Friday 8 November 2013

Outstanding Makeup Discovery of 2013




I'm about to say something highly controversial.

I think I may have found the best mascara

Ever.

Judging criteria:
- lengthening [tick]
- volumising [tick]
- conditioning [tick]
- lash growth boosting [tick tick!]
- deep carbon black [tick]
- doesn't transfer onto lower lash line [tick]
- cheap [erm....*cough*...well not exactly....]


Kiss your falsies goodbye and say hello to new, fluttery lashes!

OK so it's not cheap (it's £60!!). I know. But bear with me...

Full name: Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara

Claims:
  • a unique growth-boosting peptide stimulates keratin genes which encourages stronger, longer lashes* 
  • it contains conditioning rosewater (naturally antibacterial so particularly great for contact lens wearers)
  • a special combination of natural waxes and full bristle brush delivers fabulous volume and curl

*25% in just 2 weeks!

But here's the interesting part not to mention the reason why I've decided to name it my 'Outstanding Makeup Discovery of 2013'.

I first started using my Longest Lash mascara in December 2012....and it's still going in November 2013, almost a year later?!! It hasn't dried out or gone clumpy, it still smells divinely of rosewater 11 months on... and my lashes are the longest they've ever been (I used Talika Lipocils for about 6 months in an attempt to boost my some-what feeble lashes and it didn't have any way near as great an effect as the Chantecaille mascara). The proof is most definitely in the pudding with this one...you have to experience it.


Image courtesy of Chantecaille

Cost per wear
Like lots of girls I like to justify my ever-so-infrequent premium purchases with a cost per wear calculation. It makes me feel less guilty somehow (lol).

So if the Chantecaille Longest Lash mascara is an eye-watering £60 and I have worn it every day since December of last year (i.e. let's say 335 days) that equates to 17p per wear, or £5.45 per month. Now I don't know about you but any £20 mascara I've ever bought has generally started going dry around about the 3 month mark so a fiver a month for a mascara that won't dry out, boosts my lash growth and conditions my lashes? Feels like a no-brainer to me!

Friday 1 November 2013

Zombie Apocalypse in Camden!



I was recently asked by the wonderful people at Backyard Cinema if I would do zombie makeup for the launch of their three day Halloween extravaganza. How could I refuse?!



We got the actors ready inside an enormous storage facility at the back of Camden Lock market which was sufficiently cold and damp to get us in the mood!

The indoor market was dressed as if the Apocalypse had arrived with zombies taking over the world. Imposing army men patrolled the bar and theatre and I have to say, the whole set up felt unnervingly realistic!

I've done zombie makeup before but this time I wanted to focus more on the contouring of the skin, creating the appearance of hollowed, sallow skin (eugh) with veins showing through here and there (that bit was super fun).

Des and Beth - the two actors playing the zombies - have worked in horror before so were game to wear contacts. I think they really add to the look.




Whenever I do Halloween makeup (unsurprisingly, about once a year) I might watch one or two YouTube tutorials to get me in the mood. I came across this one which I loved (apart from the 'boils' bit at the end which made me want to vom)...but the contouring and bruising using lipstick bit is fab.

Backyard Cinema's Zombie Apocalypse is on until Saturday. Highly recommend. Plus Honest Burgers are available in the bar (need I say more?!)

Backyardcinema.co.uk
Tickets £14 (Earlybird £12)