80's Make up gets a thumbs up from me! POW!

I must confess, I'm quite a lover of the 80's; the music, TV shows, Viennetta and most definitely the fashion of colour clashing casuals, double denim and embellishment, so I was overjoyed when Marie Claire asked me to work on their Vintage Girls shoot for their November issue and recreate an 80's looks for Rag and Bow lady herself, Hazel Holtham and what a face!  On first meeting Hazel I was assured an 80's look of strong eyes and lips would suit her, after all its not for everyone.  I was struck by her eyes, they were reminiscent of Dee Cee Lee with a little Sade thrown in for good measure and maybe a touch of Sister Sledge too.

Above it a quick snap of Hazel wearing Hourglass Cosmetics Mineral Veil Primer Cover FX Total Coverage + Powder FX in B0 Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes E104  Bourjois Duo Chrome Eye Liner #58 Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara Bronze FX in Bronze + Golden Peach Tweezerman Eyenhance Brow Definer and Highlighter Duo Pencil

For this look to carry the 80's vibe, the lips still have to be strong, defined and two tone.  I chose a deep plum shade to outline the lip shape with Chanel Autumn Lip Definer in Amarante then careful swipe of Glo Minerals GloLipstick in Aubergine (avoiding the centre of the lips)

A warm dusky copper gloss #227 Chanel Levres Scintillantes daubed to the centre of Hazel's lips for shine and a dazzling, glimmer finish.  For an alternative finish I could have used Hourglass Extreme Lip Gloss in Reflect for a more dramatic effect!

The big difference between the make up those few decades ago is the textures, formulas and shades  which is why this make up appears really modern and even better news deep, dark eyes and lips are IN this season, what luck!

High five!

To see the shoot in all its glory get to your newsagents now for the November issue of Marie Claire.

Blue is the colour!

Time and time again I am asked, 'What colour eye shadow would suit me?', 'Who does the best eye-shadows?' and 'Eye-shadows never show up on my skin or last, what would you suggest?'
The time has come to put one brand, yes, a brand I love to the test and also face my personal fear of bold eye colours on my dark complexion! *gulp*

In addition to those questions comes the issue of budget.  'But I can't afford those premium brands all you Make Up Artists' recommend in the beauty pages!'
I hear you and I am no beauty nazi!  I would rarely say there is no inexpensive solution because quite frankly, I know Front Cover Cosmetics. They wouldn't let me down, would they?

For a start, Front Cover kits are selling out fast which tells you something.  They are complete colour trends cleverly put together with clear instructions and suggestions, plus what is not to love about a kit that hones in one key make up trend directly from the catwalk.  

As you can see, Blue Eyed Girl is awash with blue hues, 3 (extremely velvety) eye-shadows with double ended applicator, a double ended mascara, Shadowline (one of my favourites) and finally a nail polish, in a beautiful midnight blue I might add.

One end a black mascara, a good staple product and a bright blue mascara.  I know what you're thinking, very 80's and can she pull it off? Will that show up on me?  Not sure but I'm willing to give it a go!

I love Front Cover Baked Eye-Shadows, they last and translate well in true colour so I was surprised to find these even more refined, smooth and velvety in texture. (top to bottom) Tie Dye, Bluesaceous and Silver Frost.  I know I am an expert but I have always had issues with blue eye colours on dark skin but from these tests, I was pleasantly surprised though I was most curious about whether Bluesaceous would look good on me as these blues on an Asian skin tone tend not to go hand in hand and hand on heart I have never worn a colour like this, I half expect it to look grey and wishy-washy!

It's a highlight for me to show you Shadowline, an innovative take on eye liner because you pick up the colour with the Shadowline tip, then glide along the lashline to create a 'mean' flick of intense colour. What's not to love!

One coat!  Just one coat of this stunning, dazzling deep nail colour in Singed.

I am sporting Tie Dye, the darkest shade applied with the eye-shadow brush (white end) and one coat of the black end of the Black/Blue Mascara.  Thoughts?

I love it but how far could I go?  Could I retain depth and recreate that 'on trend' A/W look?

I really could, by sweeping Tie Dye as close the the lower lash line, with the blending end of the applicator, dabbing Bluesaceous to the centre of the eyelids and a tad on inner eye, followed by Shadowline in the same colour to upper and lower lash lines.

Here's a side shot.  I have achieved the 'Blue Eyed Girl' look.

As I mentioned before, I was hesitant about Bluesaceous but I needn't have been.  Washed over the entire eye lids looked elegant against my skin tone and gave me an idea of how to wear my make up for a friends December wedding.

And a cheeky coat of the blue mascara added another dimension.  I have to stress, I love this blue mascara  applied over the black, it catches your eye with an unexpected pop of colour.

This set exceeded my expectations, especially as someone who is rarely drawn to 'blues' or intense colour on my skin, I tend to be a bright lip person but I have been converted.  It is at times easy for me to enthuse clients about the use of colour without fear, so my lesson is learnt and at only £12, I feel I have answered those common questions and plenty of my own.

Have you tried Blue Eyed Girl or other Front Cover Sets?

Available in all good Boots Stores.