makeup tips

Bridal Skincare Steps

Posted by Sharon McCormack

Looking after your skin is always important.  We tend to give it a little more TLC on the lead up to special events!

Unfortunately all weddings are postponed at the moment, it is important to continue caring for your skin and prepping it for your Wedding Day.

Caring for your skin is vital.  You can never start this process too early nor it is never too late to start!

  • Cleanse your skin day & night, always remove your make up.
  • Try and get your recommended sleep of 6-8 hours.
  • Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, you can never overdo this step !
  • Wear SPF
  • Use skin-specific skincare products especially your moisturiser
  • Wear eye cream day and night!
  • Get fresh air, great for your skin and your well-being!

 

Morning Routine

  • Cleanse- This gets rid of any dirt, left over make up and clogging elements.
  • Cleanse again- This works deep into your pores and leaves your skin squeaky clean
  • Serum- I would never skip this step, a serum penetrates deeper into your skin leaving your skin with a firm and smooth texture. Serums lock in moisture.
  • Moisturiser-It is important to use the correct moisturiser for your skin type. Moisturising keeps your skin cells healthy. Using a cream with an SPF will protect your skin from sun damage!
  • Eye cream- These creams are generally are a thicker cream so they nourish the thin layer of skin around your eyes. Eye creams cater for all issues: puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and dullness!
  • Not everyone adds primer to their skin routine but I think it is an important step especially if you are going to apply make up shortly afterwards! Primer protects your skin and acts as a barrier between your skin and make up! If you don’t have an SPF in your moisturiser then maybe have it in your primer!

Night-time Skin care routine

  • Cleanse- same as day time routine
  • Cleanse again
  • Toner- Restores your skins ph balance! Also known to prevent ingrown hairs.
  • Serum- Same as day time routine.
  • Face oil- A personal favourite of mine. Apart from loving the feeling of the oil, it really is a magic product! Using facial oil continuously can reverse aging by improving skin elasticity!
  • Eye cream- same as day time routine.

 

Recommended extra skincare:  Exfoliate and Masks.

Benefits of exfoliating your skin:

  • Cleans and purifies clogged pores
  • Gets rid of dead skin cells
  • Helps skincare penetrate deep into the skin
  • Evens out skin tone
  • Boosts circulation

Benefits of using facial masks:

  • Increase hydration
  • Refines skin pores
  • Helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Encourages even skin tone
  • Firmer skin.

 

Exfoliating

There are 2 types of exfoliation used with skincare, mechanical and chemical, both have different ways of working but both end up with the same goal- renew new fresh skin cells beneath the upper surface of the skin!

1)Chemical

There are two major types of chemical exfoliators: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs is ideal for sensitive and mature skin giving extra hydration to the skin while BHAs works great with oily and acne prone skin types.

 

 

2)Mechanical

These exfoliating methods are facial scrubs or sometimes rough cloths and brushes. Scrubs are easy use and just as effective as a chemical exfoliator. There are many types of scrubs. Depending on your skin type it is important to choose the scrub for you! Most scrubs have tiny particles in them to remove dead skin cells and some have larger particles and can be harsh to your skin particularly if you have sensitive skin so be careful when choosing yours. A mild exfoliator can be suited to all skin types.

 

Face Masks

  • Sheet masks- Suitable for all skin types, the most versatile of all the masks.
  • Clay (or mud) masks- Great for oily and acne prone skin, the clay and mud help absorb toxins from your skin.
  • Cream masks- Ideal for dry skin, a real boost of hydration. Suitable for mature skin also.
  • Peel-off masks- Can be aimed for acne/oily skin with large pores. Great for refining pores.
  • Gel masks- Soothing & cooling, great treatment for dehydrated, dry and sensitive skin.
  • Charcoal masks- Work best on oily and acne prone skin types.
  • Sleep masks- If you’re looking for a hydrated boost, this will lift your dry dull skin.

Note: To care for your skin you will need to know your skin type: Oily, Dry, Sensitive, Dehydrated, Combination or Mature etc! Choosing your skincare regime will depend on your skin type!

The Benefits of wearing cream make up

Posted by Sharon McCormack

All you need to know about Cream Make Up

The Benefits:

-Easy & quick application

-Creates a fresh natural youthful appearance

-Looks great on all skin types

-Leaves your skin looking hydrated, glowing and dewy

-No cracking, caking or sitting into fine lines

-Easily touched up!

 

I am a big fan of cream based make up for your everyday quick looks! If you are busy like most of us and you don’t have time for a full face of make up but yet want to make a little effort then the cream products are perfect for you!  Application can be so quick and these products need very little skill!  They are easily applied and you can use your hands & fingers, brushes are not essential! Cream products really leave your skin looking hydrated and fresh!  Great for all skin types but especially for dry/mature skin. It really brings back a natural dewy look to your skin!

 

Foundation

Cream foundation will give your skin a more smooth and youthful appearance. The make up does not set, crack or cake on the skin! The cream texture almost sits on your skin and moves with it giving it the freedom to breathe. Suitable for all skin types especially dry and mature skin. The cream foundation will minimise wrinkles and fine lines which we do not want emphasised! Overall a beautiful fresh finish!

My favourites:        Bobbi Brown stick foundation   &  MAC studio tech foundation

 

 

 

 

 

Eye Shadows

Most of the cream eyeshadows have a glossy or satin base. The cream eyeshadow doesn’t need much work with application, it is very easy to apply using both fingers or brushes. It is creaseless and that makes it good for dry or mature skin as it doesn’t crack!

My favourites:    Stila Glow & Glitter liquid eyeshadows  and  Giorgio Armani eye tint liquid eyeshadow

 

 

 

 

Blusher

Cream blushes are very moisturising and dewy. They give a youthful and natural appearance. Apply light layers with your fingers or synthetic brush! Great product on dry or mature skin.

My favourites:       Stila convertible colour   &   MAC blush creme

 

 

 

 

Bronzer

A cream bronzer has a natural sheen due to its cream texture. It leaves your skin looking dewy and fresh To give a subtle appearance apply light layers and build up to desired contour look!

My Favourite:   Benefit Hoola quickie contour stick

 

 

 

 

Highlighter

A cream highlighter creates a fab subtle glow that is very natural looking. Cream highlighters are never shimmery! Great for dry skin or any skin seeking a natural dewy appearance

My Favourites:     Sculpted by Aimee cream highlighters    &    Benefit Watt’s Up

 

 

 

 

Lipsticks

Cream lipsticks are very moisturising and easy to wear. The waxy texture clings to your lips without creating dryness. The long-lasting formula is very smooth and looks great on! Ideal for women with smaller lips who are looking to create a fuller lip look!

My favourites:   MAC Satin, Cremesheen & Amplified lipsticks  and  Charlotte Tilbury k.i.s.s.i.n.g lipsticks

The Pro’s & Con’s to using both Cream & Powder make up products

Cream Make Up Pro’s

Cream Make Up Con’s
Easy to apply Eye cream shadows can crease
No brushes required-use hands only Can appear shiny especially if you have oily skin
Great for all skin types-esp dry/mature skin Not very blenable
Only need to use small amounts as highly pigmented Not as long lasting as powders
Leaves your skin with a hydrated dewy glow appearance You can’t apply creams on top of powders

Powder Make Up Pro’s

Powder Make Up Con’s
Creates a flawless matte finish Requires technique especially on the eyes
Easier blend especially eye shadows Can age the skin as powders can settle into lines & wrinkles
Make up lasts longer using powder Doesn’t appear as natural looking as the powder is obvious
Helps preventing creasing Can make dry skin flakey
Helps oily skin by absorbing oils from the skin Excess powders can make the skin look dry and dehydrated

 

If you like a natural, dewy youthful uber quick look then give this demo a try!

View this post on Instagram

No powders !! All liquid & cream based products.. A fresh natural look for all skin types especially dry/tired/mature skin! The dewiness really gives your skin a hydrated lift in all the right places! This quick simple youthful look takes minimum effort and can be applied with hands only! This glow can be achieved by everyone ! @bobbibrownuk vitamin enriched face base @sculpedbyaimee beauty base pearl @narsissist sheer glow foundation @lauramercier flawless fusion ultra-longwear concealer @benefit_ire Hoola quickie contour stick @stilacosmetics convertible dual lip & cheek cream in lillium @sculptedbyaimee champagne cream highlighter @giorgioarmani eye tint in sunset @benefit goof proof & gimme brows shade 3 @lancome hypnose in black @maccosmetics bombshell #makeupvideo #makeuptutorials #sharonmccormackmua #nopowders #allliquidandcream #glowy #dewyskin #naturalglow #quarantinenails #quarantineroots #lovewhatyoudo #sundayvibes #youthful #freshskin #hydratedskin

A post shared by Sharon McCormack (@sharonmccormackmua) on

 

 

Thank you for reading my little piece today! I hope you enjoyed it and maybe picked up a few tricks of the trade.

 Love, Sharon xxx

Make Up Application for Mature Skin

Posted by Sharon McCormack

Your Skin Comes First
The first rule to makeup is to make sure your skin is in tip-top condition. The better your skin, the less makeup you’ll need. If you keep your skin well-hydrated and exfoliated and you may be able to get away with little more than under-eye concealer, mascara and lip balm every day.

The Secret Lip Plumper
You may notice that as you get older, your lips seem thinner. To plump them up, I recommend lip gloss. Add a little colour first by filling in lips with a lipstick a shade or 2 darker than your natural lip colour, then add a dab of gloss on top and that is how you get instant plump lips !

Wedding & Portrait Photographers Ebony & Pearl Photography , Wedding & Portrait Photographers Ebony & Pearl PhotographyStay Away From Dark Lipsticks
Unless you have dark skin and plump lips, I recommend staying away from super dark lipstick, which ages everyone. Rosy reds and pinks are better bets. Choose colours that are natural shades, anything too artificial will age the lips.

Use Eye Pencils Instead of Liquid Liners
Eye pencils are softer than liquid liners, which can be harsh on aging eyes. To soften the line even more, smudge it with your fingers or use an angled makeup brush dipped in dark shadow as smudged eyeliner. Don’t line the inside of the eye if you have small eyes, it makes the eye appear smaller.

Make Your Eyes the Centre of Attention
Consider making your eyes the focal point of your face. This will detract attention from any fine lines or wrinkles. Enhance your eye colour with eye shadow shades that will make your eyes pop. Avoid choosing dark colours for mature skin, always choose light flattering colours. Taupe’s, light browns/golds, light pinks/peaches, creams and neutral shades work best.

The Brilliance behind Highlighter and Illuminators
I swear by highlighters to “lift” the face and instantly shave off a few years. There are many brands on the market that work well. They are great for getting rid of dark circles and highlighting the areas you want to show off! Liquid highlighters work best on mature skin.

photo3Don’t Overdo Your Makeup
Less is more when it comes to makeup for mature skin. You don’t want to pile on the foundation, the eyeliner and the heavy lipstick. Instead, you want to use highlighter pens, tinted moisturizers and a lighter touch with the shadow and lipstick.

Wearing too much of anything once your skin starts to age can make you look far older as the make-up sinks into the fine lines and wrinkles. So always think ‘less is more’!

Add a Pop of Blush to Your Cheeks
Too many women use blush incorrectly or not at all. A pop of blush on the apples of your cheeks can brighten a dull complexion. But the trick is to blend it well so it’s not obvious you’re wearing blush.

Use Creams Instead of Powders
Older women tend to have dry skin so using the correct make up can help the skin look dewy and at its best. Choosing creamy foundations and blushes work best on mature skin.

Eyeliner for mature skin

Eyebrow pencil is a great make up tool, define them well to capture the shape of your eyebrows. The older we get the more hair we lose, especially our eyebrows and eyelashes so a way to help this situation is A well-shaped eye brow and this can take away years. Try applying mascara to upper lashes only, to open the eyes and give a fresh look.

Luscious Red Lips for Valentine’s Day

Posted by Sharon McCormack

Pucker Up: Tired of trying soooo many shades of red lipstick but still never getting the one that works for you? You can listen to rules about overpowering colours and undertones of pinks or oranges/hints of this and that etc…..well, take it from this MUA: there are NO rules to Red Lipstick!! There are boring guidelines though……

You can actually wear whatever red lipstick you want to. What you do want to take note of is whether you are looking for your red lipstick to work in ‘harmony’ with your skin type OR if you are looking to create a ‘statement’ with your look.

How to choosing your Red Lippy to go with your skin type


photo 2Fair Skin

Coral-y reds look most beautiful on you; they add a shot of colour but aren’t overpowering.For the bold look opt for a fiery red hot lip

Shades for Fair Skin/ Coral Red Shades:

  • Maybelline Stay with me Coral
  • Nars Beautiful Liar
  • MAC creamsheen Crosswires

Fiery reds:

  • MAC Lady Danger

Medium Skin

photo 3Anything from true red to pinky undertone red shades will work well with your golden undertones. Going for the fierce look try cranberry reds!

Shades for Medium Skin/ Pinky Red Shades:

  • Maybellines colour Sensational Lip-colour ‘Are you in    the red-dy’
  • MAC Ronnie Red
  • L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Mat Lipstick-Raspberry Syrup

Fierce red:

  • Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick-Cranberry

photo 4Dark Skin

Stick with deep, rich colours like burgundy or blackberry. For a head turning look, choose warm red brick shades for a pop of colour!

Shades for Dark Skin/ Berry Red Shades:

  • Rimmel London Matte Finish Lipstick 107
  • MAC Rebel
  • Revlon ‘Burgundy Red’

Head turning:

  • Nars Heatwave

photo 5All skin types

You can choose a true red which is universal to all skin types & colours ! These shades of lipstick have undertones of blue & in my personal opinion are by far the most FABulous on everyone ! STATEMENT !

Shades for Every Skin Type / True Reds:

  • Maybelline ‘On Fire Red’
  • MAC Ruby Woo
  • Make Up Forever Rouge Natural N45

For Harmony & Statement looks below is a handy guideline:

chart

Whatever you get up to this Valentine’s Day, make sure you chose a suitable lippy to match your skin tone and your date!

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

– Coco Chanel