Monday, January 31, 2011

Spring / Summer Make-Up Trends 2011

Heya :) As we are into a new year and saying goodbye to a cold winter its time to look forward to the Spring / Summer Trends for 2011. This season theres going to be LOTS of variety, from Neon's with Bold eye popping shades, to Pastel nude shades. This is the season to go wild and embrace your alter ego with some colour! :D

As we all are different and have different skin tones, etc. It is important to use the right products to compliment our skin tones. 

List of Skin Tones:
Warm - yellow undertone.
Cool - pink undertone.
Neutral - blend of both, or are more olive toned.

The looks for this season are very versatile as it can take you from your office desk to a night on the town in less than a couple of minutes.  


Natural Nudes:
Some people are huge fans for natural make up. While others, like me tend to like being more extravagant. Make up is for ENHANCING your beauty and not covering it. As I already said it can take you from a day look to a night look in minutes. Use a natural foundation to help create flawless looking skin, enhance your eyes using a few coats of mascara, then apply a small amount of blush on your cheekbones to emphasize them and optionally apply a clear lip gloss or slightly tinted lip balm on your lips to make them stand out. 
 
Jeanne Lanvin Spring / Summer Collection 2011.








 


Pastel Shades: 
Pastel shades can suits many people as it can be used in two ways. They can be used light or bold. Depending on your own personal preference and style you can apply the pastel coloured makeup as you wish to suit your own style as well as shape of your eyes.
Shades that are bang on trend this season are orange, red, pink, blue, green. Find the hue which suits your skin tone best, eye color and hair color best and apply the makeup whatever way you desire! :) To make the colour be more bold or vivid use an eyeshadow primer or dampen your brush to create the look you're going for. 

Christian Dior Spring / Summer Collection 2011.





Bold Eye Make-Up: 
So the bold/neon eye make-up look, I think it looks real 80's and Scene. But I love it. I think the more colour the better. But all in moderation. You don't want to be hitting the town looking like a clown. I personally wouldn't wear bold eye make up and lips as I think it would be too much. But as I say each to there own, if they feel confident enough to wear it and can pull it off well, I say go for it! :D You can use bold eyeshadow colors such as green, blue,  purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, etc, as they all rock. Mascara and liquid eyeliner are a big must for this type of makeup as it helps give a more defined finish to your look. If you're abit nervous and afraid to try out a bold look you can still use any colour you wish but turn it into a smokey eye, continue with liquid eyeliner and mascara and you're sorted! :) Also don't forget to tame those brows ladies!   
                                            Christian Dior Spring / Summer Collection 2011.


Bold Lips:                                                                              Another reason why I love make up so much, bold, vibrant lipstick. Don't get me wrong I like natural shades too. But prefer colourful lips. I remember trying on my Mam's red lipstick when I was younger and ended up looking like a lil drag queen with lipstick all over my lips and teeth....yeah not a good look! But anyway! :P When I'm wearing a strong colour on my lips I tend to just usually go for a natural eye with liquid eyeliner and flick with a few coats of mascara. You don't need to spend a small fortune on lipsticks for this season. Barry M have some great colours and are really affordable so you can be more daring and splash out on more colours. This season you don't really need to match your lipstick to your outfit. Its all about being bold and kinda outrageous. If it's a red, hot pink, orange, coral or even a blue lip color, keep it sleek and chic and you're ready to rock. Simple as that!
So there you have the main make up trends for Spring / Summer 2011.  

Hope ye have fun trying out some of these looks. And remember they don't have to be exactly as they are on the catwalks. Don't be afraid to give them your own twist, because remember make up isn't about doing it perfect and by the book. Its about being CREATIVE and enhancing that beauty that you already have!
Feel free to leave comments and feedback.
Chat soon,
-Nadia x

 

Sunday, January 30, 2011

MAC Wonder Woman Collection Spring 2011


 Heya :) So as some of ye may have already heard MAC have been working with Warner Bros. and DC Comics to bring out the Wonder Woman Collection for Spring 2011!
I personally am so excited to get my hands on some of this collection as I'm a huge Wonder Woman fan. Here is what MAC has to say about the collection :

"Banish any thought of being a Plain Jane: M∙A∙C and Wonder Woman have joined forces! For Spring 2011, take a trip to Paradise Island with a legendary line up of super-sized MineralizeSkinfinish, bold Eye Shadow quads, Pigment, Opulash, Lipsticks and oversized Lipglass, jumbo-big Powder Blush and Penultimate Eye Liner, Nail Lacquer and Lash inspired by the larger-than-life Bold Babe. Dashing and dazzling, the iconic super heroine reminds us that inside every woman is a Mighty Aphrodite full of courage, confidence and charisma. Kaboom! Mission Accomplished!

Wonder Woman has always known the importance of astounding accessories. For her collaboration with M∙A∙C, we’ve infused her sense and fantasy and wonder into a vivid collection of awe-inspiring accessories as fierce and feminine as the heroine herself. Bright, bold, superhuman designs in Makeup Bags – from radiant Red to Bulletproof Blue, Utility Belt Brush Sets, and exclusively online, the WW T-Shirt and Invincible Mirror. Shazam!"


The launch dates are:


U.S. / Canada - February 2011.
International - March 2011.


Prices range from $14.00 to $59.50 why the prices are so expensive for this collection is that some of the products are larger sizes than what they normally are. And also prices in Ireland will cost more.

So onto the good stuff! :D

Lipstick
Marquise d’ – Sandy cream peach (Lustre) - (Limited Edition). 
Russian Red – Intense bluish-red (Matte) - (Permanent).
Spitfire – Bright creamy magenta (Satin) - (Limited Edition).
Heroine – Brown bronze (Frost) - (Limited Edition).




Lipglass (These are larger in size than the regular lipglasses).
Emancipation – Pale neutral pink - (Limited Edition).
Wonder Woman – Bright red with soft pearl - (Limited Edition).
Athena’s Kiss – Bright blue fuchsia - (Limited Edition).
Secret Identity – Mid-tone copper with soft pearl - (Limited Edition).


Opulash Mascara
Victorious – Purple - (Limited Edition).
Army of Amazons – Green - (Limited Edition).
Themyscira – Blue - (Limited Edition).
Black – Black - (Limited Edition).

Penultimate Eye Liner
Rapid black – True black - (Permanent).


Nail Varnish
Obey Me – True red - (Limited Edition).
Spirit of Truth – Navy blue - (Limited Edition).




 False Eyelashes
#48 


Eye Quad – Defiance
Defiance – Iridescent white pink (Veluxe pearl) - (Limited Edition).
Paradise Island – Soft warm pink (Satin) - (Limited Edition).
Star Studded – Mid-tone violet pink (Satin) - (Limited Edition).
Real Drama – Dark burgundy with pink pearl (Satin) - (Limited Edition).




Eye Quad – Lady Justice
Lady Justice – Bright silver with white pearl (Frost) - (Limited Edition).
Insurmountable – Dirty blue grey (Veluxe Pearl) - (Limited Edition).
Bold Babe – Deep metal blue with white pearl (Frost) - (Limited Edition).
Deep Truth – True dark blue (Frost) - (Limited Edition).

Eye Quad – Valiant
Valiant – Light lime with yellow pearl (Frost) - (Limited Edition).
Spinning Transformation – Deep olive bronze with yellow pearl (Frost) - (Lim' Ed).
Diana Undercover – Dark forest green (Satin) - (Limited Edition).
Manila Paper – Pale frost white gold (Veluxe Pearl) - (Limited Edition).


Reflects Bronze
Reflects Pearl - White glitter with pearl sheen (Glitter) - (Permanent at MAC PRO).
Reflects Gold - Sparkling rich gold (Glitter) - (Permanent at MAC PRO).
Pigments
Bright Fuchsia – Bright magenta - (Permanent).
Marine Ultra – Vivid marine blue - (Permanent at MAC PRO).


Powder Blush Duo
Mighty Aphrodite – Warm peach coral with gold pearl/Bright coral pink with gold pearl (Satin/Frost) - (Limited Edition).
Amazon Princess – Bright yellow pink/Deep blue pink with gold pearl (Satin) - (Limited Edition).




Mineralize Skinfinish
Pink Power – Peachy rose with pink shimmer/Soft rosy bronze/Soft shell pink with fine shimmer - (Limited Edition).
Golden Lariat – True coral with fine gold shimmer/Soft suntanned bronze/Soft gold with fine shimmer - (Limited Edition).




Wonder Woman Make Up Bag
Wonder Woman Red (Limited Edition).
Bulletproof Blue (Limited Edition).

Utility Belt Eye Brush Set
224SE.
213SE.
194SE.

Utility Face Brush Set
129SE.
109SE.
190SE.

Invisible Mirror
Online Exclusive - (Limited Edition).

Wonder Woman Tee
Online Exclusive - (Limited Edition).

So that's all of the collection, what do you guys think of it? :D I can't wait until its available here in Ireland. As always feel free to leave feedback. :)


Chat soon,
-Nadia x






Tuesday, January 11, 2011

January Sales!

Heya :) Here’s another update on what I bought in the January sales. Normally I think whatever is on sale is just rubbish that the shop can’t sell, but this time round I picked up some goodies.


I headed to Athlone Town Centre with my Mam to have a look around and our first stop off was NEXT. There sale started pretty early in morning, I think it was about 5 or 6am? I wasn’t in shopping that early now! But I did pick up a cute lil Cupcake cushion that was €20 reduced down to €7.50.  I got it because I got the same one as part of my Christmas presents from my Mam and Dad, so I got the other one so id have a pair. This year I'm hoping to re-decorate my kitchen and its going to be cupcake themed! I’m so excited to get it started.
Just thinking there, I seem to always get cushions in the NEXT sale, I bought a pair of furry grey leopard print ones in there Summer Sale. :P


Then we went to have a look in River Island. I had my eye on 2 scarves in there since before Christmas so I thought id wait to see if they would be in the sale. The main one I wanted was a black and white devore skull scarf with velvet trim in near the same design of the Alexander McQueen one. This wasn’t on sale though. :( So maybe I’ll get it next time I'm in town if its still in stock. The Alexander McQueen one is €175 and the River Island version in €39.

The other scarf I had my eye on was grey devore with velvet trimming also but had wings on it. I loved it as soon as I seen it. This one was on sale, it was €39 reduced to €12. 

 Excuse the creases :S

We stopped off in Gloria Jeans for a coffee. I’m so in love with there White Iced Chocolate with cream. It’s just so amazing, its kinda like a vanilla milkshake really. But it’s gorgeous. I can’t walk by the shop without buying one. ^_^


Next stop was The Golden Island Shopping Centre, I wanted to call into Boots to see what there sale was like. I was really good. All there Christmas gift sets were half price including perfumes and aftershaves. 

I picked up a Front Cover Eye Make Up Bag which contained 2 pairs of party false eyelashes, (one is thick with little gems at the ends of them and the other are a natural to medium lash with glitter). A double sided mascara wand with gold and silver on each end, and another double sided mascara wand with black mascara on one side and black liquid liner on the other. I personally wouldn’t be mad about the liquid liner as I think it comes out very pale and faded. A pot of loose eye shadow pigment powder in “Cloud Dancer”, I think its quiet like “Pink Opal” eye shadow pigment powder by MAC, as it is frosted with a bright white / pink undertone to it. It also comes with a double sided brush and sponge applicator which would be handy to pop in your make up bag for when you’re on the go! 
This set was €24 reduced to €12. Which I thought was great value.


"her lashes swept the garden path"

And lastly my next and final stop was to the Calendar Club. I needed to get a new calendar as I forgot to pick one up before now. I wanted to get another Hello Kitty one, as my one last year as cute and colorful but as I had left it to the last minute to get one they were all sold out. BUT… I did find a really nice one, of one of my female idols…. a Marilyn Monroe one which I was really happy with. It has stunning pictures of her. She was one classy, stunning, elegant lady, who stole the hearts of many. It was €14.95 reduced to €8.95 so that was cool.


"Happy January!"

That was all my purchases for one day, which I think weren’t bad? Did you guys get anything nice in the sales?  Tell me :)

Chat soon,
-Nadia x

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Compact Mirrors By Model Mirror


Heya :) So here's another of my updates I was suppose to do over the Christmas but I didn't get a chance to. It's a review on the Compact Mirror by Model Mirror. I seen a review about this on Make Up By Nadia not me, another Nadia. :P And her blog can be seen here. As soon as I read Nadia's review, I though "ooh I must get one of them" and I did. :) 

"Compact mirrors are essential for any girl's handbag. They're perfect for touching up your makeup when away from home and they'll help you keep your polished look all day long.

But what happens when you're in a darker location? Maybe it's a poorly lit powder room or a dark club - or maybe you're out camping at a festival with no electricity at all. In situations like this, even the most hardcore fashionistas might put their compact mirrors away and keep their fingers crossed that their makeup remains unblemished.

But at Les Tai Tai, we're no longer concerned about the dark. Our fabulous Model Mirror compact mirrors feature eight battery-powered LEDs, which emit a bright light similar to a backstage makeup mirror. Simply turn on the power with the push of a button and you can enjoy the luxury of a lighted compact mirror wherever you are".


The mirrors come in a selection of styles and colours cost between £18 - £22. 
They can be bought on www.lestaitai.com or www.chicaboutiqueonline.com

I bought mine on Chica Boutique

From what I know they have sold out on Chica Boutique. I bought the Hippy Skull II and it cost me €28, and postage was under €5. Lil pricey but I love it and find it great for when applying make up or just doing a touch up. 

I had a little mix up with my order but the staff from Chica Boutique were very help full and sorted out my order straight away and it was delivered to me the next day. But onto my actual review. The skull on front of the mirror is the original Hippy Skull design but now in shiny gold foil. As the description says it has 8 mini battery operated glamorous LED lights around the mirror for a more accurate application, that switch on with the touch of a button. It is also sleek, stylish and can you can just pop it into your purse or clutch on a night out. Each mirror comes with a replaceable 23A 12V battery that should normally last around 6 months, gift box and a velvet pouch/cleaning cloth to prevent the plastic from scratching.

Here is the one I bought....

The Hippy Skull II
The Front....

 Inside...


Back...


 
So overall I would definitely recommend this mirror, I think its great and I've been using it since I got in it the post. So happy days! :) Hope you liked this update/review? Feel free to leave comments or feedback. Thanks! :)

Chat soon,
-Nadia x

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

December Favourites

Heya :) Hope you all had a fun, safe New Years. I don't like New Years so I just stayed in my family and it was great. :) So onto the updates, while I was out Christmas present shopping for family and friends I decided to treat myself to some bits too.

Here is what I bought!....


  • Medium Yankee Candle in Sparkling Cinnamon - "spicy warmth of real imported stick cinnamon with a hint of cloves". I bought the 2 medium candles in a gift set that was €19.90, which I think is really good value as there normally €14 each for the medium sized candles.
  • Large Yankee Candle in Christmas Cupcake - "rich, moist vanilla cupcake covered with sweet buttery holiday icing". I got my Aunties store discount for the large candles, there usually over €20 depending on each store but I got mine for €15 each.
  • Large Yankee Candle in Mandarin Cranberry - "vibrant, fruity sensation of sweet, sunny oranges and crisp, tangy cranberries". 
  • Medium Yankee Candle in Sparkling Snow - "crisp, naturally fresh scent of gleaming, snow-covered pines with hints of patchouli and fruit".

  • MAC Lipstick in Up The Amp - "Lavender violet, Amplified Creme". I got this lipstick in MAC in Brown Thomas, Dublin by recycling my 6 empties. It would usually be around €17. I haven't taken a swatch of the lipstick, to be honest I cant use my camera properly and the colour always looks different on your hand compared to your actual lips.

  • Red Leopard Print Scarf - I got this scarf because I think its more affordable to the Louis Vuitton "Red Stole Leopard Scarf". I got mine in Penney's for under €10. Bargain! The only difference between the Penney's version and the actual designer one is that the designer one says "Louis Vuitton" at the bottom of the scarf. 



The picture quality isn't too great on the above picture of the scarf but the red and the rest of the colours in the scarf are alot more vibrant in person. The colour can be seen alot better in the first picture of this update. But anyway that's the Penney's version (above) of it and here is the original Louis Vuitton version (below)....
 
Yeah you can sort of tell the difference (if you're a designer junkie) but really, who my age can afford to spend that amount of money on a scarf? We've all become recessionista's thanks to the Irish Government. So yeah that's what I bought over the month of December while I was out Christmas shopping. :)
Chat soon!
-Nadia x