Makeup – Gracie Talks Beauty

The secret to using pigments..

When I first started using makeup I was told to use pressed eye-shadows, with pigments seen as a mythical product used only by professionals. It was only when I started training as a make-up artist that I was introduced to pigments, and since then I have become addicted.

What are pigments

Pigments are the main ingredients in eye-shadow. Usually with pressed eye-shadows a binder is added which dulls the pigment’s color. Without binder, the intensely coloured loose powder is known as pigment—they can be matte, shimmery or glittery. Pigments give you the ability to control the coverage, opacity and intensity of the finish.

Loose Pigments

Loose pigments are a fine, loose powder which are very multipurpose. These can be used wet or dry to create a vast range of looks. Loose pigments can unfortunately have a lot of fall out (falling onto other areas), so I find applying the pigment to my eyes first, gives me the chance to wipe my skin free of the fall out, before applying my base.

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Pressed Pigments

Pressed pigments are made with over 80% pure pigment which offer intense colour, shimmer and multiple dimensions. Pressed pigments are ideal when looking to create a range of looks. Developed to deliver the coverage, rich colour payoff and finish of a loose powder without the inconvenience or mess.

Face

Pigments can be used as blushers, highlighters and to contour your face. To use, tap the pigment onto a flat surface and use either a fan or angled brush to pick up the pigment (don’t forget to tap off the excess) and sweep along the desired area of your face. Be sure to choose colored pigment that complements your skin tone.

Body

Perfect for a night out, festivals or holidays, loose pigments can be mixed into your body lotion or simply dusted onto your skin to create a body shimmer and give you a great all over glow.

Eyes

Loose pigments can be used as dry or wet eye-shadows, or as eyeliners. To reduce fallout I would always recommend using an eye-shadow primer to create a base for the powder to adhere to. The application is also made easier when using a brush with dense bristles to pat the colour on and use a fluffier brush to blend. Pressed pigments can be used in the more traditional sense alongside pressed eye-shadows. Again use a fluffier brush to blend.

Lips

Loose pigments can be mixed with a gloss or balm and applied to the lips – this is sometimes a little trickier than it sounds, so practice the look first. I have used pressed pigments over the top of matte lipsticks to create an ombre effect – and I love it. This is definitely a great look for an evening out.

Nails

I know your thinking, how am I going to use pigment on my nails. Well its all too simple really. You can add your favorite loose pigments to a clear nail varnish, add into a small pot, stir well and paint away.

Budget Beauty – Give yourself the chance to sparkle

I am a huge fan of all things glitter, especially for a girls night out or on holiday. I love looking at new ways to incorporate a little shimmer into my life be that through my highlighter, eyes or skin . I need to make sure I get the balance right though as there is nothing worse than looking like a disco ball. I always found this rather challenging, that was until I tried GlitterEyes.

What is GlitterEyes?

GlitterEyes is a relatively new brand with a fast growing social media following, and for very good reason. The products are developed in the UK and are 100% vegan, non toxic and cruelty-free. (They test all their products on themselves!) All of this is great but are the products any good?

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The Collections

GlitterEyes are continuing to innovate their products, bringing new colors, pigments and glitters to their collection. They have multiple different types of products but I will be talking through the ones I use most.

GlitterEyes Pressed Pigment

GlitterEyes have a large range of pressed pigments all of which can be used anywhere on the skin. Pigments are now my go-to eye-shadows but I also use them as highlighter and on my lips.

The application is easy and can be done with either a makeup brush or finger. The pressed pigments glide on the skin without much fall off and can be built up gradually to create a natural or dramatic look without looking cakey or thick. The GlitterEye pressed pigments are also easily blended to create a smokey eye or ombre lip. The colour layoff is brilliant especially considering these are only £6.99 and you also have the option to create your own palette of colours on the GlitterEyes website. So no need to have that one shadow you never use and feel guilty throwing it away.

GlitterEyes Pressed Glitter

GlitterEyes hand make all their pressed glitters in house within the GlitterEyes lab and the best thing about their pressed glitter is that no adhesive is needed. These can be applied with a brush (more intense) or finger (less intense) straight onto the skin.

I love using the pressed glitter over the top of the pigments to add a little more drama to a look. These can also be applied round the eyes which looks great at festivals. The pressed glitters are easily removed with water and a microfibre cloth without going everywhere in the process.

GlitterEyes Loose Glitter

Loose Glitter can be dusted onto the skin to create an all over sparkle or if you are looking for something more concentrated onto a particular area you can use an adhesive which GlitterEyes has available. Loose Glitter is great for festivals, parties and being a little bit over the top – because why not.

The loose glitter stays in place all day – I wore this for a 100km bike ride (long story) and it did not budge at all but was easy to remove when I eventually wanted to do so.

The Verdict

The GlitterEyes products are fun to use, they make me want to do something a bit different and they also work really well.

You can purchase GlitterEyes on their website and through a whole host of online boutiques. Be sure to check out their Instagram page for some amazing looks and sneak peaks at brand new products.

Click here to see the range GlitterEyes

Budget Beauty – The balm that does it all

I have tried so many multi-use miracle balms that claim they can do everything, after trying them I am bitterly disappointed to find out they are only good for dry lips. Most balms are to thick to put on my hands and stay greasy for a really long time. With the UK currently so cold outside and warm inside, my skin has been crying for some TLC.

Dr Lipp’s – Original Nipple Balm for Dry Skin, Luscious Lips & Glossy Bits – £12 per 15ml

This award-winning balm is made from only one natural ingredient, medical-grade lanolin from free-roaming sheep down under, with no additives and definitely no animal testing.

Dr Lipp’s Nipple balm is great for all skin types, it is not addictive, allows the skin to breathe and also helps your skin to regulate its own moisture balance. So basically Dr Lipp’s Nipple balm helps fix the problem instead of trying to cover it up.

I personally use Dr Lipp’s Nipple balm for the following and had amazing results;

Chapped lips
Dry cuticles
Dry nose
To tame my often flying frizzy ends
Keeping my eyebrows in place
Dry patches on my hands
Anywhere my skin feels sore or overly sensitive

But there are so many more uses that I haven’t had the opportunity to try yet..

Treat chapped lips, Long lasting lip gloss, Lipstick primer, Softens dry cuticle & skin, Eyelash conditioning, Breast feeding, Eyebrow shaping, Glitter glue, Shine up scuffed heels, Touching up a moustache, After-sun, Babies bottoms, Sore spots on the skin, Cheek shine, Under foundation for a flawless finish, Sore noses, Pigment mixing and the list goes on…..

So for that go to beauty product that does even more than it says on the tin, I would highly recommend Dr Lipps Nipple Balm. I will definitely keep this handy 3ml squeezy tube in my bag at all times!