Another Bank Holiday looms on the horizon and what have we all got planned?!
It is so busy at #PulseBeautyHQ and believe it or not, I am already immersing myself in the Autumn/Winter 2015 makeup trends, which, in reality, seems a little crazy given I am writing this article in mid-Aug. There’s a quick taster below of what to look out for and what to expect as the season changes.
MK Pulse is a local magazine serving Milton Keynes
Pulse Beauty HQ
Another Bank Holiday looms on the horizon here in Milton Keynes and what have we all got planned?!
I will be escaping to warmer climes, albeit briefly, between makeup bookings and will be returning with a selection of beauty gems for you next month..
It is so busy at #PulseBeautyHQ and believe it or not, I am already immersing myself in the Autumn/Winter 2015 makeup trends, which, in reality, seems a little crazy given I am writing this article in mid-Aug. There’s a quick taster below of what to look out for and what to expect as the season changes.
Our hard-working Editor, Kerry, is launching NN Pulse next month for Northamptonshire and I am thrilled to share my beauty column with our Northampton neighbours.
Get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter - we love hearing from you! If you have any makeup questions just ask; we can’t promise to answer everything, but we will try our best. Use hashtag #PulseBeautyHQ to @MakeUpByGail @PulseMagazines or #PulseBeauty
How to achieve the perfect nude lips....
Currently fighting the iconic red lip in popularity - and slightly winning, the nude lip will give the appearance of a naturally plumper lip!
However, you must select the right shade for your skin tone, otherwise you can end up looking ghostly or even worse - ill!
- Prep the lips by using a gentle exfoliator
- Prime lips with a lip primer
- Apply a little concealer around your mouth (same shade as your complexion) to prevent gloss seeping into any fine lines (also neutralises lips with high pigmentation)
- For definition, outline your lips with a neutral lip pencil working from your Cupid’s Bow in small downward strokes
- Fill in your lips with the lip pencil - this acts as a base and helps with a longer lasting finish
- The trend for “over-drawing” lips to give a fuller pout should be avoided unless you have this technique down to a fine art or you have access to a professional makeup artist (“Joker” mouth is never a good look)!
- Apply your lipstick with a brush for a flawless finish Fair skin - neutral peachy pinks Medium to olive skin - neutral peachy beiges/caramels Dark skin - warm browns, cinnamon/chocolate
#PulseBeautyHQ is loving...
Make a play date with colour and expect the unexpected! Blend them, layer them, or team them up to create a masterpiece of colour on your nails.
The secret to these ultra-luminous nail lacquers is a silver base that makes these shades illuminate with striking, vivid colour. Start with a stripe here, a swoosh there, or just go wild – any way you go, you’re sure to create a look that’s eye-catching stylish! 6 piece mini pack £19.95
Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion Primer, MAC £29.50
There are many face primers claiming all sorts of amazing benefits. Many primers are formulated for oily complexions and can be drying, especially if you have a tendency to dry skin which is why MAC’s Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion Primer is great!
It’s a lightweight serum that saturates the skin with a concentrated boost of hydration making it a unique hybrid between skincare and priming. It gently soothes, revives and replenishes the skin while preparing it for foundation for a flawless and long lasting finish. I carry this in my kit at all times.
In one word “exceptional”. Whether you are a professional make-up artist or not, I recommend these brushes for their sheer quality and affordability and a welcome addition to my Pro Kit!
Gail Recommends...
MAC Prep + Prime Lip, £13.50
Lipscuff by the Body Shop exfoliates and moisturises dry and flaky lips, £8.00
Tom Ford Lipstick in shade Blush Nude £38.00
Gucci Luxurious Moisture Rich Lipstick in shade Cipria £28.00
MAC Lipstick in shade Touch
MAC Lip Pencil in shades Whirl or Subculture £12.50
MAKEUP BAG OVERHAUL
Be honest, how many items do you have lurking at the bottom of your makeup bag? They seemed like an amazing purchase at the cosmetics counter but you never got around to using them because a) you didn’t know how or b) they didn’t quite “work”!
The transition of seasons is always a great time to cleanse your makeup bag but there is no room for sentiment; cracked eye-shadows, dried up mascara, pressed powder that’s gone “shiny” - ditch them.
Makeup products do have a shelf life so make sure you check the packaging and definitely discard any products past their prime. If you are still unsure, approximate guidelines are as follows:
Mascaras/liquid liners - three to six months
Lipsticks, glosses, foundation, concealer, eye-shadows - two years
Lip/eye pencils - two to four years but sharpen before each use
Powders - are pretty safe from bacteria unless you use a wet sponge or brush to apply it
Clean your brushes regularly - I recommend at least once a week, if you’re a makeup artist then clean after every application!
Clean your tools - tweezers, eyelash curlers and scissors
Discard used sponges/applicators - these are usually full of product which can harbour bacteria
If you still have anything left in your make-up bag (!) - sort the products into categories
Now the fun part - decide what’s missing and replace with new products!
TOP TIP! Remove any products that you haven’t used for at least a year - you’re never going to use them…
