Are you wearing the right lipstick? Part three

This post is dedicated to those with a darker skin tone.
Textures are important to consider, I think matte can sometimes look plain and dull. Frost and high glossy finishes really suit any hair colour within this category. 


Copper hair 
This is colour hair is a statement against the skin tone to begin with. Features can go missing and lips look pale with this hair colour. Glossy brown tones are perfect. Keep colours neutral to allow the hair colour to be the focus. Stay away from any flat tones and harsh matte finishes, any browns with a grey tone will wash the skin out and enhance dark circles.

Lipstick suggestions: Touch, Taupe and Viva Glam VI

Right lipstick

Wrong lipstick

Blonde hair

Glossy nudes and vibrant reds are go to colours within this category. Avoid anything too deep, purple tones or fuschia pinks, vampy colours make the hair and skin look flat and pinks make the blonde hair look yellow toned.

Lipstick suggestions: Viva Glam Rihanna, So Chaud and Yash (with gloss)

Right colour

Wrong colour

Brunette hair

When I think of models like Jourdan Dunn, she can pull off any colour and this category is lucky that even the darkest of purples or deepest of reds look fairly natural and classic. I would team any of these matte lipstick suggestions with a gloss to add vibrancy to the look. The colours to avoid are baby pinks and pastel colours with yellow undertones, these will make the lip a focus and the other features will disappear.

Lipstick suggestions: Chilli, Lady Danger, Dark side and Twig

Right colour

Wrong colour

Are you wearing the right lipstick? Part two

Following my previous post, here is the second stage of my guide to wearing the right lipstick. This week the focus is on medium skin tones.

Blonde hair
This category suits pink a lot, yet the wrong tone of pink can look like barbie. Avoid any pale pinks, it makes the skin look grey. The best pinks are hot pinks, alternatively if you're not a pink person, then corals are perfect. Anything to give a pop of colour will work in this section. So the lips don't make too much of an impact when choosing your colours, opt for a glossy finish. The good news is you have the option to go for a orange based red or a pink based.

Lipstick recommendations: Girl about town, Coral Bliss and Lady Danger and MAC Red.

Right Colour pink

Wrong colour pink

Brown hair
When I think of Eva longoria and JLO I think of their golden skin tone and healthy glow. Most of us have to achieve this with the help of fake tan. My pet hate is a pale nude lip with this look (aka foundation lips) A pale nude takes away the golden olive skin tone, any dark circles or pigmentation is highlighted and the lips dissappear (see picture below) this is all because the colour doesn't have depth. I do believe a nude with a brown undertone is the perfect lipstick for this category (see my shade recommendations). I prefer the nude to be glossy and satin finishes to have a gloss over the top. If you swatch the lip colour and it's lighter than your hand then it's too pale!
Lipstick recommendations: Viva glam V, modesty, Shanghai Spice and Relentlessly Red

Right colour

Wrong colour

Black hair

Kylie Jenner, everyone is obsessed with these lip colours at the moment (and her). Her favourite lipstick from MAC is sold out everywhere, when I look at her lip colours the depth is actually in the pencil. So use either pink treat or morning coffee pencil and buff over a warm nude like Yash and you will get the exact finish. Matte colours are best for this look and even if choosing a nude go for one with a more brown undertone so it's not too pale. Avoid any deep purples in this category, it will make your other facial features dissappear.

Lipstick recommendations; Viva glam III, spirit and Kinda sexy.

Right colour

Wrong colour

Are you wearing the right shade of lipstick?

I'm going to do a series of posts dedicated to the right lipstick shade. I'm often asked what shade suits certain skin tones and hair colours. The lipstick shade you choose should always add an element of warmth to the face (even the darkest lip colours) this is all down to the undertone, and what suits your best friend or you work colleague may not suit you, it is always best to try colours before you buy!
This is merely a guide and of course lipstick colours are down to preference.

I have given MAC lipstick recommendations for each hair colour.
I have also attached two pictures for each hair colour, this shows how the wrong lipstick can alter complexion, skin tone and the overall look in comparison to the right colour. 

This weeks post is dedicated to Fair skin tones.

Blonde hair

Think Nicole Kidman and Kate Bosworth, both women have a pale, peachy undertone to their skin. They both have light blonde hair and fair eyebrows, therefore their lipstick choice needs to brighten their complexion. They can fall into the category of looking tired and the wrong lipstick shade can actually enhance features such as dark circles. The type of lipstick I would recommend is matte or satin. The coverage on both is full and no matter if they choose a light colour the finish will be strong and this will still be a statement lip.

Lipsticks I would recommend are: Kinda sexy and Dangerous.

Right colour

Wrong colour

Ginger hair

Emma stone has a gorgeous complexion and striking hair colour. Her hair and brow colour is the focus for her look therefore her lipstick can't overpower this. I would recommend more of a glossy finish to any lip colour. Coral/ brown tones will add warmth to the skin

Lipsticks I would recommend: Brave red, Fan fare and Crosswires

Right colour

Wrong colour

Brown hair

Anne Hathaway and Emma Watson. When I think of these two I always believe their makeup looks fresh and polished. Hues of pinks and berry tones are perfect, the lipsticks they wear always have a rosy undertone as they wear flushes of pinks and muted purples on the cheeks to match the lip colour. This enhances their skin tone and brightens up the face compared to their dark hair.

Lipsticks I would recommend: Hot gossip, Hot Tahitti, Peach Blossom and Diva

Right colour

Wrong colour

Black hair  

Those with a fair complexion and black hair automatically have a statement look. Their lip colour needs to give an impact to make sure their facial features stand out too. Dita Von Teese always wears a bold red lip. She wears blue undertones which make her teeth whiter and the contrast between the lip colour and her skin tone complete the look.

Lipsticks I would recommend are - Russian Red, Viva Glam I and Ruby Woo

My favourite foundations

I'm often asked what is the best foundation. This completley varies given someones skin type and preference. For me I have dry skin and like a fresh glowy finish. Wether it be full coverage or natural I opt for a foundation to give my skin a dewy finish. I have a top 5 when it comes to foundations, being as indecisive as I am- I like to have options!

1. MAC Face and Body
This is a water based foundation which is really sheer. When applied with a brush it gives a high shine to the skin, if buffed on with the hands it gives a fuller coverage; due to the foundation being water based the heat of your hands absorbs the water, therefore giving a fuller and thicker texture. I find the foundation lasts a lot longer and becomes a medium coverage when applied using your hands. I wear Face and Body when my skin is blemish free, it is my go to holiday foundation and is perfect when I have a tan and want a quick, fresh finish. It is easy to build and feels really comfotable/ light on the skin.

2. Laura Mercier Tinted moisturiser 
I have used this tinted moisturiser for years! I use this on holiday also, it is super dewy with a borderline glittery finish. Perfect for those who want a radiant finish. I wear this when my skin is looking particularly dry, especially from too much sun! I also use this as my moisturiser before applying a full coverage for a night out. I wear 'bare radiance' in the winter and 'warm radiance' in the summer.

3. MAC beauty balm compact
A medium to full coverage, which comes as a suprise to many considering its a 'BB cream'. When people hear BB cream, they tend to think watery and sheer version of a tinted moisturiser. In my experience I have found this to be true with most BB creams. This one is completley different! It comes with a sponge and can be built up to be a full coverage. Eventhough it is a medium coverage it still feels comfortable on the skin, it contains 'water..' whilst wearing this product it also hydrating the skin at the same time. I particularly love this BB cream as when I come to remove my makeup my skin feels hydrated and plump, almost as though I've had a face mask/ treatment on my skin. This is perfect for work when you feel you need to wear makeup, yet your skin is in need of a day off. The BB also has a primer built in therefore minumum products are needed to reach a long lasting and flawless finish. I simply powder through the T zone to set and avoid shine in unwanted areas.It also has an SPF 30 so keeps you protected when you're out and about.

4. MAC Studio sculpt foundation
A full coverage gel based fomula, this is another foundation which is really hydrating, perfect for anyone who finds their foundation clings to certain areas of their face. Full and flawless coverage with a dewy finish. What is perfect with this foundation is when teamed with a good powder it can be altered to a satin finish. This finish looks flawless on pictures and lasts the whole night without the fear of it looking greasey after a few hours. I wear this foundation when I'm outside all day- perfect for festivals.

5. Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation
I have been wearing this foundation for over two years and I love it! It is the perfect for me. It gives a full, flawless coverage. This is oil free so aimed towards an oily skin type, yet I keep all my skin care fresh and use the tinted moisturiser (number 2) underneath this foundation and it sits comfortably. It doesn't move all night and literally looks like silk on the skin. It hides blemishes with only a small amount of product and gives a gorgeous sheen to the skin. I think this foundation would be amazing on all skin types teamed with the correct primers and moisturisers.


Fair of Face x

Top 5 MAC lipsticks

I get asked a lot what lipsticks are bestsellers for MAC. Another question is will this colour suit me. Everyone will suit a colour it just depends on the tone of that particular colour. First of all I love MAC lipsticks they last all day and no matter what texture I choose they feel comfortable and look freshly applied even after a long shift. I do team all my lipsticks with a liner and occassionally a gloss. The liner helps the lipstick stay on longer and provides a wash of colour before the lipstick is applied. It makes the lip look neater and more defined. I strongly recommend a liner when using brighter colours and especially matte texutured lipsticks.

A lot of the time I get asked for a nude that is natural but so it looks like you're wearing a lipstick, but not too nude so you can't see it or too light so it looks like foundation, but not too dark so that its too much colour and no longer a nude (that is usually how the question is put to me, ha!) but weirdly I understand exactly what the customer means. In my opinion I think I have found the perfect nude lipsticks. I have two favourites (bare in mind my skin tone will be different from majority reading this post.) Even so this may mean you want to opt for a lighter/ darker line to adapt the colour to your skin tone.

I have two nude shades in this list, the first is 'Blankety.' This is an Amplified texture, which is also my favourite of all the lipsticks. Amplified in a lipstick means the most pigmented of them all, so however the lipstick looks on the stand it will be exactly the same if not a stronger colour when on the lip. |Amplified is one of the fullest coverages of all the lipsticks but has a glossy finish. There is no need to apply a gloss on top as they have such a high shine.
Blankety is a soft nude brown, with a subtle hue of pink to it. I wear this with dervish lip liner and if I do wear a gloss i choose Cremesheen lipgloss in Boy Bait (to make the lip more nude) or Ample Pink (for a soft pink tint)

If you prefer a more brown tone nude 'Viva Glam II' is my go to. Its a slightly deeper nude and is a satin finish. It looks perfect patted on, or heavily applied with a brush. Due to it being a satin finish I think this is a much more statement nude, so if you're wearing a strong eye makeup look and want your eyes to be the focus, yet don't want your lips to look washed out or dissappear this colour and texture is ideal. I team this lipstick with Boldly Bare (nude brown) or Spice lip pencil (mid tone brown).
Viva Glam lipsticks are also an amazing choice as all proceeds (exc Vat) from the lipstick go towards the MAC aids fund. Perfect excuse to buy a new lipstick - It's for charity! 

I mentioned previously about everyone suiting a colour it just varies on the tone. This is most common with Red lipsticks. I love MAC red lipsticks and there is a tone to suit everyone. I personally suit an orange based red or a deep burgundy tone red. The red I have chosen to feauture in this blog is called 'Lady Danger.' It is the most gorgeous tomato tone red and looks really vibrant on the lip, yet it is also understated enough to wear it in the day. For me this is the perfect day to night red lipstick. It is a Matte texture so definitely apply a pencil before hand. I wear this on holiday or when I go to festival's to give a look which is effortlessly glam. It dresses up any outfit. I think this colour suits most it may just be slightly daring for some. I use a red based liner in 'Cherry' just to lift the colour slightly.

Next is also a bright summer shade. It is called 'Girl about Town' and is an Amplified texture. This is a hot girly pink tone, and perfect for your holiday. It is a glossy, creamy texture and is so pigmented that it stains the lip slightly. The next day you will still have a pink tint. I love this colour as it isn't too bright where it drains any colour away from your complexion, I would however recommend some blusher and lots of mascara to accompany this colour. The liner I wear is called 'More to Love' and it is a pro longwear liner so the pencil is slightly softer.

Lastly is a Lipstick called 'Rebel'. It is the most gorgeous berry/ black currant tone. It is a deep purple, yet still vibrant and fresh at the same time. It's sold out regurlarly on the counter I work for, I'm not suprised it's such a gorgeous and versatile colour. I love it for winter and also in summer. It is a satin finish and there is a lipglass called Rebel too. This lipstick looks gorgeous as a semi matte, or with a glossy sheen. If you are still searching for that perfect plum tone, which seems to come back into fashion every winter, then you must try this colour!

All pictures belong to Maccosmetics.co.uk

The best part about MAC lipsticks are, you can get them for free (excluding Viva Glam Lipsticks.) Mac have a recycling scheme called 'Back to Mac'. You simply take six empty full size Mac containers into store and in exchange you can choose a lipstick! There are restrictions as to what packaging, so if you are unsure contact your nearest counter.

All the views and opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Hope you enjoyed my post,
Fair of Face x

Liz Earle Cleanser

I have wanted to blog about this product for a long time as I am completley in love with it. It is called the 'hot cloth cleanser' by Liz Earle, there are different scents yet I have only ever used the original (green packaging). I used this for a while then I stopped as I ran out and didn't get round to buying it again. I ended up getting it for christmas and I realised how essential it is in my skin care routine.

It is recommended for all skin times. The starter set comes with two muslin cloths. One pump is one application and you massage over your whole face (whilst it is dry). The instructions recommend to apply to the centre of the face and massage outwards.  Then rinse the cloth with hot water and in small circular motions wipe off the cleanser. I use this to remove all of my makeup and set that cloth aside to dry. I then repeat the whole routine with a new cloth which then cleanses my makeup free skin (this is for when I wear a heavier makeup look.) If I'm not wearing much/any makeup I will only cleanse once. I use this every morning and every night. It gets rid of every inch of makeup without much pressure (even stubborn mascara and eyeliner). I have quite sensitive eyes, especially if I wear makeup for a few days in a row. This is the only cleanser/ makeup remover I have found, that is completley natural and doesn't irritate my skin at all. My skin looks hydrated and feels softer. I find my makeup application looks so much better when I include this cleanser in my skin care routine.

At £14.25 I find it a reasonable price, especially for the quality of this cleanser. That is for 100ml of product and two muslin cloths. Obviously once you have the two cloths you don't have to rebuy more, just keep washing them on a hot white wash. I wash mine after every use and eventhough the cloths can be reused lots of times, I always try to replace mine every few months (although this isn't essential).

Liz earle has a gorgeous range of products and extremeley natural and nothing I have tried from their collection is heavily perfumed. I have tried a few products from their skin care range and was very happy with everything, yet the 'cleanse and polish' is my favourite and deserves it huge fan base. If you want to try something from the makeup range I would definitely recommend the 'light reflecting concealer pen'.

Fair of Face x

Favourite highlighters

As many of you may know from my previous posts, I have quite dry skin. Even when my skin is well moisturised and prepped it can look slightly dull, therefore I opt for makeup with a radiance element. Sometimes I feel a foundation or tinted moisturiser (like my laura mercier tinted moisturiser) is too dewy for winter and certain times of the day, thats where a seperate highlighter comes in! A highlighter can be placed in specific areas and built upon to give a subtle glow or a stronger shine. There are lots of different types so I thought I would blog about a few of my favourite brands and what texture/products are best  for certain areas, considering skin type and desired finish.

Pressed powder highlighters. These for me last the longest out of any form of highlighter. They are the best value for money as I find I never need to replace them, which shows me a little goes a long way. Powder highlighters can be built up to be quite intense. MAC mineralize skin finish is the shade 'soft and gentle' is a white/ silvery finish, a light dusting on the tops of the cheek bones will give that light reflecting element with some shimmer. It is water baked so if you did want to build this up there is no danger of it becoming cakey or not sitting right on top of your base. There is another shade called 'gold deposit' which is better for darker skin tones- it has a huge colour pay off so less is definitely more. MAC bring out limited edition shades regularly of this product as it is so popular. One of their latest collections 'Apres Chic' carries two new shades one being 'porcelain pink' which is very similar to soft and gentle yet slightly pinky toned and warmer. 'Stereo Rose' is more of a blush/highlighter with a pink finish to it and is best used lightly as a blusher.

Liquid highlighters such as Benefit high beam and MAC lustre drops. My favourite of all is by Chanel from the 'soleil tan de Chanel range' and it is called 'iridescent highlighting emulsion' (thank god it is easier to apply, then it is too say). For me liquid highlighters give more of a fresher glow. I sometimes add a drop or two of the higlighter to my foundation so you have an all over subtle glow. They are liquid so not as strong therefore are more of a day time radiance, these look great on the brow bone and on the top of the cheeks when going for a more natural look with less products. Liquid highlighters are my personal preference for holidays and when you have a tan or want that fresh sunkissed look.

Cream highlighters I believe are the strongest formula and will give the most glow and shine. The consistency is thicker than the others therefore more product is applied. My favourites are cream color base by MAC in colours such as pearl and hush. Illamasqua highlighter in gleam is also a personal favourite. I apply these to the tops of the cheeks with a stippling brush, I use a larger brush so the product spreads more evenly and really buffs into the skin. You have to be careful with cream highlighters as they can look cakey if you apply too much an I have found they aren't the easiest to blend in an start again.

Highlighter pens which are a creamier liquid are great for under eye circles. Ysl touche eclat is a prime example, yet for me they are too bright. I opt for the MAC highlighter pen, the colour radiant rose teamed with a light weight concealer is great for diminishing under eye dark circles. The pinky tone counteracts grey tones and cancels the colour out (not completley) but it definitely reduces the darkness. Liz Earle has a great concealer pen, the shades have more yellow based tones which means they are light reflective, they are a great natural highlight for under eyes, the tear duct area, on the brow bone, down the centre of the nose and on the cupids bow. If you find that like me the YSL touche eclat is too bright and glows too much, use it on the brow bone to make brows appear sharper and sleeker.

Last but not least; loose powder highlightere. My favourite is from MAC cosmetics which is their pigments. The colour vanilla is extremley bright and gives a quick highlight. This is a strong highlight, yet because it is loose powder it can be blended into almost nothing. This is the most versatile highlighter, you can use it on top of the cheeks, on the brow bone, in the tear duct area to open up and make eyes appear bigger and brighter. It can be used on the cupids bow to make lips appear bigger. If you find your eye makeup becomes to dark and matte you can sweep a small amount over the top which will tone the colours down and give a more glowing finish to eye makeup. Naked is also a good colour as it has warmer tones to it and is a more matte highlight, both are well loved by me personally and in my kit. Illamasqua pigment in aurora is similar, it has slightly more colour to it and I find Illamasquas pigments are much more glittery (especially in the brighter and stronger colours.) Aurora looks great on the top of the cheeks, I find it can photograph quite dark and orange toned when used on the brow bone.

I hope this helps give you an insight into which higlighter would be best for you depending on what sort of finish you want and which area you would like it for.

Fair of Face x