Tag Archives: beautyblogger

Jun 25 2020

Ordering Internationally from Makeup Geek (Matrix Palettes)

 

Makeup Geek parcel with make-up goodies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The very first make-up tutorial I watched on YouTube was by Marlena Stell on her Makeup Geek site.  It was a white and green MAC eyeshadow look and I remember finding it so interesting as it was in the early days of make-up blogs and YouTube beauty videos.  Marlena started her own make-up brand (Makeup Geek) several years ago and the brand was recently re-branded and re-vamped earlier this year (2020).

One of the big releases as part of the Makeup Geek re-launch has been their Matrix system for eyeshadows (you can see Marlena’s videos on the Matrix system here and here).  I’ve seen several people on YouTube (and some blog posts) showcasing, swatching and reviewing the Makeup Geek Matrix Palettes.  They looked amazing and so I couldn’t resist ordering them to try myself, along with some other products from their range. 

Makeup Geek is based in the USA, so I had to place an international order to be shipped to Scotland, where I live.  I’ve only ever placed a small-ish order on the Tarte official site before, so this was my first experience of placing and receiving a large international order.

I thought it might be helpful to provide some information on my experience ordering from Makeup Geek, in case you are interested in what it’s like to place and receive an order if you live outside of the USA.   This post provides details on the following aspects: what I ordered; customs, duties, import and handling fees; delivery timescales; shipping options; parcel packaging; and customer service.  I’ve provided several photos as well so you can see how the parcel and all the contents were packaged.

I will try to get a post together on the Matrix Palettes, along with combination ideas for the eyeshadows, so stay tuned!

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May 6 2019

MAC Strobe Cream in Gold Lite

 

MAC Strobe Cream in Gold Lite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently purchased MAC Strobe Cream in Gold Lite after seeing the product used as part of a MAC Masterclass event (you can read more about the event here).  I thought it looked – and sounded like – an extremely versatile product when I saw it being showcased at the event.   I’ve read so much about this product being amazing in magazines and online, so I thought it would be fun to try it out myself.

I’m so pleased I decided to try it out as I have been enjoying using it so much! This product gives my face a subtle ‘lit from within’, glow, making it look incredibly healthy and naturally glowy.

The cream adds in a little extra moisture to my skin and absorbs quickly to leave a non-greasy, smooth, glowy finish. I think it is a great option for anyone who wants to add some extra radiance and moisture to their face without having any tackiness or too much dewiness.

There are five shades of Strobe Cream available, as well as a mini version of one shade (Pink Lite). The range of shades means you can choose whichever one you prefer or one which works well with your skin tone.

Interested in reading more about MAC products? You can find more articles on the site here and read my ‘Spotlight on MAC’ posts here.

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Apr 15 2019

MAC Masterclass Event: ‘Ageless Beauty’: Part One

 

MAC Masterclass Event: Some of the free goodies and purchases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I attended a MAC Masterclass event focusing on ‘Ageless Beauty’.  MAC often runs special Masterclass events where you can learn various tips and techniques surrounding make-up application.  I feel I am experienced in make-up application but I thought it would be interesting to see how a professional make-up artist applies make-up and pick up some tips along the way.

I thought it might be useful to write a series of posts about the MAC Masterclass, with each part focusing on a specific aspect.  I’ve split the post into three parts as I felt that there was so much information I wanted to include and I thought it might be easier for you to easily navigate the content.    Part One provides Background to the Masterclass (what is a Masterclass, cost and booking, structure, goodie bag, after the event), Part Two covers the Masterclass Content and Look Overview (skin care, day time look, evening look) and Part Three provides details on the Tips and Techniques I learned from attending the event.

This particular post – Part One – provides background on the Masterclass event, in terms of how it was structured, the goodies I received and some of the products I purchased.  These details may be helpful to you if you have considered attending one of these events but aren’t sure what to expect.

Interested in reading more about MAC? You can read more posts on products, looks and find inspiration under the ‘Spotlight on MAC’ series tab here.  You can also find the ‘Spotlight on MAC’ tab on the menu bar under ‘Favs, Hauls & Brands’.  Posts on MAC can also be found under the ‘MAC’ tab here, on the menu bar under Favs, Hauls and Brands/Brands/MAC or by searching for ‘MAC’ in the search box.

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Feb 7 2019

New Bird Looks Series!

 

Photo from Pexel (free photo site)

Photo from Pexel (free photo site)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was looking for some make-up look inspiration and thought it would be really fun to start a bird inspired series.  I have a real love for birds, as my family has kept different types of birds over the years.  Birds come in such a wide range of colours, sizes and shapes, so there will be lots to choose from for my looks.  I think the variety will make for some really interesting and fun make-up looks!

For each combination, I’ll be providing close-up photos of the eyes and full face shots so you can see how the look comes together.  The cheek and lip colours will be listed for each combination so you can get ideas for how to complement the looks.  I’ll also include a photo of the bird so you can see the inspiration behind each look.

I will be using a range of eyeshadow palettes and eyeshadow singles for this series.  I had originally planned to use the new NYX Swear By IT Eyeshadow Palette for the whole series, as it contains an incredible array of colours.  However, since starting the series, I’ve found that there are shades that I can’t find in the palette as the bird colour schemes have been so diverse.  It has been more effective using whichever palette or eyeshadow single(s) fit with a particular look.

Let me know if there are any particular birds you would love to see in a look! I am planning on creating a variety of different looks, so happy to hear any of your suggestions!

You can find all the posts in the series here or under Eyeshadow Combo Ideas/Bird Inspired Series on the menu bar.

Note: As referenced above, the photos used in this post were taken from Pexels (https://www.pexels.com/search/bird/).  Pexels provides free photos for commercial and non-commercial use.

I hope you enjoy the series!

Feb 4 2019

Reader Looks: Chocolate Series by @shinebridabeauty

 

Chocolate Series looks re-created by @shinebridabeauty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was recently tagged on Instagram by @shinebridabeauty to say she had come across the Chocolate Series on my site and was re-creating the looks for her page.  It is great to see that readers find inspiration from the looks on the site! It’s really interesting to see how the Chocolate Series combinations look on someone else.  I love how each of her combinations turned out!

Brida features all sorts of amazing make-up looks and eyeshadow combinations on her Instagram page.  Her Instagram page features a mix of ‘6 look 1 palette’ looks, themed looks and collaboration looks.  I’d highly recommend taking a look if you want some make-up inspiration and ideas for combinations!

@shinebridabeauty used different products to re-create each of the looks, which shows that you don’t need exactly the same products to try out the looks on the site.  She also came up with a sixth look, Coconut Chocolate, which I think looks super pretty!

Brida has very kindly shared the palettes and shades she used to re-create each of the Chocolate looks.  Click ‘Read More’ below to get the palette and shade breakdowns for each look.

Have you re-created or taken inspiration from any of the looks on the site? Or have you created a look which you would love to share with others? I’d love to see or hear about your looks! If you’d like your looks to be featured on the site, please get in touch! You can contact me via the contact form, at sairareidlee@gmail.com or on Instagram at @makeupbysairalee .  You can find reader looks here and also under the newly added ‘Reader Looks’ tab under ‘Eyeshadow Combo Ideas’ on the menu bar.

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Jan 24 2019

Sneak Peek: New NYX, Bare Minerals and Stila Make-up!

 

 

NYX Swear By It Eyeshadow Palette (top), Bare Minerals Gen Nude Blush Trio and Blush Palette (bottom left), Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow (bottom, second to left), Bare Minerals Bare Pro Long Wear Lipsticks (bottom, three to the right)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I purchased some new make-up goodies this week and am super excited to share them with you! I found some great deals online and couldn’t resist picking up these items.

I’m currently trying out the products and would love to hear if there are any you would like to hear about first! That will help me decide what order to work on and post the articles to the site.  I’ve summarised what I purchased below.

I’ve been seeing so many great reviews of the new NYX Swear By It Eyeshadow Palette and couldn’t wait to get it. The palette contains 40 eyeshadows in a variety of shades and finishes.  You can read my full post, view photos and see swatches of the palette here.

I’ve always wanted to try the Bare Minerals Gen Nude Blushers and came across this fantastic set on QVC.  There are three blushers and a brush included in the set, for £26 (plus £3.95 P&P).  I think that is a great price, considering the blushers cost £22 to purchase individually.

I’ve been wanting to try out the Stila Liquid Glitter and Glow Eyeshadows for so long and found a couple of reduced shades on Look Fantastic.  I ordered Sunset Cove to try and am looking forward to trying it out!

Bare Minerals just released their Bare Pro Long Wear Lipsticks and I have been curious to see what they are like.  There are so many beautiful shades that I found it hard to decide which ones to get.  I came across a set of three on QVC UK for £33 (plus £3.95 P&P), which is a great deal as the lipsticks cost £20 individually.

Have you tried any of these products? It would be great to read your thoughts on them.

Dec 6 2018

Lid Looks With MAC Shiny Pretty Things Eyeshadows

 

MAC Make A Wish Shiny Pretty Eyeshadow

MAC Major Win Shiny Pretty Eyeshadow

MAC Joy To Shiny Pretty Eyeshadow

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought it would be fun to post some simple looks showcasing the new MAC Shiny Pretty Eyeshadows I purchased recently (you can read my post on the MAC Shiny Pretty Eyeshadows with details, application tips, photos and swatches here).  Each of the three looks in this post showcases a different MAC Shiny Pretty Eyeshadow on the lid to illustrate the effect you can get with these products.

One thing worth mentioning is that the extreme sparkle, sheen and complexity in the shades shows up much more intensely in person than it does in the photos.  So you can expect much more sparkle and glitz with these products in person!

There are quite a few ways I can envisage using these products, whether you want a subtle pop of glitter or full on sparkle.  Let me know if you would like to see more look idea posts on how to use these eyeshadows! 

Interested in reading more about MAC products? You can find more articles on the site here and read my ‘Spotlight on MAC’ posts here.

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Nov 22 2018

Kiko Radiant Baked Blush in 02 About A Coral

Kiko Radiant Baked Blush in 02 About A Coral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently picked up Kiko Radiant Baked Blush in 02 About A Coral and have been enjoying wearing it so much.  This blusher gives such a radiant, natural flush to the cheeks and the lighter swirls add a subtle burst of luminosity. 

I think this blusher is so pretty for everyday and one that works well with a range of looks, from neutral, colourful and super smokey. 

I also think the Kiko Radiant Baked Blush is a great dupe for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushers, as there are some similarities in terms of finish, glow and the overall look both products give to the cheeks.

Interested in reading about other Kiko products? You can read my other articles, see photos and view swatches of Kiko products on the site here.

 

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Aug 13 2018

New Series: Timeless Favourites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I have been going back and trying out products I loved in the past but I haven’t used for a while.  Some of this was prompted by browsing in Boots and seeing products I used to buy all the time and wondering why I had stopped using them.  I’ve also being going through my older blog posts to see what I want to update or discard and I’ve seen posts on some real old favourites.   

I’ve found that even though time has passed, many of these products are still amazing and they have become favourites again! There are so many exciting new products being launched regularly that it can be easy sometimes to overlook or forget those gems in your make-up collection which you come back to time and time again. 

I thought it would be fun to start a new series called ‘Timeless Favourites’ featuring products which have really stood the test of time for me.   Look out for posts on my ‘Timeless Favourites’ over the coming months!

Are there any products which you find yourself going back to time and time again? I would love to know your ‘Timeless Favourites’ products too.  Let me know in the comments section!

Apr 15 2015

Cherry Chocolate (Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette)

 

Cherry Chocolate

Cherry Chocolate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For this look, I used a bright cherry-cranberry eyeshadow with medium and deep chocolate browns in the crease to create a warm cranberry effect on the eyes.  I used the Urban Decay Vice 3 palette to create this look but you can use any brand of eyeshadow you like which has similar shades.

This look is part of The Chocolate series, which shows how you can experiment with a different lid colour to change up an existing look.  You can find The Chocolate series here.

If you are interested in how these combinations look on other people, then I’d recommend taking a look at @shinebridabeauty on Instagram! @shinebridabeauty tagged me to show she was inspired by The Chocolate Series and re-created the looks on her Instagram page.  It’s so wonderful to see the combinations on someone else.  @shinebridabeauty also uses different products, which that you don’t need the same items to re-create a look.  She also came up with her own extra Chocolate look – Coconut Chocolate – so look out for that one on her Instagram page!

Here’s how to re-create this look:

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