Lip Art: Valentine's inspired, prep to finish.

Yay! Contests!
So it's almost Valentine's and there's quite a few contests going on, I chose to enter one for now and made a look for @ryankellymua who's hosting a Valentine's lip art contest. She does some gorgeous lip pieces herself! So if you're into that go give her a follow!

Today I decided to share what goes into my usual lip project, they take anywhere between 1 - 3 hours and lots of mind over body whispering to calm my forever shaking hands. I'm always so amazed with the results myself as I'm not only shaky but really clumsy!

So here's what I always prep my station with:
Three sheets of tissue: One for the brushes to rest on once I start using them, one to place the products I'll be using as I spill (a lot) and finally one to wipe/dab my brushes from excess or simply lightly swirl clean when I've used dried products.
Q-tips: For blending, cleaning and a small helping hand.
Make-up wipe: for cleaning my mixing palette (the back of my hand), wiping brushes when changing colours, cleaning up messes.

Notoriously Morbid Slumber salve and
CometComforts plumbing balm (LE).

Before starting to put any make-up on my face I always brush my teeth, floss, wash my face and moisturize!

Following that I exfoliate my lips, use a plumping balm and top with a moisturising balm.

Brushes used L to R: Some cheap narrow lip brush I bought way back when, Real Techniques (RT) Deluxe Crease Brush, RT Accent Brush, RT Fine Liner Brush, Cozzette D240 Fusion Brush and P375 Stylist Eyeliner Brush.

For my face base I used NYX cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk (Thank you @samshineart for this!), I lined around my mouth and drew some circular shapes outwards which I then blended into my skin with the RT Crease brush for an even colour. I did struggle blending a bit as I forgot to prime my skin... I would recommend doing that anytime you want to cover your face with anything cream based, eye liners. Once I was happy with the coverage I went in with Concrete Minerals loose shadow in Confession all over it to set and avoid shine.

My second step in this look was to do my faded, overdrawn lips.
For that I used the following colours, starting on the centre of the lips blending outwards using the fusion brush: Espionage Cosmetics Mrs.Reynolds, Tokyo Rose, Sakura, Athena and from F.A.I.R. Beauty Cosmetics Blazing Unicorn which was applied on the most elevated parts of my lips. I added the black last, not seen here, to balance the look rather then let it dictate how deep the rest of the look was going to be. (that's BS I didn't know I was doing it, winging it!)

With a white eyeliner pencil, here from Neve Cosmetics, I outline a base heart in the center of my lips. Using Espionage Cosmetics Kiss of Death Lip Serum in Fatality I make a thick mix of black gloss with F.A.I.R. Beauty Cosmetics limited edition matte black shadow The Ghoul. I use this mix with my slim lip brush to follow the heart outline. I mixed the silver (Kraken) with a bit of gloss as well for the following step.

Used a Q-tip to clean out a bit of the centre of the black heart and  makeup wipe to clean the brush. Mixing a tiny bit of the gloss and Sugarpill loose eyeshadow in Goldilux I slowly and very carefully filled the black heart with gold. I used the same mix with the narrow lip brush to make wings outside the heart. Once happy with the wings I went back to the Kraken mix to give a little dimension and help the "feathers" pop using the Stylist Eyeliner Brush.

Reds!
Starting again with a Q-tip, I cleaned the center of the heart and went in with the RT accent brush loaded with Concrete Minerals loose shadow Risqué to make a red base heart. Following that step with House of Beauty's lip hybrid in Siren, this product didn't need it for opacity, I just rather fail a dry product than a glossy one as it would have mixed itself with the other colours much easier if I would have done a mistake. Luckily, everything went well. I would however recommend leaving this step til last as glosses do like to mingle and once I was done with what was to follow I had lost the crisp heart lines.

With the product left on the brush I started making swirls as bases for my roses, which at this point I didn't even know I was doing. Using the RT liner brush I did a few more detailed petals, or rather dimensions using the shadows.

For the stalks of the roses (that's what they're called right?) I used Zodiac Killer Cosmetics liquid lipstick in Pluto. I let it dry a little on the back of my hand for a more opaque colour. I used the RT fine liner for this bit.

To finish the look and tie it all together I used the Cozzette eyeliner brush and the black gloss mix to do all the lines seen.
Once that was done I did the gamble of adding black shadow with the Fusion Brush along my lower lip line. Really stupid looking back at it as it could have ruined the complete look if I would have had fallout or even a random spazy hand.

More pictures can be seen on my Instagram @cynthiaiskillikill
All brands mentioned are tagged on the pictures there for easy shopping and also have a discount code for Espionage Cosmetics! (Not affiliate code, just saving you some pennies)

Lipstick play, mixing and amping.

I don't know what happened but sometime halfway through 2016 I developed a love for lipsticks. In my whole life up to that point I probably only owned a handful of lipsticks. I now have a decent sized collection and keep leaning towards lip safe shadows which gives me endless possibilities! So I thought I would share a few ways to spice up lipsticks which might be gathering dust, which happens as seasons pass and we get new ones... I love being comfortable, obviously, so I tend to use a hydrating lip product in the center of my lips and line the outer part with a matte lipstick or even a lip safe shadow. Some of my favorite combinations:

Nude Orange: For my face today I had to use a little foundation on the lower part of my face... I used Jordana Oil-free foundation in Natural and on the rest of my face Dirty Hippie Cosmetics Mineral powder in Sunkissed. NYX cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black bean as eyeliner topped with F.A.I.R. Beauty Cosmetics pressed shadow in The Ghoul (Matte Black) which I also used lightly over my brows, also used Halloween Delight as highlighter today, both unfortunately no longer available as they were Limited editions for Halloween.

Nude Orange: I painted my lips using my favorite lip brush, P370 from Cozzette, with IMAN Cosmetics lipstick in IMAN Nude as a base then I added Zodiac Killer Cosmetics matte lipstick in Mars along the edges and blended it inwards with the same brush. Super comfortable combined.

Green Wine.

Green Wine: Base colour is Terra Firma from Dirty Hippie Cosmetics topped with F.A.I.R. Beauty Cosmetics Hydra's Wrath along the edges which is a brown based green shifting duochrome. 

Cherry Coke.

Cherry Coke: Base lipstick is Hipster by IMAN Cosmetics topped with Fouke Monster from Notoriously Morbid.

Companies mentioned:
Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Jordana Cosmetics
NYX Cosmetics
Zodiac Killer Cosmetics
F.A.I.R. Beauty Cosmetics
Notoriously Morbid

(No affiliate links)

Haul: Moonbabyshop & AccioLove.

My first orders of the year arrived!

So here's what I got:

Moonbabyshop: This wrapping! I'm a savage and tore the paper as I was opening the box... But how cute is this?! There was even some cute stickers on, just look at that sneaky owl saying "Kiss"! Click picture to get to Moonbabyshop Etsy store!

Moonbabyshop: What I ordered.

 I really loved the Pumpkin mask so decided to order two other ones, this time I got The Pineapple Enzyme one and The Rose Bright Mask (these are huge!), got myself a Lavender Chamomile soap which smells amazing and also got some Bath Teas in Lavender & Chamomile. They used to only be Lavender but I welcome this change.
And finally I got two samples: I got a piece of the Absinthe soap, which is one of my all time favorites (together with the Green Tea and Tobacco) and something I'm really excited about! A bath truffle! Happiness all round.


I finally, FINALLY, got round to placing an order from the lovely Fay who runs a shop on Etsy called AccioLove. I've been putting all her decals in and out of my trolley for about a year and now I got them! (Some, will absolutely have to get a few others)

Here's what I got:

AccioLove: Everything came well wrapped and with a sweet note. Always makes me smile seeing handwritten notes.
Click picture to visit AccioLove on Etsy.

AccioLove: Harry Potter Quotes. 

AccioLove: Star Wars!!!

AccioLove: Alphabet.

AccioLove: Tiny Diamonds.

AccioLove: Butterflies! Which were an unexpected extra. That k you so very much Fay! Excited to use these!

And that concludes this haul, as usual I'll be posting randomly on my Instagram story about things I'm trying.
Don't forget to give these lovely companies a follow on social media and have a lurk around their shops!
Take care! I'm off to do my nails! Yay!

Look: Current everyday face, mini tutorial.

I have been meaning to write this post for a while but I get carried away doing my make-up and forget to take pictures of the changes... But today I remembered! Yay!
This is my 5 minute face and what I'll be seen wearing 90% of the time with some minor changes to my glow as I'm a highlighter junkie.

My current skincare routine can be found in the previous blog post.
Links to companies mentioned at the end.

The base:

Mugshot.

My base: I always prep my face with Dirty Hippie Cosmetics (DHC) Hemp Seed and Red Raspberry Primer and a lip balm of any sort which I wipe off just before applying any lipstick.

Glow: I don't like having a matte face... I start my make-up by using my fingers to dab on Kryolan highlighter in Cashmere all over my cheek bones, down the bridge of my nose, above my brows, brow bone and Cupid's bow.

Finishing the glow: After the base highlighter I mix equal parts of DHC mineral powder in Sunkissed with DHC Coconut Highlighter Powder. I apply it with a small powder brush and once that's done I go in with a little more of the Coconut Highlighter with a highlighter brush on my cheek bones and under my brows.

Eyes: I have oily lids so I have to use a primer. Once primed I go in with Riveting from Espionage Cosmetics on a small fluffy brush, mainly applying it to my lash line and blending it up towards the socket. I use a eyeliner brush with some black eyeshadow, DHC mineral shadow in Carbon today, starting from the outer corners for a nice fade inwards. Once done I use whatever is left under my eyes as close as possible to the lash line. I use the same shadow for my brows, I always wipe the brush off before going in though as I only want to create a shadow, not define.

Lashes and more glow: I curl my lashes and apply waterproof mascara. Then I go in with more glow... On my cheeks I use Amalgam Scent Company's limited edition highlighter in Muchness. And finally went in with F.A.I.R. Beauty Cosmetic's Limited edition highlighter in Halloween Delight on my high points and inner corners.

The end: Finishing my face by dabbing on DHC mineral lipstick in Terra Firma on my lips.

Featured companies:
Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Espionage Cosmetics
Amalgam Scent Company
Kryolan
F.A.I.R. Beauty Cosmetics


All products featured have been bought with my own money.

Skincare routine 2017.

I just finished my first week of a skincare routine I aim to keep running through the year with minor adjustments depending on the season. My skin isn't really problematic in my opinion, I usually get pimples or cystic acne for a day or two during my period.

My goal for this year is to stop using foundation and really commit to taking care of my skin.
I have quite dark circles under my eyes and want to learn to colour correct and only spot conceal when needed.


So here's what I'm currently using:
Links to all featured companies will be listed at the end and feel free to drop me any questions.

Morning:

Funky Soap
Liquorice Complexion Soap.
(UK based, worldwide shipping)

My start. I cleanse my skin twice with this moisturising solid soap using my hands.
One thing I do (but need to stop) is that I dry my face with one tissue sheet, I used to use a clean face cloth... Will buy new ones soon to stop this insane waste of paper... But what I'm getting at is that I keep evething clean. Anything my face gets in contact with has to be clean. I barely ever touch my face with my hands. If I do, they're clean.

Sukin
Antioxidant Eye Serum.
(Australian, widely available online)

This little cream is potent, you can definitely feel it doing something to your skin.
It can be painful if applied on sensitive peeled skin, which I've learned the hard way...

Mellor & Russell
Multi action Eye & Skin Serum.
(UK brand, widely available)

Nothing special, just a cream I use for additional moisture which doesn't irritate my skin.
I always wear a barrier between my skin and sunscreen/BB cream as I have dry skin but I also feel like it comes off easier. I've gone through countless tubes of this serum.

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Coconut Sunscreen.
(Australian, worldwide shipping)

A gem. Lasts forever.
It has however started to leave a white cast on my face now that it's close to being finished so I mix in a little mineral concealer as this will breakdown products which are water based. It's very shiny and needs to be set with a powder.

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Hemp Seed & Red Raspberry Primer.

I use this if I'm going to be using coverage. I don't use the Coconut Sunscreen if I'm going to put on make-up (BB cream, I always use some form of sunscreen during daytime).






Evening:

Organic, cold pressed coconut oil aka The MVP.

I began using oils for removing make-up a little over 5 years ago and I haven't looked back since. I tend to use about half a teaspoon, let it melt in my palms, massage it all over my face, let sit for a minute and massage again. I then remove it with a tissue and go in with a deep cleansing make-up removing wipe. Afterwards I use a gentle oil based face soap, I'm currently using the Avocado face bar from Dirty Hippie Cosmetics in my evening routine.

Moonbabyshop
Medieval Cleansing Grains.
(US, domestic shipping only)

I've been using these every couple of days, and a little goes a long way. I use approximately 1/3 of a teaspoon mixed with a bit of water and massage away gently, I remove it with a wet face cloth still massaging.
Skin feels great, I had a tiny bit of irritation during my period when my skin was very sensitive due to a bit more acne than usual so I wouldn't recommend using these when your skin is changing. But great otherwise! These sample bags last for a good while, I'm still trying to decide on which to buy in full size... Definitely worth trying.

Pixi Beauty
Glow Peel Pads
(UK/US, widely available)

Game changer.
I had been battling cystic acne during the middle of last year which had left my skin bumpy and damaged, loads of pigmentation scars and redness. These pads changed my skin so much in just one use. I now use them weekly or every other week, depends on if I have had irritating skin or not. An investment.

Moonbabyshop
Pumpkin Facial Mask.
(US, Domestic shipping only)

This is my go-to moisture boost.
I use this mask at least once a week and as with many indie products, a little goes a long way. It needs more liquid than traditional clay masks, took a couple of uses to figure out the perfect consistency but worth it. Smells great as well!

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Sweet Rose, Blueberry Bliss and Calming Chamomile Mask.
(Australian, worldwide shipping)

These are the masks I use for targeting special problems.
Sweet Rose for extra hydration, Blueberry for the days my skin is crazy red and Calming Chamomile for the days I've been a bit to stressed and my skin has been exposed to too much (smells wonderful).

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Tea Tree Blemish Balm
(Australian, worldwide shipping)

This little tin is a skin wizard!
About a week ago when I had a really bad acne breakout I would clean my face, apply this all over (avoiding eyes and mouth of course), leave on for two hours and then cleanse and repeat. The following day my acne was 70% gone. Completely crazy. I had only been able to do spot treatments before so it was nice to see how effective this was.

Sukin
Antioxidant Eye Serum
(Australian, widely available)

Again, a potent little cream which is surprisingly big. 30ml! Probably the first eye serum I feel does anything, which says a lot as I've been using eye care for the past 12 years... Feeling be good about this despite only being a week since I started using it.

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Age defying moisturizer.
(Australian, worldwide shipping)

As you might know by now, I try to only use natural skincare. This little pot is such a treat for the skin. A little goes a long way, I always take too much... But my hands are enjoying the excess. Smells very fresh and natural. I love everything Dani does, DHC is definitely my favorite skincare brand.

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Raw Face Feed
(Australian, worldwide shipping)

Another little treat.
This is a gorgeous oil. I mainly use this on my face during the dry season (winter) and on my neck and décolletage during the rest of the year. Absolutely love it.

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Hemp Lip Balm.

Funky Soap
Aloe Vera & Rosemary Lip Balm.

Notoriously Morbid
Slumber Salve in Chocolate Pudding.

These three are my current night time lip treats that I alternate between. I always have a balm within arms reach. The Hemp balm is a bit of an everything balm, I use it on my skin/hands when they feel dry. All wonderful. Have a bunch more but I'm trying to be good and finish one before I open a new one.


Links to shops:
Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Moonbabyshop
Funky Soap
Notoriously Morbid
Sukin
Mellor&Russell
Pixi Beauty

Haul: Last shopping of 2016.

My final orders for 2016 FINALLY arrived...
These were all supposed to have been here for Christmas but due to some shit storm at JFK in conjunction with the madness of USPS they arrived today... Nothing to do with the companies.

So here's what I got myself!

My late Christmas gifts to myself! 

Click picture to visit Espionage Cosmetics!

Ugh! My heart! Haha... Such a drama queen... But I have so much love for these shadows. If your didn't know, all the make-up is being retired to make way for the new pressed shadows. (Go grab a bargain!!! Shadows are currently $5 each!!!)

What I got this time:

Nail wraps, of course, just look at them! Unicorn Blood is glittery and Redrum, do we need to say more? (Yes we do, they glow in the dark!) Got my favorite daily Kiss of Death Lip Serum in Venom and two shadows: Oxidize (glitter) and Retrofit (grey with golden shimmer). The first thing I ever bought from EC was the Neo-Victorian Collection. Been hooked since and was so excited when I got the opportunity to become a Nerd Make-up Ambassador. 😊 All good memories. My most recent posts are looks using the remaining stock of shadows, have a look if you're considering placing an order but do it soon! Stock is going fast!

Click picture to visit Notoriously Morbid!

A couple of months back I got to try a shadow from Notoriously Morbid which was a Limited edition one for the CometComforts Rocky Horror Picture Show box. Another month later I won a gift card from a raffle hosted by @samshineart. And add one more month and we had Black Friday! Yay! I went a bit nuts. I ordered all the vegan lip safe shadows I was confident I was going to use.

I got: Miniwashitu, Bigfoot, Alkali Lake Monster, Skunk Ape, Beast of Busco, Lockridge Monster, Nearly Headless Nick, Sleepy Sands, Fouke, Beast of Bladenboro and 18th Century Dandy. I'll be doing a swatch post during the coming week. 

Also got the Shadow Bind, Glitter Adhesive as I'm on a mission to find THE duochrome primer this year. And I got a GWP, a slumber salve, no idea what it is but will share my thoughts on that as well with the swatch post of doom.

Click picture to visit The Quixotic Eye! (Currently closed but back this month)

They're here!!! 

These candles are the reason I still have my Christmas tree up

(Shh, don't be like that, I'm an adult and I do as I want!)

I ordered the Holiday Candle Trio, I've already sniffed them far too much... Can't wait to light them! And they're huge! Also got the charity candle "Cancer sucks" because it does... 

Soaps, of course, I'm addicted. I got soaps in the fragrances Alice in Wonderland and Burning Love. 

Then these mad ladies threw in a Lip Balm in Fruit Cake and two perfume samples: Queen Bee and Violets Like Blue. Finally, Blood Moon Bubbling Bath Elixir which I had been asking about as I saw a picture of it a while back and I always need everything bath related in my life. Ladies, thank you, you rock. 💖

So all my addictions got fed today, fragrances in multiple forms, lip care, make-up, nail stuff and a sneaky bath elixir.

I'll be testing and swatching and doing all the things. As per usual I'll be posting random tests and thoughts on my Instagram story @cynthiaiskillikill. Also make sure to follow all these companies on social media for the latest updates! 

I'm off to play with my new toys now! Yay! 🙌

Look: Pop of colour part 3 of 3.

Final wearable look featuring some of the remaining shadows available on Espionage Cosmetics online store before they're gone FOREVER! For those who don't know, Espionage Cosmetics is retiring (all makeup is on sale) the current format of loose shadows and will shortly introduce pressed shadows. For more info and sneak peeks make sure to follow Espionage Cosmetics on any social media platform!

And my skin is way better today!
Product details at the end.

Product details:
Face:
Dirty Hippie Cosmetics (DHC) Hemp Seed & Red Raspberry Primer. Jordana oil-free foundation in Natural. Kryolan cream highlighter in Cashmere over the foundation for a dewy glow. DHC Mineral Powder in Sunkissed. Espionage Cosmetics loose shadow in Mrs.Reynolds as blush and contour. Amalgam Cosmetics for CometComforts Limited Edition pressed highlighter in Muchness. Espionage Cosmetics loose shadow in Respawn on the highest points of the highlighter.

Lips: BloMeCosmetics lip lacquer in Starlet.

Eyes:
Eyes primed with Absolute New York eyeshadow primer.
1. Dirty Hippie Cosmetics (DHC) Mineral Powder in Sunkissed along the brow all the way to the inner corner.
2. DHC Bronzed Rose Powder under the eye, in the crease to the inner corner.
3. Espionage Cosmetics loose shadow in Tokyo Rose all over the lid.
4. Espionage Cosmetics loose shadow in Mrs.Reynolds on the inner corner.
5. Espionage Cosmetics loose shadow Karei (only available as a Deep in the D&D area of the online store) to deepen the crease and blend it all together.
6. Espionage Cosmetics loose shadow in Respawn in the inner corner and along the brow bone.

Eyes finished with NYX cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean for the liner topped with Carbon (matte black shadow) from DHC and Autograph for Mark's and Spencer Aqua Proof Mascara.

The looks I've done these three days are what I wear when I'm able to wear make-up... Unfortunately due to the tropical humidity where I live, it's far too seldom I get to play with makeup and leave the house with it. Hope you've enjoyed this short series!

Don't forget to have a look at the brands I've mentioned here.
I love all the products mentioned here and have used these long enough to know that they preform well.