Tag: Makeup

Light/ Medium Coverage Estée Lauder DOUBLEWEAR LIGHT Soft Matte Hydra Makeup

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I really wanted to do a review on Double-wear Light Soft Matte Hydra foundation from Estée Lauder, I actually wrote a review back in 2017 so that just goes to show how long I’ve loved this foundation & used it in my kit.

Also because I had a review of the other Doublewear foundation (linked here) I thought this might be useful to some of you as often when I recommend “Doublewear Light” to client’s they automatically think of the fuller coverage version “Doublewear Stay in Place”makeup.

So what this product claims to offer is a Soft Matte finish, that can last up to 24hrs, is oil free and transfer resistant. Sounds amazing right?!

Well as for a soft matte finish I totally agree, if you are looking for something that is super dewy than this isn’t really it. However if your someone who’s makeup rubs off easily and can’t get it to last than maybe this could work for you? Also I have had clients that have used Doublewear Stay in Place for year’s but as they get older they find it too heavy so I like to recommend the Doublewear light to them. I would recommend this to someone who is prone to shine and has uneven texture- basically me!

I like to apply a hydrating oil free primer first and squeeze out about a 20c sized amont out onto the back of my hand – I like to use a buffing style foundation brush as this foundation offers a light/ medium coverage I feel a beauty blender would absorb too much product!

Two gorgeous foundation brushes would be the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush & the Smashbox Blurring foundation Brush.

I like that it offers a soft matte finish because it helps blur my open pores I have along my cheeks and nose, I don’t think I have never worn a foundation for 24hours in my life but I can say it does last on my skin all day!

It’s lightweight & oil free and non- acnegenic so hopefully it won’t clog pores! ( I always recommend a double cleanse at night if your prone to congestion) Like it’s big sister Doublewear Stay In Place it comes in 3 undertones Cool , Neutral & Warm. If your struggling to find your foundation shade I always recommend using the www.findation.com website- by answering a couple of questions it will hopefully help you find your shade from numerous makeup brands.

Since I wrote my last review they actually changed the formula of the product and I was so disappointed when I had heard. I was nervous that the new formula wouldn’t live up to the old one. One thing I have found difficult is to colour match with the old shades as they changed the names/numbers. I used to love shade 2 in winter and shades 3 & 3.5 in the summer or when I was tanned but I haven’t found the best match to 3.5 yet! If anyone has any recommendations please leave them below in the comments. I’m wearing shade Tawny in the pictures!

If you have dry skin you might not have to apply any setting powder as it does dry down after application but for me (shiny face) I always have to powder my undereyes & t-zone a little, not too much but a little.

Has anyone tried the new formula, if so do you like it and what shades work for you? I love hearing other people’s experiences!

Until next time,

Much love,

Lisa x

( photo’s shot with Canon 750d in natural light )

itCosmetics CC Cream spf50

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Hi all,

Quick post today, ( I think we all enjoy a quickie) ?! I just wanted to share my experience of the itCosmetics CC Cream.

So firstly why I bought it? Well I was attracted to the fact that it was a CC cream (Colour Corrector Cream) that can replace your medium/ full coverage foundation. Also it’s seems to be on everyone’s wish list right now!

Not only does it contain hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants but it has a SPF of 50! Which is amazing!!! Did you know that the #1 thing that ages our skin is the UVA / UVB rays so you know – protect yo self!

So what’s it like on? As you can see by the pictures it has a beautiful luminous finish. However first time I used it I applied far too much! Honestly a little goes along way. The coverage is medium to full so it really does stretch. I’ve found if I use too much it get’s quite “shiny” and also it can transfer (rub off against clothing etc ). So less is definitely more!

itCosmetics CC Cream

Who would I recommend this for? Someone who is concerned about their skin health, and wants to cover redness or dark spots, again the coverage is great! This is a beautiful product, however this product is quite creamy and luminous so if your prone to shine you might not like it?

I would recommend this product for someone who has quite normal/ balanced skin. If your very oily I don’t think this would work for you? But this is just me making an educated guess so like everything “take it with a pinch of salt”.

Lastly I like to apply this over skin that has been cleansed and hydrated, I recommend using a moisturiser that is high in water and has no oil otherwise it’s going to be a greasy mess. Also make sure you let your moisturiser soak in a few minutes beforehand!

I personally have combination normal/ oily skin so the best way I find to use this is the apply a pea sized amount with my hands. I massage it well into the skin and even sometimes bounce a damp beauty sponge over it to pick up any excess product.

If I want a fuller coverage then I’ll use a brush and be careful to set my tzone with a translucent powder.

One last thing I wear the shade Medium Tan, so that’s it for now any questions or better still have you tried this product? I’d love to hear!

Until next time,

Much love,

Lisa x

Full Coverage Estée Lauder Doublewear Foundation

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Currently holding the title as the number one selling foundation in the Uk, Estée Lauder Doublewear has been a fail safe foundation for many people not only in Ireland, the Uk but all across the globe for year’s!

With over 60 shades to choose from there’s hopefully a shade in there for everyone?!The foundation itself also comes with 3 different undertones. Cool (rosy pale skin – easily burns in the sun). Neutral (not too pink not too yellow). Warm (olive or golden undertone, sun tan’s easily).

I myself am wearing DAWN 2W1 in the picture’s , but another shade I use a lot if I am more tanned is TAWNY 3W1. I personally like to use Doublewear on client’s with combination or oily skin. When you have oily skin you need something that can block excess oil from coming through and breaking down your base throughout the day.

My personal favourite way to use this foundation is with a damp (and I stress damp) beauty blender. It will help melt the foundation to the skin without it drying down to fast!

A hydrated skin is key to this foundation looking nice. Start be cleansing the skin well! Making sure the skin is clean and exfoliated will stop any unwanted patching or clinging . Also hydrate the skin with a moisturiser or serum. If you put Estée Lauder Doublewear directly onto to naked skin it’s not going to be a good time, so prep is key.

Another thing with this foundation, less is more! Often I hear from client’s that they use way too much product, because this is full coverage a little should go along way. So be mindful and blend blend blend!

Lastly, this foundation set’s to a matte finish so in some cases there is no need to go over it with powder. Apply your foundation then wait a couple of minutes and gently feel your cheek, you will notice that the base has now gone for “wet” to “matte” without the aid of powder. For me I will still add a little powder under my eyes where I have concealed & maybe a touch through the t-zone but that’s it.

So who would I recommend this for?! I would say if you have combination to oily skin this could definitely work for you, or if your just looking for something that will last all day without touch up’s.

Personally it’s not a foundation I would wear on a everyday basis as overtime it might begin to clog my pores but if I have a special occasion where I need my look to last all day or even more to hold up against hot weather than Estée Lauder is a good shout for me.

I’d love to hear your thoughts & experiences , good bad or indifferent so please comment below!

Until next time,

Much love,

Lisa x

    Some thing’s to consider when choosing your Wedding Day Lipstick ♡

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    For some Bride’s, choosing their Wedding Day Lipstick will be their most thought about element of their bridal makeup. 

    Often in bridal magazines and on  website’s it will list endless amount’s of lipstick and to be honest it can be extremely overwhelming!

    Nine time’s out of ten during a bridal trial, my “bride to be” will request a nude lip. 

    While I do love a nude lip, I also feel that sometimes on your wedding day it is nice to have a hint of colour!

    Take for example Mac Cosmetics Soar lipliner and Mac Cosmetics Modesty Lipstick as shown in the picture’s. As you can see by the picture’s it isn’t an intense colour but it does add balance and warmth to the overall makeup. Often your lipstick can make your eyes look brighter and teeth look whiter!

    Sometimes a nude lipstick won’t add enough contrast in a picture ,especially if the picture is taken from a distance. Of course in the brighter month’s of the year I may use a lighter tone than Modesty but I have found this shade to be a go to on duller day’s.

    Also by using Soar lipliner to line the lip it makes the finish of Modesty a touch pinker.

    Another thing to consider is the finish of your Lipstick. While a matte finish will always last longer it may not sit as nice on your lip’s as say a satin or creamsheen finish?!

     Sure if you live in a country where the climate is warmer (lucky you) I’d say go with a matte lipstick , you can always add a little gloss for extra shine or dimension.

    But if you suffer from dry or flaky lip’s, either spend time on the week’s prior getting your lip’s as smooth as possible. ( Tips – Stay hydrated, use a lip scrub, apply a lip conditioner ( not Vaseline) apply Vaseline as a barrier if outdoor’s in cold weather or in the pool to protect against chlorine) , or simply opt for a satin , creamy finish lipstick.

    Lastly don’t be afraid to ask the Makeup Artist’s working on counter, these girl’s know the popular bridal lipstick’s within their brand and will be happy to show you them. Play around, experiment and don’t be afraid of a little colour. You could surprise yourself!

    Thanks for reading!

    Much love, 

    Lisa

    Natural Bridal Inspired Makeup | Skin Focused

    lisaralphmua7 Comments

    Well firstly CONGRATULATIONS!! I take it if your reading this you may be engaged to be married, eekk!!

     If not no worries, as this look is perfect for any occasion!

    With Bridal Makeup two of the main things to think about is “Will it photograph well” and “Will it last all day”??  Pictured above are products that I have tried and tested many times before and can completely and honestly recommend!

    Okay, so even if you never used a primer in your life, your wedding day is not the day to forget it!! One of my favourites is MAC Natural Base Lumiere this product will brighten and illuminate the skin without adding to much glow, making it suitable for both oily/dry skin types.

    So call me extra but I use two primers (its your wedding day after all). The second one being BENEFIT The Professional, now if you follow me on Instagram  (username lisaralphmakeupartist ) you will know I am a massive fan of this product. A pea sized amount will smooth over any open pores/ fine lines leaving a flawless base to begin applying your foundation.

    Lots of people have their favourite foundation’s and I too chop and change between a couple of fave’s. However one that has never let me down, that lasts all day without developing shine is Estee Lauder Doublewear. Now I think this foundation has got a bad rap in the past, but if you moisturise and prime your skin properly and most of all don’t use too much product this foundation is beautiful, after all it is one of the world’s bestselling foundation’s!!

    Today I used my Inglot Undereye concealer which is lovely and lightweight and isn’t too drying. If however you have a darker undereye area Urban Decay Naked Skin concealer has a little more coverage.

    I don’t use powder to set the Estee Lauder foundation as it sets to a matte finish itself however I make sure to set my undereye concealer and my t-zone because I have combination skin. For this it has to be MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural my favourite powder ever! A beautiful lightweight powder with a natural matte finish that doesn’t leave the skin feeling cakey or heavy.

    So lets talk brows, as a makeup artist I do find its an area where people get a little nervous but trust me a well groomed brow can do wonders for the face especially in pictures!  For the last 3 weeks I have used the Bperfect Brow kit in Chocolate everyday and I am loving it, it adds colour and definition with being overly structured, and the fact that it is Irish is even better!

    Now to add some warmth and contour to the face BENEFIT Hoola Bronzer is a serious go-to for me. Great for most skin tones this bronzer isn’t too warm making it perfect for contouring those Victoria Beckham cheekbones.

    Blush is personal, some like a lot some like a little..some like pinks some like peaches..a great in between shade is Warm Soul from Mac Cosmetics this will add a just the right amount of colour with a little glow too.

    The next product is a new one for me, I was kindly gifted the Cailyn Ireland O! Highlight Palettes 2 weeks ago, and I have used it everyday since. This highlight is great for Bridal and photography as it isn’t too OTT. On your wedding day highlight is a beautiful way to accentuate high cheek bones, cupids bow etc. however because of flash photography refrain from going too mad with the highlight. Less is more on your wedding day!

    Lastly lips! Again VERY personal. I recommend trying out different lipsticks & shades up until your wedding day to see what suits you?! A classic combo that I use would be Mac Soar lipliner paired with Mac Brave Lipstick. This combo is a soft pink that provides just the right amount of colour without being too strong. I could spend a lot of time on lip choice and will hopefully blog about this again soon.

    Lastly you want to set it all in place for this one of my faves is Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray. Spritz over the entire face to seal the deal.

    I quickly want to mention the embellished top that I am wearing as I think it is perfect for a pre-wedding dinner, hen night or day after party! The detail is beautiful and I will add a link here if your interested x

    Thanks for reading, and I hope this has given you some help as I know wedding planning is pretty hard core.

    Until next time,

    Much Love

    Lisa x

    MAKEUP FAVOURITE ♡ ESTEE LAUDER LIGHT FOUNDATION 

    lisaralphmua2 Comments

    Hi ladies, so today I am sharing my thought’s on one of my favourite foundation’s which is Estee Lauder’s Doublewear LIGHT. It’s one that I find isn’t talked about a lot but I really do like it, I will pop a link HERE

    The key word here being “light”. Unlike its fuller coverage sister product “Doublewear” this one has a more light to medium coverage. Which I like, ALOT!

    I found this foundation perfect for daytime as it’s not too heavy on the skin but still adds nice coverage to even out the skin tone and lasts all day too!! 

    I usually only need just over a pea sized amount, maybe two depending on my skin condition. (If it’s that time of the month ladies, you know?!)

     

    My personal favourite brush to apply it is the @blankcanvascosmetics F20 which you can find HERE. It’s kabuki style bristles make it perfect for a seemless blend.

    The foundation itself has a lovely matte finish so it doesn’t require a lot of powder especially if you have dry skin, however if your a combination queen like me go ahead and set that t-zone! 
    My personal favourite powder to set the foundation has to be @maccosmetics Mineralize Skin Finish. A fab powder that sets the skin to a beautiful semi matte finish. Definitely one of my all time favourite’s again! I usually  get my MAC products instore from Brown Thomas, or online HERE.

    Well that’s just about it for this one ladies, I hope some of you find this helpful!! I also would love to hear if anyone else has tried it so please comment below..
    Much love,

    Lisa x