MAC THE SIMPSONS COLLECTION #MACandMarge Product UPDATE!!!

... AND How to get your hands on it early at Comic-Con

My recent post on  the #MACandMarge MAC Cosmetics Collection with everybody's favourite yellow family The Simpsons was my most viewed article yet. So you'll be glad to know we have a sneak preview of some of the products in the collection!

AND if you have to be one of the first to get you hands on it there will be a one day only advance sale on Saturday July 26, at the MAC Cosmetics store in San Diego (234 Fifth Avenue) during Comic-Con. Otherwise you'll have to wait until August 28th where it can be purchased online and September 4th in stores.

NEW!! THEY'RE REAL - PUSH-UP LINER FROM BENEFIT

NEW RELEASE: They’re Real Push-Up Liner from Benefit

We may be witnessing the start of a new Eye-Liner Revolution... Benefit have set about re-designing the eyeliner as a gel-formula pen with a rubberised-slanted tip. This tar Liner is the newest edition to Benefit's "They're Real" Range of long lasting products including a Mascara and Eye-Makeup Remover. It goes on sale June 2014 but, lucky me, I've been using it for the last few weeks!!

LOVE: 

• Twist the base to pump the liner to the nib - delivering a usable quantity of product.
• The lid is screw top - great to prevent the liner from drying out.
• It dries to a deep, rich matte black
• This formula does not budge,  after a full-on cardio session at the gym it hadn't budged at all, even after washing my face it was still mostly there - definitely use a oil-based remover.
• This product may start a revolution, forcing other brands to work on new formulae and design.
• Great if you want to lock-in one look or add to it later in the day for a stronger evening look.

APPLICATION:

• Use the flat edge of the nib against your eye working it into your lash line. Use the fine tip to taper the flick and into the inner corner of the eye.
• As it's a gel formula it's not as wet as a liquid so needs to be applied in thin layers to prevent caking and flakiness. 
• It glides on pretty smoothly but achieving a very thin line still takes care. 
• If you use a firm, thin brush instead you can create a smudgy, smokey eye that will last an entire night and well into the next day. You'd have to wash the brush in oil pretty swiftly though as you may find brushes unusable if product is left to dry.

REMOVAL:

• You will need a heavy-duty cream or oil based eye-makeup remover for this one - it is NOT coming off in a hurry.

MAC THE SIMPSONS COLLECTION #MACandMarge

Well here's a bit of breaking news. Mac Cosmetics literally announced hours ago via Twitter and Instagram that they will be launching a Simpsons Collection. 

Commemorating 25 years of the show this news has already gone viral. With the Hashtag #MACandMarge it is no surprise that the collection will focus around the blue-haired matriarch of the Simpsons Clan. Due out September 2014 no one has info on what we might expect to see from this range although I'm predicting an 'Electric Eel' eyeshadow colour or maybe even mascara or liner to be part of this collection. How about even a yellow nail polish? Well we can only keep guessing at this stage but I will keep you updated with any further developments.

I found a listing of "official" Simpsons colours listed on Pantone (official with quotation marks usually means just the opposite) but might give us a wee insight into colours we might expect to see.. Here's my own 'artist rendition' - purely based on supposition of course!

MIXING LIMECRIME VELVETINES TO CREATE NEW COLOURS

I love Limecrime's awesome Velvetines Lipsticks! They apply like a cream gloss and dry to a super-opaque matte!! Delicious! So far the range is pretty small so I've been experimenting how to make new colours. Here's one such experiment bought to you in GIF format... hope you like it

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: RED VELVET, PINK VELVET, SUEDEBERRY, BLACK VELVET, SALEM, WICKED

There are  three new Limited edition Velvetine's available now in Salem(Dark Brown), Wicked (Dark Red) and Black Velvet (Black) as well as their three permanent colours Red Velvet (Classic Red), Pink Velvet (Neon Pink) and Suedeberry (Coral Red)

The full Limecrime range is available here

I'm a massive fan of this brand, I love their ethos, sense of fun and quality of product. Since discovering them I am adding more and more products into my kit (if I don't keep stealing them for myself) here are some of the Limecrime gals showcasing the limited edition colours.

LORDE'S MAC COLLECTION

Everybody's favourite teenage chanteuse has released a collaboration with MAC embodying her signature purple lip.

Our very own Amber D (Senior Artist for MAC) has been pivotal in developing Lorde's distinctive makeup style both in New Zealand and on her international tours. An awesome example of how a great makeup artist works with a client's personality to develop their own unique look that becomes synonymous with their name.

A massive high-five to Amber!

Penultimate Eyeliner in Rapidblack $19.50 USD 

Lipstick in Pure Heroine $16.00 USD

Look out for this collection in MAC stores in 5th June 2014

OIL PULLING - HOLY GRAIL OR FAD?

Recently a friend posted a Facebook link to Oil Pulling. Originally a traditional method for keeping the mouth healthy it has, in recent times, become something of a phenomenon, sparking much debate online and within the natural health communities. 

So here I at 6am on a Monday morning about to try it for myself… Turns out I'm not a natural swiller and only last 5 minutes with the oil in my mouth before I spit it out - bleugh! My lips do feel beautifully moisturised though and the faint taste of Coconut is pleasant. I will endeavour to continue this routine once a day, building up to 20 minutes and report back on my findings.

What is Oil Pulling?

Swilling Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes a day

What does it do?

Supposedly rids your mouth of bacteria to improve oral and overall health

Benefits of Oil Pulling?

• Whitens teeth

• Strengthens your teeth, gums and jaw and has been recommended for those with sensitised teeth.

• Prevents cavities & gingivitis.

• Clear Breathing and Reduced Allergies

• Reducing Skin Conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis

• Aids in overall detox

• Prevents Bad Breath

• Remedy for General Pain and hormonal Imbalances

Does it really work?

There's a huge amount of discussion out there on the web about Oil Pulling...

My teeth are so so so much whiter (which is great cause I can’t do any sort of white strips- my teeth are too sensitive), I have been sleeping much easier which is a big feat for this insomniac, my teeth have been less sensitive to hot & cold, & the best result of all- MY JAW PAIN HAS DECREASED BIG TIME!!! I have major jaw issues & awful TMJ 

- Fashion Lush

Negatives?

Oil pulling’s positive effects are based entirely on anecdote and not at all on clinical research – because there’s been very little. Pubmed lists six clinical studies related to oil pulling, all performed in India, and their quality and results seem all over the map. Some do indicate mild improvement in gum health, comparable to mouthwash use. But they’re not well blinded, use very small sample sizes and involve oil pulling only as part of a proper oral hygiene regimen. So it’s impossible to tell what’s causing said improvement. 

- Skeptoid

Like it or loathe it? I would love to hear your thoughts and, of course, I will keep up with my efforts and report back if I notice any improvement on my overall health and general wellbeing.

CLASSIC DOLCE & GABBANA MAKEUP WITH PAT McGRATH

Delicious makeup looks from Dolce and Gabbana Winter 2014 - perfectly classic for the cold winter months here in the Southern Hemisphere.

CHRISTIAN DIOR COUTURE - BACKSTAGE 2011/2012

If you feel like your Wednesday is lacking a bit of glamour here's a flashback to Christian Dior's Haute Couture Show from 2011-2012

I love the theatrics of it all, the taped eyes to elongate them into the hairline, pristine hair, liner and lips. Not to mention the paled faces, grey contour and white highlights.

Needless to say you might not want to replicate this exact look but here's my selection of Dior products you can use to create a more wearable version.

LIPSTICK: Rouge Dior in Sterling Red
LINER: DiorShow Art Pen in Catwalk Black
POWDER: DiorSkin AirFlash Matte Touch in Universal Beige
BLUSH: DiorBlush in Beige Nude

KATE HUDSON'S HAIR FOR 2014 OSCARS

Kate Hudson wowed fans yesterday on the  Red Carpet. Just as talked about as her stunning dress was her gorgeous hair in Veronica Lake-esq waves. Read on below to get the look using some of my favourite products.

1. Add O&M Styling Cream to damp hair and blow-dry using GHD Thermal Brush to create smoothness and volume.
2. Part the hair in line with the outer corner of the eye using a tail comb for accuracy.
3. Section hair in blocks away from the part.
4. Spray each section with L'Oreal Pli, comb through and curl with a one and a half inch tong. When tonging - wind hair from the ends to the roots ensuring the ends get the most heat therefore the most curl.
5. Pin each curl on top of itself using a flat pronged clip.
6. Do makeup and nails while hair cools.
7. Use Postiche Brush to brush out curls and shape hair into waves.
8. Spray with Schwarzkopf Silhouette Hairspray to set.
9. Finish with a light mist of Bumble and Bumble Shine Spray.

MAC AW14 LONDON FASHION WEEK

I'm a sucker for Backstage makeup - especially so when many of the MAC artists on this video are friends I worked with over the last 9 years in London! Take a look at what went on backstage at London Fashion week AW14.

Get the Look: Shimmery Smokey Eye

I was lucky enough to shoot with the beautiful Oona Chanel a couple of years ago and I still love this look we created for her for Topshop Magazine, Topman Generation.

Here are the key products I used to create the look

I firstly applied MAC's Fluidline in 'Blacktrack' up to the crease in the eye using Tom Fords eyeshadow brush. 

I then used a clean MAC 217 brush to buff around the edges to soften the shape. 

Finally I applied MyFace Cosmetics 'Blingtones' eyeshadows in 'Black Ice', pressing it on to the lid using the Tom Ford Eyeshadow brush. 

In some of the shots I added 'Gloss Texture' by MAC to the lids, a look that is awesome for editorial work but a bit harder to pull off in your day to day life.

EDITORIAL FEATURED - HUNGER MAGAZINE WEBSITE

I was pretty excited today to hear my good friend and regular collaborator, photographer Elliott Morgan had work featured on the Hunger Magazine website. My excitement has now skyrocketed that I've found out it's a shoot I did the makeup for! 

Here are a couple of pics from the shoot.

Credits:

Photography: Elliott Morgan
Styling: Celia-Jane Ukwenya

Makeup: Katherine Gould using Mac Cosmetics
Hair: Sami Knight using Tigi Bedhead
Model: Olga at Next Models

Check out the interview on Hunger TV here

MY LATEST SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY

If you're as much of a geek as I am about makeup, lotions and potions then you might want to check out the Blog of my latest discovery Colin.

Colin's Beauty Pages are written by a cosmetic scientist where he 'shares his news and views on beauty products and the science behind them'. Loads of interesting articles to read on there as well as a database of ingredients and a forum for the likes of you and me to ask questions. Believe me, I have loads for him and will let you know what his verdict is! I'm sure I'll be quoting him more in the future!

While we're on the topic of science...

...well, more specifically the environment, I read an interesting article the other day by British Beauty Blogger. Did you know most glitter in Bath Bombs can be harmful to the environment? Like me it probably never occurred to you. Read more on her article here. 

CHANTECAILLE SAVE THE SHARK PALETTE

You may remember a while ago I posted about Chantecaille's Charity Eyeshadow Palettes - one of my post popular blog posts that still receives regular hits.

Well now Chantecaille's charitable intentions are turning to (que Jaws them song..) Sharks.

Passionately committed to saving our sharks, the BLOOM Association has successfully orchestrated a top-level ban on all Hong Kong Luxury Hotels from serving shark fin soup.

5% of proceeds from the Save the Sharks Palette will be donated to the BLOOM Association to ban unregulated shark fin trade.

If you've ever seen footage of shark finning, I can only liken it to hunting elephants for ivory. The practise of catching sharks en-masse, cutting off their fins and throwing them back in the sea (sometimes still alive) is a cruel and needless waste. Not to mention that these highly unsustainable fishing methods have experts estimating that within a decade most species of shark will be extinct due to longlining. As an apex predator sharks play an important role in the sea's eco-system and the impact on the sea's wildlife would be unthinkable. Read more about BLOOM and their efforts to protect the ocean.

So why not treat you or a friend to a beautiful palette for an extremely important cause? The colours themselves are extremely wearable, all containing a light iridescence that glows rather than glitters and can be worn as a natural day look or to create a sultry, glamorous eye.

The palettes are available: 

US from Chantecaille for $83

UK and Worldwide from Space NK for £75

CANDY YUM-YUM RETURNS TO MAC

CULT FAVOURITE RETURNS AS PERMANENT ADDITION 

Exciting news for lovers of lipstick. Sell-out success Limited Edition Lipstick Candy Yum-Yum is returning to MAC Stores as a permanent addition according to Blogger-in-the-know British Beauty Blogger.

This opaque matte candy pink delight should be available online in the US within the next 24 hours and hits the rest of the world in Feb... (we think). Some seriously genius reporting from me there! Check in with your local MAC store for some cold hard facts.

I managed to snap up one before it sold out when it first released and have regretted not stockpiling. In fact it's been quite a while since I've seen such a great response to a Limited Edition item from the MAC range and know this decision won't be regretted by the powers that be - nice one!

COMPETITION WINNER!!

Hi all, sorry for the late announcement post - but trying to do anything the day before I was flying to the other side of the world was clearly a bit ambitious!!

So I'm happy to announce the winner is..... Holly Taylor!!!!!!

Yaaaaaay! I hope to be running more similar comps in the future so stay posted!!

Many thanks to all that entered, I really appreciate your support and hope you will continue to support Notes on Beauty.

x k 

MAKEUP COMPETITION!!

Win loads of great makeup goodies!!!!

Ok, so for the first time I'm running a competition and I think it's a pretty good one.

Sorry about the appaling quality of the pic (you know I'm normally pretty on-it when it comes to visuals) but I was too excited and had to show you!!

So what do you need to do to win??

1. Like my Facebook page Notes On Beauty - here
2. Share the Competition Post on your page
3. Email notesonbeautycompetition@gmail.com to let us know you've entered and your email address

- if you're already following Notes On Beauty on Facebook then fear not... you will still be in to win provided you share the competition post and email me (steps 2 & 3).

SIMPLE! 

This is open worldwide (I will post anywhere) and the winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday the 4th of December. 

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administrated by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Notes on Beauty and not to Facebook. The information you provide will not be shared with any third party. Facebook is in no way liable or accountable in regards to this promotion.

Winners will be selected at random from the entry email sent to inotesonbeautycompetition@gmail.com, entrants may only enter once and criteria will be checked. Winners will be contacted via email and their name announced on our website.

We will draw the names the old fashioned way... by dumping the names in a hat and selecting one, provided that person has met the entry criteria then they are the winner! Entries will be re-drawn if criteria is not met! If you don't like it then don't enter.

SOME MAKEUP FAVOURITES FOR UNDER £10

It's just occurred to me how much time I spend 'diving' into my local Boots or Superdrug to get supplies for my kit and it's strange I've never written a post specifically about products stocked in these stores. Here are some of my favourites for under £10.

Set of 3 Clear Makeup Bags £5.99 Superdrug

In a great range of sizes perfect for at home or you kit. You can see exactly what's in there (essential if you have two suitcases full of makeup like me) and know that nothings spilled and everything is neat and in order. 

Barry M Pigments £4.59 Superdrug

I absolutely love pigments for creating a strong look and at a quarter the price of some other brands you can afford to buy, play and experiment.

Katy Perry Lashes £5.95 Superdrug

I go through lashes like there's no tomorrow - especially for my private clients who adore them. These particular ones in the range "Oh Honey" are soft and fluffy with a slight flick at the outer corners - great for all eye shapes.

Real Techniques Setting Brush £8.99 Boots

From the amazing Pixi Woos girls - I only have one brush from the range and absolutely love it. The setting brush is perfect for powder touch ups and the right size for around the nose, chin and forehead. Must invest in more!

No7 Clear Lash and Brow Perfector £8.50 Boots

Great for mens grooming or a super natural look on the lashes or brows. A friend recently said she uses it over the top of mascara to separate her lashes more. I literally use it on every single job! Boots also regularly do some great deals which means you can get money off or even free - love it.

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush £7.99 Boots

I recently borrowed this from a friend and was very reluctant to give it back. Yet another product I have vowed to invest in the whole line (not a bank breaker as there's only three in the range).

BACKSTAGE WITH LISA ELDRIDGE & LINDSEY WIXSON

Yes, it's been far too long since I've posted anything - the the truth is I've been slammed!

So, to apologise here is another fantastic backstage video, this time from the amazing Lisa Eldridge as she works on Lindsey Wixson for the June issue of British Vogue. I always tend to think of Eldridge working with natural and neutral palettes, so this has served as a timely reminder that she is a fantastic all-round make-up artist.

 

Check out Lisa's online tutorials on her website here

I was excited to note her use of Myface Cosmetics Blingtones on the eyes for that wet, iridescent look. The range of Blingtones have been a staple product in my kit for some time now - full pigment payoff with a silver highlight which melts into the skin giving a glossy texture that looks like liquid. Here I used them on Charlotte Jaconelli for her Red Carpet appearance.

Here are two of the fantastic colours from the fantastic Myface range - click here to go to their website

GET CHARLOTTE JACONELLI'S RED CARPET LOOK

Red Carpet look for Britain's Got Talent Finalist Charlotte Jaconelli

On Monday I had the pleasure of doing the Makeup and Hair for Britians Got Talent finalists Charlotte and Jonathan for them to attend the Pride of Britain Awards. Here's how I achieved Charlotte's Red Carpet look.






Charlotte has fantasic skin and doesnt need very much at all. The products I used were:

Prep: Crealine by Bioderma to cleanse and Embryolisse Cream Lait Moisturiser

Foundation: Myface Mymix Foundation

Concealer: YSL Touche Eclat and MAC Moisturecover concealer

Cheeks: Chanel Jouse Contraste Blush in Rose Initiale

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle as highlighter

Lips: Chanel Lipliner in Pretty Pink

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Insolence


Eyes: MAC Painterly Paint Pot as a base

Myface Blingtone eyeshadow in Morocco (lid)

MAC Embark eyeshadow (outer eye)

Laura Mercier Tightline Black Liner against lashline

Ardell Individual Lashes (loads of them)

Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Noir


Hair: Prepped and blow-dried with UNITE Session Whip

Styled with WAM hot tongs

Finished with Bumble and Bumble Styling Cream with a drop of Defrizz

and plenty of UNITE Max Control Hairspray