Category: Make up

5 Common Make up Mistakes that We Become Blind to for Some Reason…

~ Emmie ~ Leave a comment

So we all know that girl. With the perfect skin and illuminous glow, the wonderful smile and sparkle in her eyes. And it looks like herself, not like make-up. We’ve wondered if she is an influencer or a part time model. We wonder if she wears make-up at all, because we can’t see it. This is the kind of make-up that is aspirational. The kind that is almost invisible. Makes us look like ourselves, but better. And I recently thought about some mistakes that we might be doing every morning when we do our habitual make up routine unknowingly, even after decades of wearing make-up expertly. These mistakes in application can be hard to spot, even for me, since I’m over 40 with a need for reading glasses! Investing in a magnifying mirror like I did when applying make-up will really level up the game when it comes to make-up application.. But here goes, the main mistakes we need to notice to fix:

  1. Uneven/unblended foundation: This is the look of something slightly cakey or dry on top of the skin. Cakey textures are hard to see sometimes because when we use a full coverage foundation, we see it covering up skin discolourations and we assume it’s doing its job. But coverage is just as important as invisibility. If the foundation is not applied evenly, or there is build up of it in an area, it will look cakey. Check the cheekbones, sides of the face, corners of the mouth: the coverage should be smooth, invisible. If not, smudge it out with a blending sponge or wipe off excess with a tissue. Sometimes having a moisturizer on the face prior to using foundation helps thin out and blend the foundation to be more invisible. Also be careful not to use too much setting powder because that can add an overly dry, unnatural matte texture. The finished foundation look should be slightly dewy and glow-y, as skin tends to look that way naturally!
  2. Spidery Mascara: This mistake looks like heavy spider legs, clumping and weighing down the lashes. I noticed some formulas of mascara, even in the same products, are inconsistent when it comes to wetness. If mascara is too wet, it will load on too much product and weight down the lashes in clumps. In cases like this, I recommend using multiple coats only before it dries, i.e. do one adequate coat (versus letting it dry a minute and then going for a second coat). Another thing I like to do is to use my clean finger tip and push up on the lashes after application, to pick up excess product, lift the lash as it dries and smooth out clumps.
  3. Blush that sits on the surface of the skin: This mistake has a powdery texture, can be overly matte, and has no translucently. It’s a blush look that’s okay for photos or full face make-up, but it’s a bit too unnatural for daily face looks. I used to think that I was using too much blush when my cheeks looked too pink in the mirror. And I used to use the tiniest amounts with the faintest pink colours, thinking that it’ll look more natural. But it’s not the shade, it’s the texture of the blush. Find one with a bit of transparency so that the skin is visible underneath it. It looks way more natural that way. I feel cream or liquid blushes tend to be more transparent and natural looking.
  4. Overly lined eyes: This mistake happens often and looks like bandit eyes! I can even see it in movie make-up sometimes too. It’s not flattering, it’s distracting. Dark and thick eyeliners lined entirely around the eyes can actually make them look smaller by diminishing the whites of the eyes. It’s better to tightline the eyes (a technique of just lining the lash line thinly, to even it out) And if there is a desire for some graphic definition of the eyes, just a winged liquid liner on the top lash line will do the trick. If only using a pencil liner, try to smudge and soften the eyeliner after application with a smudge tool, or clean eyeshadow brush: smudge both the top and bottom lids. For the bottom lid I always line it with a dark eyeshadow instead of liner so that it’s extra soft looking. And I still smudge it with my fingers too.
  5. Eyebrows too dark and defined: This mistake gets overlooked often, but it’s when the eyebrows are darkly filled in and opaque. They brows don’t have any dimension and look drawn in with ink or tattooed on. I don’t really like this look because it reminds me of the painted brows on a doll or mask. It doesn’t look real or natural. It looks too severe as well, hardening the face and the gaze of the eyes. Again, as with eyeliner, I think softness is the way to go. To fix this, use a powder/pencil brow colour several shades lighter than our natural hair colour. And smudge the brow application and comb it with an eyebrow brush for extra softness.
This is an example of cakey foundation and overlined eyes. While, not the worst, Gretchen here looks just overly done up. Mean Girls 2004, Paramount Picures.

So there it is, guys. The 5 most common make-up mistakes I always see. As a disclaimer, I think make-up and beauty is subjective sometimes…and if some of these mistakes are done intentionally to achieve a certain vibe, then all the best with their use! But if these mistakes are things that arise from years of wearing make-up and not noticing the tiny effects the wrong application or wrong products can produce, we can all pay better attention. After all, our busy lives are not an excuse for showing up with anything other than the appearance of being bright eyed and bushy tailed. Because we’re the “influencer” of our own lives.

This is a clean make-up I do on a daily basis when I’m not going out or working. And I like it because it looks natural and uses my 5 tips!

The only two shades of lipstick I need for getting polished fast and goes with any look!

~ Emmie ~ Leave a comment

It’s not easy putting on a full face of make-up every morning on a moving ship, and reporting for duty bright and early in the morning at the Spa (I’m a hairdresser on board ships). And as women we all know that lipstick shades and finishes come in such a huge array of choices. Every mainstream brand, whether designer or drugs store has too many options to choose from when it comes to lips. Here my my tips however, for making the colour decision fast, and always having a makeup look that works, so that mornings can be spent having that extra cup of coffee for who knows what a busy work morning will bring!

These are the two recommended colours: A natural mauve/pink and a bold, fashion red!

First tip, I recommend using long wear lipsticks only. Not only are they more economical because I’m reapplying lip colour less frequently, but also, they save time for that same reason. I can be confident that my lips looks good until lunch-time when it comes off. And then I reapply after lunch and I can repeat the feeling of confidence that it hasn’t smeared or rubbed off until the next break. All cosmetic brands now make long lasting lip products, (no budge), and it’s easy to find one in a variety of colours. There are also matte and gloss finishes to choose from. I feel for no budge lipstick, matte is better, just because it feels less like shellac on my lips. And I also feel glossy lips are distracting and less natural looking. But to each their own, of course.

Now on to tips for choosing which lip colour to use for what look. One colour of lipstick I used often was a bold red to pair with nude/light eyeshadows and minimal make up looks. That’s right, the face needs balance, so if I were wearing a minimal makeup look on a given day, I would punch it up with a bold fashion colour! And a velvety red really brought the drama and I always had compliments when wearing it.

Nothing goes better with a statement red than minimal clean makeup!

But I also received so many compliments on my smokey eye make-up! On days where I wore that look, the eyes were so dramatic that they didn’t need a loud lip colour to compete with. It would be too busy. So with smokey eyes or darker eyeshadows, I would pair the look with a muted mauve/natural pink lip. And this always kept the smokey eye makeup as the star. We always want one thing more loud on the face and the others more quiet. If we choose the lips, it’s getting the bold red, and they eyes stay natural. If we choose the eyes to be the focus, the lipstick colour has to be muted.

And with a smokey dark eye shadow, we’re going to have to have a muted lip colour. Here I was doing very cool toned nude. But a natural pink works also. Anything “quiet”.

What I love about these two lip colours is that it’s all the colours we need! And they can paired with dozens of makeup looks. It actually simplifies my makeup routine and helps me save time, while still looking put together. And that’s what I feel makes the best beauty tricks. We want to look effortless, but we also want it to be truely effortless. We can have style and taste come faster just from knowing which colour to use, and not because from over thinking from having too many options to choose from. Girls, I was rarely ever late on the ship, and also rarely ever wore the wrong shade of lip colour!

How dressing “business casual” requires more thought than you think…

~ Emmie ~ Leave a comment

As you all know, I have been working as a hairstylist for the past 4 years, and well, it’s an interesting industry, fashion-wise. In one sense, there’s an obligation to look stylish, and look good, as clients do want to be inspired by what they see being worn on the person they trust to do their hair. But also, it’s an environment of work and professionalism. But on another hand overly formal office-y attire looks out of place in a salon. It’s too corporate. Hairstylists are artists. So this is the dilemma. How do we dress interestingly enough to showcase our personalities while being work appropriate, and elevated?

I feel like this problem is extra difficult for women. We have our truly loved relax wear: i.e.. the t-shirts, jeans, joggers… Our hoodies, leggings, shorts and sweatshirts. But let’s be honest. We end up styling ourselves to look like either 12 year old boys or suburban soccer moms in them. They are too casual, and not work appropriate. They lack personality, flare or elegance. But mostly, they lack style. Another error that can happen more to women is dressing cheap looking. Think crop tees, tops that are too tight/lowcut, ugly materials/patterns. Bodycon dresses that look like club wear. Things that are overly revealing. I’m not advocating for dressing like a prude, but even at a club, there’s a sense of class. There is a middle ground between 12 year old and night walker. I’ve found it.

We need to think more about fun and fashionable pieces, styled with jewelry and make up that compliments us, and accessories that show off our personalities while fading into the background of professionalism. We need to care about how we look, without stressing too much about perfection or being superficial. And we need to have a a little class. Without that, I can’t help you. What is classy to some might be lowbrow to others. But there are universal cues on what is daily, work appropriate class. So let’s talk about it!

Mistakes and don’t dos:

  1. Outfits that are too skimpy: Bodycon dresses that are too short. Tight t-shirts/sweaters that are too low cut or sheer; crop top paired with spandex leggings. I’m not against showing skin, but it’s all about balance. When we show off the legs with something short, the tops should be modest. Crop tops are cute, when the bottom half is stylishly covered up with an elegant skirt. Tight body suits make sense, when paired with a relaxed fit slacks. It’s all about balance, and taste. If the weather is cold, wear a fitted turtle neck. It looks put together, but is also sensibly covered up. It’s not classy to wear less layers in cold weather. However during a heatwave at work, I wore a back-less sundress. The weather made it make sense, and not skimpy. Just think about how you look, and skimpy outfits will cease to make sense professionally.
  2. When comfort looks slovenly: Okay so we all like comfortable clothes. Yes. But since when does that mean t-shirts, sweat shirts, and gym leggings can show up to a work environment paired with poor hygiene? Greasy hair? I don’t think so! Tying hair back is not equivalent a shampoo! It looks as if you’re fixing back hair to change the cat’s litter, or scrub the toilet. At this point, when aesthetics are so overlooked, would you trust her with styling your hair? The answer is no. At least come to work with make-up to liven up the eyes, freshen up the complexion. Casual wear is barely work presentable even with make-up, but with no make up and sloppy clothes it’s too casual.
  3. Saying you don’t have “money” to buy on trend clothes. This is a mistake and just an excuse. Thrifting and second hand stores are a great option. And no matter how poor you are, every one owns a simple white shirt that fits, a simple dress that is not trampy, jeans that are not ripped up. Sweaters that don’t reveal everything. And dress pants that are flattering while still covering up. Dressing in a way that shows less skin, or doesn’t look like a gym outfit, is not reserved for the rich. It’s an affordable style that shows self-aware mindfulness a workplace, even if it’s not fashion forward. And once that basic skill is mastered, you can then save up to buy statement pieces that speak to who you are.
Do not dress like this. Leggings are inappropriate in any work setting. And t-shirt tanks are casually ugly.

The Do’s List:

  1. Accessorize with intention. On the flipside, I had a style literate! T-shirts and sweats to work can be okay if styled. If they are intentionally oversized, or paired with elaborate jewelry, and other kinds of styling…this avoids the slovenly feel of this kind of style can have. Wash and style your hair with the outfits. And wear make-up. It just works.
  2. Dress for comfort, but also appropriateness: I’m a fashionista that worked in fashion retail prior, but I also dress in clothes that make sense for my hairdressing job. I don’t wear movement restricting blazers that make it hard to use my arms, even though they are stylish and very professional. I don’t wear skimpy club wear outfits that have me adjusting my hemline or cleavage throughout the busy hairstyling workday. All of the clothes I wear fit the range of bodily motions needed, the weather in place, and the time of day I’m working. They are all thoughtful, make sense and are respectful of the job that I do, and the clients that I serve.
  3. Professional dress doesn’t have to be boring. Find ways to showcase your personal style: For example I don’t like dark or drab coloured clothing. I don’t own that many black pieces, or solid dark clothing. I like flowers, prints, and pastels. I like white flowy things. Frilly pink outfits. Light and bright is the way that I dress. Feminine without the trampy siren look. Pretty, without the cattiness. Find out your personality and translate it into a work wardrobe. That’s how to dress professionally, and at the same time express yourself!
This is actually how I would dress to work. Notice it’s put together but still casual and cool. Functional with the white sneakers! And feminine with the flowy skirt!

I hope my tips/rant helped. I really do feel like there is a parallel to dressing well, and doing the job well. And even if you work in an environment that doesn’t penalize poor style or unprofessional dress…improve your professional styling for yourself. Afterall, you’re the most important member of the audience when critiquing how you look and act. And at the end of the day, you’ll want to look at yourself in the mirror, and be able to agree with others in the room that you do look good.