The Beauty
The Beauty October 2012 Bible www.maccosmetics.co.uk
Contents
2 Editor’s letter 4 Look of the month k 6 The rulebook 8 Beauty myths 10 Dear past self… 12 What does your make-up style reveal about you? 14 From your kitchen cupboard to the dressing table 16 Are you afraid of the big bad wolf? 18 The influence of make-up 20 The modern day siren 22 What it’s really like to be a make-up artist… 24 The A – Z of MAC 26 This season beauty must haves 28 Steal her look! 30 Yummy mummy alert
Win
a MAC eye shadow palette!
The rulebook p.6
For your chance to win our limited edition bronze eye shadow palette, simply tell us what your favourite MAC collaboration has been and why. Whether it’s been the MAC Disney Villain’s or Barbie – we want to know what you think! Email macpalette@mac.co.uk, see our website for details. Terms and conditions apply. Competition ends 24/12/12. Length of answer must be 100 to 200 words and the winner will be selected by the MAC feature editors and contacted by email. Prize is non refundable and non exchangeable.
This is just a small reminder not to miss our Editor’s letter this month. I’ll be telling you all about MAC’s new collaboration that hasn’t even been released yet! Hope you like October’s issue! – Jade x
Look of the Month – Kim Kardashian
Now we know what you’re thinking – “How much does MAC love this woman?” but let us explain, Miss Kardashian may not be everyone’s favourite. Her infamous sex tape with R’n’B singer, Ray J and her 72 day marriage to basketball star Kris Humphries may have caused a stir, but Kim’s make-up look speaks for itself. We absolutely love her glossy red lips and smokey brown cat’s eyes, especially with the light brown eyeshadow smudged underneath the liquid liner. Adding a gloss over any matte red lipstick will create a pout like Kim’s, the trick is to make sure your lips are perfectly lined with lip liner then outlined again with a concealer. Using it around your cupids bow will create a highly defined lip shape and produce the Kim effect’. If you still aren’t convinced that Miss. K should be our beauty look of the month, then take another look at her eye shadow. Talk about sex appeal from a pot! Usually, it is risky business mixing a dark eyeshadow with a dark lipstick, but here at MAC we pride ourselves with mixing it up and we definitely think Kim’s risk paid off. Blending the shadow upwards softens the pigment and really compliments the tone of the lipstick – plus those fabulous lash extensions help add an extra oomph! To create the brown flick underneath the liquid liner, simply use an angled brush and
following the black line. Depending on what you prefer, you could have the brown eyeshadow right next to the cat eye liner or, like Kim, have it spaced slightly apart. This subtle choice in placing the shadow here creates more definition to the face and opens up the eyes slightly – it’s perfect if you have smaller shaped eyes but still love the smokey look! Finally for the foundation and blusher, Kim is known for having very matte coverage and this look is no exception. Matte coverage is usually more suitable for uneven skin tones or spots, but it can be used to create the perfect Barbie doll look too. Then for the blusher, use an angled brush to get into the hollow points of the cheek bones – this will create a more three dimensional look, compared to using circular movements with the brush. What we also love about this look is how Kim seals the deal with having a sleek pony tail. This adds instant sophistication and old school glamour by having the focus drawn to the make-up rather than her usual bouncy extensions. Next Month – There isn’t anything desperate about this housewife…can you guess who our next celebrity look of the month will be?
The Rulebook. 1. DO use cartoons as inspiration Who would have thought that we’d be taking our eyes away from Jessica Rabbit’s um…“assets” and wanting to know what’s in her makeup bag! Star Product: We can’t get enough of Jessica’s lavender coloured lids – using a primer before hand, carefully spread MAC’s pigment in Violent to achieve her fabulous eye make up. Now all we need is to fit in that dress…
2. DON’T forget to practice at contouring Whoever said that make-up can do wonders wasn’t lying. Contouring should be you’re best friend if you want to achieve a slimmer face, forehead or nose. Forget cosmetic sugery, gently shading a matte brown, that’s a shade darker than you’re natural skin tone, down the sides of your nose will make it appear slimmer. The subtler, the better, yes Nicki Minaj – this rule applies to you too.
3. DON’T use pandas as a muse There are many things that are good for getting inspiration, unfortunately for some, wildlife creatures aren’t one of them. Step away from the eyeshadow Gaga, far, far away. Make-up remover is perfect for avoiding a Lady Gaga moment. Star Product: Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover
4. DO sprinkle on some old Hollywood glamour Take a leaf from some of Hollywood’s finest and see how many Oscars you’ll be getting… No one had better brows that Miss. Elizabeth Taylor, not only did they frame her face perfectly, but they looked healthy and full. To achieve this look, simply use an eye brow brush to get the shape you want, remember that fuller brows create a more youthful appearance. This means don’t over tweeze!
5. DON’T be afraid to be bronzed We know it’s a frightful thought to look like an Oompa Loompa but by following these steps, you can avoid looking like a human sized orange and steer towards the bronzed goddess title. Using a large bristle brush, delicately apply bronzing powder to the side of the temple and towards the cheeks then down to the jaw line. This should be done in a circular motion, to create a subtle but even bronzed complexion. 6. DON’T fear your make-up ghosts Unlike our favourite Hollywood celebs, the majority of us can’t afford to hire a make-up artist to follow us around all day. But even then, stars still make the occasional bad make-up mistake. Whether they’re lipstick is too heavy or an eyelash falls off during a conversation, celebrities are proof that we too can proceed forward from our past make-up dilemmas and still look fabulous the next time around. At least we don’t have to share our little mishaps on a red carpet event…
7. DON’T forget the basics When creating a new and exciting look, don’t skip preparing your skin. Nothing can ruin a make-up look more than an un-prepped face that is coated with foundation. Exfoliating and moisturiser is essential for achieving smooth and healthy skin, a face primer can then be used to get really set your foundation and powder.
8. DO run to the kitchen It is unbelievable the amount of healthy ingredients that are lying in your fridge. If used correctly, they can be perfect tools for improving your skin and adding necessary vitamins and nutrients to it!
9. DON’T be afraid to ask
If you’re not sure if a particular shade would suit you or if you don’t know how to use a product, don’t be scared to ask someone at one of our make-up counters, they’re trained to show you all different types of magic tricks and if that’s not enough, our website allows you to directly chat to our online make-up artists.
10. Dying your eyebrows pastel shades…A DO or a DON’T? With hypercolour brows being the newest trend to hit the catwalk, its definitely inspiring us to get more creative. It’s not everyday you walk past someone with bright pink brows. If you’re feeling creative and daring, this new trend is definitely for you! In the meantime, using an eyebrow pencil a shade lighter than your hair colour is definitely still part of our routine, especially if you have a 9oclock meeting with your boss – somehow I don’t think they’ll be as open minded with talking to purple eyebrows…
B eauty Myths Q1. Help! Will curling my eyelashes make them fall out?
Although eyelash curlers can seem slightly like torture devices, they are certainly nothing to be afraid of. If they are used gently and carefully, they will give your lashes a little oomph and help with opening up your eyes. Think of eyelash curlers as a wonder bra – they’re perfect for extra support.
Q2.
I have brown hair and an olive complexion – would bronze tones be too
harsh on me? Absolutely not! Using gold and bronze products will help accentuate your naturally gorgeous olive skin, look at Jennifer Lopez or Eva Mendes for your beauty inspiration. These ladies are fabulous at flaunting their exotic roots!
Q3.
Come on, let’s be honest - does make-up really give you spots?
This myth has been around for decades and statistics show that cosmetics do not cause bad skin. If products are used and removed properly, there is no reason why your skin should have a bad reaction. Try using our mineral based products for a lighter result, this particular formula is less heavy on skin –it’s perfect for a quick application too!
Q4.
I’m really paranoid about using eye shadows, although I really want to
start using them – do they always crease your lids? It’s definitely time to get rid of that eyeshadow phobia! Not only are eye shadows perfect for experimenting with different looks, but they also add definition to your eyes. Using a primer on your lids before applying the shadow will help the eyeshadow stay on longer and prevent creasing. Another tip for crease free lids is to use a large blending brush to help spread the shadow more evenly.
Q5.
I always use sponges to apply my foundation, but my
friends say that they spread bacteria – is this just a myth? Actually, sponges do absorb bacteria from your face and when used, the sponge spreads the bacteria around. They are also really hard to clean compared to foundation brushes. Our brush ranges are perfect for upgrading to bacteria free skin!
Q6.
Do red lipsticks always make you look washed out?
It all depends on your skin tone and the type of lipstick shade you pick! Certain skin tones suit particular lip shades, for example – if you have a dark skin tone, try using lipsticks with an orange hue to it. Paler skin should look for shades that have a blue undertone to it.
Q7.
If you have an oily skin tone, can you wear cream
products? Generally no, because using cream products will create a larger amount of shine to the face and make pores appear larger. Using mousse style products are a great alternative to get a similar air brush effect though!
Q8.
Can you use kitchen items as beauty products?
100% yes! You will not believe the amount of product you’ll find hidden in your kitchen cupboards. If you have dry lips, simply mix sugar, honey and Vaseline in a small pot and you have your own lip scrub! The sugar will help exfoliate your lips, leaving the smooth and perfectly kissable. Another quick tip is using hot chocolate as bronzer! Simply using the hot chocolate powder with a large bronzing brush is a cheap and easy method if you run out of your own bronzer.
Q9.
Do lip gloss plumpers actually work?
Some lip gloss plumpers do work by making lips appear fuller - an ingredient in the lip gloss causes a slight irritation to skin, causing the blood to rush to this area. When this happens, it makes lips appear fuller. If you aren’t a fan of plumping lip gloss, drawing around your lips with a lip liner is another way of achieving a perfect pout.
Q10.
Eek! I’ve really over tweezed my eyebrows – will they ever grow
back?! I’m sure every woman has accidentally got a little bit tweeze happy at some point in their life, but it’s safe to say after a weeks, your eyebrow hair will grow back. But if you keep over tweezing, they might grow back thinner than before. In the meantime, use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any gaps and only use tweezers to get rid of any stray hairs. Big brows are so in this season!
Dear past self… We’ve all looked back at photos and thought ‘What the hell do I look like!’ So imagine if you had the chance to go back in time and warn yourself to step away from the beauty disaster that will haunt you forever. Well these five ladies have done just that, by writing their past self a letter and giving themselves some advice. Dear Lexy, At 18 you're already two years down that slippery slope of bleach blonde hair ambition that 20 years later will show no signs of waning. So deep rooted will it become that diversions via red, black and brown are unable to break the vicious cycle, leaving your identity in tatters and a potential small house deposit down the plug hole. If only you could see what a life-long commitment those highlights are, you might think twice about such a beautiful deception. Have the confidence to embrace your inner mouse and be content with a fleeting summer sun-enhanced mane that reflects the natural passing of the seasons and, more crucially, the real unedited you. Love Alex, aged 36 - Alex Shakespeare Web editor for Harpers Bazaar and Elle Dear Emma, Being 13 years old can feel slightly disorientating, especially when you have an older sister that is cool and grown up. You can experience frustration at an extremely high level while you watch her apply her angelic pink lipstick and shape her perfect eyebrows in the morning. This makes you want to hurry up and be a grown up even more. If you would have just been patient, your time would have come without the beauty disaster that you placed upon yourself. Why oh why did you reach for that razor and shave off your eyebrows? When did you ever see your sister use a razor when she plucked her eyebrows?! Because of your bizarre actions, our eyebrows never looked the same…My advice? Step away from the razor! Love from your future self, aged 21 - Emma Fanner To Jen, You are 18 years old and ready to party with the girls for your first night out. Please remember to apply fake tan in natural light because looking like an Oompa Loompa wasn’t in fashion then and it certainly isn’t in fashion now… If you listen to this advice, you might be able to look back at your 18 th birthday without playing ‘Where’s Wotsit’. Yes, that is how orange you became from not applying the fake tan properly - next time, turn on a few lights. Love Jenny x - Jennie Christensen, aged 22 Student
I’m going to be very outspoken here. Stay away from red lipstick. We are incapable of wearing it without it sticking to our teeth, no matter how hard we try. It manages to creep on there and magically makes the people surrounding us exchange pity glances towards us. Now I know this may not seem like such a disaster but when you wear this lipstick shade throughout your entire 20s, it is very likely that there will be photos to document this. Lipstick on teeth is not a boy catcher, as you will find out this the hard way. P.S This goes the same for bright pink lipstick too. Maybe stick to Vaseline? Love Susan, aged 45 So you’re 15 and well aware that you already dress like a wally and do your make-up like you ran away with the circus. Stay exactly as you are. I’m not going to lie - you made some mistakes, some true fashion disasters, but one day you’ll get some taste. Be bold, be daring and have fun! I don’t know where it came from (or maybe I’m just as delusional now as I was back then), but without looking like a total prat at that age, you wouldn’t have gotten it out your system, so clash away girl! Clementine, aged 27
What does your make up style reveal about you? 1. You’ve just woken up late for work and you only have 15 minutes to either eat breakfast or do your make up. What do you do? a. Pass on doing make-up today, I’d rather food! b. I don’t mind being an extra 20 minutes late for work - I’m sure I won’t get in too much trouble…Glitter mascara here we come! c. It’s fine, I’ve practically been living in my office lately so I have everything in my bag. I can do it on the go! 2. You’ve been asked to go on a date to the cinema – how do you do your make-up? a. Whatever I can quickly put on – it’s dark in the cinema anyway… b. I’ll start a few hours in advance, so I’m thinking a smokey eye with lashes and maybe a red lipstick. Oh and maybe some glitter! c. A date? I don’t have time but if I did, definitely concealer to hide my dark circles! 3. You and your friends are going to a beach party – what’s in your makeup bag? a. I’d be too busy in the water to worry about make up! b. I won’t be going in the water so the usual: eyelashes, glitter, lip-gloss… c. Um...make-up bag? I’d have to find time to buy one first 4. It’s your works Christmas party, what is your must have product? a. Whatever old lipstick is lying around b. Do I have to pick just one? c. My laptop… 5. What celebrity is your make-up icon? a. Definitely Adele b. Kim Kardashian of course c. Madonna – She’s such a great business woman!
If you scored mostly A’s you are: The Sporty Spice You are never afraid of taking risks and can tackle a problem head on. People often describe you as down to earth and playful. You’d rather spend all night at the gym rather than spend more than ten minutes in front of a mirror doing your hair. Even though you find the idea of beauty products slightly tedious, treat yourself to a little shopping spree and buy yourself some little treats. The VIVA Glam collection is perfect for spicing up your routine and the lipsticks will last longer for when you’re on the move. If you scored mostly B’s you are: The Glamour Puss If it were up to you, spending all day pampering yourself would be your only occupation. You love nothing more than being the centre of attention with all eyes on you. You are rarely seen without your make-up bag and magazine by your side. Although you enjoy experimenting with products and trying to copy the latest trends, it can be good to take a break from your glamorous routine. Give your skin a personal spa treatment with some MAC toner and cleanser. It will open your pores, leaving your skin to feel silky and smooth. If you scored mostly C’s you are: The Woman on a Mission Nothing is getting in your way from getting to top, you love being in control and are very determined and passionate about everything you do. You love being successful and pleasing people is important to you. You can put a lot of pressure on yourself when getting tasks complete but this means you are very independent. Being organised is an essential part to your personality, but it can be fun to let your hair down and let your wild side have a chance to take the drivers seat. Creating smokey eyes with our Carbon eyeshadow is perfect for making an entrance! Tip: Add some false lashes for extra sex appeal – Bridgette Bardot is a perfect example of how well smokey eyes can work.
From Your Kitchen Cupboard to Your Dressing Table We give you quick and easy tips on how you can use food from your kitchen as great self made beauty products! How to make your own re-hydrating eye pads: There’s nothing worse than looking drained and tired with black circles under your peepers, but with your own homemade eye pads, you can feel refreshed and bushy tailed in no time at all. By just using a cucumber and a blender from your kitchen, you won’t have to worry about looking tired for quite a while! You can make a large amount of cucumber eye pads, so depending on how much you want; you can store the mixture for a fairly long time. Simply blend a cucumber with water in a juice maker or blender, add the mixture to a large bowl, then stir. Cover a cotton pad in the mixture then place in the freezer, wait until the next morning and then take the pads out to slightly thaw before you use them. Before you add the cotton pad to the freezer, make sure you gently squeeze the pad to get any excess juice from it. Once it is frozen, place a cucumber pad on each eye and leave them on for ten minutes. You will instantly notice how cool and refreshing the pads feels, the cucumber mixture is full of vitamins A and C, that are perfect for preventing dark circles. Make your own make-up remover: This trick is incredibly easy and quick to do. All you need are cotton pads and olive oil from your cupboard. Use the oil, like any make-up remover, and tip it onto a pad and simply clean off your make-up. Olive oil is full of goodness and vitamins and will leave your skin feeling refreshed. It is the perfect formula for getting into pores and removing unwanted dirt and beauty products. It is a myth that olive oil is bad for your skin. Try it and see! How to use an egg as a homemade facemask: Eggs are perfect for controlling oily skin types and one organic egg is all you need for creating your own mini facial! It’s important to separate the yolk from the egg white, so place them in two separate bowls, once this is done, make sure you beat the egg
white so it because thicker. Before you use the mixture, make sure your face is makeup free and is squeaky clean! Then apply the egg whites to your skin using your finger tips, be careful not to apply the egg mask around the eye area. It’s exactly the same as a regular face mask, but minus the cost and with added benefits for your skin. This organic egg white mixture is perfect for controlling oily skin and when the liquid interacts with the air, it slightly hardens on the skin and this reduces the size of your pours. Once the egg whites have dried, you simply wash it off and voila! Your skin should feel clean and refreshed with the natural goodness of the organic egg.
Create your own tomato exfoliatator: This trick is incredibly easy to make, all you need in a large red tomato and granulated sugar. Simply cut the top off the tomato so you can still hold it by the green stem - this will be the base for the exfoliation technique. Tomatos are full of protein and very high in vitamin C, which is perfect for giving your skin a little pick me up. Lycopene is also a popular element in tomatoes and this nutrient is known for protecting skin cells against sun damage, which is why it makes tomatoes a perfect exfoliator for your face! Once you have cut the top off the tomato, simply dip it into the granulated sugar and in a circular motion spread it around evenly onto your skin. The juice from the tomato will seep into your pores and will spread the lycopene and vitamins around! After you have covered your face, leave the product on for five to ten minutes to let it sink into the skin and then simply wash it off. You will instantly notice how much smoother your skin feels and repeating this process every three to four weeks will help keep your skin in top condition!
Are you afraid of the big bad wolf? Being innocent has never looked this guilty. It’s time to come to the dark side of this classic fairy tale of Red Riding Hood and go through the deep, murky woods. So you
don’t want to be eaten by the big bad wolf, huh? Wearing this look, he’ll be hunting you down regardless and with those mystifying eyes and gothic red lips – who could blame him? As you all know, here at MAC, we tend to walk off the beaten path but this time, we hope you are going to walk with us. When it comes to this look, think fairytale princess meets Tim Burton, the ground rules for this look is to keep the skin flawless but slightly flustered on the cheeks. The key to perfecting this style is remembering to blend the dark pink shadow around the eyes, to help create a gothic effect. To achieve this haunting recreation of Red Riding Hood, you are going to need to first prime your face, this will allow the foundation to firmly set. Our Prep and Prime Skin Brightening Serum is essential for making sure your skin is in perfect conditioning. Before you begin, applying any make-up has to be done in natural daylight – sadly, the ‘coco the clown’ look isn’t in season. After you’ve applied your primer, it is now time for foundation. Grab your brush and evenly spread it over your face, down to your neck. To keep true to the gothic Red Riding Hood style, use a few shades lighter than your original skin tone. Being a bronzed beach babe is so last season… Wait a few minutes for the foundation to dry then make sure you skip concealer. For this particular look, having dark circles will actually work in your favour for once, it all adds to the dark fairytale effect. Focusing on the T-Zone area (forehead and nose), carefully sweep on pressed powder to make sure your skin stays flawless and shine free. Now this is where the black magic begins, take our Powder Blush in Well Dressed and lightly spread across your cheekbones. This shade is perfect because we want to create that ‘flustered’ effect, like you’ve been running for quite some time, from a big bad wolf perhaps? Once you’ve caught your breath, it’s time for the eyes. To channel the dark side of this classic fairytale, you first need to line your waterline and lash line with MAC’s Eye Kohl in Smoulder. It’s essential to use kohl when picking your eyeliner for this look because we want to be able to smudge it afterwards, for a dramatic effect. Moving onto the eye shadow, you want to use a strong gold shade to balance the harshness that this look creates. Using a pencil brush, slowly pat MAC’s Goldmine onto the lid, once the gold shadow is evenly spread across the lid, take a blending brush and find a muted pink shade. Da Bling Eye Shadow is a perfect match against the gold, because it can look too intense without it. Gently sweep a small amount of this shadow on the outer corner of the eye to create a more dimensional look. Remember, this is a gothic and dramatic look so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Using the pencil brush again, gently sweep the Da Bling shadow under your lash line because we want to create a slightly irritated eye effect, that’s why we also skipped concealer for this look. The next step is to line your eyes with liquid eyeliner. We want to draw a small ‘cat eye’ to really create focus on the eyes. Remember when we put the kohl pencil on our lash line? Well this serves as a smudged canvas for the liquid liner that you have just
put over it. The key to this look is creating shading and dimensions - we want a haunting effect that will make all eyes on you. The final step are the lashes, think Bambi meets The Corpse’s Bride, but with a dash of glamour. Using Opulash Optimum mascara, gently apply the mascara wand to the lashes using a zigzag motion – this allows you to cover root to tip. Now we don’t want a full effect when it comes to the false lashes because we want the focus to be on the eyeshadow. Demi style lashes are ideal because they are half the size of a full set of lashes but with a slightly longer end to it, this helps create a doe eyed effect. This will accentuates the eyes without drawing attention away from the gothic eyeshadow. Now, last but certainly not least, it’s time for the lips. A gothic red has the perfect attitude to complete this look, imagine how a vampire looks just after they’ve just eaten – pretty tasty right? Russian Red is our favourite for creating a devilish smile, but to keep this heart pumping shade from smearing, first line your lips with a lip pencil then blot with a tissue. And there you have it, gothic but still glam with a touch of fairytale magic – what are you waiting for? Try out this look and see if you release your inner big bad wolf…
The Influence of Cosmetics in the Media
Inspiration for this look
You will need: • Face primer: Prep and prime skin brightening serum £28.00 • Foundation: Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 £19.50 Powder: Studio Care Blend £17.50 • Blush: Powder blush – Well dressed £17.00 • Eye Liner: Eye Kohl – Smoulder £13.00 • Eye Shadow: Pro Palette Refill Pan £9.50 each - Goldmine Quarry Sushi Flower • Liquid Eye Liner - £14.00 • Mascara: Opulash Optimum Black £13.50 • False Lashes: 20 Lash £10.00 • Lip Pencil: Cherry £10.50 • Lipstick: Russian Red £13.50
Glam∙our also glam∙or – Noun. 1. An air of compelling charm, romance, and
excitement, especially when delusively alluring. 2. Archaic A magic spell; enchantment.
F
or as long as there has been Hollywood, there has been glamour. For decades we have been enchanted by movie stars who have set the standards on beauty and splendour. With flawless skin and captivating eyes, is it any wonder why we are fascinated by red carpet sirens? From Marilyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor, we have idolised these women for not only their contribution to Hollywood, but there iconic beauty. From posters to postcards, celebrities have been worshipped like gods for their sex appeal and on screen presence. Cosmetics have played a fundamental part in aiding movie stars on their path to glory and fame. The question is would Sandy from Grease still be able to find her inner bad girl without her red lipstick and leather jacket, would Bridgette Bardot still be a sex symbol without her smokey eyes and would Elizabeth Taylor still be Cleopatra without her liquid eyeliner? The stage presence of make-up is just as important for creating a character as the actress herself. Different looks reflect different personalities of an individual and when you mix this with films and TV, creative brilliance ensues. But how do cosmetics actually alter a viewer’s perception of a character? How do simple beauty products have such a huge impact with shaping an individual? It is a common fact that beauty is defined by other people’s judgement and it is our society that has set the rules of what is attractive and what isn’t. In a world that is obsessed with how we look, it is no wonder why beauty products are so essential and in high demand. If you take the elements of a woman who is seen as stereotypically beautiful, her features will usually posses large doe eyes, a small defined nose, deeply shaped cheekbones and full lips. The everyday woman is far from this ideal look, but cosmetics are the tools that are used to bring you closer to this ideal image. Although this may appear superficial and shallow, wanting to beautify your appearance does have psychological elements attached to it. A certain confidence and persona is created after a particular look is made, for example, the associations attached with red lipstick are glamour and the 60’s - now when applying this red lipstick to a woman, these associations are then transferred onto her. When a film or television character is changing physically or emotionally, cosmetics have always been there to elaborate what they are transforming into. Focusing on Sandy (Olivia Newton John), from the movie Grease, her character was first portrayed as the shy and innocent new girl who was having trouble getting together with Danny Zuko (John Travolta) because of their differences. But ultimately, at the end of the film, Sandy appears in front of Danny with a completely changed appearance, wearing a black skin tight outfit and a leather jacket. Her hair was now wild and curly and her make-up was heavier and bolder. Because of Sandy’s radical change in appearance that was more suited to Danny, they both rode off in the sunset. In an interview with Olivia Newton John, she stated that when she changed into ‘bad Sandy’ as she called it, the cast and crew found it hard to recognise her because of her rapid change from a shy, innocent school girl to a leather wearing, red lipstick wild child. The male attention that she received from simply changing her clothes and
make-up was astounding and this was all simply because the associations that came from red lipstick and black smokey eyes were combined and then placed upon Sandy’s innocent and natural looking character. After Grease was released in cinema’s, Sandy’s make-up was imitated by thousands of young girls all around the world and still to do this day, the combination of black smokey eyeshadow and dark red lipstick is essential when imitating Sandy’s final character transformation.
Not only has cosmetics been a large influence in the media, but it has also had a big impact on cultures. One of the most prominent cultures that are recognised for their take on cosmetics is Ancient Egypt. The thought that being beautiful was a gift given to you by the gods, changed the importance and the amount of power that a person had. Cleopatra is renowned for her use of cosmetics and specifically her kohl eyes, which was portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor in 1963. From their gold painted nipples to their rouged lips, Egyptians were one of the first cultures to experiment with make-up. Make-up was used to express wealth and splendour, but in some cases, it was worn because of Egypt’s beliefs. They believed that wearing eyeliner was a method of protecting themselves from bad spirits. In Japan, Geisha’s were known for their appearance, the specific look of white powdered skin, red lips and prominent eyebrows. Because all geisha’s are performers, they used make-up to enhance their routine and character. It was also vital to have pale skin, even if it meant using bird droppings on their faces – we personally would stick to our foundation range… At the start of the 20th century, using cosmetics became widely fashionable in America, particularly in the film industry. With cosmetic companies now being created, there was a growing range of products to choose from. Dancers and people who performed in the theatres originally used make-up, but as it made itself onto the silver screen, make-up found itself being inspiration for the world. Even in the 1920’s it was still fashionable to have pale skin because this represented wealth because it
meant you never had to work outside in the day.
With more choices and options than ever before, make-up is forever changing and expanding to portray new and exciting looks. Cosmetics are always pushing the boundaries so it is impossible to tell what the future holds, especially when make-up is constantly in demand. One thing is for sure, the limits of make-up have not yet been reached.
The A to Z of Beauty
A
Is for… A-List Brows
Nothing completes your look more than groomed brows, they are essential for Hollywood honeys and here at MAC, we are obsessed with them! Our favourite brow goddesses include Elizabeth Taylor, Natalie Portman and Kim Kardashian. Keep your brows in perfect shape with brow gel and remember to regularly tweeze stray hairs.
B
Is for…Bronzer
Not only does bronzer help create a healthy looking glow it also can be used for contouring. Bronzer is perfect for any areas that you want to appear smaller, whether it’s your nose, cheeks, jaw line or forehead. Using a larger bristle brush will help make your contouring appear more natural and more blended in to the rest of your skin.
C
Is for…Cheekbones
It’s time to feel flushed by our wide range of blushers, from Pink Swoon to Equilibrium, there is a shade to match your mood. Powder, cream or mineral blushers each create difference effects. Cream blushers are essential for creating a dewy look, it reflect shine and helps your cheeks stay moisturised. Mineral blushers are used for a very subtle colour - they are perfect for creating natural looking make up.
D
Is for…Dark Circles
Nothing ruins eye make up more, than having dark circles under the eyes, but looking tired is now a thing of the past with MAC concealer. With a smooth and creamy formula, our concealer is the perfect weapon against tired looking skin. Not only does it banish bags, it also hides unwanted blemishes such as spots and uneven complexions.
E F G
Is for…Eye Shadow
Versatility is at its best when it comes to MAC eye shadows, they should be in every make up bag ready for any occasion. Don’t feel intimated by using bright colours, the powder allows you to blend evenly without feeling like the eyeshadow is too heavy on your skin. If you are a beginner at using eye shadows, stick to neutral tones like Vanilla. Carbon is the perfect shade for you, if you are feeling slightly more daring because nothing screams glamour more than a black smokey eye.
Is for…Foundation
You can have flawless skin without any stress or trouble, because not only are there a variety of different foundations to cater to specific skin types, but each foundation provides an air brush after effect – minus the Photoshop. Face and Body Foundation is a perfect example of a foundation with multi purposes including SPF protection, full coverage and a lasting finish.
Is for…Glitter Add some glamour to your look with a sprinkle of our glitter products. Whether it’s your lips, nails or eyes, make sure to only pick one. Looking like a human sized disco ball is never a good look so using shimmer based products works best when used subtly. Tip: For applying glitter eyeshadow, hold a tissue under your eye to protect your skin for excess glitter falling onto it.
H
Is for…Highlighter
You don’t need to be born with the same genes as Angelina Jolie to have her cheek bones – you just need a good highlight powder! Lightly dusting a highlighter powder on the higher part of your cheeks will create the illusion that they are more defined. Another use for highlighters is applying the powder down the centre of your nose will make it appear slimmer.
I
Is for…Intense Eyes
Not only will you stop traffic, but you’ll be have every male in awe as you step out the house wearing smokey eyeshadows. Using lashes will also enhance this look, especially if you keep the focus just on your eye makeup. Don’t forget to shape your brows; they’re the key to perfecting your intense look.
J K L
Is for…Juicy Gloss
Not only do glossy lips look great, they are perfect if you’re on the go. Quick and simple is the perfect way to describe this look, the tubes are small enough to fit in your purse so you can do touch ups during the day. With a range of colours to suit your mood, they allow you to add a hint of glamour without having to know any complicated make-up skills.
Is for…Kissable Lips
Don’t leave the house without having smooth and glossy lips! If your lips feel far from kissable, simply use an old toothbrush and brush any dead skin from your lips. Then using one of glosses, cover your lips in a fresh and fruity shade to make your pout look just like Miss. Angelina Jolie’s – unfortunately Brad is not included.
Is for…Lashes
It’s time to get this party started with our range of lashes that are perfect for adding an extra dash of sex appeal to your make-up. We can’t all be blessed with long, fluttering eyelashes but we sure as hell can pretend we have! Not only can false lashes add length, but they can also create different looks depending on what type of lashes they are. Corner lashes are perfect for a subtle and doe eyed look, whereas full thick lashes are used for adding even more sex appeal if you have smokey eyes.
M
Is for…Mascara
Where do we begin? Mascara should definitely be in every girls make-up bag, it’s the key to brightening up your eyes and making them appear more awake. Although it can be quite amusing watching business women try to apply their mascara on a moving train, it still proves our point why every woman has to have mascara on!
N O
Is for…Neon
Neon shades can definitely add boldness to any type of look, whether it’s a bright coloured lipstick or nail polish, neon based products are definitely on our wish list! For using neon eyeliners or eye shadows, keep the rest of your make-up simple, too many neon colours can endanger you of looking like a traffic light…
Is for…Orange Lipstick Now, whether your orange lipstick is neon based or has peachy hues to it, this particular shade is perfect for complimenting your look. Not only does this shade look perfect on olive skin tones, but you’ll find that any type of orange will look great with brown eye shadows! Using a lip brush to apply the lipstick will allow precise application and will allow you to get the full affect of bold lips!
P Q
Is for…Primer
Before you even reach for the foundation bottle, you should be applying your primer. Step away from the foundation! Not only does primer help set your foundation, but the difference of how much smoother the foundation looks is undeniable. Primer is the starting point for every woman who wants longer lasting coverage and smoother results. The difference between a primer and typical moisturiser is that the formula allows the foundation to last longer without creating uneven marks and blemishes.
Is for…Quick Dry Nail Polish
We don’t know about you, but we find it a nightmare to sit still and wait for 20 to 30 minutes for our nails to dry. We’ve got too much stuff to do than to sit on a chair blowing our nails! But even when we try to continue doing our work, getting ready for a night out or even making dinner, we still manage to smudge our nail varnish. It’s doesn’t get more frustrating that… So, this is why God invent quick drying nail polish. It takes up to 2 minutes to completely dry and allows you to get back to your hectic schedule – who says glamour isn’t practical?
R
Is for…Red Lipstick
Whitney Houston loved it, Elizabeth Taylor loved it and so did Marilyn Monroe – these women oozed glamour and Hollywood whenever they stepped onto that red carpet. While the cameras flashed and paparazzi followed their every move, it’s without a doubt that throughout red carpet history, every woman’s secret weapon is her red lipstick. It adds glamour and sophistication effortlessly and is the only thing you need to get some added magic to your look.
S T
Is for…Shimmer You definitely can’t make the mistake of underestimating shimmer. It adds instant glam and definition to your look without having to spend thousands with a plastic surgeon. It highlights the most prominent areas of your cheeks bones or forehead while still keeping the focus on your eyes and lips. Plus – it’s so pretty! Yes, we are easily pleased but can you blame us?
Is for…Turquoise
When we think of turquoise, not only do we think of elegance (and mermaids for some reason), we think that this shade is perfect for adding an unusual twist to your look. Whether you are having an obsession with turquoise eye liners or eye shadows, make sure you apply the foundation afterwards in case of fall out. Nothing ruins a look more than eyeshadow that’s fallen under your eyes. Mix it up: Style your hair with a one sided fish plait to match with your turquoise theme!
U
Is for…Ultimate Volume When it comes to lashes and lips, the bigger the better. We know we can’t all be blessed with a large pout or fluttering eyelashes but we can all have a magic mascara wand and lip liner. These two babies will keep your lips and eyes ahead of the game and prove that big really is beautiful. To give your lashes their fullest potential, move the mascara wand in a zigzag motion to cover them from top to bottom.
V W X
Is for…Viva Glam
From Pamela Anderson to Lady Gaga, we’ve had countless famous faces create their own lip shade. The best part is, all the profits go towards the MAC AIDS fund, where we help people who suffer from AIDS/HIV. We have raised a massive $224 million dollars to help fight this disease and our latest faces for the Viva Glam campaign are Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin!
Is for…Wet Look
When we say ‘Wet Look’, we don’t mean cover yourself in baby oil… Slicking your hair back and then using a cream eye shadow on your lids instead of a powder one, will add sophistication and sleekness to any outfit. This extreme texture is perfect for shaking things up a bit and it’s great if you’re feeling experimental.
If for…Xtreme Cover
Don’t underestimate the importance of using concealer in your skin routine. Not only can you apply it to your dark circles, but you can use it around your nose and on any lines around your mouth. It is perfect for disguising any imperfections that you want to cover up, not only that, but it’s the ultimate tool for hiding any unwanted spots that slowly creep up on you. With 6 different concealers to choose from, you are sure to find the right one for you. Looking airbrushed has never been so easy!
Y
Is for…Yellow
Let the sunshine be your inspiration and choose from a variety of different yellow shades. Whether its nail polishes, eye shadows or even eye liners – this shade will definitely brighten up your day. We love Beyonce’s eye make-up in Lady Gaga’s Telephone music video – subtle but still funky. Is there nothing this woman can’t pull off? We also love her USA inspired nail art - Beyonce really is glamorous from head to toe!
Z
Is for…ZZZ ZZZ Sleep is one of the most underrated beauty secrets there is. It gives your body the rest and energy it needs to look fabulous. No wonder why they call it beauty sleep! Having eight hours sleep (at the least) is the required amount that every adult should have – nothing is more attractive than being well rested and ready for the day ahead! Use our cucumber pad tip if you have puffy eyes in the morning – quick and easy.
Steal her look Look no further if you want to borrow tips from Hollywood’s hottest stars! Case Study #1: Marilyn Monroe Help! I have small lips - but I want Marilyn’s infamous pout. You will need: • A red lipstick • Lip liner • Concealer and concealer brush • Clear gloss Whether you are blessed with voluptuous lips or not, anyone can achieve this style by following these simple steps… To get the Marilyn Monroe full lip effect, first drawn around your lips with a cherry red lip liner. Gradually shade in your lips with just the lip liner then slightly exaggerate your own lip shape. Taking a lip brush, carefully apply a matte red lipstick all over and focus on your cupids bow. Don’t worry if you didn’t apply the lipstick perfectly, our next step will neaten any flaws. Gently dab a concealer brush in a light coloured concealer and slowly outline your lips. This will create a more defined shape and highlight the size more. Finally, add a clear lip-gloss to the centre of your lips - the added shine will create a more three dimensional look, adding to the illusion of fuller lips. Case Study #2: Adriana Lima Help! I have unshaped eyebrows - but I want Adriana’s high arched brows. You will need: • A brow pencil • Tweezers • A brow brush • A matte brown eyeshadow • Concealer • Highlighter We can’t all have a team of make-up artists perfecting us for the runway, but to achieve this particular eyebrow shape, we first have to start with the basics. Using a brow brush, gently stroke across your eyebrows until they are neat, then carefully tweeze away any stray hairs. Remember, don’t focus too much on the eyebrow itself, we don’t want to over
tweeze. Next, take your brow brush and gently dab in a matte eyeshadow, lightly and quickly fill in your eyebrows but focus on the first half of your brows - the second half should be lighter. Once this is done, take a concealer brush and with concealer, go underneath your brows and blend. This should create a more sharp and defined shape. Finally, apply a highlighter all over your brow bone to create the illusion of wider and brighter eyes. Tip: To draw more attention to your newly shaped eyebrows, skip any eyeshadow on your lids. Case Study #3: Kim Kardashian Help! I have no cheekbones - but I want Kim’s bronzed cheeks. You will need: • Bronzing powder • Highlighter • Kabuki • Angled blending brush Not only does Miss. Kardashian have a body to die for, but she also has the best make-up artist in Hollywood. Stephen Moleski is responsible for a variety of Kim’s photo shoots and behind the scene footage from a previous shoot shows us his tips and tricks for applying blusher. Stephen’s advice for blusher, he says: “For Kim, I use a crème blush from MAC called Pink Vivid and I use a kabuki brush to apply it to her cheeks. Using a kabuki brush helps blend the product into her skin better. When you buff it in, you can see how much softer the colour tone is.”