Makeup Hack | Multi-Functional Makeup?

One way I love to save a few pennies without scrimping on quality, is to realise the multi-use potential of my makeup. A trap that we can all be guilty of falling into, is believing too strongly the instructions on cosmetic packaging. Whilst I am definitely not suggesting to try that new autumnal berry lip liner as an eyebrow pencil (although if you are that daring, I say good for you), we do need to learn to see beyond the designated use of makeup. 

After a gorgeous golden eye look? Open up your bronzer and contour powders!

If you are looking for the perfect browns to create a bronzed eye look, then there is no reason why any contour or bronzing powders you own will not perfectly fit the bill. So rather than waste your pennies on a new eyeshadow palette, convinced by promotions that this is the only way to create the look you are after, have a look through powders you already own and see how they work as eyeshadows. 

Rather than buy a palette of bright shadows, have a root through your blusher draw! 

In the same way, highly pigmented blushers are perfect for creative eye looks utilising bright shadows. Rather than buy a palette of colourful shades that I am unlikely to use often enough to be a worthy investment; I use and spend my money on blush palettes. These not only provide the shades that I am after, but I know that I will use them daily for adding a flush to my cheeks.

These are just a couple of the multi-functional possibilities of your makeup. I think one of the best hacks that I can share is to break through the confines of seeing a product within the restriction of its designated purpose. This will save you money, room in your makeup bag, time and will still produce beautiful looks. 

Don’t be scared to be creative with your makeup, even if you do and it ends up being a disaster; just grab a face wipe and try again! Makeup isn’t permanent so don’t be hesitant to explore all the possibilities of your collection. I hope this little hack helped you all and I would love to know your thoughts! Leave comments down below or message me on Twitter and Instagram.

Devon

xoxo

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Makeup Hack #3 : £5 Beauty Blender Alternative

This Makeup Hack instalment is perfect for any makeup lovers Ballin’ On’A Budget. I am a huge advocate that anyone can achieve a flawless complexion, regardless of your spending limits. It is simply the case of knowing how to use your products to get the most out of them. I know I'm not alone in my obsession with the Beauty Blender; a fuchsia pink sponge that creates an immaculate, seamless coverage. However at £16 a pop, for many it will seem an expensive investment of better spent money. Well, I have a £4.95 alternative for you as well as a little trick that I have relied on for years to seamlessly apply my makeup.

No7 Flawless Finish Sponges

I invested in this little duo on a whim in Boots one day, needing to spend a couple more pounds to earn the free gift that No7 was offering. I quickly spied the cheapest item on the shelves, grabbed it and ran to the checkout thinking nothing of it. Little did I know that this pair of sponges I had mindlessly picked up would become my favourite foundation applicator.

(This sponges are clean! Just stained, but I hope this is a sign of how much I have loved and used them!)

These sponges are amazingly soft, smooth and apply your foundation seamlessly to give the appearance of a second skin. Even better, with my little trick for less than a fiver you will end up with four makeup applicators and the versatility of three different types of application.

The way I use them is to tear (not cut) each sponge in half so that you are left with 4 sponges each with three different sides for applying your foundation. The pointed end of the sponge is perfect for precisely blending in concealer around your nose, blemishes and under your eyes. The smooth side is ideal for pushing the foundation into your skin. Finally, the rough end that has resulted from tearing the sponge creates the effect of a stippling brush and it is my favourite way to apply product for a seamless finish.

To use these sponges, I first ensure that they are entirely soaked in warm water. I run them under a tap, squeeze out the excess water and repeat this three times before patting it dry with a towel. It is then ready to use and the warm, slightly damp sponge will help your makeup to blend flawlessly.

I would recommend these sponges to anyone; whether you are looking for an affordable way to improve the appearance of your foundation or want to experience using a sponge applicator before investing in your own Beauty Blender. I hope this helps anyone loving makeup on a budget and I would love to hear what you think.

Devon

xoxo

Previous Makeup Hack Posts:

#1 : Long Wearing Lips

#2 : The Perfect Brows

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Makeup Hack #2 : Long Wearing Lips

This is the second instalment of a brand new feature on my blog; a series of posts dedicated to sharing the makeup hacks that I have learnt along the way so that you can become your own expert. Todays insider secret is all about how to keep your lipstick lasting for as long as possible. There is nothing worse than wearing a bold lip and having to worry about the colour fading or smudging out of your natural lip line.

First and foremost, always start by using a lip liner. I used to cringe at the thought of lining my lips as my mind was instantly flooded with images of outlined 90’s pouts; not a look I wish to return to anytime soon. When applied the right way, lip liners are not even noticeable but will make a massive difference to the wear and colour of your lipstick. For this look I like to use the Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner in the shade 'Pleasure Me Red'.

I start by following my lip line and also carrying the colour into the centre of my lips. This means that as your lipstick wears away, you won’t be left with one lonely line of colour around the outside of your lips, but the colour will stay in place even as the lipstick on top fades.

My trick to keeping this in place is to now take a tissue and blot your lips. Press the tissue onto your lips so that you are taking off the excess product and staining your lips in the shade. When you are done, your lips should be the shade of the lip liner but if you rub your finger across them no colour will transfer off. For seriously long wearing lips, repeat this process another time!

I then use a matte lip crayon, like the Revlon Matte Balm in 'Standout', to further stain my lips. I swipe it on and then repeat the same process of blotting it off and pressing the colour into my lips with a tissue. Once this colour is permanently in place and my lips are stained, I then add a shine lipstick on top to prevent my lips from drying out. The Maybelline Color Sensational in 'Pleasure Me Red' adds the perfect layer of moisture to finish off this long-wearing crimson pout.

I hope you enjoyed this Makeup Hack instalment and that this helps you achieve the perfect bold, long-wearing pout. I would love to hear what you in the comments below, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Also be sure to check out the previous Makeup Hack #1 for how to achieve the perfect brows.

Devon

xoxo

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Makeup Hack #1 : The Perfect Brows

I am sure I'm not alone in my constant love-hate relationship with my brows. From first discovery and serious over plucking when I was 14, to heavily colouring them in with an obviously unnatural reddish-toned pencil. Neither were good looks or times that I wish to revisit as I finally have my brow situation under control. I am excited to share my basic tips to hopefully save anyone else from their own eyebrow nightmare.

1. Leave it to the Professionals

My first tip is to book an appointment at your nearest salon. My eyebrows have been drastically saved by having a professional handle the situation. I now have monthly HD Brow appointments; a half hour session that involves a mixture of tinting, waxing and threading.  

Although, at £25 a session, I understand that this may be a little too pricy for everyone to think a worthwhile investment. I would suggest at least getting it done once as you will have the basic shape that suits your face, which you can then maintain yourself.

If you do not want to commit to a full on HD Brows appointment then I would recommend regular threading sessions. This will keep your eyebrows neat and tidy and will create a situation that is ten times better than self-plucking. 

(Brows after HD session)

I have loved handing the responsibility over to a professional and out of my own hands. I look forward to my monthly sessions and, whichever option you choose, I promise that letting the professionals do what they do best will be the best brow decision you can make.

2. Filling ‘em In

When I first entered the baffling world of eyebrow makeup, I picked up the first pencil I spotted that claimed to be the fit for dark brows. I then scribbled over the top of my natural hairs and thought that the job was done. Wrong. 

For starters, like most ‘brown’ claiming pencils, this was an odd red shade that was an entirely unnatural fit for my hair colour. The pencil itself was too thick and meant that it was plainly obvious that my eyebrows had been coloured in. 

(Brows filled in with Anastasia Brow Wiz)

It’s important to find the right shade for you and to figure out whether you prefer a pencil, shadow or gel. I now use the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette; the perfect matte brown shade. The pencil is retractable and thin so that you can easily recreate the appearance of fine hairs. If I want a more dramatic finish then I also add the DipBrow Pomade in dark brown, a gel which creates natural finish and is entirely waterproof. With this duo, I can rely on my eyebrows to look flawless all day. 

I hope this handful of tips helps you in your quest for the perfect brows. I would love to hear all your thoughts in the comments below! 

Devon

xoxo

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