Nicky & Ricky For MAC VIVA-GLAM

Here is the long awaited outcome of MAC VIVA GLAM featuring Nicki Minaj & Ricky Martin. Frankly, I love the fun / carefree artistic aspect of it. BUT... I somewhat expected so much more, especially for Ricky Martin. However, that can be my own typical expectation of Gay men and Makeup. :-)

What do you guys think? A little too masculine?

Radcollins Summer Makeup Tips

 Hi y'all!

Since I live in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa, and finally SUMMER has decided to pay us a visit. I have noticed that people have done some serious wardrobe check for summer wears, bikini, and the boots are gradually changing into slippers and I thought, hey, why not offer tips on what I know best? MAKEUP! Yes, here are my Makeup Tips For Summer!!!!!!

Like Ryan Seacrest would say... Dim the lights, Here we GO!

Tip 1: PROTECTION!
Now is the time for some serious skin protection. Get yourself some skin moisturizers with Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Use this daily to fight spots and fine lines that can appear due to sun exposure, you know... the whole UVA and UVB rays even on less sunny days. Apply your SPF moisturizer to your already cleansed and toned skin and leave it for a couple of minutes to absorb properly before applying your foundation. NOTE: A Tinted Moisturizer is great for summer due to its consistency and if your skin is flawless.

TIP 2: Less is MORE. This is a season when you spend more on moisturizers than makeup (Well... LOL! Makeup TOO). Tinted moisturizer, concealer application just enough for a flawless face, and a good makeup spray mist to blend harsh lines on your face. NOTE: Carry with you a lightweight blot powder for touch ups or even a nice face tissue will be grand. :-)

TIP 3: EYE it! This part is very important. The wrong eyeshadow colour can be really freaky on a summer afternoon. So, we want to go as sultry as possible. Lighter, neutral tones are PERFECT for summer. Those 'lots of' Brow-bone shimmer eyeshadows will have to step back for a bit. Play your eyes more around the lids and shimmers on this area is perfect. Work that mascara, liner, and a neutral tone eyeliner for your water-line to help open up the eyes. Don't forget your eyebrows! Get them professionally groomed, a right shade of brow pencil / powder and always use light strokes to fill them in. NOTE: For the brows: You want to stay in-between. Not too drawn-on, and not too faint is where you want them to be. Nothing screams GORGEOUS that a nicely done eye brows. Always contour with matte shadows.

TIP 4: BRONZERS!!! Now, go EASY here. Remember the sun is doing some parts of the job and you don't want to go "Jersey shore" with your bronzers. All you want here is a nice glow; which isn't necessarily BRONZE in colour. Go to your nearest makeup counter and get a nice matte bronzer that is perfect for your skin tone and apply them on the NEEDED AREAS: Along the top of your Forehead, blending into hair-line, Highest point of cheek-bone, Bridge of your nose blending into forehead, Top Chin.

TIP 5: Seal Up The Look: Waterproofing. The only thing worse than a melting foundation, is a melting FACE. Eeekkk, that can REALLY scare a child. So here are tips for ensuring your makeup is in place. Waterproof mascara or getting your lashes professionally tinted (Why not?), Nice Loose Powder (Very important for when you're going for a wedding or events that keeps you in the Sun for too long.) and a nice face tissue is always good to have. NOTE: I LOVE a face with bronzer only for the beach and MASCARA. You glow without the fuss. :-) NOTE: At the end of the day, you simply want to "Glow" and not "Shine". Think "Healthy Look" when you apply your makeup this season and you'll be amazed at what your hands working together with your mind can achieve.

There you have it. Hope you enjoyed reading.
Please come back again...

Thank you,
Lots Of Love.
XOXO
RadcollinsMUA

PHOTO CREDIT: YSL.

Chapped Lips: When Lip Balm Isn't The Answer.

Today, I want to discuss the never ending issue of "Chapped Lips". We've all been there... It is Rough, "sometimes" painful, flaky, and damn right uncomfortable... Making you very self conscious. You go out on a date, or with your friends and instead of having a good time... you worry constantly what your lips look like and your psychological reaction of "Licking" on your chapped lips not only make the worse... but it also invites more attention and serves as a constant reminder of the condition of your lips. Yes, we've all been there and you are not alone this this situation.



Today, I am here to tell you from a makeup artist point of view about what REALLY works to eliminating this "Unsexiness" :-))

DON'T - Lick your chapped lips! Yes, I know this feels like the only thing that helps. But the truth is... "your saliva contains digestive enzymes that can break it down and dry your lips out." which is why licking your lips damages the protective layer of your lips.


DO - Mash a couple of thin slices of cucumbers in a tear drop size of Honey. Apply the paste on your lips and leave it there for a couple of minutes. Rinse with warm water. The water in Cucumber helps replenish the lips.


DON'T - Pick on the flaky skin on the lips. As we know... this can lead to bleeding which makes the lips even harder to heal.


DO - Exfoliate. Create a mixture of Sugar and water and rub it on to the lips until they begin to feel smooth and soft. You can also find some exfoliating lip scrubs that can be used to eliminate dead skin on the lips.


DON'T - drink anything that is high in acid which may irritate the lips.


DO - Drink a lot of water. It is important that your body is properly hydrated. Like they old say... "You are what you eat." in this case... Your lips are what you DRINK. Keep your body hydrated and your lips will thank you for it.


DON'T - be fooled by the endless options of lip balms on the market. Contrary to what some beauty companies make us to believe, some don't necessarily add moisture to the lips. Instead they seal moisture out, leaving only the layer of the lips to appear shiny while causing more harm than good.


DO - Moisturize your lips before going to bed. I can sing many praises about some lip moisturizers but only "One" has till now proven to really work and that is "Your Eye Cream". Yes... This works very well. Think about it... If it can work on areas as delicate as your eyes... you can be sure of a lot of moisture on the lips.


So, there are my tips for today. I have done many research and also tried these tips on myself for proof and I can tell you that they DO WORK. Give it a try and please feel free to let me know how it went.

Lots of love,
XOXO
RadcollinsMUA