July 12, 2015

true story: I went to beauty school

July 12, 2015/ Nicole McIntyre

And I graduated.

Why did I go? It's been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, yet it always remained in the 'too hard basket', lumped with 'can I afford it' and nestled right next to 'I think I know what I'm doing'. Makeup school, for me, ended up validating my skills, while also breaking me at the same time -- how is that even possible? It shakes your confidence. You're working with absolute strangers who are either brutally honest to the point where you want to drop your brush and hide in the corner or are too nice not to say anything at all. Before clicking 'add to cart', here are 10 things about beauty school I think you should know.

Check your ego at the door -- this is an absolute must.
You can do your own makeup really well and that's great! Some of your makeup skills will not transfer, do not become disheartened by this.
Know what you want to get out of this course. Some of my classmates were looking to change career paths, while others just wanted to learn the basics of applying makeup.
Visit the school before committing in order to meet the instructor(s) and check out the facilities to make sure it's a good fit for you.
Do your homework. I researched several schools based on value for money, location, and scheduling. I knew I didn't want to go the full hog and have a hand at stage makeup, so I searched for good quality, basic makeup schools in the Melbourne-area that held classes on Saturdays. A difficult feat for sure, but I found something that worked for me in the end.
Breath mints, hand sanitiser and deodorant. Enough said.
Practice classroom etiquette. Arrive on time, listen, ask questions, and become one with the sponge -- absorb everything. When you really enjoy all things makeup I can guarantee these classes will fly by.
Observe your fellow classmates handiwork and try to work with people you admire. I paired up with a girl (hi Eliza!) who really knocked my socks off.
Practice makes perfect. Find friends who are willing to lend their faces and time.
Fake eyelashes are a pain in the butt to apply. Here are a few tricks of the trade...
- Trim full lashes from the side that starts at the outer corner of your eye. You can use the trimmed excess for a fuller effect by stacking the fake lashes.
- Apply eyeliner first to hide glue mishaps.
- Tweezers are your friend.

Over the course of seven weeks I learned about colour theory, proper makeup application techniques from an industry professional, gained new-found appreciation for applying makeup on "mature" skin and still fully believe that less is more.

Finally, if you're interested in attending beauty school and live in the Melbourne-area definitely check out Elite Make Up Academy (this is not a paid advertisement) and ask for Marie-Louise, she's the best!

May 24, 2015

Feeling nostalgic: MAC's Real Doll

May 24, 2015/ Nicole McIntyre

Wearing MAC's Real Doll while getting my best Barbie/Skipper/Stacie face on

*sets scene*

When: April 2007

En route to Vegas with the latest issue of In Style magazine -- these were the days when blogging pretty much only existed on Live Journal, Makeup and Beauty Blog wasn't yet a part of my life, and reading magazines was a necessity in order to learn about upcoming seasonal makeup releases.

Tucked in the last quarter of the magazine (somewhere between healthy recipe ideas and diet ads I undoubtedly flicked past) laid a makeup editorial featuring a model whose hair and skin were true glow-y perfection, and those lips, well, they were sporting MAC's Real Doll. As our Jet Blue flight flew 30,000 feet over Lake Michigan I earmarked the corner of the page, shut off my overhead light, and envisioned Real Doll adorning my very own lips.

News Flash, pervs: Get your mind out of the gutter!

My latest lemming eluded me. The hunt from Las Vegas' Town Square with P-Cakes and Grammy, all the way back to Braintree's South Shore Plaza left me weary, and eventually forced me to throw in the towel. In a last ditch effort I even went as far as calling the indexed telephone number for MAC in the back of In Style with the hope Real Doll would turn up somewhere, alas.

Eight years later and a world away from my humble beginnings, Real Doll popped back on the scene as part of the MAC is Beauty campaign. The lengthy wait didn't kill me, it only helped to fuel my obsession with makeup. This creamy baby pink/lilac lippie will forever hold my heart.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for MAC's Lipstick in Real Doll:

$36.00 AUS / $16.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

10 out of 10 bags — Despite my darkish features Real Doll refuses to wash my out complexion. Tho, it does little to brighten your teeth.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

Sadly Real Doll is limited edition. That said I better track down a back up, fast!

Love my dress? I know I do! I'm wearing Gorman's Wing It Dress. It's got pockets, it conceals the presence of food baby, and it's made in the softest corduroy.

April 03, 2015

Troubleshooting Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

April 03, 2015/ Nicole McIntyre

Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity

So, you've handed over a wad of moolah for Hourglass' latest release, now what? You've read the reviews, watched the how-to videos, stared at its uncharacteristic features -- its ripples and rolling waves, while trying to wrap your head around the fact that the pan lacks dividers. Or is it just me and the fine line of OCD-like tendencies I steadfastly walk along?

I, too, read the reviews and had my reservations regarding performance issues. Would my experience dissolve into a moment of frustration and regret? Let's delve into the Modernist eyeshadow's formula, and tailor your application.

The Formula

It's mighty soft, and finely milled to help reduce the amount of guess work for you. Hourglass has dumbed down these palettes, and I for one do not feel insulted. The eyeshadows lend themselves to mixing and melding for that sultry, smoky, editorial look (how very Nina Garcia of me).

The Colours

They're natural. Elements derived from the earth to intensify the colour of your eyes. I was drawn to Infinity for its rich chocolate-y browns and plummy/tea rose undertones. It's worth noting four of the five shades featured in Infinity are matte, whereas the fifth shade (centre) is the magician with its shimmery, metallic come-hitherness.

The Brushes

Now, this is purely based on what I personally own, but I'll do my best to offer similar brushes based on affordability and accessibility.

An all-over brush to ace your base and to blend at the end: MAC 217 / Zoeva Soft Definer
Define the lower lash line (I prefer stubby, rounded brushes): Zoeva Smudger / MAC 214
A shady lady to work the eye lid: MAC 239 / Zoeva Luxe Smoky Shader / Real Techniques Shading Brush
Cut a crease or contour: Zoeva Luxe Crease / MAC 275
A petite miss for detailed handiwork in case you're into that sort of thing: Real Techniques Accent Brush (part of a set) / Dior Eyeliner Brush (a repurposed multi-tasker)

Application Tips

Before applying your eyeshadow, prime the eye area.
Set out your brushes in a handy spot for easy access.
Curl your lashes first to prevent unnecessary smudging.
Ok, we're ready to apply. When you bring the brush to the pan gently dab the surface to agitate and lift the product onto the brush. Sweeping back and forth will only lead to a messy situation.
Next, dab (again) excess eyeshadow onto the back of your hand in order to reduce the risk of fallout. Tapping your brush over the basin works, too.
Follow the order of operations (my method) >> Base > Contour > Shade > Line > Define > Mascara.

You'll notice there's a bit of dabbing involved prior to bringing anything near the eye area. This gentler approach means you'll be wearing eyeshadow instead of it wearing you. Does that even make any sense? In other words, your eyes won't be reduced to a powdery mess.

Swatches of Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity — Swatches of Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity

Wearing Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity on my eyes

With your palette in one hand, and a few key eyeshadow brushes clasped in the other get ready for a strong eye game, I know you can do it!

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette:

$76.00 AUS / $58.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

8 out of 10 bags — Work with it, and it'll work for you. I can't speak for the six other shades' performance, but I am pleased as punch with Infinity.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

Ambient Lighting Bronzer? Yes, please!

March 31, 2015

Mecca Maxima haulin' and other random bits of madness

March 31, 2015/ Nicole McIntyre

Well, I've gone and done it again.

Ahhh, retail therapy, that inhalation of stale air, the teetering back and forth under horrible fluorescent lighting while clamouring for the newest makeup-y things to hit the shelves. That was me this past Friday.

I recently changed employers, hence the infrequency in posting since late January. Needless to say it was a stressful and emotional time for me before, during, and after saying see ya later to the the company that gave me a shot after landing in Oz. To celebrate this transition I felt the need to treat myself.

Here's the rationale behind my latest spend..

Argument: If it's good enough for Vivianna and Lily, then it's good enough for me.

Being the enablers that they are, both ladies, in their own way, convinced me (it's the accent, I swear) to purchase Bobbi Brown's Powder Brush (holy crap, it's crazy expensive), Real Technique's Setting Brush, Bumble and Bumble's Sunday Shampoo, and UD's Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Warm. I hope these ladies work on commission, because they're doing something right!

Argument: Needed a fill me up.

True story: This Works Perfect Eyes Recovery Cream really works! It de-puffs, hydrates, and reawakens the under eye area. Definitely using this on the regular.

Argument: It was pretty!

Nars' Eye Paint in Porto Venere had me at first swatch. That said, if you own MAC's Painterly I don't think you need Porto Venere this very second.

UD's 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Sabbath for its matte-y, navy, and equally dreamy qualities. I can tell Ro(Cocoa) will be getting a bit of a break now that I have Sabbath in my life.

My shop wouldn't be complete without grabbing a lippie, cue UD's Sheer Revolution in Sheer Shame. Slightly intimidating in the tube, yet appears as a sheer beet-y, plummy hue that only sticks around for two or so hours -- points off for longevity.

Argument: Memories / nostalgia.

Essie's Ballet Slippers will forever hold a special place in my heart as it was the first shade to ever be professionally polished on my nails. I was nearing the end of a winter break from school, so my Mom treated me to a last-minute manicure before driving me back to Boston. Thanks Mom!