Kate Middleton’s Royal Wedding Make-Up

Posted on April 29, 2011 by cakedinmakeup

Or should that be Kate Windsor?

Well the wedding’s almost over (sobs) but worry not, we still have the dress, the hair and the make up to obsess about.

Staying true to her “commoner” roots, Kate decided to do her own make up on the day. It was a brave and commendable decision, but with 2 billion eyes watching me and a queue of celebrity make up artists clambering for the job, I’m not sure I would have turned down a helping hand. So how did she do?

Now before I upset anyone, I’ll start by saying the girl’s gorgeous and would have looked amazing in a bin bag. The dress was stunning and the hair, in my opinion, was just right – classy, feminine and understated, and that Cartier tiara was to die for BUT I was a tad disappointed by the make up.

Well actually, just the eyes. For bridal make up, I thought they were a touch too dark. Many make up artists won’t use eyeliner on brides, or bridemaids for that matter. It can shrink the eyes, especially when applied to the bottom lash line, and look severe. Fortunately the rest of the look, like Kate, was pretty and feminine. She has apparently been taking make up lessons from Arabella Preston before the wedding.

Here’s how to get the look.

Skin

Natural and simple, I applaud Kate not for overdoing the tan, like sister and maid of honour Pippa. Create a flawless base with a sheer foundation or tinted moisturiser, I’d suggest a mineral based foundation for a natural glow. Set with a subtle dusting of powder. For the cheeks, choose a rosy pink powder blush to create a flushed look, blending from the apple of the cheek up to the hairline. Kate was spotted stocking up on Bobbi Brown products the week before the wedding.

Eyes

Kate opted for a smokey eye, slightly heavy on the liner. Start with a neutral base colour all over the lids, then sweep a smokey brown along, and below the socket line. Line the upper and lower lash line with a black kohl pencil (for a less dramatic look try brown or grey) and finish with a natural and glossy mascara. Rumour has it Kate used Lancome’s Hypnose, which I LOVE and it great for creating Volume, and for me, is more of an evening mascara.

Brows

The eyebrows look darkened. To create the look, first comb them in to place with an eyebrow brush, then fill in any gaps with a dark brown pencil or brown powder. Something like Benefit’s Brow zings would work a treat.

Lips

Lips were kept simple, allowing her natural smile to shine through. Complete the look with a nude/pinky gloss.

Nails

Apparently manicurist Marina Sandova, from the Jo Hansford salon, popped into Clarence House yesterday to give her a classic nude manicure using Bourjois Rose Lounge, £5.99, topped with a subtle shimmer in Essie’s Allure, £9.95.

Overall, a job well done. Now I just can’t wait to see the evening outfit,and make up of course.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Kate’s look.

Possibly the best bronzer in the World… Guerlain Terracotta Four Seasons Bronzer

Posted on March 21, 2011 by cakedinmakeup

Rid your winter complexion and step into Spring with the award winning Guerlain Terracotta Four Seasons Bronzer.If like me you’ve contemplated buying this bronzer, but were put off by the price tag, I’m here to tell you it’s worth it, and so are you!

For the first time ever Terracotta from Guerlain, the hero of bronzers, give us not one but four bronzing powders. I delayed buying this product; for £45 I thought to myself, I can buy two bronzers and have some change! So I bought a Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, which was too sparkly, then the Nars Laguna Bronzer, which cracked and crumbled within weeks. They say if you buy cheap, you buy twice – I sure learnt that the hard way…. Not that Blobbi Brown and Nars are cheap, but there’s a reason Gerlain’s Terracotta has such a cult following.

My first impression is that it’s a very substantial product. The compact is quite heavy and the powder sufficiently packed in, no danger of this one crumbling. It also comes with an instructions leaflet and a suede pouch…. although for £45 it should come with some suede shoes.

Available in two colour ways – Blonde and Brunette (this one is the Brunette version). The colour is amazingly intense. The caramel hues are so far away from the orange shades we’re used to. It’s very strongly pigmented so a little goes a long way. The finely milled powder applies like a dream, so smooth and flawless. There’s no glitter or sparkle, yet it’s not too matte, more of a satin finish I’d say. Furthermore, the 4 powders allow you to easily create the colour that suits your complexion and the season.

This product is an instant lift – I looked sunkissed every time I use it. Yes it’s pricey, but I’ve been using this one for 6 months now and it’s barely gone down.

Go on ladies, treat yourself… you won’t be disappointed!

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED ON MY NEW BLOG SEE IT HERE http://beautyandlechicblog.blogspot.com/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Posted on February 27, 2011 by cakedinmakeup

It was my birthday yesterday…

Birthday Goodies

Bobbi Brown Make up manual

Mac Wonder Woman Opulash Mascara – Victorious

Mac Blush Brush 116

Topshop Cream Blush – Flush

OPI Mini Nail Lacquers Katy Perry

Barry M Nail Paint – Mushroom

Didn’t I do well! I might be another year older, booo, but I’m well stocked up. Watch this space, new reviews coming your way soon, just as soon as the hangover wears off.

And a special thanks to my little sister…

An accurate respresentation of how I’m looking this morning!

Bafta Make Up 2011 – Red Lips

Posted on February 14, 2011 by cakedinmakeup

Happy Valentine ’s Day Ladies!

If you only do one thing this Valentine’s Day, why no treat yourself to a red lipstick! Like the glamoratzi on last night’s Bafta red carpet demonstrated, there’s nothing like a touch of rogue to brighten up your look, and your day.

Eva Green rocking vampish red

Julianne Moore showing red hair and red lips don’t clash

Jessica Alba sizzling in a coral shade

Sarah Harding rocking the full “hollwwood” Look

Red lips are really accessible and surprisingly easy to wear – Berry, Cherry, Plum or Blood Red, you’ll find a shade that suits you. Whether you’ve got time to peruse the offerings at your nearest department store, or just pop in your local supermarket, you’ll find a red lipstick.

Try 17 Lasting Fix Lipstick £4.29 in Hot Chilli

Or Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick in Lambada, £6.49 from Superdrug stores.

Or for a lipstick that doesn’t feel like a lipstick, try Bobbi Brown’s Rich Lip Colour in Old Hollywood, £16.

Longlasting tip – apply several layers of lipstick, blotting with tissue between each one.

Whether you’re being whisked away for a romantic evening, or sitting home alone watching Eastenders – you’ll do it better in red!

REVIEW: BOBBI BROWN LONG WEAR GEL LINER AND CREAM SHADOW EYE KIT

Posted on February 6, 2011 by cakedinmakeup

When I stumbled upon this eye kit on a Bobbi Brown counter last week, I couldn’t resist. This fab eye kit includes the award winning Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, Long Wear Gel Cream Shadow in Velvet Plum, Dual Ended Cream Shadow/Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush and Mini Extreme Party Mascara. It’s the perfect solution to instantly update your eye make up.

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Designed to give the look of liquid liner with the ease & feel of a gel formula. It claims to be Long-wearing, water-resistant, smear and crease proof, and it comes up trumps on all counts. Suprisingly easy to apply and extremely long lasting, it’s no wonder this product blows the others out the water, and it has the awards to prove it. The short handled brush gives lots of control – use flat for a thicker line, or turn to the side for pencil thin line. The product dries quickly but gives just enough time to “play” around for the perfect line.

Long Wear Gel Cream Shadow

Why o why have I never used a cream eye shadow before! I assumed that being a cream it would sink into the creases of the eye, how wrong I was. This product is simply AMAZING! So easy to apply with the cream shadow end of the brush, or fingers if you feel more comfortable; It looks as vivid on the eye as it does in the pot. Whilst it’s a cream, it’s not too creamy. There’s time to “play” but it dries quickly and like the gel liner, doesn’t budge until it’s washed off. You can also layer it up for extra impact. The shade is a gold flecked colour with a hint of plum. Needless to say I’m a convert, I’m so impressed I’ll be back to Bobbi Brown soon to try some more shades.

The set also includes a dual ended liner and cream shadow brush and mini party wear liner. It’s a great starter kit if you’ve never used these products before and great value at £32 (the liner and shadow cost that alone) no wonder it’s sold out on Bobbi’s website, still available online from House of Fraser £32 and selcted counters nationwide.

LUST HAVE: Bobbi Brown’s New Rich Lip Color

Posted on February 1, 2011 by cakedinmakeup

There are at least two reasons to be happy today 1) It’s no longer January 2) Bobbi Brown’s new Rich Lip Colours are out.

Offering a new era in Lipsticks, Bobbi’s Rich Lip Colours look like a lipstick but don’t feel like one. The lightweight formula offers rich, long lasting colour and at the same time moisturises and conditions lips.

What’s more the range of colours are right on trend from chalky pastel pinks (bikini pink) to shocking reds (old hollywood).

Bobbi says: “What makes these lipsticks so modern is a formula that combines pigments with a colourless lipstick base. The result is crisp, clear colour and full coverage without a heavy feeling.”

Available now £16 in 12 shades….

Bikini Pink

Soft Coral

Bare Pink

Heather Pink

Mod Pink

Plum Rose

Rose Blossom

Guava

Sweet Nectar

Cosmic Raspberry

Old Hollywood

Crimson

The only problem is I want them all!

Make Up Trends Spring/Summer 2011 – Metal and Glitter

Posted on January 28, 2011 by cakedinmakeup

Our look at the key spring/summer make up trends continues…

The 70s is back with a bang this season; the hair, the hats and of course the make up! Cue glam rock and heavy metal.

When Giles went glittertastic during London fashion week back in September, showcasing serious seventies decadence , I must admit, I wasn’t sure it would catch on….

But the look doesn’t have to be quite so bold. Why not try smudging some glitter along the lower lash line for a hint of glam rock or in the eyes inner corners to make them “ping”.

Barry M’s Dazzle Dusts are one of my faves, and a snip at £4.59. These luscious shades can be applied bright and bold or shimmering and subtle, with over 60 original colours to choose from everyone can find a favourite pot or two or three…

Prada showed off something a little more wearable, but again, adapt the look to suit you. Silver is a super colour. It suits most eye colours and complexions, bu if you don’t feel comfortable taking a bold shadow up to the brow line, simply dust some silver along the lids for an instant update.

Add some(not too) heavy metal with Bobbi Brown’s award winning Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Graphite Shimmer Ink to give your make up a simple but effective hint of metal.

Whether you go for all out glam rock or a hint of sparkle, make sure you’ve got some glitter in your make up bag this season and release your inner disco diva.

Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Powerful Face Palettes

Posted on January 17, 2011 by cakedinmakeup

Don’t let “Blue Monday” drag you down – add some colour, shimmer and shine to brighten up your day with Bobbi Brown’s new Pretty Powerful face palettes.

Bobbi embodies her “Healthy, natural makeup doesn’t mean nude or washed out” philosophy with these two fantastic palettes, each featuring four beautifully wearable pink and brown eye colours, a blush and a shot of bright pink for the eyes.

At £42 they don’t come cheap, but for 5 fabulous bobbi brown products encased in one super cute palette for all you ladies on the go, I’d say it’s well worth the price tag, and if it brightens up these grey January mornings, I’d go so far as to say it’s a bargain!

Pretty Face Palette – best suited for fair to medium complexions