When it comes to makeup... It saves to be in the know...

What am I going on about?

Ever bought a makeup product and regretted it after? I have!  numerous times... and once used you can't return it... It doesn't help that they are super expensive too! Especially if you love the good stuff and want your highlighter to be popping as much your favourite red lippy!

I'm going to share a few items that I love in my kit... As a makeup artist... Nothing goes to waste unless... That item is seriously useless or worse...  expired!

There are alot of makeup out there promising this, that or the other, and once bought we may find it works or just barely hits the mark.

Well,  let's get on with it! :)

Featured below:

Sunny shade from top left...Mac paint pot in rubinesque
Dior mini gloss, got these in a travel pack on Emirates duty free
Yardley Absolute Translucent powder
Max factor flawless perfection blush in 220 classic rose
Smashbox photo finish primer oil
Mac paint pot in Layin low and soft ochre
Mac studio conceal and correct duo in burnt coral and rich yellow
Palladium foundation primer
Loreal lumiere 500 gold mania
Catrice cosmetics made to stay highlighter pen and made to stay inside eye highlighter pen.

The Mac Paint Pots are basically long wear cream eyeshadow.

Paint pot in rubinesque and max factor blush above. I love the Maxfactor blush... It suits most skin tones and the colour pay off is great. Be sure to test it along your jaw before you purchase.

The rubinesque definitely felt like one of those annoying "what I was thinking, I should have tried it on" purchases. It is a medium sheer product... So if you tap it on with your finger or a brush.. You are likely to get the most coverage.... It's really pretty and looks amazing when the light hits it but it mostly shows up gold on my eye which is lighter than my hands.. But I'd definitely use it as a base for a similar colour eyeshadow or use base under to get the most of this colour. It suits the fairer or darker complexions and looks quite bland on medium complexions like myself. I also tried a lighter base and darker base,  the colour show was disappointing. I just have it in my kit now to use for ombre lips or as a base on my cheeks for layering highlighter over. Check for sensitivity of your skin when using as a highlighter, highlighter base or ombre lips. BTW it's pretty balmy in texture compared to the other pots.

Side by side... The Mac paint pots from left to right are rubinesque as discussed above, a coral gold colour, then is soft ochre, which is yellow toned and layin low which is brown with a pinkish undertone...

Soft ochre and layin low are fantastic as eye primers or as a base to apply before applying your eyeshadow. They are long wearing, prevents your lids from creasing, dries to an almost powder finish, and allows you to get the most from your eyeshadows.

Colour payoff using these as a base are excellent as long as you use the right colour. Mac paint pot in painterly is a pinkish shade great for lighter skin tones, I do not have it in these pics. Soft ochre for medium to light skin tones. Layin low for medium to deeper skin tones. Also check out other options like Indian wood.

Apply by dabbing on with your finger or a brush... Ensure that no skin is visible under your application... It must be smooth, streak free and even in colour on the lid.

I was surprised by this Yardley powder...it is really fine and translucent, which means it won't change the colour of makeup already applied when used over and great for baking without caking. You can apply it over those areas that are prone to oiliness, like the forehead and nose, and use minimally over the under eye area unless you are baking, in which case allow the powder to sit for a few mins... then gently brush off. You must give the shades buff and bare a try... Buff for highlighting and bare for a little colour for medium toned skins.

The Loreal lumiere gold single eyeshadow saved me when I really wanted a gold eyeshadow and couldn't find anything suitable.  This shadow is best applied with a dabbing motion... It is great for creating an ombre lip by using a dark lip colour and then applying it by dabbing onto the center of your lip.

The Palladio foundation primer comes pretty close to the smashbox primer for a fraction of the price. It mattifies and gives a smooth base to glide on foundation.

My favourite is the Smashbox priming oil, it provides hydration,  skincare and gives a gorgeous lit from within glow... Great for all over application for dry skin,  but best on the cheeks and chin for combination skin. It is pricey,  but you get alot for your buck!

This primer will also liquify or thin out your creamier foundation and can be used to make your matte lipstick into a glossy one... Is great as a base for highlighter and blush. Best of all you can use it at night to hydrate and fortify your skin.

Mac duo conceal and correct is well known and used by many to correct the blue under eye colour with burnt coral and then add brightness with the rich yellow... I think this product is great but when it dries and as the day proceeds it cakes...best to use the smashbox primer oil first on the under eye area, then the duo,  to keep it looking fresh.

I love the Catrice pens... A quick highlighter for the Brow bone area that stays put all day. The inside eye pen is pinkish white and looks alot more natural and less like the 80s stark white used on the inner rim. It will give you a wide eyed look and is great for those days when your eyes look tired and you need to look fresh!

These dior glosses remind me of Mac lip glass and Essence cosmetic glosses.... That are great as a topper over other lip products or colour especially matte lipsticks and paints because they are sheer and have a high shine like most glosses. Love using them in the evenings when I sport a Smokey look.

I just bought a pack of colour pop lippy Stix and will hopefully get to review those soon.... But before I do.. You guys have to check out what went on at the Urban Bliss spa on the 29 October 2016...so brace yourself... Next post will be jam packed!! Who I met,  liked and didn't like so much... Mmmmm....

Just kidding.... I wouldn't tell you guys that.. Kindness and a good heart always wins!!! Irrespective of how others may be... You get to choose your behaviour;) Be you! Be real! Peace out!!

Xoxo Always!!
Stylexplora

Face it!

Winter really wreaks havoc with our skin! with heaters, aircons, the fireplace, and staying indoors, your skin barely needs free radicals to dehydrate and give us some serious insecurities, when our stuffy indoor air does it perfectly! Drinking your 6-8glasses of H2O just does not cut it!

From reading my prior posts, you know I am currently recovering (Alhumdulillah) from acne due to an allergy from a well known high end cosmetic product. I initially thought it was a food allergy until I used the product again, and lo and behold! my acne had cousins and distant relatives.

Now some scarring later, I used a number of items to get my skin back to its former clarity. I thought it would be a good idea to share them with you!

The only item that helped relieve the allergy and reduce the pimples were Cuticura ointment( available at any pharmacy or retail supermarket), another cream from Fordsburg (which I shall reveal soon), and ofcourse avoiding use of the culprit product. I have always used this ointment every night before bed on the insistence of my mother, and have her to thank for my good skin days! I have to include it in my routine again, the smell of the ointment is an acquired taste, but not too bad...I'd Say more medicinal. It is has a balmy consistency and looks oily on the skin when applied, so avoid use during the day unless you plan to stay indoors.

I also wanted to get rid of dehydration and acne scarring too, sooner rather than later. Swiitch beauty founder and owner Rabia handed me a precision pore cleansing pad at their booth at the Eid Shopping Festival. I have to say, I love it! and am so thankful she handed me a complimentary one, no strings attached! It is easy, practical and effective! I've put aside my sorbet cleansing brush until I'm no longer lazy enough to charge it. The precision pore cleansing pad is a simple silicone item, that requires no fussing over. It has a little grip at the back to hold between your fingers for ease of use and no batteries needed. To contact Swiitch beauty and get your hands on one..
click here: Swiitch Beauty their prices are so reasonable!

I use circular motions to wash my face with my favourite cleanser Neutrogena 2 in 1 wash or mask. For brightness, I team the cleansing pad with my Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme atleast once a week.

My skin is alot smoother as the pad proved effective in providing a gentle exfoliation. If you have particularly oily skin that's prone to acne, definitely give Vichy Normaderm gel cleanser a try...you will not regret it! Smells divine! My husband will vouch for the effectiveness of this product!

I decided to team my above regimen with Coconut oil for hydration, which I apply at night before I go to bed. The next morning my skin is noticeably brighter, smoother and more hydrated, and best of all the acne scarring has lightened quite alot and my makeup sets like a dream. I use the Lemcke brand in a white tub as featured below. Hey! if it's good enough to eat, it's good enough for my skin! I strongly suggest you give the above a try.

Another item or items that have made its way on my list are sheet masks from Shades of Mink store, the very first and specialists in bringing you sheet masks. Find them here:Shades of Mink Store

They are inexpensive (in fact the most reasonably priced at under R50...talk about value for moola!) yet utterly good for your skin and effectively hydrate, brighten, lighten, you name it...there's a sheet mask for it. Tip: you should buy more than 4, not only will you reap the amazing benefits, Shades of Mink rewards their clients! I need to get more! If you want to get some...Speak to Yasmin and she'll advise you, her service is brilliant!

As you can see, my huge Shades of Mink Haul

Your Face It list!:
1. Neutrogena 2 in 1 wash and mask / Vichy Normaderm Gel cleanser
2. Cuticura ointment
3. Lemcke Coconut oil
4. Swiitch beauty Precision Cleansing pads
5. Shades of Mink store Variety of specialised Sheet masks
6. Nimue Exfoliating enzyme


I have a ton of reviews lined up because I have been soo busy with work...I figured I owe it to you guys!
I will let you know about the Fordsburg Cream soon. In the mean time, don't forget to follow me on Instagram: https: Stylexplora on Instagram
and check out my latest Hijab tutorial on YouTube: Stylexplora on Youtube

Love and Salaams as always!
StyleXplora

I have hereditary under eye darkness and puffiness, so you can believe I have tried dozens of natural treatments, including correcting and concealing products for cover. 

Under eye circles and puffiness can be as a result of a number of different factors, here are few of the common reasons:

• consistent lack of sleep (so night after night, you think it's ok to stay up late?)
• water retention or high salt intake 
• anaemia 
• poor lymphatic system or blood circulation
• genetics or hereditary 
• low water intake
• also related to other health issues such as poor indigestion
• tired eyes or eye strain from use of screens in laptops, tv, computers, cellphones etc. 
• sinusitis or allergies
• humidity or climate conditions

What can you do about the under eye circles and puffiness? 

• you have heard this over again, go to bed early and be consistent with your sleep times, this has always helped me personally with both the puffiness and darkness
• I grew up in sunny and very humid Durban, so my eyes were puffy alot of the time, particularly in the morning, as the day would pass, it would lessen. Now living inland in Jhb with slightly drier climate, both my sniffles and puffiness have decreased substantially.
• stay hydrated and reduce your salt and caffeine intake to avoid water retention, use lemon juice, vinegars and spices instead of salt.
• workout consistently, make time for it...your health is everything. You really don't know the quality of life you are missing out on. For workouts and tips click here:workouts
• take your iron supplements, take them with or after your meal to avoid nausea
• use eye drops to combat dry and over strained eyes and step away from your screen or simply close your eyes for a few minutes throughout the day 
• cucumber slices straight out the fridge placed on the eye area for 5-10mins, cool and invigorate the eye area, it may only lighten the under eye area very slightly and remove a bit of the puffiness.
• I haven't seen much difference with Potato slices personally, but your could give that a go as well.
• honey and turmeric mixed to form a paste is another option. In my opinion the yellow or orange tinge that the turmeric has lightens the purple tone under eye or cancels it out temporarily.
• milk or water and rice flour mixed to make a paste also has a lightening effect, you can also add in honey for hydrating the eye area
• visit a skin specialist or dermatologist. Involves injecting hyaluronic acid (naturally produced in the body) to areas that are sunken in around the baggy area of the under eye to plump these recesses. This is costly but effective.
• place two teaspoons in the freezer for 5mins and then apply on puffiness holding it until the spoon has warmed up, I used to this in the mornings before campus when I was up studying the night before
• Use an eye cream that is specifically formulated to target your eye area concerns, caffeine eye rollons are great for depuffing, try Garnier and Clinique. (I will review eye creams from budget friendly to the more exclusive soon Insha'Allah)
• lymph drainage through massage has a number of benefits, with decreasing under eye puffiness being one of them...see below

All credit due to Distant Healer

The lymph drainage massage literally takes 2 mins, I use the massaging head on my shower by lifting my face up to the shower and having the pulsing pressure of the water, tap or massage those lymph drainage areas. It feels invigorating, please try it!

Corrector and concealer

What is the difference?

Concealers are available in liquid, stick and cream form. Often concealers don't do justice to covering up more noticeable under eye circles (I should know), if anything it makes them stand out more or look grey. The reason for this is that most concealers are meant to brighten the under eye area and are generally in skin colours, behaving more like highlighters. 

If the under eye area has purple or blue undertones, a corrector in the "appropriate colour" should be applied first to cancel out the purple and blue tones, creating a clean canvas. Applying the concealer will now work more effectively to blend the under eye area to your skin and brighten it up. Setting the concealer with either translucent or yellow toned powder will give the concealer staying power and avoid it melting and moving into eye creases and lines. Pat your eye with your baby or ring finger with a light touch to blend any lines or creases it has moved into.

Correctors come in a range of colours, and also in a variety of forms, from liquid to cream and powders. They are often worn under your makeup and are for correcting colour due to skin issues.

Green correctors cancel or camouflage redness due to skin irritation, acne, eczema, sun exposure etc

Yellow correctors cancel purple undertones such as purple under eye circles, bruises, pigmentation

Orange correctors cancel blueish undertones such as blueish under eye circles, acne scars, pigmentation, veins

Pink correctors cancel brown such as brown spots or pigmentation, freckles, scars and are particularly great for fairer skintones  

The above also works the other way around ie. purple can cancel out yellowness or skin dullness. Some foundation face primers come in purple undertones.

Correctors and concealers are therefore not reserved for the eye area only they can be used on areas or skin concerns that require a cover up. Correctors are used in darker areas of the face such as around the nostrils, upper lip and concealers for highlighting areas like just above and below the brow bone, the bridge of the nose (length) and above the cheekbones and centre of the forehead. See more on contouring later in this article.

courtesy of nyx cosmetics

Can you see the colour wheel in motion above....colours opposite each other on the colour wheel cancel each other out! 

To learn more about colour theory, click here: Colour theory

Which products would I recommend?

As a Makeup Artist, I have had to learn alot through trial and error. The products I recommend are as follows:

For light under eye circles:

Try a liquid concealer in a shade lighter than your skin tone such as Essence, YSL radiant touche eclat (this is more of a highlighter and great for brightening up dull under eyes). The YSL pen made the darkness under my eyes look grey and the puffiness more noticeable due to it's highlighting effect, so its great for someone who has dullness rather than darkness. 

Picture courtesy of Elle.com

For medium to dark under eye circles: 

Try a stick or pencil concealer such as Palladio herbal concealer in "yellow" (I am crazy about this inexpensive wonder!) which comes in a lipstick compact. See my review on the Palladio herbal concealer coming next. Clinique All about eyes concealer is also a great buy and stays put.

For more severe under eye circles:

Try a creamy concealer, my absolute favourite is Bobbi Brown corrector and concealer I use the corrector in dark peach and concealer in golden and honey for occasions. I apply it using my ring finger patting it on lightly in a triangular shape, from my inner eye to outer eye and down my nose to just above my nostrils and then back upto my outer eye. I will include a video tutorial soon.

Kryolan orange camouflage creme is also a great alternative corrector for dark marks around the face such as the upper lip area, the lips, around corners of the nose and dark spots. This must be topped with either a creamy concealer or foundation to blend correctly, all applied with a dabbing or patting motion. 

Tip: for beautiful pink lips apply a lip balm then Kryolan camouflage creme, top with pink or soft peach lipstick of your choice or a nude for gorgeous nude lips.

This product has some great reviews, and was actually used by the makeup artist who did my wedding makeup (I wasn't a makeup artist back then, else I would have done my own makeup:). Its very widely used by celebs on and off screen as it photographs and videos particularly well. I sometimes use it on my dark lips or marks and for special occasions, unless I prefer Bobbi Brown that day.

Bobbi Brown Creamy concealer and yellow powder compact and Bobbi Brown Corrector which is applied before the concealer and powder

Applying Corrector and concealer

Check out this Bobbi Brown Video on how to apply corrector and concealers 

click on this link for more concealer hacks from Harpers Bazaar

Concealer Hacks every woman should know

Ladies, please note that I have tried and tested all of the products mentioned above. Here are some of my concealer and corrector stash including powders:

Here I am using the Bobbi Brown corrector in dark peach and concealer kit in golden. The concealer in honey would be a better option to brighten up the under eye.

Here I have used the Palladio herbal concealer in yellow, my review on this product and its application will be up soon.


Hope this post was especially useful and informative, look out for my videos and don't forget to subscribe to my blog and You Tube channel and follow me on Instagram for more.