Makeup In Japan Workshop

Last week was my makeup presentation at Sasashima Exchange Day- and yes, those are face masks that everyone is sporting! We had a fun time talking about affordable Japanese high street makeup products that I’ve tried and tested and are"Made in Japan" quality. I was so amazed at the great turn-out for the event! So many people came to find out about which makeup products are available in Japan that they can shop for
Naturally we had to document a room of women trying face masks (cause that’s like a special occasion) and pretty funny, if not ghostly! Pictures courtesy of the lovely Federica Santolin.

Tokyo Makeup Shopping

The weekend was makeup shopping haul time. Since I couldn’t use my MAC pro card in Nagoya we travelled all the way to Tokyo, to do my binge shop. Word of warning here......if you need to stock up on any of your fav MAC products, Japan is not the place as it’s so much more expensive (add an extra £5-£7 on every product). Instead, write that list and save it until you’re in the US or the UK. But like most makeup “passionistas” just the experience of getting to see the MAC Pro store in Tokyo is super cool. The store is in Omotosando Hills - a luxury shopping destination and the Shu Uemura flagship store is next door.

Tokyo is so incredibly inspiring for fashion and beauty and I also stopped off at Isetan (think Tokyo’s version of Selfridges) to stock up on my favourite Armani products. While there I got to check out MDNA’s new range - Madonna has a beautiful counter there- and had her latest skin rejuvenation mask and peel demonstrated. Obviously like a sucker I was sold until she explained its ¥58,000 - 😳- an investment for another time I guess 😂.

Poor Bunnies

Did you know that unlike the EU, ANIMAL TESTING for cosmetics is still performed here in Japan? Unbelievable right? I know....I can't quite believe it myself.

The EU has been cruelty free since 2013, and the ban also extends to products which are imported from other countries as well. This means that any cosmetic sold in the EU can neither be imported or sold if any of it's ingredients have been tested on animals.

However, here in Japan there are no such regulations to prohibit animal testing and cosmetic companies are given free reign to perform any safety analysis they see appropriate.
So while it doesn't endorse it, it also does not restrict it either.....just sitting on the fence.

You'll be safe in the knowledge that the EU ban has had some influence on a few of the major players in the Japanese cosmetic market. Shiseido have followed the EU's lead as well as Kao (Curel, Biore, Kanebo) making their brand "Cruelty Free," although you will know that from sheer vastness of products for sale here in Japan, there's a lot of room for improvement, moreover, change.

Living in Japan has enlightened me to a whole new world of the cosmetics market and animal testing trials are becoming more and more hotly debated. People want to use products that are organically sourced, without the harmful side effects on both animals and the environment. Cultural perceptions of animal rights in Japan are only recently becoming more positive and there is still a lot of work to be done to make Japanese cosmetics that are truly Cruelty Free.
#againstanimalcruelty #letsnottalkaboutchina

Review Magnetic Eyelashes

My night out with my magnetic lashes :.)

The Magnetic Eyelashes Review is in. I tried, I somewhat overcame, I danced, and they stayed on - that's about the long and short of it! No word of a lie - they are ridiculously difficult to apply. I should have filmed the whole process but it would be a long as** video as I was only successful after about 8 attempts, both on myself and someone else. These lashes definitely had me exasperated!
BUT....the reason I was able to apply was because I had to modify the design slightly. Yep - I cut them. I lobed off the inner part of the lash which left me with a half strip and only then could I apply them. Since I did this super quickly as I was in a rush, they did have that "false lash" look and could have been better blended with my real lashes if I had time to do a little more trimming but hey.....I guess with some dark lighting it wasn't the end of the world!

THE PROS:
* Good packaging considering it's a 'Made in China' cheapy thing. It comes in a plastic case with a magnetic foam so that they lock into place when you put them back in their 'home.' You won't have to fiddle to get them off your fingers and back into the case and they will not get lost in a makeup bag and end up looking like spiders that have been in a frightful accident.
* These ones had 3 magnets (placed at the inner, middle and end). Since I cut off the first third of the lash I only had 2 magnets to work with.
* Having no glue made them much less messy to apply. Much less mess than usual lashes.
* Were super comfortable to wear, didn't feel them on and did not irritate me.
* Lasted all night without budging at all - big plus! Also, they are lightweight. I know you wouldn't think it since it's got magnets attached but somehow they've done some weight saving homework and they really are featherlight.

THE CONS:
* I did look like I might fly away since they were quite long but I would recommend choosing a half-strip that are shorter than the ones I brought.
* So flipping difficult to apply at first before I cut them that anybody would lose the will to live by the time you got them on.
So, if you fancy giving them a go, these are the ones I recommend....https://www.amazon.com/…/B078RGC…/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_6_w
Best of luck - let me know if you tried them!

Can Magnetic False Lashes be the answer?

The latest in lash news! MAGNETIC false lashes are the new thing. Apparently we can do away with all that messy glue, and now just easily glide on a pair of falsies in two ticks. And just to make you feel even better about purchasing them, most brands claim to be toxin free, handmade and vegan. They are meant to be a wiz to apply, last all night with no corners lifting off and are re-usable after you glide them off.
There's just one small (ish) problem that i'm trying to wrap my head around - you have to apply a top lash and also a bottom one so that one sits above your lashes and the other underneath for the magnets to work. Applying anything on my upper lash waterline, let alone wearing it all day, when i'm just a little eye phobic, makes me anxious. But in the name of beauty I have got to give this a try.
So with that said, Amazon has my order, I will bravely try them and let you all know how it goes....stay tuned! Could this be the dawn of a new false lash era......?

Rihanna Rules

Rihanna's makeup brand is flying! Off shelves and into record books it seems. When Fenty launched at Harvey Nichols in London in September 2017, I literally had phone calls, FaceTimes in fact showing me the queues snaking around the building to get a product...in fact, any product from the most coveted beauty launch of the year.
Fenty Beauty launched with a grand total of 40 shades - That is record breaking considering that the only brands that can rival such diversity are established, long running companies such as MAC, MakeUpForever, Maybelline and Lancome.
What Riri's makeup line has clearly shown the world is that she is aware that all women of colour are not the same colour.....groundbreaking much? So finally women do not have to compromise on their foundation shade and feel excluded in an ever saturated industry.
The concept of offering foundation in more than 'light, sand or beige' shades is so radical that Fenty Beauty was included in the Time magazine 25 Best Inventions of the Year.
In fact Fenty is estimated to surpass Kylie Jenner's makeup line as it exceeded Kylie Cosmetics sales by 5 times in its 1st month. Considering that the Kylie line racked $420 million since its launch, I would say Fenty is rocketing!
Now I just have to figure out my next trip the UK so I can see all the delicious products for myself!

I feel the need to CLEAN!

It's sold million of bottles, it has rave reviews.....I had to try this! It really is the definition of a 'Deep Clean' face wash (step 1 of the 9 step Japanese skin care regime)! I purchased DHC Deep Cleansing Oil from Amazon, for 1700 yen, and gave it a good run for its money by using it when I had on 2 day old super waterproof mascara (don't judge......it was part of a makeup experiment;)....more on that in a forthcoming post).
I applied it to my dry face and massaged it into the skin, and then I rinsed it with water which makes it emulsify into a cleansing milk.
My skin felt impeccably clean! So much so, I swear all my pores had been thoroughly cleaned out and were therefore that much more visible after (I can see why a lotion/toner would be appropriate at this stage of the process). My skin wasn't overly dry after, but definitely in need of some moisturizer.
Did it completely all of my waterproof mascara? - No. But it did a damn side better than my current face wash could do. Considering that it's paraben and phthalates free, and the main ingredient of olive oil is an antioxidant - it's a winner for sure. I'm not sure if I would use it everyday but for a skin 'spring clean' type of cleanser it's more than perfect. With that said, I have visions of a melting, muggy and monsterously hot day in August in Japan and definitely needing to wash my face with this daily both morning and night - I know my expat crew will know what I mean......!

The Japanese way to clean your skin

Japanese cosmetics go that one step further....I mean they go deep! After being totally baffled walking around in circles in the makeup shops trying to find an equivalent for my Western face wash, I have been forced to step outside my safe zone and try all kinds. Now I have figured out that Japanese skin care regime includes many more steps than what I have previously been used to.
For a start there are two steps to cleansing. Not 1 but 2! They take skin cleaning to a whole new level but since living here this does not surprise me as the word 'spotless' takes on a whole new meaning in Japan.

1. First there is a makeup removal cleanse, often with an oil based remover. (More on this part at a later date - this list is pretty lengthy so gotta get on with it)!

2. Then comes a Foaming Cleanser, specifically designed to foam while in your hands before it touches the face. (I have heard that the Perfect Whip is a must have for this step - definitely down on my ever growing list of products to try).

3. Next it's time for the Lotion which is recommended to be soaked onto cotton pads or dry sheet masks to be placed on the skin in a mask-like way. (I'm definitely wondering how much time this will all take so far). Lotions have a watery consistency which hydrate the clean skin.

4. Followed by Essence, to encourage clearer brighter skin. (I am very keen to re-explore SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - it was amazing 20 years ago when I first tried it and now I have much more need for brighter skin).

5. Then the Serum loaded with active ingredients gets applied.

Wait.....it hasn't stopped yet.....

6. Next is the Eye Cream, specifically for the sensitive eye contour area.

7. Then comes the cream or 'Emulsion' which is the moisturising step.

8. Finally followed by the ever important UV cream and Primer which I have tried skipping but I have noticed a small patch of sun damage from a few weeks unprotected last summer (the sun here is serious)!

All to say, that if I ever get the kids to school on time as well as apply all this load to my face, then I am on super mum roll!

Face Masks

What better time to do a face mask then after a fun Zumba class. So I’m not a big mask-y lady but these had intrigued me and since Japan is the Mac- Daddy of skin care, I had to try! The masks are easily movable once on - kinda like a wet wipe with holes for eyes, nose and mouth. They are very- wet (I’m assuming loaded with lovely ingredients such as avocado, orange and cucumber extracts), and has a tea tea/menthol and fruit fragrance. You can definitely feel it lightly tingling your skin and it only needs 60 seconds to do its thing. The masks are loaded with hyaluronic acid so my skin was super plump after. I could feel the plumpness, and it also looked plumper. For ¥2100 yen I could get used to using it every day.

Under Eye Pink Glow

The burning question on my mind for the last 9 months has finally been answered! So, I have consistently noticed the trend of Japanese girls wearing pink blush under the eyes, and it's baffled me so much that I have even asked my relocation agent what the deal was! Rie Masai - what you are about to read is gospel!
The best part for me was..." the appearance of burning cheeks created by undereye blush can evoke an alluring, post-bedroom glow." POST BEDROOM GLOW! Wow - I'm nearly speechless....but at least I can rest knowing all about this trend and also in the knowledge that I am clearly the un-trendy one in this market

http://www.refinery29.com/japanese-makeup-trend

Shiseido Greatness

Since I'm living here in Japan, I thought it apt to share some info on a staple Japanese brand, Shiseido, that I know makeup and beauty enthusiasts will enjoy.
Shiseido is the 4th largest cosmetic company in the WORLD! They also own established brands such as Bare Escentuals, Nars Cosmetics and Joico. In fact, Shiseido was founded by the former head pharmacist to the Japanese Imperial Navy! After a visit to the U.S. founder Fukuhara, was inspired to return to Japan with an east meets west cosmetic vision. I know now since I'm based here that the Japanese do everything with extreme and precise care, from formulation to packaging - the creation of this brand would be supreme with the upmost care taken to ensure quality in abundance.
Geisha, in the time of the early 1900's, were very fond of Shiseido's revolutionary 'Rainbow Powder'. This muti-coloured powder came in 7 different colours to match each person's skin tone. Geisha reputed the powder as "projecting an appealing image under the lights"
In 1985, Shiseido was the first company to produce sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid/hyaluronan) from non-animal origin sources. So much so, that the brand actually exports this ingredient to other cosmetic brands internationally.
Following this, this evolving brand collaborated with Harvard University in 1989 to establish the World's 1st Dermatological Research Center.
Before the advent of the internet was even dreamed of, Shiseido conceived of the notion that beauty tutorials could be marketed as entertainment shows, (move over YouTube - let's do this old-school style)! After they released an advert looking for "women from respectable families", 9 young women were chosen to receive a rigorous training in cosmetics, literature, art, music nutrition and drama. They starred in a production similar to a musical variety, theatre show that included beauty lessons performed on each other. At the end of each performance, the nine Miss Shiseidos would descend from the stage to give audience members personalized beauty recommendations and apply products to their faces. Talk about interactive beauty advice! Soon they became fashion and beauty icons for Japanese women across the country, with fans that came in droves to see their makeup idols! This theatre was the starting block for the modern day beauty consultant.
Nowadays, there is even a Shiseido Museum in Shizuoza which hosts exhibits about the world of Shiseido - the products, packaging, and innovative art inspired marketing.
So after that run-down i am even more inspired to try all their products (just slightly ambitious)....this may take some time!

A Woman's Right to feel Beautiful

As she sits in my makeup chair I can see the tears forming in her eyes as she looks embarrassed to say the words she's about to blurt out. I can almost say them for her - I know exactly how she feels and I feel totally connected to her energy and her story. "He doesn't love me anymore." After 23 years of marriage, 2 kids, what seems like half a lifetime of commitment is drowning in a sea of resentment and disconnection. And there she sits in my makeup chair, disappointment and sadness radiates from her, and its my job to make her FEEL better. Not just look better, but actually wear the medal of a confident, and self assured woman. That's when I feel that I have achieved my mission - that's when being a makeup artist is the most fulfilling.

Her story isn't original, and I hear similar stories on a weekly basis. Stories of lost love, limitless grief, and doubtful regret. But most of all, the one element of the story which is always, unchangingly and resoundingly the same in every case is Low Self Esteem. It seems that it's almost built into our female psyche. Don't get me wrong - I'm not proclaiming that all women are inheritantly unsure and depressed. However, women are mostly incredibly critical of themselves and that small voice of fear becomes louder in our heads especially when we are talking about our appearance.

"My nose is too pointy" or "My eyes are too squinty" or "My skin is terrible" - I have heard it a thousand times. Then to compound the complaint women tend to apologise to me for having facial imperfections saying things like "Im sorry for my squinty eyes - you probably can't do anything with them." YES, I CAN! Moreover, they are not squinty, they are just the way God designed them to be. That's Beautiful. We can't all be models or celebrities - the world would truly be an awful place (besides the fact that plastic surgeons would become the wealthiest professionals in the land).

My joy from being a Makeup Artist is not from working with models. My joy comes from working with women who value the art of taking care of themselves for the BENEFIT of themselves. It comes from working with women who recognise that real beauty is in their smile and their warmth. From women who see their growing wrinkles and respect that ageing is a life process - it has no reflection on how much they love themselves.

Let's face the world loving our faces. After all, it's the only one we got!

By Mika Holborow

Why you should ALWAYS do a Bridal Makeup Trial... (Even if your friend is doing your makeup)

Her makeup is FLAWLESS. Her eyeliner is PERFECT. Surely she can do the same on you, right? So why are you feeling disappointed that your wedding makeup is not looking the way you thought it would? Even if your bestest friend, who always looks amazing and seems to have some divinely inspired natural talent for applying her own makeup is doing yours, I always recommend doing a makeup trial for any special event.

One bride described to me her experience of her friend doing her makeup for her on her bachlorete event. "In hindsight....my eye makeup was a bit Over The Top and maybe I should have had a quick trial before, to decide what look I wanted for the day and night." Sound familiar? (Before I became a Makeup Artist, I had my own share of horror stories)!

Everyones idea of natural is different. Not to mention natural smokey, or natural classic, or are you looking for Kim K natural? Makeup is one of things that you just have to see rather than describe so that you can communicate YOUR vision of natural.

A trial is also the time to see if the makeup style you wanted is actually right for you. In the same way that a wedding dress almost finds you, is the same way that your individual makeup style either does work or not. Although you may love to wear a gold and bronze eye makeup look with lots of eyeliner it may not really suit your personal style or even your eye shape. We all get a little carried away when we start researching makeup looks that we would like to wear....(trust me even I do), but quite often a practice run will be enough to convince us that some things should stay in our imaginations!

Having a test run of the makeup will also let you see how long the makeup actually lasts for. Bridal makeup should be able to withstand at the very least 6 hours of wear, so if you intend on going for a night out after, then this is the perfect opportunity to see if it works. Mascara should not smudge and eyeshadow should not budge! Like....ever!

So now there's no excuse. Plan a girl's night, get some wine, keep your phone nearby for some selfies, or hire a professional - whichever route you decide to take, just make sure you do a trial! You'll thank yourself after.

By Mika Holborow

How To Put the Lust in the Look

Are you thinking about doing a Boudoir Photo Shoot? Then this is the guide that you should read to know how to get your 'SEXY' on.

Photography by Boudoir Prive/ Jennifer Pontarelli

When I got married I was pretty obsessional over doing everything right and following the conventional protocol for all things 'wedding.' So naturally when it came time to buy my future husband a wedding gift, I followed the rules and brought him a classic watch to wear on the day -you know, a 'grown up' gift. I also figured I would need to appeal to the 'boy' in him so I designed him a 'build a bear' and dressed it in a Chelsea soccer outfit. Then I remembered that I wanted him to remember me always as the young sexy me, the one he got engaged to, and since it was bang on trend to also gift Boudoir Pictures, I figured I might as well go the full hog.

Now being a makeup artist I have worked on a far many boudoir photo shoots so I had a pretty good insider understanding of what to expect. But doing something yourself always gives you a newer perspective on things, because there is nothing like 'getting your feet wet!' So here is the definitive guide to getting undressed to be photographed.

ALCOHOL! Yes, have a glass! Im not talking about getting sloshed, but we all know that a glass of wine will help us loose some of our inhibitions and suddenly the world is a rosier place. Bring a bottle to the shoot, but just make sure you start drinking AFTER you've done your hair and makeup!

BEST FOR LAST. The first pictures are usually not your masterpiece shots. You are still finding your flow and getting comfortable with people in the room, while trying to look seductive. As you warm up and you relax you also think to yourself..."who really gives a s***, all these people have seen it all before. No one is judging me." It's at that moment that the photoshoot really comes alive. Save your sexiest lingerie for later in the session.

BIG HAIR. Forget shiny, straight, flat, limp, curtain like, hair. Go Big. Go Bold. Big Curly hair with volume is HOT. Full stop. Just ask any man.......

ACCESSORIZE. You don't have to go out and spend a small fortune in Victoria's Secrets and pose with labels tucked in just so you can return it the next day. Invest in some accessories. Simple underwear is perfect for a boudoir shoot but add some glam with necklaces, body jewellery, and earrings. There is an elegance in simple black lace lingerie with a belly chain.

AVOID WHITE. All white might seem very clean and simple but its much more flattering to wear colours and textures in underwear. Think lace, bows, prints, floral, and of course, matching!

CURVE YOURSELF This may be uncomfortable, it may be a little strenuous on the knees and the back, and it may hurt your abs, but its worth it. I'm talking picture gold! A boudoir shoot is hard bloody work - don't doubt it. Often I hear clients say, "I feel like i've just worked out." And in all honesty, you have! Trying to stick your bum out, while throwing your weight on the left hip, and still maintaining soft delicate hand posture with a look of lust in your eyes is by no means a simple task! But that's why women do a boudoir shoot - ohh, the ability to multi-task! It's not about your body size, or your flabby bits, or even about all the bits of ourselves that we don't like (and tirelessly complain about), but what IT IS about is how you SHAPE your body. Work with what you have because that is what you are blessed with.

VIXEN NOT VAMP. Just because we're talking boudoir does not mean black, smokey, dark and vampish. Yes, you can wear a well applied smokey eye, but its just as classy to wear a natural lashy makeup look with a strong lip colour. Take inspiration from Marilyn - voted as sexiest woman in the world and she never wore a smokey eye!

OPEN SESAME! Approach your boudoir shoot with an open frame of mind! Most professional and experienced photographers will know how to make you feel at ease and guide you into positions. Take their direction and know that no-one on set is in the least bit judging you on your body. They are there to make sure you feel great, and ensure you get some smoking shots. Most of all it's the experience of feeling sexy, beautiful and alluring that stays with you after.

By Mika Holborow

(All images are Mika Makeup Artist portfolio work)

PHOTOTHERAPY IS BACK!

Stay tuned for some 'knock your socks off, head spinning, tail shaking' photo shoot makeovers! Yes, myself and Pazit Perez are going HARD, not home! It's coming soon so stay up to date with new dates to be released for our PhotoTherapy sessions.

By Mika Holborow

Ten TOP Tips for DIY Wedding Makeup

Many brides decide to do their own wedding makeup on the day. Whether that's due to budget restrictions or you feel confident that you can do just as good a job as a professional, then make sure that you are well versed in these top professional tips. Even DIY makeup requires preparation!

1. Research your look. Pinterest is an absolute must - I have yet to meet a bride that has not already done their homework on this incredible and beautiful inspirational site. If there is a time in your life when you will need to download the app then wedding prep it is! However, this advice also comes with a word of caution.....you may find lots of how-to's with beautiful and perfect imagery but it may not suit YOUR face. Practice, practice and when you think you have the look locked down, practice again. Other resources to check out are professional makeup artist portfolios, and photographers portfolios.

2. Recognise what suits you. What is your current makeup routine? Do you always wear eyeliner? Then don't skip it on the big day! It defines your personal style and it's important that you feel comfortable and your husband recognises you! It's you he's marrying - not this perfect made-up model!

3. If you need some new products - go buy them. There is something so exciting about buying new makeup and it never fails to make you feel special. If you are unsure about the right products then remember that although many companies do not advertise this policy, most reputable brands will offer you a refund if you are unhappy with the product. Alternatively, ask for a sample before you commit to buying it. Most products that are cream or liquid can be sampled so you know what you're getting. When we shop for clothes we try it on right? Exactly the same principle applies to your beauty products. When in doubt try before you buy.

4. Allow enough time to do your own makeup. Trying to perfect that bridal, natural and sultry eye makeup does not happen in 10 minutes. If you are short on time, then it is often reflected in the end result. Also, feeling nervous will make it harder to get that liner straight and you don't want to feel panicked. Quick tip: Breathe when you apply your liner. Most people tend to hold their breath when they do their eyeliner in hope that it will improve their concentration and they will shake less. In fact, holding your breath actually causes less air to circulate in the body and you will most probably feel the affect of a trembling hand!

5. Do your makeup early on the day. Once guests and bridesmaids start arriving, the champagne starts flowing and the buzz and realisation that you are actually getting married sets in, it becomes harder to concentrate and spend time getting your makeup perfect. Relax and do your makeup early on the day. Don't worry that it will wear off - taking the necessary steps for priming the skin and eye makeup will ensure that your makeup looks just as polished 8 hours from application.

6. Keep a picture in front of you. Sometimes we all need some visual references and it will help to keep you on track. Quite often, us ladies get over-excited and after achieving a simple eyeliner with an appropriate wing, we think "Hey, why not try a little longer more sexy wing at the end. " And, there starts the beginning of the end! Before we know it our makeup has spiralled out of control and looks quite different from the look originally intended.

7. Research your wedding theme. If you are having a 20's flapper style dress and hair style you may want to complete the look by wearing a 20's inspired makeup. Work out all the details before the day.

8. Don't be too hard on yourself. Remember that those gorgeous Pinterest looking makeup and hair pics are super retouched and also feature professional models who have been made up by a full professional team. Do the best that you can do and trust that you have managed to do your makeup every other day of your life.

9. Always start off with less and then you can build on it. Its always harder to try to remove makeup so when in doubt add a little by a little - especially on eye makeup. Trying to reduce that dark, smokey colour is near impossible by this point so always level up slowly.

10. Take a picture! Whether that is on your mobile phone or camera so that you can see what your makeup looks like in a photograph. How does the foundation look? Too shiny or just enough luminescence? Some products with SPF are not photo-stable and skin can look white under a camera flash. Get photo-perfect by taking pictures beforehand to correct any imperfections.

Finally, just practice and enjoy. (Ps. Don't forget to BLEND)!!

The Products you NEED to have on your Wedding Day

Every bride wants perfect pictures. Thats a fact. This is the one day of your life when your face, hair and dress are on point and the pictures are there to prove it. Wedding photographs are your proof that you looked incredible. To look incredible isn't always as easy as it sounds (even though you are in THE SINGLE MOST BIGGEST BESTEST dress of your lifetime) and quite often our makeup needs a little maintenance throughout the big day.

Even the best makeup requires touching up, after all its makeup, (not cement), so even if you have been fortunate enough to have a professional makeup artist do your makeup for your wedding day, you will still need to 'check in' on how its wearing. Now lets be clear here - your eye makeup, brows and usually blush should not need to be reapplied but your skin and lips are the two most common touch up culprits! All that welcoming and kissing and hugging eventually have an effect on our perfectly applied makeup (I recall spending a lot of time air kissing on my wedding day)! Then along comes the photographer to capture that moment, when you have begun to sweat (you wanted a summer wedding right)?, the Aunt who is a friend of your parents that you have no idea who she actually is, has grabbed your face between her hands to kiss you, (that foundation was long-wearing right)?, and there you have it......a shiny, red, blotchy mess. All beautifully and digitally captured. Ahhhhh.... the joys of weddings!

So what do you need to stay looking gracefully cool? These industry favourite products will keep you looking your best:

1. Go get your powder on. If you have a combination skin then a powder compact is an essential. Ideally look for one that has a mirror, product, and application tool such as this one by MAC Studio Fix Powder. This product is a foundation so does two jobs in one - retouches foundation and removes oil.

If you want a more weightless, natural finish, try this Bare Minerals Perfecting Veil powder or for ultra luxury, the Armani Luminous Silk Compact

2. Blot that oil. If you are gifted with more oil (can I just say 'slick'), like myself then you may want a super matte finish. There is no shine here luv! A blot film or powder may be more your thing to keep that shine at bay. Try Urban Decay Mattifying Powder or Sephora Blotting Films

3. Tissue. Yes, simple tissues. I know this seems so basic but don't underestimate the power and versatility of tissue on a wedding day. Besides the obvious role of drying tears, let's talk about the need to blot those lips. Depending on the colour saturation and gloss intensity of your chosen lip product, lip stick can look just too freshly applied. Imagine vintage wedding themed makeup......you're gonna want the lips looking stained and velvety as opposed to "I got too lipstick happy."

Want to get real fancy? Try these bridal tissue packs

4. If you are one of those blessed women who have those big eyes that are never left unlined then you will need to pack that eyeliner. If wearing black kohl in your waterline is your signature makeup style then at some point you will need to reapply. The eye area is moist and as the day wears on that black eyeliner will need retouching. I recommend Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil for an inexpensive makeup must-have.

5. Lip Stick, Lip Gloss and Lip Liner. Even self proclaimed long wearing lip products can disappear, get dry and crack. Whatever product you used at the beginning of your day on your lips are the same you need with you in your clutch bag throughout your wedding day. So if that was a lipliner and a gloss, then that is what you will need in your clutch.

So now your touch up bridal bag is complete. Now all you need is to "smize" for those pictures and enjoy making some beautiful wedding memories.

Behind the Scenes at a Fashion Shoot

The world of fashion is so 'secret' - its kinda like a closed cult group that only a select few know of.

WANT IN?

And who wouldn't? I love seeing what happens behind every shoot that inspires me so I thought I would show you beauties what happens when I am on a fashion shoot. This is my latest editorial fashion shoot featured in Huf Magazine this issue.

The single most important thing on a fashion shoot is the team. Being able to communicate your creative visions is essential in making a shoot successful.

A good photographer has a clear vision and the whole team must share that same vision. You have to picture the final image and talk about it, examine it, dissect it, love it and thats all before you even get to the shoot!

A good makeup artist & hair stylist must be able to understand that vision and do whatever it takes to get there. No point in coming in with pre-conceived notions of what you need to do for your portfolio.......you have to see the clothes, look at the model, 'feel' the set and then get busy.

A good stylist is prepared. Always prepared and organised. A stylist has an eye for playing with texture, colour, cut and style - and doing it with passion and attentiveness.

To top that off, none of these creatives can have an 'off' day - not on a shoot. Much like baking, if any ingredient is 'off' then the end result just isn't gong to taste that nice! An editorial fashion shoot is about working together and combining your teams skills to create some beautiful imagery.

Still want more? Of course you do! Check out the Behind The Scenes Short Video below and Happy Shooting!

The Colour of Beauty

The Colour of Beauty

Believe it or not, this image is historic. May 2015 marks the date that Rihanna was named the face of Dior. In the video advertising campaign which has gone viral, we see the glamorous, majestic and glittering icon sweeping through the chateau of Versailles. As she turns to face the camera you suddenly realise….. she’s BLACK.

Truly groundbreaking imagery since this is the first time a black woman has represented the brand to date.

Dior, like many established cosmetic companies has long been seen as a brand that is marketed towards a general caucasian audience. In fact most brands have a clear focus on providing skin tone foundations from fair to medium but not venturing out to anything beyond a ‘tanned’ caucasian tone. In terms of naming colours, this stops at Medium Melted Caramel.
Being a Medium Melted Caramel person myself (or mixed race for an easier term), and married to a Deep Mocha (Nigerian) and blessed with a Hazelnut Honey (mixed race baby), as well as being a makeup artist, has given me the opportunity to experience first hand the frustrations that black women deal with when it comes time for selecting makeup.

The beauty world is still very limited in its’ representation of black women and that begs the question whether it is discriminating.

Professional makeup artist brands such as MAC, Make Up Forever, and Face Atelier have all long been riding on the ‘All Races’ surfboard, and are often upheld as the ‘go-to’ brands for black women all over the world. In the last 5 years, both Lancome and Chanel have also made strides to offer extensive colour ranges in their foundations. However, this forward thinking movement is not seen universally in the beauty industry. In an age where we are encouraged to embrace and celebrate our differences and uniqueness, there is an underlying objective to become a raceless world, where we are no longer limited and defined by our ethnicity. Although on the contrary it seems that brands are most successful when packaged and sold to specific markets based on race.

In France, the number 1 selling ethnic brand is ‘BlackUp,’ which is targeted at black women. The key to the brands success is that it answers to the specific needs of dark skin tones. From my experience as a makeup artist, this is highly credible since the problem most black women face once they have found a brand that offers black foundations, is experimenting with enhancing the undertones within their shade. Its no longer enough for a brand to provide only a mere sample offering of black foundations, but rather have to cater to all the cool and warm tones within the much wider category of ‘black skin tones.’

On a much wider scale, comes the industries brand leaders such as MAC, Bobbi Brown and Nars who offer a single foundation in as many as 50 shades and therefore capturing a very broad spectrum of not just the market but our worlds population skin colour. This holds a true representation of how ethnically integrated the Canadian population is becoming. In fact, 19% of the population identified themselves as a visible minority group. It seems that some brands did their research.

Black women not only spend considerable money on cosmetics but have also been found to spend 80% more on their beauty products.

Trying an endless array of brands in the quest for finding a ‘perfect tone that doesn’t look too ashy, ’ costs money. Yet, many brands are reluctant to take huge steps forward to use black celebrities to endorse and market their products.
It was just over 20 years ago that Cover Girl signed the first black model to an exclusive contract, to represent the brand. Lana Ogilvie was the first black model to front a cosmetic company that was not a brand specifically targeted towards ethnic people. This was the opportunity for others such as Halle Berry for Revlon, Beyonce and Kerry Washington for L’Oreal, and Rihanna, Tyra, Brandy and Queen Latifah for Covergirl. These are bold public statements that not only increase brand awareness but also align the brand with current, and somewhat trendy, changing racial demographics and cultures.

Now all thats left is for all brands to catch up. And maybe get some real dark beauty celebrities to front their brand. How many years will that take?

By Mika Holborow

Looking for that 'purrfect' No Makeup, Makeup Look? Well here's the low down on natural foundations, wearable for the day.