Wednesday, 13 June 2012

A BIT OF MOD-ESTY

Webcam photo, but you can see how it works together with the face. Apart from the eyes, everything else doesn't really go with the mod vibe, but if you are interested in the lip colour it is MAC - plumful lipstick.
KEY PRODUCTS:
NYX JUMBO EYE PENCIL - MILK
RIMMEL KOHL EYE LINER PENCIL - PURE WHITE
SLEEK EAU LA LA LINER - NOIR

Hey guys, I was just going for a more graphic 'line' style eye but I started to blend and....... I lost the simplicity of just a bold stroke. I need to learn to stop blending sometimes.
Anyway I had the urge to do a mod/60s eye after going to a talk with Elizabeth Walker (Marie Claire) and she had a slideshow with some images of her in her teens and I just got mesmerised by her eye make-up (makeup magpie).
Ignore the rest of my face - it's not really authentic! 


EDIT - this post was called 'JUST THE EYES' but I've renamed it since I found a face photo!

Saturday, 9 June 2012

WEDDING 3/06/12


Hey guys, a really impromptu job where my mum agreed to do the make-up for a friend till she found out I was coming home so I got given the job. No trial but the brief was 'natural' which is what I prefer with weddings.
The client never wears any make-up so this was a fun transformation and she said it was better than when she had it professionally done for her wedding in China!
Oh her skin was also SUPER silky soft. My mum reckons it's because she doesn't use any make-up on her skin at all. Oh skin envy - I have this with everyone I work with.
My mum was responsible for the hair and nails. Team L.F!

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

CURRENT FAVOURITES 4 AND HAUL

L'OREAL SUPERLINER - BLACK LACQUER 
Shiny patent..... eyeliner? How cool is that eyeliner?! The photo above is a swatch of it dried down.
Bonus is the eyeliner has a 'rubbery' formula so it doesn't smudge/run like normal water based ones. WIN. 
Cheap and cheerful, another polish to my 'murky' collection. 
 LAURA MERCIER SECRET CAMOUFLAGE - SC-3
Only a matter of time.... I think I'm in a concealer buying phase atm. I have TONS. A lot of them are pretty good already, but alas I keep searching. Currently on test mode with this so I'll get back with a yay or a nay.
ESSIE BILLIONAILS AND TRILLIONAILS
I think they've now been repackaged or discontinued but..... I got them for £1.80 each instead of £13 or something crazy. I'm looking after my nails a lot more now, because I know I abuse them quite a bit... hopefully these stop the flaking. Gross. 
 Needed a new card wallet for uni' and pantone reminds me of graphic design side of things..... so cliche student moment here.
I bit the bullet and now I own some Calourette. It's not the most practical ring but it's kind of kitsch/cute - exactly the stuff I like.
CUTE. I'll take it. 

TK MAXX

This is quite sad but I'm starting to 'collect' tins. Cute patterned ones only though. The above are *some* of my most recent ones. FRENCH COFFEE BEANS, how can you not like it?


Hey guys, I've been quiet on the haul front lately. I've not been *too* bad... well somethings I haven't taken photos of .....*cough* another YSL glossy stain.

Friday, 1 June 2012

L.F DOES S/S - SEW EASY

So simple and stunning..... let's see where this could go.
Much easier than eyeliner! Ha.
KEY PRODUCTS:
MAC PAINTPOT - BARE STUDY (USED AS HIGHLIGHT
NARS ILLUMINATOR - ORGASM
BLACK POLYESTER THREAD
DUO ADHESIVE

Hey guys, a bit different to my usual stuff ey? Ironically this took me awhile as I wasn't pleased with my first try. You could see the glue and I got a bit too 'perfectionist' mode on it, when I think it's just about having a fun 'throw on' vibe about it. 
Second time round I only used glue on the 'starting' point of the thread and with each shot quickly reshuffle it so the thread made its own pattern rather than me manipulating it all.
Which one is your favourite? 

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

L.F RAMBLES - FIRST YEAR

Awkward handz and my favourite drink: iced green tea. Also wearing shades to go with the summer mise en scene I'm trying to create. Imagine a beach back drop.

So my first year at uni is over. It's gone WAY too fast and I thought I'd do a 'short' summary of my experience.
It's not like I'm a mature student but I did do a foundation so I'm a year older than the majority. Whilst it doesn't sound like a big difference, I definitely 'changed' in that year..... or I kind of cemented who I am as a person. Done with high school drama (surprisingly still rife at uni' *mega yawn*) and petty insecurities (for the most part). I wanted a fresh start.
With me being a self confessed introvert, my experience could only go two ways: be living with a bunch of rowdy-stereotypical-sex-crazed-freshers or be living with people who hated the guts out of each other.
Well, I lived with neither. There was only 4 of us in total and we got 'along'.... but not to the point of casually hanging around together..... we never went out as a flat. Ever. I managed to live with a group of people who did our own thing. And it kind of worked for us.
I only 'properly' friends with one of my flat mates. And he was the guy I first met when I moved in. I guess sometimes people don't 'click' and it's a two-way thing - I wouldn't worry about breaking your back over anyone who doesn't make the effort.  
Umm back to uni'.... I guess it's what you make or want out of it. It's not in my nature to be this wild child so I didn't expect to change into one, or pretend I was one. I didn't and still don't feel the need to go out every night drinking just to fit into that 'mould.' Disclaimer: I DID GO OUT and 'socialise' but not as much as everyone and if it means I'm boring, then yes I'm boring.
For me I'm at uni to make some 'genuine' friends, learn about my subject, work my butt off for my degree and hopefully in turn I'll secure a job I love. In that order please!
Don't know if this post was particularly interesting. But I'm content with how it went. Tutors are nice (I would have to say that wouldn't I?) and my class mates genuinely seem like a nice bunch (the ones who come in anyway). It takes me awhile to make 'friends' (wary Capricorn vibes) and I think I have met some decent people. Though in typical 'L.F' style, at the end of the year. 
 Probably my best advice is to be yourself. I know. CLICHE. But who wants a fake friend that pretends to like 'shizzle' just to fit in? I like to get to know people with a bit of substance..... than just alcohol ;)


GENERAL TIPS AND GRAPHIC DESIGN RELATED ONES:

  • 99%  CHANCE YOU WILL BE LIVING WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE LAZY ABOUT CLEANING/TAKING BINS OUT - SO JUST DO IT YOURSELF. THEY WON'T DO IT.
  • RECYCLE! HAVE AN EXTRA BIN BAG IN THE KITCHEN FOR RECYCLING SO YOU HELP THE ENVIRONMENT AND IT MEANS THE WASTE BAG WON'T BE AS HEAVY.
  • ASOS BECOMES YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND.
  • BUY FRUIT AND VEG' FROM THE MARKETS - CHEAPER AND YOU GET MORE.
  •  'BORROW' THINGS FROM THE KITCHEN MODERATELY.
  • BE PREPARED FOR UNWANTED BASS MUSIC FROM THE ROOM BELOW RINGING IN YOUR EAR. 
  • YOU WON'T WATCH ALL THE DVDS YOU BROUGHT WITH YOU.
  • YOU WILL SEE YOUR TUTORS LESS AND LESS AS THE YEAR GOES ON.
  • DON'T RELY JUST ON YOUR STUDENT LOAN - HAVE SOME SAVINGS BEFORE YOU GO.
  • YOU WON'T DIE IF YOU EAT THINGS PAST THEIR SELL BY DATE - USE YOUR OWN JUDGEMENT.
  • IF YOU ARE WORKING IN A GROUP GET THEIR NUMBERS, FACEBOOK ISN'T RELIABLE.
  • YOU CAN EAT WELL AND STILL BE LAZY. SEASON VEG/MEAT AND PLACE IN OVEN AND YOU ARE DONE.
  • YOU WILL MEET LOADS OF INTERESTING PEOPLE FROM ALL DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND PLACES.
  • ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT! THE TUTORS ARE NOT THERE 24/7, SO MAKE THE MOST OF IT IF YOU SEE THEM. 
  • YOUR MONEY WILL GO INTO PRINTING. IT SUCKS.
  • BE OPEN MINDED WITH YOUR WORK - WHO WANTS TO HAVE AN AESTHETIC AT 20?
  • GO AND WORK IN THE STUDIO - AS MUCH AS YOU CONVINCE YOURSELF YOU WILL DO WORK AT HOME, YOU WON'T. OR JUST VERY LITTLE.
  • NOTHING CHANGES - YOU WILL STILL STAY UP THE  NIGHT  BEFORE DEADLINE.
  • HARVARD REFERENCING WILL HAUNT YOU.
  • YOU WILL CURSE AT APPLE MAC COMPUTERS A LOT. THE 'SPINNING WHEEL OF DOOM' IS A BITCH.
  • SOME OF YOUR PEERS WILL BE POMPOUS DOUCHE BAGS. IGNORE THEM.
  • WE ARE NOT GRAPHIC DESIGNERS. WE ARE GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDENTS. WE JUST FINISHED FIRST YEAR. WHAT THE F-UCK DO WE KNOW?
  • YOU WILL BE SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WEARING 'SUPREME' GEAR. SO ORIGINAL.
  • VODKA AND CIDER OVER WINE EVERY TIME.
  • THERE ARE STILL CLIQUES AT UNI.
  • YOU WILL HEAR "I'M SO HUNGOVER" EVERYDAY.
  • GOING BACK HOME ALWAYS FEELS LIKE A VACATION.
  • ANYTHING PRICED AT £1 IS A BARGAIN AND WORTH BUYING.
  • YOU WILL SPEND A LOT OF TIME SAT IN FRONT OF A COMPUTER. EVEN AFTER YOU'VE SPENT LOADS OF TIME PLANNING/SKETCHING.
  • NOTHING EVER GOES TO PLAN BUT YOU LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES. HOWEVER COSTLY.
  • GO TO VISITING LECTURER TALKS - ALWAYS INTERESTING AND INSPIRING.
  • KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES - SOMETHINGS JUST AREN'T WORTH NO SLEEP. LIKE CERTAIN MODULES.
  • EVERYONE HAS A TUMBLR.
  • DRINKING A STARBUCKS COFFEE AT UNI SCREAMS PRETENTIOUSNESS.
  • MAKE THE MOST OF STUDENT DISCOUNTS.
  • EAT BEFORE A LECTURE, OR IT GETS VERY AWKWARD. 
  • BUS FARES ARE EXTORTIONATE NOW YOU ARE AN ADULT.
ONE YEAR DONE, TWO MORE TO GO!
P.S I love Newcastle, really lovely city <3 

Friday, 25 May 2012

L.F DOES S/S - DARK DAWN

Found this after I finished my look, but you can say loosely inspired. 
Ignore cheek blending area! And skanky neon vest. Has a dog face on it though. 
KEY PRODUCTS:
SLEEK EAU LA LA LINER - NOIR <3333
SLEEK MINERAL BASED EYESHADOW PALETTE - BAD GIRL 
COLLECTION 2000 GLAM CRYSTALS - ROCK CHICK
GOSH EXTREME ART EYE LINER - 26
NYX LIP PENCIL - DEEP PURPLE
REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS LIPSTICK - BLACK CHERRY
YSL GLOSSY STAIN - 5
MAC PIGMENT - DARK SOUL
MAC GLITTER - REFLECTS GOLD 

Hey guys, so I've broken up for summer, lots of freedom and spare time....... so I'd only go through a make-up block. WHY?! I've taken off 3 'possible' looks so far but this look made it.
Not weather appropriate at all (winter bunny hating on this summer bunny weather) but I can't resist going down the 20s path. 
Anyway ramble aside, I experimented with 'dusting' on loose pigment/glitter to create a 'speckled' effect on the eyes but maybe I didn't use enough because I don't think it shows up too well.
Till next time! 

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

L.F RAMBLES - DOUBLE YAY

Hey guys, I somehow forgot about this but it made my week (jeez nearly a month ago), I was literally grinning like a cat for ages! Really sad, but it means a lot to me (yes it's just a tweet).
 I basically tweeted her about my make-up look inspired by her and she replied. Val Garland (pro/icon/make-up god) has seen my work! And what a lovely reply back.
AND I 'officially' finished today! I have one tutorial next week but HELLZ YEAH! It has gone way too fast but I am now stress free for awhile and I'm thinking of doing a general 'fresher' uni experience blog post at some point. Though this is coming from an introvert... be warned.
Freedom = more blog time! Though I will be looking for work once I'm back down home.
x x x

Saturday, 19 May 2012

L.F DOES S/S - GLOSSY EYE TEST

Oil slick wet look <3

Wasn't really feeling this weeks look. So only webcam photos so you guys can feel the vibe I was going for.
I'll do another glossy eye at some point, I've not done one surprisingly!

Monday, 14 May 2012

L.F DOES S/S - NEON LIGHTS

Bruised purples and pale skin.... *swoon*. Oh, and the 'bitten' lips inspired me with this weeks look!
Grunge-y smokey brown ochre eyes with neon lime accents. 
Skin is in recovery mode and massive eyes bags :(
Wearing false eyelashes for once! 
KEY PRODUCTS:
REVLON MATTE EYESHADOW - VINTAGE LACE
MAC EYESHADOW - BITTER
NARS DUO EYESHADOW - KILIMANJARO (ICY YELLOW SIDE)
BECCA COMPACT CONCEALER - TAHINI
MAC SKINSHEEN BRONZER STICK - TAN-TINT
DANIEL SANDLER WATERCOLOUR BLUSH - CHERUB
BECCA SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR - TOPAZ
LE METIER DE BEAUTE CLASSIC FLAWLESS FOUNDATION - 6
REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS LIPSTICK - BLACK CHERRY


Hey guys, back again. Slightly belated with this weeks look - general uni' deadlines, you guys can feel my pain. 
Technically not really neon but MAC's bitter is pretty bad-ass. I used a damp brush to make the pigment even stronger and less powdery.
Hope you guys like it and experiment with colour placement if you don't feel comfortable using bright colours all over the the lid. 
Also a special mention to Revlon's black cherry lipstick -  I'm usually a bit 'iffy' with drugstore lipsticks but this one is a really nice formula that applies and stays on well, which is what you want when you wear a darker shade. If you are wanting a berry bitten stain effect, give this a go!

Thursday, 10 May 2012

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEOS ROUND UP 5

I LOVE this summer make-up campaign - very daring and opulent compared to the normal bronzed cheeks etc looks *yawn*. I'm getting 70s or 80s vibes? Correct me if I'm wrong.
Tutorial from pro Dick Page! I always love the pairing of golds and purples.
SEX KITTEN. That is all. 
Modern real life Barbie's - 60s on pink acid. 
You can always rely on Kabuki to create beautiful fantastical make-up. I've wanted to share this with you guys for ages. 

Hey guys, another round up of make-up videos I've found whilst browsing YouTube. 
The videos cover from everyday to more editorial work and 4 of these videos are tutorials by accomplished make-up artists which I think is pretty cool to see how they piece a look together. 
If you have any recommendations, share on the comments section :)