking false lashes too.

1/26/12

Illamasqua Sophie-I Collection & Technique: Video Tutorial

Illamasqua works very closely with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the latest collaboration with them has produced the Sophie-I Collection and Technique, now developed further with a look by Creative Director Alex Box.
About Sophie Lancaster: Sophie Lancaster was beaten to death, in 2007, for dressing different (Gothic). Sophie sustained brutal beatings while trying to protect & cradling her boyfriend, who was knocked unconscious. You can read more about the heartbreaking story here

1/24/12

Why My Lashes Grew Longer


My eyelashes grew a tad longer! That much. Okay, I know it may not look like a big deal to some, but for me it's something. I want to say a tad thicker too, but I don't want you to loff.

I started noticing it last month. I'd apply a mascara and think, "It never made them this long before, how come?"

It was kind of easy for me to narrow down the products that may have caused it coz I was stuck in a rut when it came to everyday makeup, I'd use the same stuff every single day.

1/16/12

Neutral Everyday/Office Makeup Guide (From Unpublished Video)


Good Morning Everyone!

Hey, I never greeted you that before! I either got up very early (New Year's Resolution) or I scheduled this post last night.

So.... this was supposed to be a video which I filmed last year...in April! Actually, I edited parts of the video but every time my computer would freeze & conk out in the middle, then I went on vacation, then I bought a new laptop, then old laptop couldn't be turned on....I gave up. I have a lot of unedited videos btw >.<

A few days back, I could turn the darn thing on again! I finally transferred all important files, including this one. I decided to put screen shots so my effort wouldn't go wasted. 8 months later!

11/2/11

Makeup Is Art ~ The Best Makeup Book!

"Makeup is art. Every face is a blank canvas and every brush stroke creates something magical. Makeup enhances natural beauty but also builds confidence for everyday life. This book intends to inspire makeup artists, those wishing to enter this exciting career and those who want to experiment with, and develop, their makeup looks."

I have never read a makeup book like I would a novel. That was until I found 'Makeup is Art' By AOFM (Academy Of Freelance Makeup). I was blown away and fell in love with makeup all over again.

This is, by far, THE BEST makeup book I have ever bought. If you are a makeup artist or you are a fan of creative makeup, then this is THE book to buy. Everything you need to know about makeup is right here. It takes you through the A-Z of makeup- from Understanding Face Shapes to Makeup Textures to Natural Makeup to Editorial Makeup to Iconic Eras to Lighting to Body Art to Catwalk & Backstage to Tools & at the end, "How to get work in this competitive industry?"

I tried to find a flaw in this book, but I couldn't find any. The writers gave their 100% while creating it. The pictures are beyond awesome, the writing is to-the-point and very easy to imagine, and the tips & techniques shown could have only come from some of the most experienced & 'true' makeup artists. The one thing that makes this book different from other makeup books I have read is, it mentions & gives examples of the products used. They used high end/street brands (Chanel, MAC, Bobbi Brown) to drugstore brands (Maybelline, L'Oreal etc). It seems they love using Dermalogica for the skin.

10/12/11

Smokey Eyes For Karwa Chauth ~ Tutorial


Here is Karwa Chauth step-by-step eye makeup tutorial some of you requested. I am using some random colors, so feel free to use any other colors for this look. You could use a shade that matches with your outfit. The main colors I used are pink & purple from a Revlon palette I have been ignoring for a long long time. 
Let's begin:
Part 1:
  • For a smooth application & to make eyeshadows last longer, I used MAC Painterly Paint Pot
  • Revlon Illuminance cream black shadow as eyeshadow base. This will intensify the look. Blend the black on your hand first before applying it on your lids, this will prevent mistakes & make blending it easier.
  • Apply it all over you eyelids up to the crease line. I have droopy lids, so I like to take color over my natural crease line.
  • Blend the harsh edges with a blending brush.
  • With my ring finger, I mixed purple & pink eyeshadows together & patted them on top of he black base. Again, blend the edges.
  • It should look like last pic.

8/24/11

Fake It! Get Thicker & Longer Lashes In 4 Simple Steps


You all know I have pitiful lashes. I look at them and I think: Why, God? Why?!!! 

Longer & thicker lashes OR longer legs & a model's body? I'd pick the lashes. Really! :)

Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how I do my lashes:

  • STEP 1 ~ Curl Lashes. Make sure you curl them from the roots.

7/20/11

Easy Cat Eyeliner Tutorial


Cat eyeliner has got to the most unpredictable thing in makeup. You never know what shape you'll end up with. One wrong move & you'll have to think of ways to make it look right. I thought I'd share with you how I've been doing mine, because I think it's almost mistake-proof.

By the way, this is how I lined my eyes in the MAC Big Bounce Impeccably Rich post...


So, here's a step-by-step tutorial:

  1. Apply eyeshadow on lid. Here I used a very light shade (TF Pillow Talk shown below). Start lining from center of lid towards the outer corner, stop after drawing 1/2 " or so- as shown.
  2. Continue to line straight out. Make sure the end doesn't exceed the end of your eyebrow tail. 
  3. Now join the end of the line to the outer end of your eye.
  4. Line the rest of your eye starting from center to the inner corner. Try to make it thinner as it goes in.
  5. Time to fill inside the lines now& tightline the inner part of your eye now, so there's no visible gaps. Tightlining tutorial here
  6. DONE!
*It's up to you whether you want to line the lower lash line or not. I prefer to do it.
Lastly, apply mascara on top & bottom lashes. After I lined my bottom lash line & joined it to the upper wing, I ended up with this....


Products Used:

Because I have hooded lids, it's important that I contour my crease. I used Pillow Talk on lid & Like A Virgin on the crease and lower lash line. Both eyeshadows are from the Too Faced Naked Eye Palette

Maybelline Lasting Drama Black Gel Liner


Hope you liked the tutorial!


More Tutorials:

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

7/11/11

DIY Lipstick Sundae


Last night at around 11:00 pm, for no reason at all (okay, let's just say the reason was Sunday boredom), I got up from my beloved couch and made this mini 4-in-1 lipstick palette aka lipstick sundae.

I enjoyed making it so much, because it's so easy. I hope you'll like it too!



5/19/11

Packing Makeup For Travel/Vacation

I'm packing for a vacation right now, so just want to do a quick post to show you what all I carry.

Husband: "I'm telling you, honey, pack very light this time. I am telling you, you don't wanna go over the limit." *Rolls eyes* As if I don't know that.

So here are all the makeup products I'm taking with me:


Primer ~ Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover. I like this coz it's non-greasy

Foundation ~ Revlon Colorstay Oily/Combination. Coz I'm going to hot & humid countries, I want a matte finish foundation.

Concealer ~ MAC Studio Finish Concealer, Laura Mercier Undercover Pot

Powder ~ The Body Shop Loose Powder

5/6/11

Get A Makeover At Summer Glamour By Revlon


Tired of the same make-up routine everyday? Stuck in a rut? Want a change...a different look? Here's some good news for all you beauties- Get a MAKEOVER from none other than Revlon...in your city!

Revlon has introduced a month-long festival 'Summer Glamour', which kicks off April 29th and will go on till May 29th at leaidng MBOs such as Shopper's Stop, Lifestyle, Westside, Pantaloons and Pune Central.

Here are the dates for Delhi & NCR:

6th to 8th May
  • Delhi - Shopper's Stop, Vasant Kunj
  • Gurgaon - PT Sahara Mall & Westside, Ambience Mall
  • Ghaziabad - Shopper's Stop, Shipra Mall
13th to 15th May
  • Delhi - PT Vasant Kunj, Lifestyle Mahagun Mall, Shopper's Stop Ansal Plaza, Westside Lajpat Nagar.


Pepping it up for its consumers Revlon will also introduce PhotoReady makeup ~ Foundation, Concealer, Powder. Women can now glam up and look Photo ready best by just dropping by at the nearest stores where Revlon is organizing the Summer Glamour event. The event is also being organized across 82 stores and 11 cities across the country. Also held at leading MBOs across Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad.

I love having someone else do my makeup, so I might just drop by one day. Hey, maybe we'll bump into each other! ;)

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

5/1/11

Prom Makeup For Red/Gold Dress ~ Reader Query


Reader:
I'm only 17, but i kinda have a secret obsession with makeup. i have a drawer FULL of makeup that i really dont have anywhere to wear to cause i'm still in high school. ( i mean plenty of people wear a lot of makeup, but it's horrendous. Your eyes will BLEED. ) 


i live in the U.S. and my prom is May 13th. (friday the 13th, hehe:) )
and i needed suggestions for makeup. I'm wearing a red and gold dress that i've attached as a pic (i admit that it looks very indian. the lady making it for me had trouble making it. lol)

3/12/11

The Best Of Beauty 2011


I just love Total Beauty Awards! Every year the website editors pick the best of make-up, skincare & haircare products, and the list of nominees, for me, makes a great shopping guide.

Some of the products I voted for (the ones I've used & have served me well enough):

Make-up:
  • Best Blush ~  Mac Powder Blush
  • Best concealer ~ YSL Touche Eclat
  • Best Eyeliner ~ Urban Decay 24/7  Glide On Eye Pencil
  • Best Eyeshadow ~ Revlon 12 hour eye shadow quad
  • Best Foundation ~ MUFE HD Invisible Finish Floundation
  • Best Highlighter ~ Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
  • Best lip balm ~ Burt's Bees Beeswax lip balm
  • Best Lip Balm ~ Revlon Super Lustrous Lip gloss
  • Best Lip Liner ~ Mac Lip Pencil
  • Best Lipstick ~ Mac Lipstick
  • Best nail polish ~ Essie
  • Best powder ~ Mac MSF Natural
  • Best Tool ~ Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

2/25/11

Favorite Makeup Tips


Here are 5 of my favorite makeup tips, old and new, which I picked up from various sources- magazines, makeup artists & my own experience:
  • If you don't want length on your bottom lashes, apply gel liner on them instead of mascara. 
  • Apply some loose powder with a fan brush or a puff on your under eye area when using dark eyeshadows or shimmery eyeshadows, so your base won't be ruined if there's fallout. You can just dust it all off with a powder brush when you're done.
  • Tearing up while applying mascara or liner but don't want the tears to roll down and spoil your makeup? Just press a Q-tip (ear bud) right on your tear ducts. The tears will be absorbed immediately. Do this when you use eye drops too.
  • My new favorite way of applying mascara to extend my short lashes & curl them at the same time: Place the brush at the roots of your lashes, and start rolling the wand (inwards towards cheek), keep rolling till it reaches the tips of your lashes. Repeat until you have evenly coated all your lashes.
  • What's your natural blush shade? Squeeze your fingertip (a little above the line), the increase in blood flow will make the tips look pinker. That's the color that will look most natural on your cheeks.
I will keep posting makeup & beauty tips every now and then, so they can go in the 'Beauty Tips' tab up there. Hope you'll enjoy reading, and find them useful.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^