PFW SS14 Make-up Trends

Finally- we've come to the last post in the SS14 series- Paris! The city I am desperate to visit, for a weekend of jazz, coffee and romance. 

(Can you tell I've been watching a bit too much Midnight in Paris?!)

Paris Fashion Week, to me, is all about Chanel, beautiful  elegant Chanel, all wrapped up in a pearl necklace with a tweed jacket.

Well, we are mid way into October, and yet everyone is STILL talking about last months Chanel show. Why?! Well, to say it was bright and arty is an understatement.

IMAGE- MARIE CLAIRE

Chanel's former Global make-up director, Peter Phillips, created a rainbow eye, framed with thick black liner. Think blue, yellow, gold, green and pink. Yes. That's right. At Chanel. 

We've yet to hear which products Phillips used to create a well love artists palette on models such as Cara Delevingne, but I'm guessing they aren't from Chanel's subtle range. I would hazard a guess that these strong colours have come from the pro favourite, MUFE Flash Palette. These grease paints are packed with colour, and are easily set used loose pigments. 

Next to a slightly more wearable look, from Kenzo. Artist Aaron De May for MAC, created a striking white liner, accompanying bleached brow, nude lashes and bare skin. 

I personally love white top liner, especially when teamed with a bright eyeshadow on a darker complexion- it's a great way to mix up your usual routine!

My favourite budget white liner is from Barry M, once applied its completely waterproof and smuge resisitant! Try using an angled eyeliner brush from Crown for a precise application.

Finally, another show stopping look, this time from now other than Vivienne Westwood.

Make-up legend, Val Garland was in the head chair here, and her inspiration was- 

'Girl waiting for bus, getting splattered by mud'. 

So, just your average brief in the world of Westwood.

The only product I would suggest trying this look with is MAC Pro Acrylic Paint. Unfortunately this is only available to professional artists, but to be honest, I can't see many of you choosing this as your holiday look!

As the SS14 shows now draw to a close, we can return to the 90's punk movement of AW13, safe in the knowledge that whatever make-up we chose next year, it's safe to say, one designer has showcased it this season.

So, have fun, be creative and most of all- embrace it. After all, it's only make-up.

Festival Favourites- Make-up

Festival season is once again upon us! From isle of Wight last weekend, to the daddy of all festivals Glastonbury in a matter of days and V, Reading and Leeds finishing our Summer off nicely, UK festivals have become pinnacles of the British Summer.

So whats a girl to do when she wants to maintain that glamorous glow during 4 days of mud, hot sun (or heavy rain depending on the weathers mood!) and un-comfy camping?!

Well, its simple- follow this weeks blog posts for the professional tips to keep you festival fabulous all weekend long!

First up- it's a girls best friend-  make-up.

When my clients ask me if their make-up will last all night, I can honestly say I know it will not only last all night, but that it will still be immaculate when they wake up the next day.

How do I know this? Because I take my time applying make-up in light layers, rather than speedily applying a heavy coverage.  

Now, I'm not suggesting you wear the same make-up all weekend long (Believe me, it has been and can be done if you so wish!) but following the layering tips, will ensure your make up will stay in place from breakfast through to a midnight rave and beyond.

So, how do we layer?

Starting with your base, apply a small amount of concealer to any areas needed.

Next, take a small amount of your foundation (I would HIGHLY recommend Smashbox Studio Skin for longevity) and buff into skin using a dual fibre brush on circular motions. Crown 406 is ideal for this.

Repeat until you have achieved the level of coverage needed. 

For a long lasting bronzed glow and peachy cheek,  using the same dual fibre brush, take a cream bronzer and apply where the sun usually hits- forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. Chanel Bronze Universal is expensive but its my absolute favourite. Next, apply a cream blush, such as Kryolan Lip N Cheek to the apples of the cheek, again using your dual fibre brush. 

(If you hadn't guessed already, this brush comes in rather handy!)

Then lightly powder skin using a translucent powder, I like Rimmel Stay Matte Powder for a budget buy on a fluffy powder brush such as MUA F4. 

Now for the next layer! Taking your powder brush, apply a powder bronzer and blusher over where you have applied your cream. Remember this will add an extra strength of colour, so apply lightly and repeat if and when neccessary. My favourites include- Max factor Bronzing Powder and MAC Blusher.

For eyes, it's the same technique as cheeks! Start by applying a long lasting eye shadow cream using your fingers- Estee Lauder Pure Colour Eyeshadow Paints are available in a wide range of colours and do not budge!

Layer your eye shadows on top, using a flat brush to apply, pressing the colour firmly. MAC Eye Shadows and their 239 Brush are the perfect tools for the job! 

Finish with a flick of No7 Stay Precise Felt Tip Liner and two coats of Stay Perfect Mascara (this mascara is seriously life-proof- perfect for our festival look!)

And for lips?! If you like a natural look, I would suggest lining and filling in lips with a liner, Bourjois Lip Pencils are a great bargain, and finish with a tinted balm like the selection by  Burts Bee's. For a stronger look, why not try my favourite No7 Stay Perfect Lip Stain. 

And voila! Your long lasting festival make-up is complete!

Next up- ultimate festival hair!