Hi Everyone

As promised, we thought we would update our blog with some of our favourite Beauty Tips from our recent Facebook Competition, all supplied by our lovely fans !!!!

There were some really great entries – too many to publish ! But here are the best of our Pick……. have a read through as I’m sure we can all pick up a tip or two here!!!! We’ve started with the winning entry………

·                                 Gemma Turner

My best beauty tip would be to cleanse, tone and moisturise after a night out. With the party season upon us, we all use heavier makeup so our skin suffers! So it’s really important, that we look after our skin so we last the whole party season without unsightly breakouts!

·                                 Diane Graham

when going on holiday and have a limited weight you can take, take a jar of vaseline and use this as a moisturiser, make-up remover, body lotion, lip gloss, mascara and it shines leather shoes and bags

·                                 Shel Leeds

·                                 Lulu Make Up Artistry

My beauty tip is better than eyelash curlers warm a teaspoon on the palm of your hand, mascara lashes then apply the spoon to the lashes and push back

·                                 Stephanie Parfey

my favourite beauty tip is to always carry Vasaline with you. It is a brilliant multi use product. Not only for lips but it makes a great hair serum, and is brill for removing stubborn eye make up, aswell as using to hi light brow bones. xx

·                                 Cheryl Hadfield

My beauty tip for surviving the party season is to make sure you have lipgloss in your handbag, with Mistletoe about you don’t know when its going to come in handy!!

·                                 Julia Gray

mix a little highlighter into your foundation or facecream – it will instantly give you a more radiantand healthy look also be happy, smile and keep positive – real beauty comes from the inside

OK…..so with the foundation truly found, I have moved onto application. I have to say a massive thank you to Vicki from Estee Lauder who showed me how to apply foundation for simply the best and perfect airbrush finish.

I know all you self confessed makeup junkies will already be using this technique but for me this is something I have fought against for a long while – the use of a Foundation Brush!  It’s just something I have been uncomfortable about using, as I had a makeover with MAC a long time ago, which left my skin thick with foundation after using a brush and I have never tried it again, thinking all brush applications will leave your skin thick and slimy!!

But this time Vicki explained step by step how any foundation should be applied, and the results are simply Fab !! I used an Estee Lauder Foundation brush - seen above, but any good foundation brush can be used. We at Cosmetic Kingdom have a new range of brushes coming in this week, including the beloved foundation brush, so watch our new products for these.

It’s important to use exactly the right amount of foundation. Vicki told me that you should never use more than a 5pence piece amount of foundation to cover the entire face area. So first measure out the amount onto  the back of your hand – no matter what type of bottle or tube your foundation is in – always measure out first.

Then always apply the foundation from the back of your hand. It’s much easier to control.

With a foundation brush, redistribute the measured foundation into 5 equal dots over the face. One on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Then with light downward strokes blend the foundation into your skin. It’s important to always use downward strokes and to blend well. This may take a while, but it will save the foundation from ‘sitting’ on your skin like a mask.

Et voila! The result, is an even, well balanced finish, blended to perfection. I’ve been using this technique all week with my new Mineral Power Foundation from Maybelline, and it works like a dream. Gone is finger tip application for me !!!!

Honestly – try this out – it’s a really great technique. For me the major point was the amount of foundation to use – I am sooooooo pleased with the results !!!

Let me know how you get on – I’d love to hear your feedback x x

So, just how do you create the perfect smokey look ? We have read so many articles of late on this subject and everyone has such different ideas, that we thought we’d let you all know, how Grace, our MakeUp Artist extraordinaire, achieves this look……

There are several steps to perfecting a smokey eye look according to Grace …..

Firstly, always conceal. Any visible imperfections need to be hidden, otherwise the addition of makeup will just exaggerate any blemishes or flaws. But remember,  only use concealer where you need it, and blend gently and lightly with your fingertips, trying not to pull or tug the delicate skin around the eye area. Grace recommends Maybelline’s Mineral Power Concealer for this job as it gives good coverage yet is easy to blend.

Next, use a matte pressed powder shadow in a dark charcoal colour, sweeping over eyelids to create a wash of colour. Blend up to and into the socket area, no further, keeping the colour contained exactly to the eyelid area. This will flatter the look.

Then add your pencil…… apply pencil to the top lashes along the lash line as close as possible, then do the same under the bottom lashes, from the outer corner to midway across. With a soft blending brush, (Grace likes Royal Blending Brush ~ see above) blend your lines right into your lashes, hiding any visible areas of skin. This is important to make your eyes seamless and give continuous cover. This also takes away the harshness of the solid lines drawn, to make your eyes instantly smokey.

Now using a liquid eyeliner, (we recomend L’Oreal Voluminous Liquid Eyeliner in black – see pic above)  sweep an upward line at each outer corner, top lid only, as close to your eyelashes as possible. This will make them look thicker instantly and will deepen the look of your smokey effect. Remember, no visible patches of skin, so make sure the eyeliner covers everywhere necessary.

And finally, add your normal mascara by jiggling the wand from bottom lash to top lash, covering every lash from corner to corner. If you like your bottom lashes with a sweep of mascara, try Clinique’s tiny bottom lash mascara, designed specifically to help you create great bottom lashes. Apply 2-3 coats of mascara to add volume and depth to your look.

And et voila, you have achieved the perfect smokey look !

Hi Everyone

Well, with all this snow and ice, and yet more snow and more ice, I’ve had plenty of time to gen up on some fab new makeup tips and skincare routines. I’ve been trialling lots of different looks over the festive period and my poor, poor skin has taken a bit of battering, especially with the added cold weather.

http://www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk/bourjois-nourishing-lip-balm-golden-pink.html

I must admit that with all this horrid weather, my skin is also looking a little pale and ghost like. Not helped by the party excesses of 2010!!

http://www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk/mac-beauty-powder-blush-sweetness.html

And finally, another way of feeling just that little bit brighter is trying out a fab new smile…….a fab new smile in a tube!! This has been an absolute life saver for me this New Year……

http://www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=smile+brightening

So with perfectly soft lips, a brighter and whiter smile, plus a glowing rosy complexion – it’s a new you !!! Well it’s worked for me – I feel so perked up,  just ready for my winter holiday……..oh yesssss……I’m off somewhere hot and sunny on Wednesday. Not sure where just yet, we’ll get a last minute deal, me and Gracie, and off we’ll pop on a lovely little winter warmer. Soooooo can’t wait ! So, you won’t be hearing from me for a little while, but I’m sure I’ll have lots of stories to tell when I get back ……………..

but most importantly, we’ll be ever nearer the close of our January Post Christmas Blues Competition - Yay!!!! There have been some great entries so far, but keep them all coming. I know we’re trying to reach 1,000 fans on our facebook page too, so that we can put out more offers just for our facebook fans…… so get down onto facebook, like our page and enter the competition !! You have nothing to lose !!

http://www.facebook.com/CosmeticKingdom

See you soon everyone – have a nice couple of weeks and don’t forget to try out some new looks for the New Year. You can send me some pics and some tips either through the blog here or through our Facebook fan page. Would love to hear from you all x x

amusing himself in the deep snow. Here he is….. the snow bear!! Well at least I can get on with some serious work today in any case. No time like the present to try out some new products, and what better way to cheer myself up…. sitting infront of the fire wrapped up in all my woollies and with a whole host of new products to test and trial !

I have some great news too (even though I am feeling totally poorly!) …..these fab little lip gloss palettes have just arrived - Constance Carroll Glamour Gloss Lip Gloss Palette. They’re on our website in the 99p or under category. There are three different colour palettes, each holding 9 lipglosses and applicator. The palette is just a perfect size for slipping in your clutch for an ‘on the go’ touch up. But, if you’re like me I always want to try out lots of new colours but without investing big bucks. These little palettes are perfect as you can trial lots of variations at such a cheap , cheap price……   just 99p from Cosmetic Kingdom!!!

Constance Carroll Glamour Gloss Lip Gloss Palette

Shadeway 1

Alternatively, why not try out Shadeways 2 or 3. These are also great. Shadeway 3 has some great glitter glosses too!! I’ve been messing around with these glosses all afternoon and absolutely love them. They don’t stay on the longest but for 99p, just keep touching up – they’re great! Go on……. treat yourself. They’re a fab little bargain and just right for a little pick me up.

Talking of little pick me ups, I think I’m going off to bed now to rest my weary head……. a lemsip and dash of whisky will be just the ticket. Sort me out good and proper and tomorrow I will wake feeling absolutely fabulous (I hope!!). And even better, hopefully all the snow will have melted overnight and I can lead a normal life again tomorrow. Hoorrraaaahhhhh !!!!!

Night, night everyone……..get yourself onto this link and buy, buy, buy !!!

http://www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=constance+carroll

Cosmetic Kingdom is simply the best for cheap lipglosses !!!!

Whoop whoop !!!!! It’s the Christmas Party tomorrow night and I am soooooo excited !!! I always get like this when I’m going out somewhere special. Really looking forward to getting dressed up. Unfortunately, we’re going straight out from work, so no luxurious bedroom to get changed in, just the good old Company Toilets – hey ho! But Grace and I have got it all sussed out…… we bought a bottle of champagne today and popped it in the fridge at work to chill, ready to open and enjoy while we get ready. It’ll be an absolute blast. The only thing I have to watch out for, is rosy cheeks whilst drinking the old champers, and then layering the foundation on with a trowel in order to hide them!!!! Hee hee…

 Every night this week I’ve been trying out different products and effects to get that subtle but glitzy party look !

And do you know what ? The simplest and best effect by far is by Urban Decay. I’m going to wear their Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Glam Rock (Silver), just very simply over the top of my normal eyeliner, under my lower lashes, emphasising the corners of my outer eyes. If you sweep it slightly into the crease of the eye (not too much though), this really gives a great effect without

creasing. To open up my eyes and make them extra specially bright, I’ll be using my usual Mac Avalanche eye shadow in the inner corner of my eyes, but again, I’m going to just dot over the top with the silver glitter eyeliner. It’s subtle but just gives that bit of party glamour !!! I don’t want to look like the glitter fairy, but I do want to look a bit partyish !!!! And to top off my little outfit, I’m going to wear this

Et Viola……the Party Girl is ready !!!! All I need to do now, is pack my bag ready to take everything to work with me tomorrow……….exciting or what ??!!!!

Have a lovely weekend everyone, and I look forward to catching up with you all to share my Party news and gossip on Saturday (or maybe Sunday, depending on how the head is !).

Bye for now

xxxx

Grace’s Top Tip for a Flawless Airbrush Finish

The range of mineral foundations on the market today is huge and this technique works with all mineral foundations. However, for this tip we used Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil. It’s finer than the mineral foundations and gives an even flawless finish. It’s like having your photo retouched and airbrushed to magically minimise the look of lines, pores and shine. The final effect is perfectly, fresh, luminous, healthy skin.

Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil in the words of Bare Escentuals, is the original ”finishing touch”. Mineral Veil infuses skin with softness and light for an airbrushed complexion. Gently absorbs oil, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores. while keeping your complexion fres and photo-fabulous all day (Bare Escentuals).

Following your normal foundation, dip a large soft brush into the Mineral Veil. Tap off any excess powder, then in circular sweeping motions, puff onto face. Keep a swirling motion across your face to blend the mineral veil and achieve an even and flawless finish.

For extremely oily skins, apply Mineral Veil before applying your foundation. This will help absorb the oil before any penetration into your foundation. Finish as above.

Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

Our Price

£4.99

For a bright, wide awake sparkling look, try this tip………

Apply your natural eye shades as normal, then lift the inner eye area by applying a soft white eyeshadow. Take the white, right into the inner corner. Just a touch will lift the eye, making them appear bigger and visibly brighter. Alternatively, try a white liner pencil, just to line the inner corner of your eye – WOW – this is a fab miraculous tip for tired eyes!!

 Try : MAC SINGLE POWDER EYESHADOW IN GESSO

Our Price £9.25

A soft, powder eyeshadow with great staying power and just the right amount of white. Perfect for your wide eyed peepers. If you want to glitz this up for a bit of sparkle, try a tiny dot of silver or pale gold glitter eye shadow at the inner corner of the eye. This really looks effective, especially if you line the inner eye with a white pencil. Alternatively, try MAC single powder eyeshadow in Crystal Avalanche – just perfect !

ALL THE BEST EYESHADOWS CAN BE FOUND ON THE 

COSMETIC KINGDOM WEBSITE

www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk