Tag: Makeup

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

If you’re looking for a foundation with great coverage that will leave your skin looking flawless then look no further. Illamasqua Skin Base foundation does just the job.

I first discovered Skin Base when on a modelling job. The first time a makeup artist used it on my skin, I had to find out what it was. Never had a foundation left my skin looking so flawless. I excitedly purchased my first bottle and so my love affair with Illamasqua makeup began. That was a couple of years ago now and Skin Base has been one of my trusty go to foundations ever since. In fact the price has gone up since I started using it, so it shows it must be popular but still, even the inflation couldn’t deter me from this must have beauty buy!

This is the part where I have to state that Skin Base isn’t my everyday foundation. In fact most days I opt for minimum to no foundation on the skin. Because of this, I can’t claim to know what Skin Base is like on the skin after continual everyday use, as like I said the coverage is very good and therefore it is quite thick so everyday usage might not be the best for the skin, but then again I personally wouldn’t recommend using any foundation every day anyway. I do think this foundation is great for special occasions when you want that flawless look (I personally use it as my night out makeup), and if well blended it can also work well as a cover up over blemishes on the skin.

There are also times when I don’t use Skinbase all over the face but instead mix it with one of my paler concealers to create the perfect tone to then lightly apply around the eyes. I find this creates the perfect concealer for me on days when I want minimal makeup but still want to brighten up the area around my eyes.

My skin type is normal to oily and this foundation sits well on my skin. On days when my skin is feeling slightly dryer, it helps to use a more oily moisturiser before applying this foundation or using a primer first to prep the skin.

How long does it last?

Skin Base has great longevity, both on the skin and in the bottle. Like I said, this is my go to night out foundation and even though I like to party hard, this stuff stays put even after dancing the night away. Also as I don’t use this foundation everyday it lasts me ages so I often have bottles for months at a time and it never seems to dry up or go bag inside the bottle.

What shade do you use?

I use Skin Base shade 12. This is the closest match to my skin, although it is slightly more orange than my skin tone so I do have to be careful when applying it. At the moment I have a tan so for now it suits my skin tone quite perfectly.

How much does it cost?

£32 for 30ml

Where can I buy it?

You can buy it online at Illamasqua online (postage is free to UK customers) or if you go in store to either Selfridges or Debenhams, their makeup artists there can help you find the shade to match your skin tone.

I give this product a huge thumbs up and would definitely recommend it to those who are looking for a good coverage with their foundation.

Samio x

October 2, 2014
Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss – Succubus

This is a lipgloss I’ve had for a while and as I keep getting questions on my lip colours I thought I’d gradually begin doing posts on some of my favourites, starting with this Intense Lipgloss from Illamasqua.

This isn’t a lipgloss I wear often, as I’m more of a matte lady myself, however when I really want a show stopper, this is the lip paint I pull out of the bag, Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in shade Succubus. It glides on easily (although I would recommend a liner first if you don’t have a steady hand) and just like the label says, it’s an intense shade so it comes out as vibrant as it looks.

A downside of this product (as with most glosses) is the dreaded bleeding lip line. I’m not referring to actual blood but the fact that this is certainly not smudge proof, so it can be quite a high maintenance one to wear. Regardless of the necessary routinely mirror checks, I love this gloss and like all Illamasqua lipglosses it smells good enough to eat too (but of course don’t do that).

You can see how vibrant this lipgloss comes out as in the images I’ve taken below, Succubus is the only thing I have on my lips.

Keep it bold and keep it glossy…

Samio x

September 19, 2014
Sephora Base Lissante Smoothing Primer Review

I bought the Sephora Base Lissante Smoothing Primer whilst I was in Barcelona. I’d ran out of my usual primer Illamasqua Matte Primer and although it’s not a product I use all the time it’s definitely something I missed having in my makeup bag when I wanted to use it.

I first tried the Sephora Primer on my hand and was impressed by it’s silky smooth feel and the way it reduced the look of lines on my hand and so I knew I had to buy it and try it out on my face. I didn’t really get chance to use the primer until I returned home to the UK, as I found I far too hot to wear foundation in Barcelona. When I did eventually try the primer I really liked it. It has a silicone gel like texture and like I said it has a silky smooth feel and it gives a silky smooth finish too. It’s a matifying primer, so it does reduce shine too and helps produce a good flawless finish.

As for longevity it doesn’t seem to keep it’s satin look for as long as I’d like but it does a good job at keeping the makeup in place and it sits comfortably on the skin.

I’m not convinced this primer is the best value for money as it’s. For 15ml. However it does make a good travel size primer as it’s small so you can take it with you on the go, therefore I’d recommend it as one for your travel makeup bag rather than one to use as your everyday primer.

Samio x

September 7, 2014
Sleek Exxxaggerate – Purple Lipstick

Not long ago I did a makeup shop and ended up doing a bit of a Sleek haul (the other products I will blog soon). It was one of those situations, you walk into Boots ready to buy that one item you actually need and then see that it’s three for two mix and match and end up buying at least 6 items (two of those were free so it was basically a steal right). Anyway this was one of those items, not what I’d initially gone in to purchase but something I ended up wanting anyway.
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August 21, 2014
My Three Step Brow Routine – For Defined Brows

A question I often get asked is ‘How do you do your brows?’, so I thought it was about time I finally wrote a blog post for those who are interested in my brow routine or are looking for a new one.

For me my brow routine starts at the salon. I try to get my eyebrows threaded every couple of weeks or so. Creating a good shape for your eyebrows really helps to frame your face.

If you currently pluck your eyebrows and haven’t yet tried threading then I would definitely recommend it. However threading isn’t for everyone and of course if you prefer a bushy statement brow then maybe only a filler is what you’re after.

I previously always used Brow Zings eyebrow pallet from Benefit, to fill in my eyebrows. However more recently I converted to Sleek Brow Kit, as it is exactly the same as the Benefit brow palette and less than half the price! I thought it too good to be true at first but bar the branding on the case the two products are barely indistinguishable, right down to the tweezers (which are excellent at pulling out those odd stray hairs might I add). Both pallets come with a wax, a powder and a brush for each, along with mini tweezers as well as a mirror inside the pallet case.

Shade Used – Extra Dark

Below I’ve created a photo collage to show each step of my brow routine.
1. My brows, newly threaded.
2. My brows outlined with the wax part of the pallet using the angle brush.
3. My brows at the final step, lightly filled in with the powder side of the pallet using the rounded brush. – I usually then go over my brows with an eyebrow bush, just to make sure the powder is fully blended and to gently ease out any harsh lines.

And there you have it, my easy to follow eyebrow routine for defined brows.

Samio x

August 19, 2014
My Secret to a Photoready Glow

If there’s one product I can recommend any girl for their makeup bag it’s this! For a girl like me who doesn’t have prominent cheekbones, this product is heaven and if you are blessed to have perfectly chissled cheeks then even better, as this product is sure to help show off your fabulous features!

I was recommended this product by a model friend who is naturally very fair skinned. I say recommended when the reality of the situation was that I saw my friend using it on herself and after seeing it’s fabulous shiny glow, I then immediately requested to try it out on myself, which then led to me buying one of my own. Being a makeup lover and magpie to all things shiny, it was inevitable that I and this product would finally be united and now I have been using it (whenever I fancy some strategically placed glow) for over a year.

The product in question is Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator.

Revlon Skinlights comes in four different shades and although I am darker skinned I actually use the pink shade, as I already have a great golden press powder that I use when I want a more bronzed glow plus I like the effect that this lighter shade has on my skin.

I apply this product by applying three small dots of it along the apple of my cheekbone and I then use my finger to dab and carefully blend. I do this in a slight ‘S’ shape along the underneath of my eye socket and around the cheek. I also apply a small amount to below the brow, again dabbing with the tip of my finger.

Not only is this product easy to apply but it’s also good value for money and it lasts ages too, making it definitely worth the purchase.

Samio x

June 10, 2014
By Jamie Cowlishaw

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of working with photographer Jamie Cowlishaw along with Hair & Makeup Artist Maxine Smith. It was my first test shoot of the year and so I could not wait to get behind the camera and get to work with this amazing creative team. It was the first time any of us had worked with one another but it didn’t take long for us to click and begin our creative minds flowing.

I took along a small selection of my own wardrobe and we began working our way through outfits, mixing up styles as we went. From relaxed and casual to strong and fierce, we captured a variety of looks and I’m really happy with the end results.

Samio x

February 17, 2014
Valentine’s Day Inspiration

I’m not usually an openly romantic person and the thought of being all soppy and seeing a mass amount of PDA kind of makes me feel sick. So as you can imagine, Valentines day isn’t the perfect occasion for me, however I can’t deny I do enjoy being treated and it can often be a good reminder to show your other half how much you appreciate and love them. So I’ve compiled a very small list of Valentine’s Day inspiration, either for the occasion or to buy as a gift.

LOVE Ice Cream Pink Pleated Cold Shoulder Dress

This dress is so cute. It would be perfect to wear for a Valentine’s date (if the weather permits) and it will be perfect to keep for summer too. It also comes in a darker pink as well as black which also look very chic.
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February 10, 2014
Festive Christmas Day Makeup Tutorial

I’ve said it about ten times already but I’m feeling super festive! I always love getting into the Christmas spirit but this year I feel even more Christmassy than ever.

The run up to Christmas Day seems to have gone so fast that I’ve barely had time to do any proper planning. Luckily though, all my presents are purchased, the fridge is full and now I just have two more restless sleeps until I can have my much anticipated Gothic Christmas! Yes that’s right, our family is doing a themed Christmas this year and I can’t wait.

I came up with the idea of a themed Christmas last month when I was in a period of loving black. I just loved the idea of having an Adams Family/The Munsters style family Christmas Dinner. I was surprised to hear my family were well up for the idea and even ended up planned and purchasing outfits before I did! I even spent a large chunk of last night making a luxurious Vampire cape for my boyfriend, which turned out quite fabulous I must say.

With everyone else sorted I’d almost forgot to pick out an outfit for myself. Luckily, with me owning an array of ‘Gothic attire’, I was able to pull something out of my wardrobe last minute. Strangely enough the planning of a Gothic Christmas has made me feel more festive than ever and I am more than giddy for Christmas Day.

Anyway, despite the fact that I’m getting ready to release my inner Goth, as it’s Christmas Eve, Eve, I thought I’d do a Christmas Day makeup blog post. So for those of you who are looking for some festive makeup inspiration and won’t be going for smokey eyes and dark lips like me, then maybe this step by step tutorial can come in handy for you.

The Eyes

Step 1:
Prep the eyelids with your regular foundation and fill in your eyebrows as usual.
With a light shimmer, go over the lid of your eye. Here I’ve used Front Cover’s eye shadow shade, Biscuit.

Step 2:
Using a light shimmery brown eye shadow, shadow in just above the eyelid crease and then blend. I used shade Hazel from Front Cover’s Rainbow Eyes Pallet.

Step 3:
Draw on some winged liner using a black eyeliner pencil.

Step 4:
Using a glitter gel liner, draw a winged line above the black pencil line.
For this I used Collection’s Glam Crystal Dazzling Gel Liner in Funk, which is a gold shade.

Step 5:
Once the gold glitter liner has dried, go over the black pencil eyeliner with a black liquid eyeliner in order to create a more solid line. (Go over the glitter eyeliner again afterwards if needed)
Apply black mascara to the top lashes only.

Step 6:
Using a gold eyeliner pencil, liner the bottom of your eye. I used Model’s Own Golden Girl Glitter Eye Pencil.

Step 7:
Add black mascara to your bottom lashes for the end result.

The Lips

Step 1:
Lightly liner the lips using a brown to light brown to nude lip liner pencil, depending on your skin tone. For this I used a pencil in shade Cinnamon from Boots Natural Collection.

Step 2:
Again, finding a shade to suit your skin tone, fill the lips in with a nude to brown shade of lipstick. I used NYC’s Expert Lip Last in shade, Creamy Caramel 440.

Step 3:
Appling to the centre of the lips, add some gold shimmery lip gloss and carefully pat outwards with your finger to blend. The perfect gloss to use for this effect is Illamasqua’s Intense Lipgloss in shade, Stranger, as used here.

The Finished Look

A great variation to this look is to use a different colour glitter eyeliner. Here I’ve used Collection’s Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Eyeliner in Pizzazz, which is a super festive green shade.

Samio x

December 23, 2013
Halloween Skull Face Paint Makeup Tutorial
This is a follow on from the previous post, on how I did my skull doll Halloween makeup. My boyfriend also opted for skull makeup and I was quite surprised at his results. It’s always slightly awkward when your boyfriend does a better job at makeup than you, don’t you think?

Look below to see step by step of how he achieved this look:

What he used:

For the application:
- A sponge.
- A bust set.
He used the sponge to apply the white face paint to the whole of is face, avoiding the eye area.

Next he used one of the fine brushes to outline and fill in the shape around the eyes, using the black face paint.

This was then done to draw and fill in the nose.

A thin line was drawn across the top lip, spreading out along either side of the face, again using the black face paint.

Along the black line he drew ‘U’ shapes, above and below the line, to create the look of teeth.

Lightly watering down the paint on the brush, he then shaded above and below the ‘U’ shapes, to add more detail.

At either sides of the face he drew a circle outline, to later be filled in.

He next filled in the outlines made on either side of the face, using the black face paint. He then added slight detail above the brown line, again using the black paint slightly watered down.

A crack line was added to a top corner of the face to give the look of a cracked skull.

To finish off the look, he painted his neck and ears with the black face paint.

Happy Halloween!

Samio x
October 31, 2013