How to use mixing mediums

makeup mixing mediums
Alcohol-free, eyeliner and mascara mixing mediums

MAC mixing mediums: alcohol-free (for painting on the face and body), eyeliner and mascara.

MAC do some great mixing mediums which can be mixed with pigments to create your own paint, eyeliner or mascara. This is a great addition to your kit because it eliminates the extra weight of carrying around products that you don’t really need but if you unexpectedly need a blue mascara or green eye liner then you could easily mix it up. This also makes your pigments more versatile, one pot of colour can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and paint for any type of design work on the face or body.  Once the mixing mediums have dried they become waterproof, smudge and rub proof! More…

How to practice mehndi

Final sig transparent copySo you know how to make the mehndi, roll and fill the cones, now what? If you haven’t had any formal mehndi training (many artist are self taught including me) then the next step is to just practice, look at all the patterns and shapes and fills and start trying to emulate them. Start practising on paper with a pen or pencil until you feel you are ready to take it to the next level with real mehndi.

mehndi designs
one of my mehndi designs using henna on paper

Final sig transparent copy More…

How to mix mehndi and make mehndi cones

how to mix henna
Mix the henna, essential oils and water in a bowl to make a paste.

Start by measuring out the henna powder in tablespoons and place into a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of pure Eucalyptus oil, Teatree or Cajeput pure essential oil for every 2 heaped tablespoons of henna powder, add a few splashes of lemon juice and some warm water mixing till you reach a cake batter like consistency. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave for a few hours or overnight. You can read more about mehndi on Tips to make your mehndi darker. More…

My favourite product for dry lips

8 hr cream
Elizabeth Arden Eight hour cream

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant is my go to product for dry cracked lips or even just dry rough skin. Its the best product that I have found for keeping lips moist and it actually penetrates the skin, I’ve tried quite a few lip products over the years and found that they either just sat on top of the lips, felt too waxy or came off too quickly. If your lips are feeling dry and starting to crack then apply this product liberally for best results. If you want to wear lipstick then apply the Eight Hour Cream followed by your lipstick then finish with another layer of Eight Hour Cream to really lock in the moisture and in place of lip gloss to finish with a shine. More…

How to keep oily skin matte

You might not be able to stop your skin from producing oil but there is a lot you can do to to help absorb it once it has reached the surface. Starting with freshly cleaned skin apply a light moisturiser suitable for oily skin, you might be thinking that you don’t need to but even oily skin needs moisturising (you can sometimes over produce oil if your skin feels no moisture after you have cleansed it). Its also nice to have a barrier between your skin and your make-up. More…

How to conceal dark circles under the eyes

I’m often asked by many of my clients how to conceal dark circles under the eyes especially when the skin in this area  is a much darker pigment than the rest of the face.  The common mistake of trying to match the pigmented area to the skin tone results in a grey tinge which can sometimes look worse.  So here are my list of tips for concealing the under eyes from natural coverage to full cover: More…

How to lighten the load of your make-up kit

After working as a hair and make-up artist for the past 17 years I’m starting to feel the strain of carrying around a heavy kit which consists of a make-up case and a large bag of hair products and tools. I’m always looking for ways to lighten up the load and make it more compact and easy to carry around. Below are some of my tips on how to compact everything down without taking everything out!

how to make a professional makeup kit
All of my cream products transferred into clear stacks.

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