Martha's Must-Have Makeup List! Christmas Gift Ideas! ♥

Hey guys, I thought I'd bring you something a little different today. I come across so many people whether it be friends, family or even clients that find it difficult to buy for the makeup enthusiast in their life. While a voucher is always a safe bet and for some (like me) a preferred choice, imagine the delight on her face when you surprise her with some absolute staples for any makeup kit, whether it be for personal or professional use.

I'm going to give you recommendations based on products that I can't live without!

Any questions? Just ask! 

Martha x

Well that's it guys. I hope this list has helped you on your journey to please your loved one that little bit more, or maybe it'll act as a good 'hinting' tool ;) Either way, I hope this helps! Martha x

Blue Eyed Beauties - Best Colour Combos! ♥

Do you have blue eyes, like myself?

I really love working on blue eyed girls and find that it can be the brightest eye colour that just POPS like no other! I've heard a lot of mixed opinions on colours to suit blue eyes but I disagree with a few that would include gray, blues and taupes. Cooler colours are a no-no, in my opinion.

The Theory

You're always supposed to refer to the colour wheel when choosing the perfect colour combination. Choosing a completely contrasting colour to the subject will make it pop! Have a look at the colour wheel to the right. See your eye colour? Now head to the opposite point of the wheel and choose that colour! As you can see, orange shades will work for blues.

So, what colours work for blue eyes?

Tones that ease into the warmer side of life. Orange, copper, bronze, red, gold, beige, toasty browns & creams are always a great starting point! They completely flatter blue eyes and allow your eyes to shine. I find that peach, corals & pinks are gorgeous for blue eyed beauties too. Purples can work as long as they ease towards cranberry and steer away from navy and blues. Read more about what to avoid below!

What colours to avoid for blue eyes?
Speaking on a strictly technical basis, anything that is cool should be avoided. This would be your gray, silver, taupe, blues and navy shades. Your blue eyes are a perfectly cool colour themselves and need something to compliment them, not over-power them.

Martha's Top Picks for Blue Eyes
MAC Cosmetics eyeshadows 'Orange, Red Brick, Coppering, Nylon, Cranberry, Amber Lights' €10
Urban Decay eyeshadow 'Half Baked' €18
Inglot eyeshadows '335, 51, 65, 407' €6
Sleek Sunset Palette €10Makeup Revolution 'Mountains of Gold, Naive, So Good To Me, Touch Me, I Want U' £1

So for blue eyes, the contrasting colour is orange. In saying that, you shouldn't restrict yourself to that colour. Makeup is all about experimenting, being creative and feeling good about yourself. You can't do that using the same colour every single day, but it definitely flatters. And trust me, it works! Of course there are girls with naturally bright eyes that no matter what they do, any colour will work - (luckyyy). Always experiment with your own makeup and even try out the 'no-go' shades to see what works for you. Makeup isn't black and white. If it was it sure would be a lot easier though! Do what works for you and makes you feel good.

Remember - it's all about contrast. To make black stand out, you'd wear white, right?

Comment below if you'd like me to do more colours!

I hope this helps! Martha xx

INGLOT Gel Liner & Duraline.. MUST HAVE! ♥

If there is one staple brand in my kit, it is INGLOT Cosmetics. I am so happy that I've discovered INGLOT (The brand is in capitals, I swear I'm not shouting! Haha). It's a luxury makeup brand without the designer pricetag. The eyeshadow pans are huge, highly pigmented and such good value for money. I could go on and on, but I won't... on this occasion!

I just thought I would do up a quick post for you about my pure favourites...

Gel Eyeliner #77 & Duraline

I don't think I've ever seen such a range of gel eyeliners as I have in INGLOT. They have every colour under the sun that I'm yet to experiment with, even white! They are all so creamy and multipurpose. You can use a black one for your eyeliner, a brown one for your eyebrows, a shimmery one for your eyelids, and a white one to get creative with around your eyes! Never before have I experienced a gel liner that glides on as effortlessly as INGLOT's. Oh, and it's waterproof, which means it can be used in the waterline too! It doesn't dry up as fast as the other ones I have tried, but let's be honest - they all do! Retails at €15

Sometimes you'd think 'What's the point?' but this is where 'Duraline' comes in. 'Duraline' is a liquid formula specifically designed by INGLOT to moisten eyeshadows, turning them into eyeliners and keeping gel products wet. Without it, I'd be lost! Retails at €12

I, myself, would go through a typical 'Duraline' maybe every 6 - 8 weeks, though I use it pretty much every day - multiple times a day. So for your average Joe who wouldn't be applying winged liner on a regular basis, it would last that little bit longer. Saying that, my gel eyeliners will last me anywhere from 6 months to a year, if not more. They really really do last. Now that I'm here, I use INGLOT every single day in my kit and not one of my eyeshadows has ever emptied. Really good value for money! 

To apply my wonderful INGLOT products, I use my favourite eyeliner brush - MAC Cosmetics #263 brush. Super skinny and super firm for maximum control!

I hope this was helpful!

Martha x

Don't forget to 'like' me on facebook here & INGLOT here!