Makeup Tutorial: Sea Blue

Grab 30% off Makeup with code MAKEUP30 until Friday 14th Aug.

At Playful Promises we are well-known for our colourful prints, and a new set has just arrived which is a perfect reminder of the rich tones of a warm sea.

I wanted to put together a makeup tutorial inspired by the Flores set, with deep blues and hints of turquoise.

I used all Sugarpill Cosmetics for this look - if you aren't already familiar with Sugarpill, they are an independent brand based in the US. All of the products are cruelty-free and the vast majority are also vegan! Shop for Sugarpill here.

Step 1: Using a brush designed for the crease (normally quite flat to create the more defined crease you are looking for) apply Sugarpill Afterparty Pressed Eyeshadow  along your natural eye crease and flick out at the outer corner. This will be the basic shape of your eye makeup, and as the finish will be cat-eye liner, the bottom of the blue flick will need to be roughly the same curve as your lower lash line.

I've also lined by bottom lid with a blue liner.

Step 2: Use a blending brush in a sweeping motion to gradually drag and blend the colour upwards. To make this blending process a little easier you can use a lighter colour like a white or very light blue to give the ombre effect.

Step 3: Use your crease brush again to add some darker colour into the very base of the crease. I used the Magpie Loose Pigment, which has a slight metallic blue sheen. Use your blending brush again to blend in between Magpie and Afterparty, always blending upwards rather than down.

Step 4: Use a clean brush and add Mochi Pressed Eyeshadow across the lid. Apply and blend into the inner corner and a smaller flick on the outer corner just underneath the blue.

Step 5: Using Hi-Viz Neon Pigment apply just a touch to the inner corner of the eye, which will make the makeup pop. Apply a little to the centre of the lid, blending out into the turquoise.

Step 6: Finally line with black liquid liner into a cat-eye flick - you should be able to follow the basic shape of the blue flick you created earlier, and slant the liner down towards the inner eye. Add mascara or maybe some eyelashes and you're ready to party!

If you use any of the products from our makeup section, make sure you tag #playfulpromises and/or #playfulpromisesmakeup on instagram or twitter so we can take a look!

Grab 30% off all makeup from now until the 14th August with code MAKEUP30

Makeup Tips and Trends: Michelle Court

Following on from my previous makeup post, meet bubbly Essex lass Michelle Court who, similar to Katie, decided she wanted to be a makeup artist as a teen when she discovered the transformation mascara made to her eyes. She began experimenting with electric blue mascara (memories for all those 90s kids!).

Multi-talented, trained in airbrushing, special effects and hairdressing, Michelle has been using her creativity in the industry for over a decade and with her incredible experiences any makeup artist aspires to have her success. 

We asked Michelle a few questions about her career, for all those daunted by their future in the industry as a makeup artist. 

What was it like after years of studying to become a professional makeup artist and then be out inthe big wide word on your first paid job?

I remember I felt very nervous on set with my hands shaking, worrying that your work isn’t going to be liked. After I’d finished the makeup and shown the model in the mirror I was still worrying but once the photographer commented ‘the makeup looks great on camera’ there was a sigh of relief, which helped build my confidence. Each shoot from there onwards my confidence has grown.

What has been your favourite job so far and why?

I like the fast pace of a fashion show, but editorial shoots allow me to be more creative and bold. Each shoot is different and I enjoy them all, but the most memorable one I will never forget is Ibiza. I get to travel with work but on this particular occasion I got to stay on an elite 5* yacht, shoot in beautiful million pound villas and magical secluded beaches.

Have you ever been on a shoot and it was an absolute nightmare?

The most awkward moment in my entire career was working on celebrity model Janice Dickinson; she was rude and erratic, bad mouthing all the beautiful models and to top it off said ‘don’t you know who I am?’! I smiled and nodded politely. Once I’d finished working on her face I said ‘ok, you can look in the mirror’ and as she turned to look; our heads collided and I ended up head-butting her!

Finally, for this season will the electric blue mascara be making a reappearance in your makeup bag?

I love experimenting; especially using bold and exciting colours which work well on camera for high fashion shots; but I also like neutral shades. Bright Sugarpill loose powders can create a great look with a subtle lip from Shien cosmetics. My motto is: you’re only as good as your last work, so experiment and enjoy!

Check out Michelle's work for inspiration at www.court-on-camera.com

And don't forget that you can shop for Sugarpill, Shien Cosmetics and Cirque Colors on our website!

Grab 30% off all makeup from now until the 14th August with code MAKEUP30

Madonnelle of Rome

Rain, rain, go away.

Factor 50 for porcelain skin, squeaky flip flops and sunglasses that make you look important (nobody knows who you are, you could be famous for all they know). Yes it may seem a comical combination but when on holiday nothing seems as wonderful as having the weather to wear your diva shades without judgement and getting out those painted toenails after lathering your body with sun cream. Now back in the UK with drizzly rain and downpours, nobody will get to see that vintage lazy summer floral bikini… unless we’re given another heat wave that is, OR you just feel that anyone and everyone must see it despite the rain!

Suffering from the holiday blues, reminiscing of that city break to Rome which is long gone, why not look back even further. Historians, cut me some slack on my brief upcoming facts!

Known as a holy city, when waltzing through the streets of Rome, those who have been may notice Madonnelle (little Madonna) is framed on street corners, made from mosaic, marble and even wood for the purpose of spirit protection.

Positioned in-between two windows, these sacred images combined with angels were very popular with the lower classes, currently you can count over 500 in the streets of Rome! But don’t try to find them all at once, it would only lead to you stopping at every water tap in sight and there’s probably nearly the same amount as there are Madonelle’s!

Every year a procession takes place of a statue of Madonna Fiumarola being carried across the river Tiber, through the streets and neighbourhoods of Trastevere. This continues the Italian tradition from the early 1500s, when the statue was donated to the Basilica of San Crisogono after found by fisherman in Corsica. Trastevere is filled with events of theatre, music and food festivals to lure in tourists during this time, which slightly loses the popularity of the event with the Italian people. However, this event still remains its strong religious elements.

You may not find yourself a religious believer, but it's impossible to not be drawn to the architecture the city has to offer, all with pious elements attached. So instead of waiting to visit Rome, be a saintly figure wherever you go in our Magdalene set. The central colourfully kitsch print combined with black chunky fishnet side panels on the bra and briefs shows a good girl going bad.

Makeup Tips and Trends: Katie Mannix

Makeup, like anything, evolves over time; over thousands of years. From lipstick created from red pigmented minerals, lashes blackened with soot to chalk used to whiten complexion.

Throughout time there has always been a slight adaption to create different looks; however during the Victorian era, makeup was associated mostly with prostitutes and actresses. From the 1920s statement red lip, to the iconic 50s look; wacky bright 80s, 90s grunge and now in the 21st Century we contour like Kimmy K; 3D eyebrows and lips becoming more popular with makeup evolving every year!

New and fresh faced to the industry; Katie Mannix from Liverpool specializes in fashion forward, photographic and bespoke looks enhancing both client face shape and eye colour. Her interest in makeup derived from watching countless tutorials as a teen and mastering the basic techniques to cover her acne prone skin - I’m sure some of us can relate!

After studying fashion for a number of years, beauty has always been that much closer to her heart; after falling pregnant she decided to push herself and enrolled in The Makeup Artist course.

We asked Katie a few questions for makeup tips and tricks and how to create an on trend summer look.

Never ask a girl with winged eyeliner why she’s late! What is your life-changing trick to ensuring a natural winged eyeliner look without it escalating the dreaded Panda look?

Katie: Have confidence! I'm constantly doing flicks on myself to master a smoother finish. For a classic and timeless 1920sday or night feline flick that suits absolutely everyone, first of all apply a thin layer of concealer to the lid. Using a shadow brush and pigment that’s a few shades darker than your foundation, contour the crease and lighten the line which helps open up the eye. To finish apply a gorgeous thin feline flick.

TIP! The smaller the brush the better, try using a craft brush as the bristles are tiny! You can always thicken the line, but it is hard to make it thinner.

 What makeup looks are on trend this summer?

Katie: Tones of purple, whether it is bold, pastel or a tint of the shade. A bright eye and subtle lip has also been a statement this year, with trends complimenting the 60’s/70’s vibes we are witnessing within fashion prints and styles. This season the biggest catwalk statement was skincare and no makeup, fresh skin, from natural to dewy, so subtlety is key. I’d suggest Shien Cosmetics Pink Jade Lip Veil as their products include bio-nutrients and vitamins, which hydrate and protect the lips; this colour adds a glow completing any look with natural lips.

TIP! Your skin is your base, so look after it! Without a healthy base it makes it difficult to create a flawless look. Use products aimed at your skin type i.e oily, dry, sensitive. To really enhance your complexion, exfoliate, cleanse, tone and moisturize a few times a week to create the perfect canvas.

How can we be ahead and practice our makeup skills, or lack of them, to be on trend for A/W15?

Katie: Autumn 2015 will all be about graphic liner. More makeup artists publish their looks online and how to create them so by experimenting this trend allows you to be more dramatic whether that’s for the day or night.

TIP! Sugarpill Poison Plum Pressed Eyeshadow and Magpie Loose Pigment was used to create this bold graphic liner 60s space age inspired look.

Visit Katie Mannix's facebook page for more amazing looks!

Don't forget you can shop for makeup on our website, including US indie brands Sugarpill, Shien Cosmetics and Cique Colors!

SS'15 Trends

Worried about what to wear for that upcoming pool party?

This season's trends has something for everyone, a blast to the past reliving 70s boho chic, layers of volume, mixing and matching fabric so the ‘what’s on my bedroom floor look’ is fashionable, prints, delicate intricate lace, sultry black sheers, metallic and accessories. It’s all about combinations!

Along the poolside why not indulge in our Geo Mesh Longline Bustier with matching high waist briefs for an on trend look. This print is very fashion forward, and when combined with the black mesh as the side transparent panels give a fun but sultry finish.

If you’d rather hear about the party from the comfort of your home, you can lounge around in a loose fitting powder pink Tippi Satin Chemise for a softer, more delicate look. To complete the look, accessorize with our Pamela Mann Microvelvet Hold Ups then finally combine the Fl*sh You & Me Samantha harness too for a layering effect.

The Tippi Satin Chemise is free floating for this trends bohemian feel, with satin fabric finished with black edging as a decorative trim to release the edgy ballerina in you.

Jumpsuits and teddys are both walking tall on the catwalk so perhaps you'd like your nightwear to be a bit bolder but still subtly sexy. The Sabriel Stork Print Teddy with intricate scalloped eyelash lace on the legs and neckline veil the body enhancing the provocative factor.

Do you think layering should be in or out? Just the perfect excuse we’ve all been waiting for to buy more Playful Promises, right?