themakeuplady

end results:::}}}

2012-01-21T23:39:00.003Z

Remember this project? This was the result of a truly rewarding creative collaboration with Cara Bendon Photography and Fina Creative Hair. I was allowed to run away with myself with creative design and luckily Fina and Cara were very much on the same 70's glam night time look as I had come up with. The picture below is a before ( with base) on the stunning Lucia.

Truly beautiful, the next pic below will be going in my front room/ hallway when me and mr makeuplady move!xxx

The next are more natural images, a day time look if you like

All Hair by Fina Creative Hair, all Photography by Cara Bendon Photography and all Make Up by themakeuplady.

multi camouflage

2012-01-12T22:19:00.001Z

A totally wondrous product and FANTASTIC value for money. The Derma Color Camouflage Mini Palette is mainly designed for the 'camouflaging' of scars, heavy blemishes, acne, tattoos, eyebrows. Whatever you want covering, it'll cover it. You would use this over primer and under foundation.

D32 is a richly brick red pigment concealer that would be used directly onto either eyebrows or tattoos after 'the pritt stick technique', this neutralises the colour in eyebrows and makes it easier and less heavy to layer ontop with skin tone colour concealer, if needed ( covering tattoos or scars) you then need to use the setting powder.

The rest of the colours come in red and yellow tones and range from the palest of caucasian to the darkest black of skins. This is one of the best bits, there is no colour tone discrimination. There are three palettes to choose from that are 'fair', 'medium' and 'dark'. These cater perfectly for seasonal skin tone changes.

'What if I don't want a mini palette?'

Well Charles Fox Ltd London offer a service that colour matches clients dependant on their need and body location for a dermacolor pot.

They match you as best they can to one colour of concealer. 9/10 customers do come back when their skin tones have changed, summer tans etc. If you are seriously into your make up I would very much recommend a palette.

Another fab thing with these is that a little goes a VERY long way, DON'T put your brush straight into your pot, use cut out technique and mix colours on the back of your hand, warming the product and fab for blending and adding more colour as you go. This is also useful for hygiene purposes.

I have shade Palette NR2. Palette's start from £16.00 and can be bought from Charles Fox Ltd. All photographs courtesy of DermaColor.

:::Miss me?

2011-12-06T22:51:00.001Z

Well my normal things have resumed, at least 'normal' before The Rose kicked in and took over my life! It has been FABULOUS. I have not only met a great group of people to work with in the future but it has been a total pleasure and privilege to work with such talented cast and crew and for the Rose itself.

Back to me and my fabulous work... You like?

Jeremy Smith- Clowne/ Pompey

We tried something a little cleaner and more elaborate a few evenings!

And added some facial hair too!

Otis Waby- Claudio ( Arrest/ Assault scene)

Otis Waby- Claudio ( Jail Scene) added dirt, dark circles by eyes

Bourneville and Baby Oil- Jail hands and torso

The daintiest Queen of Vintage I have ever met Fiona Navalis- Mariana

One of the many hairstyles I created for Fiona

We opted for 'shabby chic' victory rolls one evening

The ever amusing Lisa Depuis- Nun Francisca ( Whilst at Nunnery)

Escaped from Nunnery

Elizabeth Bloom- Mistress Overdone (Consistently Baby Oiled and STD Ridden!)

And a tad neater and drier on the last performance!

Lawrence Russell- Barnardine guise

Well, from a cast of 10 I got backstage photos of 6 with a few changes, I don't think that's too bad at all. Being with the theatre taught me so much, I taught myself how to attach facial hair pieces in a matter of minutes, both a round goatee ( no picture shown) and the funky eccentric version but also ( among other things) how to do a face and touch ups on 10 people in two hours! In designing all the make up and changes for each character I found myself challenged yet blessedly given the freedom and opportunity to take my ideas and run with them- convincing Jeremy that the rouge cheeks would be good for character took some exchanged looks! Whilst it wasn't the warmest of experiences ( temperature not a metaphor for unfriendly atmosphere) I felt truly at home with the Rose. I look forward to many more productions to come in the New Year!

7 Crew Members, 6 Cast member photos, 5 packets of Baby Wipes, 4 Lipsticks, 3 Tubs of Cocoa, 2 Bottles of Johnson's Baby Oil ( Boxes of Kleenex and ), 1 Production of Measure for Measure!

Title Photograph Courtesy of Robert Piwko, all other images by themakeuplady, with thanks to the cast and crew of The Rose and Measure for Measure x

... and four kids later they were happily ever after

2011-10-15T21:44:00.003+01:00

Emma and Phil have been together a long time, four kids long... I was around 13 when their first born was announced, to be asked to be the Beauty Artist for their Wedding Party meant a lot. Really. Then to make me even more nervous I was asked to be the Photographer for the day too! Team equipped, I had my work cut out... How do you think we did?

It was truly a pleasure to capture and beautify them for their special day. They had after all waited long enough! An especially touching gesture was discovering they had picked their eldest Son to be 'Best Man'. A thoroughly fabulous day!

Special Thanks to Emma and Phil Weber and Family, Mr MakeupLady, and Molly Tierney Phillips x

...BEHIND THE SCENES

2011-10-13T22:27:00.001+01:00

A fabulous shoot thanks to Cara Bendon Photography, Fina Creative Hair and copious amounts of Illamasqua Liquid Metals. nomnom

The first look was in fact the second of the day, both were created with:

Illamasqua Liquid Metals in Superior
MAC Superslick Liquid Eyeliner in Gold
Clarins Eyeshadow in Gold Leaf
Clinique Lipliner in 36 Soft Rose
Sleek Lipstick in Stiletto
Clarins Bronzer in Mosaique and Blush Prodige 06
Dermacolour Camouflage Mini Palette 16 Nr1 Shade D5

Photographs courtesy of Cara Bendon Photography. Hair By Fina Creative Hair. All Make Up By Kylie McMichael, themakeuplady

NEW OPPORTUNITIES :]]]

2011-10-12T23:06:00.001+01:00

THE ROSE THEATRE is London's oldest, with a historical site surviving over 500 years of natural preservation.

A beautiful space in need of some SERIOUS TLC, generous donation in spirit, hardwork, dedication and monetary funds I was delighted when they offered me a permanent position within the company/ charity as In House Make Up Artist. I will be taking up my position starting as Make Up Artist from 31st October for their event Dead City: Halloween at The Rose and continuing with their production of Measure for Measure. THRILLED doesn't begin to cover it!

Primer+ COLOURCORRECTOR= SHU UEMURA

2011-09-22T23:29:00.003+01:00

This was NOT my original choice.

When a lovely Shu Uemura representative at Liberty calmly explained to me that Shu Uemura had discontinued my original colour corrector, I wanted to weep. Uncontrollably. This was not a good situation. Having inherited oddly red splotchy Celtic skin from SOMEONE in my family, I need a daily dose of green goop to cover it up with a lightweight dash of foundation added for good measure. Then he showed me this.

I was not altogether convinced. It shimmered for a start, shimmer doesn't cover, it HIGHLIGHTS, then he explained that aswell as acting as a primer, this was also a colour corrector and an illuminator. So TECHNICALLY not only was I being able to replace my old faithful, but I was getting a BARGAIN in the process. SO, sceptical, I bought it, took it home and tried it. And I have to say I was really quite impressed. It wasn't QUITE as good as the old one, lord knows why the dumb ass cosmetic Japanese folks got rid of it anyway, buuuuut given a chance it did exactly as I was promised it would. I applied it with a long thick eyeshadow blending brush ( I don't like foundation brushes and they don't like me) the first time layering with my foundation and now I mix it altogether. I applied all over my cheeks and under my eyes. It controlled the oil in my skin, looked beautifully dewy with my foundation and died down my red complexion without making me look ghostly. Infact considering the definite green colour, it made me look... HEALTHY. With the help of my Clarins Foundation it gave me a blank canvass to work with and made me look positively RADIANT! Happy times. You can BUY IT HERE which yes, is the US site, or can take a trippydoodle down to any fabulously flashy department store and buy it there too!

NEXT TIME::: DERMACOLOUR PALETTE REVIEW!!!

inspiration to write from a fellow blogger

2011-09-22T23:06:00.002+01:00

My perfect primer and beauty buy.- Thanks to a very useful review by SUNDAY GIRL I have decided to include my own review of a high end primer as opposed to the less sigh inducing high street versions. I first decided to try this when I had to get a Clarins press loan for the Kensington and Chelsea review. One of their lovely representatives based in Boots suggested I try it. It "fills and smoothes as it glides invisibly over the skin...Line-filling and skin-smoothing Acacia Micro-Pearls... lodge themselves in wrinkles and like tiny sponges swell and plump the skin as they absorb moisture." Well that it did. It has a smooth paste like consistency and you use a very minimal amount, I mean half the size of a garden pea amount, glide over your finger tips and smooth out in problem areas. I use it on my forehead, cheeks and nose. It is a fabulous 'base' for your base, it removes excess oil and sebum- less use for mattifying powders this way; and it DOESN'T dry out dry skin. I use it everyday under my foundation and it pats on a treat, you can also, as it suggests use it without foundation, just as a natural base, it is completely clear. My make up generally stays put anyway but this does give it a hand. It is quite expensive, £24.00 for 15ml, but it is worth it. A fab treat for yourself.

BUY HERE

'''BACK TRACK ON black track

2011-09-22T22:18:00.003+01:00

Remember this one?

SO yes, originally I was quite doubtful about it, it's a gel eye liner and I don't DO gel eye liner... I tried an Inglot one once before and the results were so 'concrete' like and generally horrific I didn't use it again. The Inglot one I tried dried very quickly- too damn quickly if you ask me, you couldn't work with it, blend it or take it off... at all. No exaggeration. My first on location shoot a few years ago and I couldn't get it off the damn model. EMBARRASSED does not cover it.

Anyway: MAC. I generally don't do MAC either. I used to love their eye shadows until I found the eyeshadows started being less saturated with pigment and the foundations for me just aren't what I like to use. HOWEVER, after using this I have found it's pretty legendary. It's fab for any kind of style of eye, you just have to figure out what brushes you wish to use with it, a short rounded and small eye shadow blending brush is fabulous for under eye smokiness, layer as you wish to make the look darker/ heavier. If you wish to go for something more dramatic then I suggest teaming this with a fine angle tipped brush, you can really experiment with shape and technique with these.

Application and De Application? VERY very easy, and I like easy. It smoothes on beautifully, whether your first smooth on is a little or a lot, layering is easy and can leave you COMPLETELY saturated in darkness, fabilicious you do however have to wait a tiny while for it to dry properly- this is not necessarily a bad thing. Blending it isn't hard work either. Whilst it is largely waterproof and stays put after a good 12 hours at work, taking it off to be honest is just as easy as putting it on. I did my usual cleansing routine, damp cotton wool and putting a marrowfat pea sized portion of Simple Kind to Eyes Nourishing Eye Make Up Remover Cream and massaging gently over my whole eye area. I then proceeded to take it off by gliding my damp cotton wool pads over my eye. It literally slid of. YAY!!! No red puffy eye in SIGHT! MAC for ONCE I salute you!

BUY HERE

Getting back to PAKS

2011-09-18T23:48:00.000+01:00

DENMAN::: You may recall me buying their Thermo Ceramic Self Grip Rollers, well I tried them for a wedding I did back in August. I tried them on the trial as luckily I knew the party on a personal level and the Bridesmaids played Guinea Pig for me. OK, they WORK. They were not the BEST quality in the world, and I am still not entirely sure which part of them exactly was ceramic, but they work. They did make the hair hold shape and give body which is generally what they are supposed to do. After tonging with a 38mm barrel, I used them on three front sections of the hair using the L'Oreal Curl Spray from before and a VO5 Heat Defence Spray. And I have to say even after brushing out they retained the curl and volume for the hair as intended. The ONE downside? The 'self grip' part is a real pain in the ass. If you are using them on relatively short hair, no longer than say 4 inches, then yeah fabulous, otherwise it's a messy matted up NO GO. The 'self grip' act like velcro and grip every piece of hair, which is great, apart from when you're wanting to undo them and have about 10 seconds to undo 20. NOT GOOD. But yes apart from that they do the job, like every product on here I have reviewed and haven't thought it be the best thing in the world, everyone's opinion is different, I gave these to one of my assistants so she could try them. I will ask her how she got on with them, maybe they're a hit with her...

The Chook+Karen Rothwell

2011-09-14T21:01:00.000+01:00

Hair and Make Up: Kylie McMichael

Jewellery Featured: Karen Rothwell

Read the ARTICLE

cuts and [burns]

2011-09-14T00:37:00.001+01:00

Whilst at a Charles Fox Masterclass sometime I ago, I accomplished these little lovelies-

2011-09-13T22:07:00.000+01:00

a bit of bloglovin

good luck TRINE!:::

2011-09-13T21:43:00.000+01:00

COURTESY OF VOGUE MEN SS12

PUBLICITY! A review of a review...

2011-09-09T00:00:00.002+01:00

One of my good friends and professional acquaintances, Karen Rothwell is a fantabulous recent graduate of Central Saint Martins BA Jewellery Design. I met her whilst providing my Make Up and Hair Services for her second year show ( just over a year ago) which was covered by VOGUE. We have since struck up a great friendship and have become very trusting colleagues. I find it very hard to find a designer, especially one in the fashion industry nowadays that works very hard, knows their craft in depth and has a real and underlying passion for what they do and who they're benefiting, as well as themselves. Karen, for me is one of those people. Her travels to Kenya have heightened her enthusiasm for most things African, namely helping the communities within them, not by just throwing money at them in patronising sympathy, but in the admiration and multi- benifit utilisation of community skill and tradition. After working for her again for her final graduate pieces, Jewellery Focus and Africa on The Blog ( respectively) have picked up her fascinating and beautifully unusual pieces and written a couple of articles on them. All make up and photography work featured is by me, Kylie McMichael. All Jewellery featured is by the lady herself Karen Rothwell:

Evening Jolly to PAKS

2011-07-11T23:06:00.001+01:00

After a recommendation during a High Fashion Masterclass with this lady I decided to take a wander to PAKS. It is a cosmetics and hair care shop, well there are several actually, mainly taking up a road in Finsbury Park. They specialise in Afro Caribbean and Asian hair but trust me, there is PLENTY for us white folks too! I literally took in a breath when entering the second store- the first was just hair extensions ( I say JUST hair extensions, it was a decent 30feet by 30feet wall hugging space of JUST hair extensions). SO yes, I breathed in heavily then breathed out again, quite loudly as the Asian guy at the counter asked if I was OK. After trying out some lippies ( not reaaaaally the reason I was there, but when in Rome...) I found just what I was looking for, then found more, and more and before you know it I had filled a small basket with these goodies :)))))

Yes that's right 99p! These are amazing for holding curls or straightened hair to one particular side of the head WITHOUT ' denting' the hair.

Everyone LOVES a doughnut, well I DO... £1.99! These are a fab neat cheat for buns, simply attach to any height or positions ponytail and wrap hair in sections around this little gem as neat or as dishevelled as your heart's desire.

£2.29 bargain. Denman are a real quality brand that have been round for years and years so I was well chuffed to have found these Thermo Ceramic Self Grip rollers. Simply use as you would normal rollers ( I'll be using grips anyway to practise) and blow dry to activate the tiny Ceramic Plates in the roller. Fab for coiffed fringes, loose waves and volume.

Very tempted to use a pair of Fiskars but I'm sure these £1.99 set will do me fine for trimming Falsies.

These I believe as well as my straight pins have been the best bargain of the day. You can often find these in Boots, but the pricing is ever so slightly different- *hint hint*. These you use after and during tonging/ curling hair. Make sure you use them UNDERNEATH the curl rather than on top or you could end up with lovely dent shapes set into the hair. Not a very sophisticated look.

By far the cheapest comb I have ever bought. These tail combs are great for sectioning/ prepping hair. they also double as freeing up knots when passing hair through straighteners. Price is particularly fantastic as combs I see as being pretty disposable, they're very hard to clean after a day of hairspray, endless hairstyle changes and extensions.

My second best bargain of the day! Yes that's right a POUND of pins for £3.99! I bought some the other day from Charlie's in Shepherds Bush, and I didn't get half as many- No regrets as they were a different colour, but £3.99!

Now as much I love a Chanel, MAC or Clarins Lippy or two, I do LOVE a bit of Sleek. The pigment is fantastic and they really do have quite a bit of staying power, better than almost every designer brand I have tried. I will also be going to PAKS for the 99p lippy! I tested on the way home and was of very similar quality to Sleek.

Outlandish Shades can be mixed with neutral lippies for more of a 'day look'.

Again a little trick the above lady taught me, these are fab for making a ponytail more of a convenience than an inconvenience! Once you have your combed through hair ready to go into the usual elastic, slide hook number 1 into the hair and wind round until quite solid, hook the other end into the ponytail- scalp end, not tail end. Finish by wrapping a small amount of hair over the elastic to create a 'hair band' GENIUS! ( and so very very polished)

Ok so this was from Boots... Trying this out as my V05 has almost disappeared and I don't like the nozzle, a review is to come! £3.56 Buy HERE

Another one I wanted to try from Boots, a new brand I've sort of seen around. Lets see shall we. £4.07 Buy HERE.

HELSINKI and Finnish Country Land

2011-07-10T21:13:00.001+01:00

OK, So whilst in Finland I became very accustomed to the Finnish way of living! This involved midnight fishing, day and night Saunas and Lake Swimming! I can really see why these Northern Europeans have such amazing skin. They lead a somewhat stressful professional life in the city and have these stunning backdropped country homes. Whilst staying with the man's relatives 2 hours north of Helsinki I found I LOVE this kind of lifestyle. The first night we went swimming in the 'local lake' at get this, MIDNIGHT. Still set in beautiful twilight this was a lovely end to a first night in the countryside. The man's relatives then got us to try the 'sauna-lake in the evening' combo. This involved first starting up the sauna, this can take around 40 minutes, you boil the water, burn the wood in the fire and wait, and wait, until the sauna room hits 80'. Yes that's right, 80'! Then comes the splashing water bit, and oh dear LORD... The man's dad nearly KILLED me with steam heat- The British skin isn't used to it. You also have the option of using the equivalent of liquid air freshener on the rocks for clearing the senses, sinuses or de stressing. So after spending 10 ish to however many minutes you can handle in the sauna you then RUN the 30 odd metres through the above picture to the lake and JUMP!

After spending 10 ish minutes in the cool lake you then sprint back to the sauna and do it all over again! Until you feel like all your skin has repaired itself and grown anew. Finish by using the boiled fresh sauna water and a yummy moisturiser. Lovely jubbly...

:::Turning Japanese:::

2011-07-10T20:33:00.000+01:00

Ok, so as a Make Up Artist, my kit is my living, it pretty much as well as every other professional and ability factor guarantees my future work. That's why it's insanely important not only to keep your kit CLEAN but ORGANISED! These wondrous 'travel' bags and containers have been pretty much an organisational ocd freaks miracle. Ok, so they're not specifically for make up or sfx artists kits, HOWEVER if you're willing to be open minded and just think of the space and practicalities of them this selection have been VERY useful.

The bag with the shoes is £7.95 and from what I can tell is cotton. Which means WASHABLE! This I will be using for hair accessories storage, hairspray cans, brushes and in a separate bag electrical implements, such as straighteners, hair dryers and tongs.

The Large Tarpaulin bag is £5.95 and very roomy. I now around 4 of these and counting, I buy gradually as they are a tad pricey but I think It's an investment for my kit, they are clean tidy and semi transparent. I think I may need another 2.

The smaller Tarpaulin bag is £3.95 and IS defined as a cosmetics case on the Muji Site. It's a fab little starter case for make up beginners, enthusiasts or if you're much more of a pro/ intermediate user is great for your lipsticks/ nail varnishes/ smaller items.

Medium Mesh Pouch is £2.50 and is some sort of nylon I think. This is particularly useful for any kind of liner i.e. lip or eye as it's a great size. also good for any adhesives you may have that are small, i.e. eyelash adhesive. This could also be good for carrying samples.

BUY HERE

Apologies for the picture... turns out there are settings on my phone I cannot adjust correctly yet ;)

A little gem from using my Boots points ;)

2011-07-10T19:49:00.000+01:00

I have discovered a legend! I had become a little fixated on Vaseline and tended to use it a little much lets say. It had it's uses by all means but I found that while it really did moisturise it also looked very SHINY. Now this is not so much a problem for the ladies if it's the shiny look you want. HOWEVER when it comes to having photoshoots, co operate events, commercials etc with gentlemen involved you need something that's not only moisturising but MATT. Not every man in the world wants to look like he has GLOSS on. This has some lovely ingredients that not only moisturise but don't sound scientific and threatening not to mention for the vegans/ veggies out there it's friendly for their lip nourishing needs. It feels nice and matt as mentioned but also nourishing, no grease, easy to smooth into areas and feels nice and tingly but DOESN'T sting. A FAB treat for your holiday/ make up kit and general lip moisturising needs! BUY HERE

Airport Duty Free Yumminess!

2011-07-10T19:33:00.000+01:00

I GOT MY SERUM! Yes, in case you hadn't been reading my previous posts, my skin was in desperate need of Clarins' Bi Serum. Just before a little jolly to Finland ( more about that later on) I found myself at the Heathrow Duty Free sections oogling goodies. Unfortunately I couldn't find my Kiehl's Skin Tone Correcting moisturiser, what I DID find however was the Bi Serum. HEAVENLY! With around £9 off I couldn't resist. This little gem will be refreshing dry patches of skin tone everywhere! A walk around the corner of Clarins at Heathrow led me to the MAC counter. After meeting the very informative Lan Nguyen on a Make Up MasterClass at Charles Fox, I was highly recommended to purchase MAC Fluidline Eyeliner in BLACKTRACK. I don't usually like gel liners as I find they set too quickly and you can't get them off after. It's soooo long lasting, easy to use and remarkably easy to take off, it's fab for those dramatic gothic- evening looks/ heavy photo shoot looks. This was 20% off RRP so I decided to take a chance with MAC and buy! I am yet to use the eyeliner as yet but look out for a future review! I was so so so tempted to go absolutely nuts and buy alll the beauty products from Duty Free that I wanted but then remembered I was going on holiday and had a flight to board!

Press Samples... :)

2011-07-10T18:47:00.000+01:00

First time lucky with my press samples. After being briefed for my shoot with The Kensingston and Chelsea Review I decided to use a fairly neutral yet edgy 70's inspired colour palette. Luckily the Press Department at Clarins- ( how did you possibly know I LOVED CLARINS?) were VERY generous... As you can see above ;)

In total I managed to add to the shoot the FABULOUS Hydra Quench Cream ( the BEST moisturiser I have EVER used for dry skin) , Hydra Matt Lotion for Combi Skin ( not pictured), Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation 103 the best light weight foundation I have ever used, 107, Eye Contour Gel, Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Contour 06 Spiced Mocha with the new Mosaique Collection: Summer Bronzing Compact, ( Both FABULOUS for all over shading, contouring and even as an eye shimmer shadow) and finally Rouge Prodige 103 Miami Pink ( I used this as more of a lip stain). See what you think of the results below!

With massive thanks to The Press Office at Clarins. You helped to polish off a great shoot for KCR! All beauty and skincare credit for Photoshoot- Made for Chelsea for KCR, Clarins.

Kensington, Chelsea and CLARINS!

2011-06-29T00:00:00.004+01:00

A while ago, I told you about a shoot I was taking part in for the Kensington and Chelsea Review. I had the pleasure of being able to get some goodies from Clarins. The wonderful Press Department gave me quite the extensive make up bag which was put to fabulous use!

More pictures to come very soon!x

( Pictures Copyright Kylie McMichael 2011 All Rights Reserved. All Beauty and Skincare Clarins. Clothing and Accessories: East, Helly Hansen, Buba London, Toms)

Clinique Foundation:::

2011-06-28T21:52:00.000+01:00

Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation Make Up in 03 Calming Ivory was my first ever Clinique tester. I had my hopes as of those of you who read my blog and know me, know, I have VERY red splotchy skin. I was therefore, really excited to try this out!

So after CTM'ing in the morning I used this for one week, with powder and without and each day with different amounts of layers on.

Day One: I tried a thin layer, mainly on my cheeks ( that's where the redness on my face is), bearing in mind I really wanted to try this to CALM DOWN the redness on my cheeks, if not to make it disappear completely without the need to use my Shu Uemura Colour Corrector. So I tried this out with a small amount of matt powder ( Bobbi Brown Loose Powder in 01 Translucent) but by midday ( four hours after applying)my skin had sucked all the goodness out of the stuff. Bad Times. My redness had died down but my skin looked cakey and dehydrated. ( I think the fact I am not using the Kiehl's Skin Tone Corrector or the Clarins Hydra Quench doesn't really help. Bad Times number 2.)

Day Two: I tried a thin layer once again but this time WITHOUT my powder. It did let my skin breathe a bit more without the powder but most of the foundation had rubbed off again by midday. I really think the lack of moisturiser loving from my faithful Kiehl's and Clarins goodies definitely doesn't help.

Day Three: I put the foundation on in thin layers today again with a little loose powder to set it. Same result as day one but it kind of looked worse as I now had a think caked dehydrated crispy layer of make up on my cheeks either side of my top lip- ATTRACTIVE!

Day Four: I put the foundation on in thin layers once again but NO loose powder. This had a much better effect than any of the previous, my cheeks were still slightly covered by midday, it had bought down the redness considerably.

I will be trying this product again in my skin tone once I am able to get my hands on some hydration goodies for my skin. I don't think my usual work environment helps, a very dry, dusty and old building doesn't exactly do wonders for your skin. If you're skin isn't as dry and chafy as bit of old sandpaper I would definitely try this product. BUY HERE

LOOKING.....

2011-06-04T22:27:00.000+01:00

For a guest blogger! I need a lady or lord to try out a product for me! I have a Kiehl's Deep Pore Daily Cleanser sample and I need it TESTING! As you all may know I have dry/sensitive skin and so the product is not suitable for me to try at all....

Here's where you come in, I would like you to try out the product: Start by cleansing and toning as normal, note down all important info such as: how much you're using, how long you've been using it for/ are using it for- as in until the sample runs out, if you had to stop using it and why. Before and After pics would be great but not essential, being good with descriptions and words would be enough!

IF any of my followers or fellow bloggers know anyone that can help let me know!

why things should have an adherent timetable... and come in order

2011-06-03T23:55:00.001+01:00

Lots of things going on at once in KylieLand- [ I should have that coined ]; I have had the priviledge of joining the team at The Kensington and Chelsea Review, my article based on the Royal Wedding and what to do about your own is out in July and I have had my first meeting with the Assistant Editor, Laura Steele. I am so excited about joining I thought I should let you all know! Our first collaborative shoot is in the planning stages and we should be ready to shoot in two weeks! I am so excited about this project as it is a PROPER collaboration, real team work is involved and everyone is encouraged to take initiative rather than it being led by one person. So I shall be having lots of fun this weekend and next creating mood boards for the project. FUN TIMES!!! I should also be reviewing more Chanel products this week. MORE FUN TIMES!!!

IT'S CHANEL DARRRRRLING

2011-06-03T22:06:00.001+01:00

CHANEL: Hydramax+Active Nutrition Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin: REVIEWED!

So to remind you, I tried out CHANEL: Hydramax+Active Nutrition Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin, as seen below:

Ok, so for what I WANTED it to do, it was amazing. I shall now explain what I wanted it to do and tell you . Applying a broad bean I assumed it would be a fab day cream. Until I put my make up on top of it. Now I do not wear a lot of make up, I wear a light weight light coverage foundation, a generous dash of colour corrector and the usual mattifying and shimmery powders... and it got dry, really rather dry, at midday! I have a few mirrors where I work and I check my skin when I am testing every time I was past them, which is maybe every half hour ( ok maybe a bit more than that) and my skin had sucked everything out of the poor Chanel Hydramax by midday. So, maybe I just have dry skin? Maybe it was the product? SO, I tested it purely as a night moisturiser, and to my surprise it worked really beautifully. My skin was very hydrated throughout the night and when I woke after about 8 hours, my skin was still very nicely hydrated! Whilst it's not the best day cream I think it works fabulously as a night cream. Priced at £47.00 for 50g Buy Here: BOOTS

Kiehl's Toner

2011-05-19T23:41:00.001+01:00

Next up, over a couple of days I tried Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol- Free Toner.

You get a 250ml bottle and pay £16.50 for it, I think that's pretty good value. It also earns it's brownie points by not being tested on animals and its veggie-vegan friendly ( as far as I could tell.) As for using while CTM ( technique described ) it was nice to use. It had a neutral smell and is emerald/ moss green in colour. To be honest I have used better, but it was still very gentle with my skin and didn't dry it out, which is always useful when your face resembles sandpaper on some days. I prefer the Clarins one from before, nevertheless a very pleasing product to use. Buy HERE

Who thought moss green goo would make my skin so happy?

2011-05-19T22:45:00.001+01:00

Yes! I am back reviewing this week... FABULOUS :) whilst I have been away writing for the Kensington and Chelsea Review I have also wrapped a film- 'The Russian Elephant', and assisted the AMAZING Naomi Selig at the Jermyn Street Theatre!

I now finally have the time to sit down a review a couple of little bits from last weeks list.

First up is Kiehl's Highly Efficient Skin Tone Corrector with Emblica, Glycolic Acid and HEPES. And Oh my Gaaaad, it's truly amazing.

So yes, it looks like this and comes in a 30ml tube, is a beautiful shade of moss green and smells, well quite bad really ( sort of 'Trojan' like if you catch my drift ). HOWEVER I decided to still give it a shot. I applied after CTM and using the Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi- Phase for Dehydrated Skin( Yes, I am STILL on the tester). I used an amount about the size of my index finger nail and using my usual method of rubbing gently along my fingers and applying finger by finger onto my cheeks- where my beautiful redness is. I have to say that this is probably the best form of moisturiser I have EVER used, and that's a lot of products to compare to. I only used it on my cheeks and really quite sparingly as it's £41.00 for the 30ml tube- GASPS from the audience! But when I get paid I am seriously re arranging my coffee habits and lunch time treats to make way for my new skin care. It blends really beautifully and the slightly whiffy smell disappears once you've gently massaged it into your skin. I used my Neutrogena® Visibly Clear® Oil- Free Moisturiser after it on the areas left over. A true must have for any beautician/ make up artist's kit as it does exactly what it says on the tin, it did slightly improve my blemished splotchy red Celtic skin, which considering given the sample size I was only able to use for around a week. Buy HERE

NOMNOMNOM samples...

2011-05-11T21:01:00.000+01:00

So I ventured into Boots and my old faithful haunt Selfridges today hoping for some time with the staff to ask about their wealth of product... unfortunately so did half of London, so I settled for samples instead :) Some staff were totally lovely and very helpful, some were not so fantastic so be aware. I will be trying them this week and reviewing next week on here. A preview of products is below:

CHANEL: Hydramax+Active Nutrition Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin

Vitalumiere Satin Fluid Make Up in 50Naturel

Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra- Light Skin Perfecting Make Up B40 Beige Desert

KIEHL'S: Cucumber Herbal Alcohol- Free Toner for all skin types, particularly dry or sensitive skin

Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser with Amazonian White Clay- Exfoliates and De Toxifies

Highly Efficient Skin Tone Corrector with Emblica, Glycolic Acid and HEPES.

CLINIQUE: Redness Solutions Make Up in 03 Calming Ivory

LANCÔME: Teint Miracle Fresh Foundation Veil Colours 1 and 2

...SIMPLES

2011-05-10T00:29:00.004+01:00

I am prepared to admit that until very recently I was blooming useless at skin care, always using soap and water to wash my face even though I knew I shouldn't. It was a cardinal sin for the Beauty Artist in me. The genius of what I would call High Street skincare and the gumption to ask for samples from your local Selfridges/ Boots or House of Fraser has taught me that it doesn't have to be a mission OR ridiculously expensive.

So a trip has led me to Simple. Simple is really quite an amazing brand. It contains a comparatively small amount of parabens and general bad stuff that can make your skin feel questionable. It's fragrance free, colour free and contains Pro- Vitamin B5 among other lovely things. It is also used in every type of kit and beauty regime from Lisa Eldridge to your Grandma.

I tested:

Simple Kind to Eyes Nourishing Eye Make Up Remover Cream 100ml £3.99: I started by wetting my face with warm/hot water. Placing a thumb sized blob on my fingers and massaging it over my eye area was easy and painless enough to do :) all good so far. I then wiped it off with gentle sweeping motions with dampened cotton wool pads. One of the first things I noticed was how moisturising it was and then secondly how much dirt it actually removed from my skin at the same. Fabulous! I then proceeded to Cleanse Tone Moisturise as normal.

Verdict: Lovely. Completely cleansed my eye area with zero irritation - I have very sensitive skin, no bubble bath or heavily scented moisturisers for me :( - and I haven't even needed an eye cream so far ( I tested that bit too just incase). Buy at: Boots

and for the less extravagant:: NEUTROGENA

2011-05-08T23:13:00.004+01:00

On a separate trip to Boots, I decided to venture into the world of Neutrogena, I am usually a Vaseline kinda lady but it's stopped working for me lately.

I bought and have been using the following for two days:

Neutrogena® Visibly Clear® Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash 150ml £4.49: This smells very citrusy and fresh, is of a nice non greasy consistency and is pale pink in colour. Having first wet my face and neck thoroughly with warm- hot water and then put a small ish blob onto my fingers and massaged gently on my cheeks, t zone area (forehead nose and top lip) and my temples while my skin was still wet. I then wet some cotton wool pads, squashed them between my palms to drain and swept upwards and outwards and gentle motions until my face was clear of face make up, grime and general dirt. NOTE: I didn't use this product or the next mentioned toner on or close to my eyes. I have a separate cleanser. It felt nice, fresh and tingly on my skin. It also did not leave my skin feeling tight and dry like some cleansers do. TIP: I cannot explain often enough how it is also incredibly important to wet your cotton wool BEFORE using it with product. It doesn't drag the skin as much as using it dry and also makes your product go further.

Neutrogena® Visibly Clear® Oil- Free Moisturiser 50ml £4.07: After towel drying my face I applied a blob of moisturiser about the size of a thumb nail to my fingers and rubbed between them, I then applied using individual fingers to areas of my face, excluding the eye area. It felt very zingy- which is why I was at first cautious and then definite to not apply it to the eye area. TIP: This feeling can often be mistaken for being allergic to the product, if you cannot get samples of a product or you have already bought it anyway perform a skin allergy test. This is crucial for all products you use on your skin and should be performed at least 48 hours before you are to use it properly. A small patch of skin either on the inside of your elbow or behind either ear can be used for this. Any redness or reaction and pop yourself along to your Doctor/GP asap. It was blended into my skin really nicely and left my skin feeling soft and hydrated for around 9 hours. - I have notoriously dry and dehydrated skin so this was lovely to feel!

Verdict: Very surprising, it was a lovely and convenient product to use, fairly inexpensive, nice textures and kept my skin feeling lovely for a while. It got rid of my drier patches for a few hours. It's a definite if you are on a lower budget!

CLARINS and the beauty of samples...

2011-05-08T22:14:00.005+01:00

OK, so I walked into Boots the other day, decided to try out some Clarins' products. My skin has been really dry and under nourished for some time now. Having tried other products samples with a hefty price tag I found they just were not going to benefit me.

So I walked into Boots by Bond Street station and a lovely assistant helped me pick some products to try judging by what products I already use, have used, and what routine or non routine I have. I have rated the products as an altogether thing as I really do think they should be used as a team.

Here is what I got to try:

Clarins Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs for Dry/Normal Skin 10ml tester: Smells incredibly fresh, slightly woody and old fashioned- much like all of the Clarins tested products ( good so far!) Looks pale blue in colour. Having first wet my face and neck thoroughly with warm- hot water and then put a small ish blob onto my fingers and massaged gently on my cheeks, t zone area (forehead nose and top lip) and my temples while my skin was still wet. I then wet some cotton wool pads, squashed them between my palms to drain and swept upwards and outwards and gentle motions until my face was clear of face make up, grime and general dirt. NOTE: I didn't use this product or the next mentioned toner on or close to my eyes. I have a separate cleanser.

Clarins Toning Lotion with Chamomile for Dry/ Normal Skin 10ml tester: Smells like an English/ French garden in summer! Glorious! Has a yellow colour and like most toners I have come across is in water like liquid form. I put four blobs of the toner on a wet ( as before) cotton wool pad and swept as before across the same areas as before. Unlike other toners this felt like it was cleansing my skin and tightening my pores but not in a drying or irritating way.

Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi- Phase for Dehydrated Skin 3ml tester: Smells incredibly fresh and garden-y and has a delicate oil texture. Two drops per CTM routine is more than enough. Like most serums I have seen in the past this is meant to be used sparingly. I used straight after I had Cleaned and Toned and noticed a difference in my skin almost straightaway. I used one drop on each check area and also massaged into my top and bottom lip area. Unlike alot of other oil based products it blended into my skin very nicely and LIGHTLY.

FINALLY: Clarins Hydra Quench Cream Normal/ Dry Skin 5ml tester: Again smells very fresh and clean, white in colour. I used a small blob, about the same as the cleanser. Rubbing light along my fingers and massaging finger by finger around my face- again like the cleanser and toner deliberately leaving out my eye area. It was soft and smooth to blend into my face.

VERDICT: An absolute must if you can afford it!!! I am not usually incredibly enthusiastic about skin care products, I find them very hard to test and generally end up with bad results. As skincare is of upmost importance to a Make Up/ Beauty Artist, it sets the foundation for the rest of the work on the face that you do, it is hard to get it right, especially if you have to pay alot of money for it. But Clarins have come up trumps. It got rid of my drier patches of skin straight away and my face felt smooth, silky and nourished after 12 hours! It will definitely be going into my kit as soon as my next paycheck comes through!!! For full prices go to Boots.

Finally

2011-05-02T23:46:00.000+01:00

I have filled in 85% of my LinkedIn Profile http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/kylie-mcmichael/25/32/3 so there, probably another 6 months will fly past before I put anything else onto it...

NEW START!

2011-05-02T23:23:00.000+01:00

in my haste i went and deleted the old one... oh how clever of me, so I've started a new one... the posts may be few and far between- i am trying to get more regular with it, but what with twitter, linkedin, facebook, my actual website and self promotion tis a bit hard with 3 hours a night to work with. so i will be slowly checking through my kit to see what advice i can give you's all and any other old chit chat too...