Once upon a time in MAC

Hey Chics!

I was reently browsing through my old picture files on my computer and I came across some oldies back when i was still working at MAC. Sometimes (if i could be bothered) I would take pictures of my makeup applications. Nothing professional just photos of my work. I am so happy I have started to branch out from MAC and my style has also changed alot.

MAC has a very distinct style which they teach to all the staff who work there. It can be very drag like sometimes. Its funny because once I was told by a very famous makeup artist in Dubai to change my style which was "too MAC". Best thing I ever did. Anyway..here are some pics...before and after MAC.

Then....

Now....

I can honestly thank MAC for teaching me some amazing precious skills and I still love the brand very much, but as an artist its important in order to grow to always improve, update and be open to experimentation!

Until next time!
Ciao Bellas!
xoxo



Zap those Zits!

Hello gorgeous peeps!

It has been so long since I'v blogged. Well frankly I grew abit tired and bored of it really. I have been so busy lately because I'v moved into my own apartment. I will post pics when I can.
I have been using this mask for quite some time now and i really like it.

Sulphur is a mineral used in skincare mainly for acne or comgested skin. It has a drying effect as well as antibacterial and germicidal. Well if you have alot of acne, or suffer from breakouts occasionally you MUST use Sulphur.

You can buy readymade sulphur masks and apply a small pea sized amount on the affected area overnight or use it as an overall weekly mask.Be careful though it can be very drying so use it sparingly.
I use the Proactiv refining Sulphur mask, but you can find one that works for you! I dont particularly like the Proactiv range in general but I like this mask for zapping those monthly spots!

I have seen a significant increase in my followers, thank you for subscribing and hope to continue to help and inspire!
Ciao Bellas!
xoxo

10 Summer Beauty tips...Sizzle dont burn!

Hey chicas!

Wow its been a while since I updated my blog, I have been so busy with work and just generally not interested in spending every second of my day on the internet. Blogging is fun, but I dont take it super seriously as I enjoy living my life and interacting with people in person.


Anyway, since summer is approaching and frankly its already getting damn hot here in Dubai here are some tips to keep you looking Hot and not like a sweaty drenched camel...

1. SPF!!!!!!! Guys seriously, were not in the 70s anymore, wear sun protection of a minimum of 15, we all know now how bad UVA and UVB rays do to our skin. By the way, UVA rays are the ones responisble for Ageing, and UVB rays for burning...so yes both happens whether your dark skinned or fair.
2. To keep foundation lasting all day, or atleast a good 8 hours, wear a mattifying primer. Especially if you have oily skin.
3. Keep blotting pads with you instead of re applying powder which by the end of the day you will most definately look like the wax version of Joan collins in Madame Tusauds.
4. Avoid using bright colored lipgloss..unless you want to look like your drooling (and not because there's a hot lifegaurd staring at you)
5. Cream blush looks gorgeous and natural and gives you that youthful glow!
6. Avoid wearing so much eye makeup, especially in the day because lets be frank it never really stays perfect in this weather anyway
7. Please please blend your foundation into your neck, seriously! =)
8. If your going for the fake tan, GET IT RIGHT or just skip it. If using bronzer, apply it where you naturally tan on the higher planes of the face like the cheekbones, temples etc. Looking like an Oompa Loompa or a carrot for that matter wont get you a free cocktail!
9. Waterproof mascara and eyeliner is best suited for humid weather, keep the racoon eye/Goth look for winter! (yes it was in vogue last season)
10. Use a highlighter, why? Because its beautiful. It gives you radiance and makes you look like J Lo. Just avoid really shimmery ones unless you want to look like a disco ball.

Hope these tips help! Have fun in the sun!

Ciao
Ales xoxo

The Perfect Peach

So the other day while browsing the makeup shops "as usual", I was actually on the search for the perfect peach blush. I wanted a matte finish, peach with no pink in it whatsoever. I know MAC does peaches, but im so bored of the same old products and I used that one to death when I worked there.

I didnt find one unfortanely. However, I did find an eyeshadow. Benefit's powder eyeshadow in "shallow" was the perfect peach. I tried it on my cheeks and Voila!

The great thing about makeup is that you dont always have to play by the rules. I have been wearing this eyeshadow as blush all week and i love it! I will show you how it looks on my cheeks soon.  It is so longlasting, even more so than regular blush formulas!

xoxo

NYX Makeup Box review

Hello


Quick review of another product i purchased recently. The NYX makeup box.

Really suprised at the quality of this. Normally ready made makeup sets have less pigment than individual lines but not this one. The eyeshadows are so pigmented and last over 8 hours (full work day) perfectly with minimal creasing. I use concealer as a base or an eyeliner and they stick so well and are so vibrant. The blushes are pretty as well and theres also a highlighter. Lipstick is gorgeous, very pugmented and longlasting. I never use the brushes that come with it because frankly they arent any good. Its very affordable too, definately worth it.
Love this palette, been using it all week :)


xoxo

Flawless Face

So I thought I would share something with you guys in regards to getting that "perfect" flawless finish when you apply foundation. There is no question about it, how important moisture is for our skin. Well, I did a test.
Normally, I would apply a normal size pea amount of moisturizer evenly on my face, primer then foundation. The result would be an even finish, BUT, there's always room for improvement.

This time I LATHERED my face in Cetaphil moisturizer, which is extremely rich and my skin just soaks it up with a foundation brush and followed it with my liquid foundatin (that moment I picked up MACs studio fix).
WOW! The result was absolutely beautiful. My foundation went on like butter and just "melted" into my skin which resulted in a beyond flawless amazing smooth finish and it looked natural.

So have a look, a before and after picture :) Yes my skin is not perfect, but I can fake it, oh yes I can! If your skin is oily, chances are you wont need as much moisturizer, but if you drench your skin with something oil free, the results are mindblowing!



I honestly can say that this is the BEST way to prime and prepare your skin. I didnt even use my usual primers like smashbox or L'oreal resurfacing. My skin just drank up all the moisture and foundation is now undetectable, which is how it should be.

Try it, it will amaze you!

xoxo

Affordable Lip gloss Review

Hey averyone

Hope your all doing good, iv been busy at work so had for me to keep my blog updated. Anyways, today im going to be reviewing some pretty lipglosses from NYX.
NYX has been around for quite some time and its an american brand that isnt quite drugstore, but its also not high end.
I absolutely love the brand. It sometimes rivals MAC in terms of pigment quality and color selection. I have tried the lipsticks, eyeshadows,jumbo pencils,lipliners and blush and i can honestly say its top quality. Obviously there is a few hit and miss but over all you can definately find some gems without breaking the bank.
So i picked up couple of lipglosses the other day and im in love with them!

Natural

This is a really perfect "nude" lipgloss without making you look dead. Its got a rose undertone and mimics the natural color of the lips. Its very creamy and not sticky like MAC glosses and it doesnt smell funny

Love it

Tea rose

This is a pretty rosey pink, which glides on creamy very much like the MAC cremesheens. It just feels like butter! I think this would look great on everyone!

My overall opinion is these lipglosses can easily be duped for some of the MAC ones. I dont believe in investing in such things like lipgloss because the ingredients are usually the same and your only paying for either packaging or the name. NYX is a great affordable quality brand and i always buy from them.

Images courtesy of makeupgeek.com