My Lash Growth

This post has been in my drafts for so long because I never got the chance to complete it. I don't know if many of you noticed but during August last year I decided to stop wearing false strip lashes. It was way too time consuming when it came to getting ready and I could never find the perfect ones for my eye length.

Naturally my lashes are very fine and I've always had trouble finding the right mascara that would both thicken and add length. I tried rapid lash growth serum and that helped to an extent. I later decided to do some research on some natural ways I could help my lashes grow.

I made a mixture of caster oil and avocado oil, I mixed the two together in a small Muji container. Every evening I would apply the mixture on to my lash line with a small eye liner brush, now I didn't notice a difference instantly it took a while for me to notice, In fact it was other people that would start asking what lashes I'm wearing. You don't usually notice a change when it comes to things like this because you see your own face daily so when someone else notices you know it's working!

5 months later I started using a lash primer by Urban Decay, One coat with Baby Doll Yves Saint Laurent mascara and my lashes looked insane (by the way, I applied the oils on top and bottom lashes.) using a lash curler first helped keep the curl up.

I'm pretty sure this will work for a lot of people which is why I wanted to put it to the test before writing about it. I don't wear any falsies anymore, I sometimes get individual lash extensions in between if I have an event just to give my eyes more drama.

It's worth a try guys, it's safer than the lash growth serums on the market because you know what the ingredients are if you're making your own! It will leave your lashes soft and add thickness.

If you try this please tag us on Instagram and let us know @soniaxfyza

Love, Sonia x




*please note results may vary depending on individual, refer to your GP if you have a reaction.

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Deeper Skin tones - Our fave picks!

I love deeper skin tones! I work with so many types of women and a lot of the time I don't get to take photographs of my work on women with deeper skin tones. There's a few photos on my Instagram but not a lot. I would love to work more with women of colour for photoshoots especially because it's actually one of my strong points. I know the best products out there for you gorgeous medium to dark skin ladies!

I noticed that there was never anything on the market for ethnic skin growing up, when I would go to drugstores the foundation and colour options were very limited. It went from very fair to tan and even the tan seemed off in tone. Luckily now in 2016 we have a lot more brands that cater for ethnic women.

One of the brands that has stood out to me for a long time is a British brand that goes by the name of Sleek Cosmetics, It started off small so only certain people would hear about it. Growing up around beauty and makeup I did hear about it early and saw the brand evolve. I am so in love with this brand because it is MADE for ethnic women. From the rich tones of their shadows the the pigments of their loose shadows!

We heard they are releasing a cream contour kit and we are so excited to tell you all about it. Whether you are a deep skin tone person reading this or a makeup artist you have to check them out. It was quite difficult for me to find a contour powder that was darker than someone that's a nc45/50 (MAC shade)

Sleek Cream Contour in Light

Sleek Makeup is a British Brand as well as Barry M, both have catered so much for ethnic skin tones the past few years and I feel like they haven't had enough recognition considering how great quality their products are and for such a reasonable price, you don't have to break the bank to get a contour palette.

Sleek cream contour kit in Medium

Always remember that contours are meant to be COOL tones, I've explained this in a few blog posts, they mimic the natural shadows of the face. So many Instagram brands that release their contour kits are always too warm and the formulas are drying and hard to blend (trust me i've tried them all and I am very honest with my reviews) I will not hype a brand because it has a huge following and everyone is promoting it, it could be a small brand that Sephora doesn't stock. I'm more about quality over what is over hyped.

Sleek cream contour kit in Dark.

Creamy consistency, easy to blend with a brush or beauty blender, best results over foundation. no need to mix anything with it to help it blend. The colour range goes from fair to dark and comes with a highlight colour. 

Powder contour by Barry M Cosmetics

When I swatched the Dark palette I was in awe! The pigmentation to the tones! insane quality and for the price you are paying. The powders are like butter and blend really well without having to go over and over with a brush to perfect your sculpting.

I really hope these brands are available worldwide, You guys have to try these out to know what i'm talking about. I'm glad that there's brands like this that think about women of colour. We can all be chiseled to perfection with these. Whether your'e a cream or powder girl you can try both because they're super affordable. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and try my recommendation! 

Fyza 

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SMOKEY KHAKI EYES & DEWY SKIN!

I haven't done Sonia's makeup in a while (since 2015!) Just to clear up the confusion again, Sonia is my sister who is my muse as well as a beauty blogger. I'm (Fyza) the Make-Up Artist. So recently I have been experimenting with some new products and brands so you will be in for a treat with the details for this look I created. Usually Sonia goes for the matte look but I went all j-lo glow with this one!

The thing we need to remember about creating a dewy look is that you don't have to have dry skin to pull this off. Anyone can rock it. It is all about the primers you use and how well you set your base. the glow is usually created after with powder highlighters. Here in the Middle East I find girls opt for the matte look because of the weather here. Don't be afraid to change up your style of makeup and experiment to find what works best for you.

Perfect your base.

Products used:

Charlotte Tilbury Magic cream

Smashbox Cosmetics photo finish matte finish primer with a spray of the Smashbox primer spray.

Tom Ford Traceless perfecting foundation in Buff

Applied with a Beauty Blender

Tarte Cosmetics Creaseless concealer in Medium Sand

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray eye primer in light

EYES

I created a base for the eyes so the shadow has something to stick too.

Courreges Estee Lauder Eye Glide Pencil in Silver Streak

Blending it with a 217 by MAC

I started by added a crease colour using SMASHBOX Cosmetics Double Exposure Palette 

Matte -Espresso for crease

To deepen the outer crease I used Fig

On the lid I wet my brush and used the colour Mauve 

(This palette transforms shadows when wet!)

I smoked out Noir and Espresso on the lower lash line.

I smudged MAC smoulder eye pencil in her water line and on her lash line I used MAC coffee kohl liner smoked out with a pencil brush.

I used two coats of Giorgio Armani Eyes to kill mascara on top and bottom.

BROWS

Kevyn Aucoin brow pencil

Clear Brow gel

Contour and Highlight

I used a cream contour by a Middle Eastern brand called Wojooh.

They have an amazing cream contour and highlight stick that blends like butter and is the perfect tone.

I blended the contour with a Beauty blender.

SETTING POWDERS & BLUSHER

I used Laura Mericer tranlucent powder to set under eyes

Smashbox cosmetics Crush On Blush Palette - Warm Apricot applied on cheeks

To buff everything out I used MAC mineralise skin finish natural 

GLOW!

to add the glow I used Benefit Cosmetics Sun Beam

LIPS

WOW BY Wojooh lip liner in 230 Woody Pink

with Matte Liquid Lipstick by Wojooh in 230 Sugar Tan

Set with MAC fix+

I enjoyed using all the products, some for the first time! You can be the judge of them from the photo's you see. I listed all products and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Fyza! x

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Dry Skin & Oily Skin

It's been a while guys! I always have these post ideas in my head and I never get a chance to write them out. Sonia and I recently sat down and thought of a list to do in 2016 - writing more for our blog was on that list.

Since this is the first blog post of 2016 I thought I would clear a few things up - There is two of us Fyza is me, writing this lol. I'm the sister that does all the makeovers and live makeup classes. I don't really post any photos of myself mainly because I want the focus to be about my art and not me, I wanted to be the first makeup artist on Instagram that doesn't do makeup on themselves to show off what they can do, rather I would experiment on others so people around the world can see my ability. Women that book me can feel confident and comfortable that I will do a good job on them because I have worked on all typed of people, not just my own skin type.

Sonia models for me, she is basically my muse and she is a beauty addict. She reviews some of the best products out there for you all. We both have different skin and different preferences - complete opposites! I thought this type of post will work well for all skin types of girls.

I will be writing about foundations from different brands that are from full overage to sheer. I hope you enjoy and benefit from this post :)


TOP 3 Full to Medium coverage foundations for Dry Skin

1) Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation
The consistency is lovely, I personally love the way it blends and the dewy finish reminds me of a photoshopped beauty shot. It is a gel like consistency so It's nice to blend onto the skin. The colour range is good, love the tones.

2) Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting foundation
The packaging is SO convenient, It's one of those foundations that is easy to pack when travelling. The formula and colour range is perfect. I like to use a beauty blender to blend this out. For more coverage you can use your fingers since they are your best tool. Gives a pretty sheen to the skin.

3) Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Eclat
This foundation is an old favourite thats crept up into my future, haha. The scent takes me way back to my college days. It has a nice scent to it, creamy texture, light weight and evens out skin very well. When using this foundation your skin will look luminous and healthy, you can build up the coverage. Lasting power is around 12 hours.

Top 3 Full to Medium coverage foundations for Oily Skin

1) Makeup Forever Ultra HD
This is a foundation I have had in my kit for years since majority of my clients have oily to combination skin. The new formula is brilliant, It's been specifically designed for photo's and videos. Who doesn't want photoshopped looking skin in their selfies?! The lasting power on this is probably one of the best things, It doesn't oxidise and works well with either a brush or beauty blender. Oily skin girls best friend but always bare in mind that it also depends on the primer you are using. Try using more of a gel primer with this instead of a liquid one.

2) Estee Lauder Double wear foundation
I've always called this foundation the tattoo foundation, It's been around for so long and I remember a lot of the women in my family using it. Absorbs all the oil well without giving the chalky look to the skin. Coverage is wonderful and It's best used with a Beauty Blender for a flawless finish. Dries matte. The cons of this would probably be that it dries darker like a lot of matte foundations so be sure to pick up some samples before purchasing. Also the glass bottle is a classic but I personally think they should make it more modern and convenient for travel.

3) Clinique Pore Refining Solution Instant foundation

Another foundation I am familiar with while growing up because a lot of the women in my family have oily skin. I would always see this bottle in makeup bags around the house. It gives an even, matte finish that minimises the look of pores. You probably will only need to do a light dusting of powder as it has good staying power. All this depends on how oily you get and the climate you are in. primers are essential with oily skin. Only wish they had more in between shades.

Sheer coverage foundations for Dry skin

1) NARS Sheer Glow
A popular choice, as it gives a nice glow and "no makeup, makeup" finish. It comes in a range of colours and many people have tried and tested this. The only problem I find with this is that it does tends to separate, I find this with a lot of Nars foundations. As long as you prep your skin well first and set your foundation this is a good choice for dry skin.

2) MAC face and body foundation
My fave Mac foundation that is a must have for all makeup artists for their kits. I love the formula and consistency of this, It's a classic one from Mac and you can't go wrong with it. It a great foundation to mix with your full coverage foundations if you want more of a sheer coverage. It's more to even skin out but is build-able. Use with a flat top brush and set with loose powder. Colour range works differently to regular MAC shades so ask for a few samples to try.

3) Laura Mercier Cream Smooth foundation
Hydrating and creamy. If you suffer from dry or very dry skin this is a good choice, it keeps skin plump and smooth. Makes fine lines and wrinkles appear smoother. I would recommend this for mature women. I like to apply this with fingers because the warmth of our hands helps the product sink in better and gives a glowy finish.

Sheer coverage foundations for Oily skin

1) Charlotte Tilbury Magic foundation
You either like this or love it. I love this for every day! The colours are good and the finish is matte and sheer. It doesn't cover pimples but evens skin complexion out. It comes in a glass bottle that is double glazed which I'm not to keen on because this means there's less product so it gives the illusion of more product because the bottle looks thicker. The pump is useful and I like the texture and how it glides on. I would recommend using a synthetic brush to apply this foundation using circular motions. I set this with a pressed powder.

2) L'oreal Nude Magique foundation
Liquid foundation, very watery, sheer and dries matte. Glass bottle, inexpensive, little goes a long way. This foundation feels like nothing on the skin, feather light and I feel like I could breathe. Shake bottle before using and apply with fingers. You can build up the coverage but it's a great every day foundation for work or school. One of my fave drug store brands.

3) Hour Glass Immaculate Liquid To Powder Foundation 
I love this brand and it's packaging. Liquid to matte foundations are a god send for oily skin! This foundation feels light which is what a lot of us want for day time. The only thing we need to remember about these is that they oxidise, so testing them out a couple of times before purchasing is always best. Gives natural coverage, doesn't give a cakey finish and has long staying power. It contains ingredients that prevent breakouts which a lot of us oily skin girls suffer from. Best to mix it with a tinted moisturiser for day time!

We hope this was a good read for you!

Fyza x

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NOSE CONTOURING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

I feel as if even the people that don't follow me on Instagram but just read my blog will really enjoy this one (don't look so guilty ;)). It's that one blog post that I spill ALL. My pet peeve is when I see obvious nose contour! As a perfectionist, harsh contour really irks me. I don't know if people know that they are doing it or are intentionally going for the drag queen contour? not that there's anything wrong with drag queen makeup, If you like it then that's ok. Each to their own.

If that's the look you're not going for then read on! I'm going to explain my knowledge on nose contouring as much as I can and I will include diagrams to show you. Many of you reading this have either a bulbous nose, hook, slight hook, drooping tip, wide bridge, crooked from the front, long, short...which ever shape you have there is ways to make it less prominent. I'm not a surgeon so I won't promise perfect results...just enough for it to look smaller? defined? Yes.

Some of you, like my sister Sonia might be blessed with a perfect sloped nose and others may have decided to choose to go under the knife and try rhinoplasty which is a personal preference. Some may fear of being unconscious and having their nose broken and reshaped. That's where contouring comes in (woohoo!)

The first thing to remember when contouring is: THE MORE YOU SHADE THE MORE OBVIOUS IT WILL LOOK! I see women in real life and all over social media and I am automatically drawn to the middle of their face because the contouring is either too harsh, too orange or too muddy making the nose look more prominent and masculine. 

The contour shade you choose for your nose must be lighter than the one you use for your cheeks and the rest of your face. Whether you're using cream or powder it always has to be a cool tone. Cool tones mimic the natural contours and shadows of the face. ORANGE IS A NO!

STOP following the contour pictures you see on IG, everyone's nose is different and seeing the same contour and highlight on everyone's nose bothers me.

HERE WE GO.

1. If you have a wide bridge concentrate on shading out the darker areas of this diagram and then connect with the sides of the nostrils. This is best done with a cream contour. It will take some practice before you perfect it.

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2. You want to make your nose appear shorter but a little wider too. down your nose use a concealer that's three shades lighter after that apply the contour shade. Concentrate on the tips and the sides of the nose. Blend well is a 224 brush by MAC until seamless. 

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3. STOP highlighting all the way down, you only need the tip highlighted. Shade out the bump, like shown in diagram. 

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4. Common mistake I see all the time. If you have a dent why make it look more obvious by adding darkness to it? Opt for the lighter concealer in this area. Don't worry it won't look funny, it's all about blending it well. 

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5. Use a flat concealer brush to apply cream contour for precision, follow where the light grey colour on the diagram. You want to stop where I have put the black line. Use a powder or a white eyeshadow in the centre, making sure it's a thin line. Buff and blend with any small blending brush.

Best done over your foundation because it shows more but not too obvious. the key is to blend. I took so much time out to do these images. It's pretty simple to follow the pictures that's why there's less description. Be patient and practice. I'm not promising miracles but it's a difference. 

Conquer that contour! wooop!

Fyza xoxo

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