Lipstick for the Wish List

A great lipstick is essential in a makeup bag or woman's purse. If you took a look in my purse you will find MAC Mattene Lipstick in Eden Rouge or Rare Exotic. There are obvious reasons why it has been added to the Wish List.


I have recently been playing with bright lipsticks in my everyday look. It has been difficult finding a lipstick that does not have to constantly be reapplied. Many long lasting lip colours tend to dry out after being worn for some time and although the colour may last, it dries the lips making them feel like leather.


MAC Mattene Lipstick has all the qualities I look for in a lipstick. The pigment is deep and rich, one light coat and the lips are completely covered. The texture is smooth and creamy, it moisturized the lips and does not dry out over time. Easy application, the stick is small and round making it easy to stay on the lips and can be used to nicely shape the cupid's bow on the top lip. Longevity, this lipstick lasts! I apply it once, it lasts all night, when I take off my makeup before bed I have to use some effort to take it off. Finally, a matte finish making the lipstick very versatile- you can create three different finishes; matte by applying only the lipstick, semi-matte/slight sheen by applying chapstick or moisturizer (such as MAC Lip Conditioner Stick) overtop, or a glossy/high-sheen by applying gloss (such as C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine from Bath and Body Wroks, my favourite is Spearmint) overtop.

My favourite look right now is cat-eye liner, nicely sculpted cheekbones and very bright lipstick. Taking it a step further I like everything to be matte except for the very exaggerated iridescent nightlight. MAC Mattene Lipstick in Eden Rouge and Rare Exotic is what I have been looking for to complete my favourite look.


Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, find me on Facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one), or follow me on Twitter @Karleigh_J.

Ancient Egyptians

When I think of glamour, I think of Hollywood in the 1930s. However, glamour dates back much further to ancient Egypt. Egyptian people took pride in their appearance and hygiene. Makeup, wigs, jewelry, and perfume was worn as a symbol of social status, for religious/superstitious purposes and used as a medical aid. Lets take a look at the time when glamour was first created.


Today social status is defined by being seen in the lastest fashion trends, having a stylist haircut and weel done makeup. This portrayal started as early as 4000BC. Jewelry was the fashion of choice, showing higher social status wearing precious items such as gold instead of copper which was worn by common folk. Elite socialites would wear wigs at social events. These wigs were put on display in special casing in their homes when they were not being worn. Makeup was applied daily by both men and women. Kohl lined the eyes creating an almond shape and green was a popular colour for eye shadow. Lips and cheeks were rouged and henna was used to colour nails yellow or orange. Makeup was stored in beautifully decorated jars which women would put into special makeup boxes that were brought to parties and put under their chairs. Hygiene was also very important, wealthy people would have their servants pour water over them daily. Perfumed animal and plant oils were used as soap. A lot of pride was expressed through appearance.


It was believed that the level of spiritually related directly to a person's image. Evil spirits were repelled by wearing rings and amulets. The Eye of Horus, God of Sky and Sun could be encountered by wearing green eye shadow. Makeup was even worn on the statues of Gods. Mothers would apply kohl on their babies to avoid the "evil eye" and to strengthen their eye sight.


Mothers were not the only people who used makeup as a health benefit. Physicians prescribed kohl as a preventative from eye disease. This was because of the disinfectant Galena, a blue/grey mineral this is one of the components in kohl. Also, just as football players use eye black strips (a grease applied under the eyes), Egyptians used kohl liner to reflect the bright desert sun from their eyes. Kohl was believe to benefit overall eye health.


Sophistication and glamour is as much a part of history as the beginning of civilization itself. Jewelry, makeup and wigs were some of the earliest inventions. Appearance was obviously a significant part of ancient times. Beauty has a very long history, a very strong present and a very promising future.


How much pride do you put into your appearance? I have always looked at my appearance as a reflection of how I feel about myself. I enjoyed learning that the ancient Egyptians looked even more highly about appearance than I do, relating it to their connection with their spirituality, even as far as equating them with Gods. It is clear why ancient Egyptians are portrayed as elegant and poised, it was part of their culture to be beautiful.

Ideal Brush Kit

I have spent time trying out brushes and put together a set I would suggest as a good brush set. I have chosen types of brushes I find most useful and the brands I like best for each brush. Once you have an excellent set of brushes you will be able to enjoy applying your make up even more. My application posts will explain how to use the brushes I have suggested you add to your kit.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

A Quick Survey

Please take a few moments to think about and answer these questions. I want your feedback to be able to provide satisfactory service in the future. Your opinion is important to me.

1. How much would you pay to have a make up lesson? (Private and group)
2. What would you expect to take home from the lesson? (ie a sheet with what was covered)
3. How long would you want the lesson to be? (Minimum and maximum time, use this to consider how much you would pay)
4. How would you expect the lesson to be set up?
5. What would you like to learn?
6. If you were happy with your lesson would you take more?

Please comment with your answers to the questions. Also feel free to email me at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one). Also follow me on Twitter @Karleigh_J. I look forward to reading your responses and building an excellent service for you!

Creating the Perfect Cat Eye with Liquid Eye Liner

It is difficult to apply a flawless cat eye style eye liner. To make it easier, I have broken down step-by-step how I apply eye liner. Follow these steps and practice and you will have the technique perfected in no time! I have used liquid eye liner, if you have mature skin try using an eye shadow instead.

I have ask Lydia to be my model for this post. This is her before photo without any eye liner on. 

     
     1. Make a thin even line across the lid.

      2. At the edge of the lid draw a thin line outwards to where you want the tip to end. This will be the bottom portion of the liner's tail.

     3.Connect the liner from mid-lid to the tip.

     4. Fill in the center of the tail. Touch up any imperfections paying close attention to symmetry and that the liner's tail is a sharp point.

Here is Lydia's after photo now that the eye liner is complete.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

Wedding Planning: Looking Your Best for the Wedding Day Part 1

It is almost springtime, which means wedding season is fast approaching. This post will help all the blushing brides plan the beauty regimens for their wedding day. I'm posting this information now so you have time for the prep work. You have a lot to think about, wedding planning is not easy. Consider me your wedding beauty planner. I am going to give you all the information I can to perfect your look from head to toe. Let's get started!

The first step is to sit down and brainstorm exactly what you want. The sooner you get this done the more time you will have to find it. Here are some things to think about:

• What time is the wedding? This is important for scheduling (dressing, pictures, travel time etc).
• Where are you getting ready? Do you want your hair and make up done on location or in a salon?
• What is your budget for hair and make up? Are you paying for the bridal party?
• Do you want the make up artist to stay for touch ups during the wedding? If so be sure to inquire about their day rates.
• Is your bridal party getting their hair and make up done by the people you hire, or are they taking care of their own grooming needs?

Now for the details:

• What effect are you hoping your make up will create? How do you want to look?
• Do you have a theme?
• What are your colours?
• Do you want the bridal party to coordinate with each other?
• Who is included in your bridal party (mother of the bride, bride’s maids, additional family members, etc)

Having a specific idea of what you want makes it easier to find the right person for the job.

Have consultations with make up artists. Consultations are conversations to express what you want and to provide the details of the wedding. The make up artist will explain how they can accommodate your requests. The consultation is similar to an interview. I encourage you to talk to a number of different make up artists to determine which artists you will book trails with. You have tried on more than one dress, why wouldn't you try more that one make up artist?

Be prepared for your make up trial. The more you can communicate what you want, the easier the make up artist can provide your desired result:

·        Tear pages from magazines of make up looks you like.

·        Bring lipstick, eye shadow or blush you wear.

·        Come to the trial with a clean moisturized face.

·        It is a good idea to book a trial on a day you have plans to go out. This way you can see how your friends react to the application.

·        The trial is your time to become comfortable with the person you rely on to make you look your best on your wedding day. You want know that person will make you feel calm and confident.

·        Also discuss what services you will require for your bridal party.

When booking final details ask for a contract, this is a written agreement that protects both you and the professional. Confirm every detail; date, time for make up (both start and finish times), location, rates, number of people and any other specifications. If you decide not to have a contract I suggest saving all email correspondence as confirmation of an agreement. (Have something in writing). Determine if there is a deposit required and what the cancellation policy is. Finalize the payment details- who is paying? What payment methods are available? When is balance of payment due? Pass on the payment information to anyone who requires it.

Here are some suggestions for the wedding day:

• Try to eat something prior to getting your make up done.
• Brush your teeth beforehand.
• Be ready for the make up artist with your face clean and moisturized.
• Wear a button up shirt to make it easier to change and avoid smudging.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

Wedding Planning: Looking Your Best for the Wedding Day Part 2

Now that you have the make up details for the wedding day set in stone, consider your other beauty needs. Here are other things to think about:

Hair

Your hair is important on your wedding day. It completes the overall look. Consider the following:

• Colour. Do you want to change the colour of your hair? If so, have a couple treatments well before the wedding day. Allow time to perfect the colour and make any adjustments necessary. Have your final colour treatment done one or two days before the wedding (your stylist will determine the timing of your last colour treatment before the wedding).  ALWAYS GO TO A PROFESSIONAL, they are trained to know the science of hair dye and how it will affect your hair.
• Cut. Do you want to change the cut? I suggested you figure this out and get you hair cut about 3 months before the wedding, giving enough time for any adjustments, to get used to the cut and to see how it grows out. Have your hair trimmed with the final colour treatment before the wedding.
• Style. Decide whether you want your hair up or down, straight or curly. Find pictures you like and have consultations and trails with hairstylists.
• On the day. Do you want the hairstylist on location, or will you have your hair done at a salon. Consider cost vs. time. Talk to your hairstylist about how to prep you hair for them (washing it the night before or in the morning, air dry or blow dry, etc.)

Spa Treatments

Look on websites like Way Spa, Spa Finder, or Spa Wish for deals on spa packages and services. If you are in the city of Toronto why not book a spa day outside of the city for a daylong get away. Try somewhere like Body Revival in Brampton, it is my spa of choice.

• Facial. Have a facial 2-3 weeks prior to the wedding day. Your skin will need some time after the facial to complete the cleansing/detoxifying process.
• Manicure and Pedicure. Avoid booking these on your wedding day (24-48 hours works well). Make sure you book enough time to allow your nails dry thoroughly.
• Hair removal. If you choose to wax, doing so about 4 days before the wedding will ensure your skin has recovered. If you chose to shave I suggest using Nair or Veet instead, this way you wont have to worry about razor cuts.
• Brows. Ideally, the shaping process should begin 8-12 weeks in advance of the “big day”. Arrange for a final “clean up” the day before the wedding activities begin.
• Tanning. Visit the tanning booth 3 days before the wedding date, after you have gone for your waxing. This allows a few days for any burning to fade. If you are using a self-tanning cream try it at least a month before the wedding to see how the product reacts with your body chemistry. Tan at you own discretion. If you are looking for a tanning salon try Bask Tanning Salon & Boutique.

Health and Nutrition

Confidence is beauty. Nothing enhances your beauty more than the healthy glow that comes from good nutrition, regular activity and plenty of sleep. As you wedding day approaches you will get busy attending pre-wedding parties and tending to last minute details. In the rush, you may be tempted to substitute convenience for nutrition, remove the gym from you to-do list and ignore your body’s cry for sleep. Instead, make your physical well being a priority. Remember to fuel your body regularly. Eat well-balanced meals and try to choose healthy snacks. Don't put yourself on a restricted diet by focusing on what you can't have, instead focus on healthy foods you enjoy. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Include regular physical activity in your schedule. My favourite work out is a Body Conditioning By Dancers class. BCBD classes are a full body work out structured to use you own body weight instead of depending on gym equipment. Visit the website to learn more and sign up for an eight week session. When you sign up for a BCBD class you are committing to a set scheduled class. If you cannot commit to a set schedule try drop-in classes at places like Aradia Fitness or Flirty Girl Fitness. These are women's only classes that are fun and sassy. It is an excellent way to find your sexy side and build confidence. To shy to go alone, encourage your bridal party to come with you. If you are looking more for stress relief and relaxation try yoga classes. I like hot yoga classes because the warmth of the room helps me clear my mind and lets my body relax into the stretches and poses.

Last and most important make sure you get enough sleep. Planning a wedding takes a lot of energy. By following these simple suggestions you will not only look fabulous but you will also have the confidence and energy to enjoy the day you so carefully planned.

*For help planning the other aspects of the wedding check out Exclusively Weddings or the Wedding Channel Store. For bride just starting the planning process you may want to consider a wedding planner.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

Presenting my Website!

I have been spending a lot of time working on my website and am proud to be able to have it online. There is still a lot of work I plan to put into it, but it is ready for the public to see! Take a look at it for yourself. You can get a better idea of exactly what I do and more about who I am.


Take a look: www.karleighjohnstone.com

Creating Perfect Cheekbones

One of my favourite parts of make up application is sculpting the cheekbones. I like to start with contour, add blush and finish with highlight. I also like to exaggerate the highlight quite a bit.


Here is how I define the cheek bone step by step:


     1. Contour

Use a powder about 2 shades darker than your skin tone and an angled contour brush to apply in a triangular shape under the cheek bone. It will look like this:

     2. Blush 

Using a powder blush start at the apple of the cheek and follow the cheek bone to the hair line. Try using a colour that mimics your skins natural blush, or for a bolder look try a brighter blush colour (I like to use bright pink). Here is how it will look:

     3. Highlight

Finish by adding your highlight to the top of the cheekbone. I like to use a lot of highlight and make it obvious. This is what the finished cheekbone will look like:

Sculpting the cheekbone can create an instant face lift. Look at the difference between Carling's cheeks with and without contour, blush and highlight:

To your left: without contour, blush and highlight.
To you right: with contour, blush and highlight.
You can see that she looks more awake on the right side.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

Make Up Kit Essentials: Building a Fabulous Make Up Kit *Part Four: Last Additions to Create a Perfectly Flawless Face

The next step to the perfect make up kit will consists of the last items you need to create a perfectly flawless natural look. Once you have gone shopping for these items, add them to the ones I have already suggested and set aside 15-30 minutes of play time. Practice makes perfect, you will be able to apply your make up more quickly when you get used to the application process. Before you know it, you will be ready for your close up.


Here are the final items I recommend:

1. A Liquid or cream foundation

I have already suggested adding a powder foundation to your kit. Powders are a good start because they provide light coverage, and require minimal application time. When you want that "flawless face" it is best to invest in a heavier coverage foundation. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time - a "flawless face" should be rushed. Please refer to my foundation post series for light coverage, medium coverage, or full coverage foundation suggestions. Also, try products from my favourite brands:

• NARS
• MAC
• Smashbox
• Bobbi Brown *excellent for darker skin tones!

If you have an obviously uneven skin tone I highly recommend a full coverage foundation. Foundation can be applied with a brush, a sponge, or your fingers. I find a sponge easiest to use.

     2. Setting Powder

I feel setting powder is a must when using a cream based foundation. It prevents foundation from moving and creasing throughout the day and allows eyeshadow, blush or other powders to blend easily. Setting powders can be colourless or tinted. The colourless powders are white and tend to slightly lighten the skintone, so I recommend a tinted powder. I use loose powder to set foundation, then a pressed powder through out the day if I start to glow.

Here are some loose powders I suggest:

• NARS Loose Powder
• MAC Set Powder
• MAC Select Sheer/Loose
• MAC Iridescent Powder/Loose *excellent if you want to keep a shimmer to the skin
• SMASHBOX Photo Set Finishing Powder SPF 15
• BOBBI BROWN Face Powder
• BOBBI BROWN Sheer Finish Loose Powder *Excellent for oily skin types

Loose powder should be applied with a powder puff, then the excess removed with a powder brush.


     3. Blush


Figure out what your natural blush colour is (the colour your cheeks glow when you are embarrassed). Try to find a blush colour that is similar. Generally warmer skin tones should go for a orange or peachy blush, while cooler skin tones should go for a pink blush. Gold tones work well with darker skin tones, it will create a glow rather than a blushing effect.
I would recommend any of the following products:

• NARS Blush (powder) 
• MAC Powder Blush
• SMASHBOX Blush Rush
• BOBBI BROWN Blush award winning blush! Matte finish
• BOBBI BROWN Shimmer Blush award winning blush!

I really like to emphasize the cheek bones. Apply blush starting at the apple of the cheek blending outward towards the hairline.

     4. Contour

Choose a contour colour that is about 2 shades darker than your skin tone. Contour is used to create shadows on low points of the face, this is explained further is my past blog post Explaining Highlight and Contour. When defining cheek bones I like to contour first, add blush and finish with highlight.

I do not have specific product suggestion for a contour, I usually use a tanned colour blush, a pressed powder or a bronzer (bronzer is my last choice, but many people quite like using bronzer). Refer to my list of four brands under the foundations part of the post for look for products you like.

AVEDA's Petal Essence Face Accents plays the part of a highlight, blush and contour all in one. Use AVEDA's Inner Light Foundation Brush to apply smoothly over cheek bone (it is angled which is perfect, use the highest point of the brush for the highlight).

Now that you have an exceptional basic kit built, I am going to spend the next few posts showing you how to get the best use out of the products I have suggested. After that, I will suggest items to enhance your kit, compose an extremely useful set of make up brushes, as well as suggest mini kits for travel, a night out and everyday items to carry in your purse.

Always remember, make up is an expression of who you are, the inner beauty people don't always have the ability to see. You are beautiful, show that off by taking time to look your best.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

Make Up Kit Essentials: Building a Fabulous Make Up Kit *Part Three: Little More for the Eyes and Lips

You have gone through your kit, had time to shop and play around with my suggested basics, now it is time to add a little bit more. These five items will help to bring out the eyes and finish your look with the lips.The application will still be super simple and excellent for an everyday natural look. Here are the next items I suggest you add to your make up kit:


     1. Eyeliner pencil


This is great to line the tarsal plate (the area just inside of the lashes). By lining the tarsal plate you will emphasize the shape of your eye and create a more finished look to your make up application. Also, you can line the top lid with a thin line and smudge slightly to create a more smokey effect. Eyeliner pencils are great to have in your kit because they can be used for many different techniques (which I will blog about in later posts). There is one eyeliner pencil I currently suggest. I love this product and have already published a post about it. I have not tested other brands of eyeliners, so please feel free to look for other brands.

• MAC Eye Kohl in Smoulder 

     2. Eyeshadow Duo Palette- Neutral Tone


By buying a palette with two colours (a light tone and a darker tone) you will not have to go through the trouble of trying to find two shades that work well with your skin tone and together (you are simplifying your decision). If you have a cooler skin tone choose shades more of an earthy toned brown or with a cooler undertone. If you have a warm skin tone choose shades with more peachy, orange tones. If you have darker skin choose gold or copper tones. Apply the lighter shade over the entire lid then use the darker shade to define the crease.
Brands with excellent duo palettes are:

• AVEDA Petal Essence Eye Colour Duo 
• NARS Duo Eyeshadow 

     3. Lip Gloss

Find a texture you like (smooth or sticky, light or think). Do you want clear to tinted, if you want a tinted gloss what colours do you like and how strongly pigmented (how obviously coloured) do you want it. Is scent important to you? Test different glosses and find what you like. There are so many lip glosses available everywhere I can't even begin to suggest specific ones.

     4. (and 5)

You will need brushes to apply the eyeshadow. I suggest a larger tipped brush for the lighter tone and a smaller tipped brush to define the crease. When shopping look for shadow brushes and the size you want to use. Again start will less expensive brushes and when you are ready invest in better quality brushes. I will make a post in this series that focuses on creating an excellent set of make up brushes.

Have fun, be beautiful, keep building your make up kit!


Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

Make Up Kit Essentials: Building a Fabulous Make Up Kit *Part Two: The Very Basics

Now that you have cleaned out you current kit I am going to start with what I believe are the absolute make up essentials to have in your kit. These items are for a simple, fresh look and excellent for people who don't want to spend very much money on their kit or time applying make up. The most basic kit I feel contains 6 items; a pressed powder foundation, a highlighter, mascara and 3 brushes (one for foundation, one for highlight and a brow comb). Allow me to explain...

1. Pressed Powder Foundation

Pressed Powder Foundations provide a light to medium coverage. They are excellent if you have generally good skin and just want to even out and liven up your face. Since it is a powder it is most easily applied with a brush (when I want more coverage I will use my finger tip as well).

Here are some powder foundations I would suggest:

• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural 
• MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation 
• AVEDA Innerlight Mineral Dual Foundation 
• NARS Powder Foundation 
• BOBBI BROWN Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation SPF 12 (Bobbi Brown products are excellent for dark skintones) 

     2. Highlight

Highlight is used to create a glow and emphasize areas on the face that are high points (where the bones protrude forward). Think of areas of the face that the sun naturally hits and light reflects. My favourite places to highlight are the cheekbones. Highlighting the cheekbones can act as a mini face-lift and make you appear more awake and alert.

Here are some highlight products I would suggest:

• MAC Powder Blush in Gana *LIMITED EDITION PRODUCT* 
• MAC Iridescent Powder Loose *for lighter skin tones Silver Dusk is an excellent shade
• AVEDA Eyeshadow- 492 Illumination *will suit most skin tones 
• BARE ESCENTUALS All-Over Face Colour- Radiance *different shades for different skin tones
• NARS Highlighting Blush Powder *golden sheen good for darker skin tones
• SMASHBOX Soft Lights in Shimmer *2007 best of Sephora Nominee

Note: For cooler skin tones (pink undertones) use a highlight that also has a cool undertone. For warmer skintones (tan/yellow/oranger undertones) use a highlight that has a gold undertone for the best, most natural results.

     3. Mascara

I have one suggestion. Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara. It is the number one selling mascara, it was the first mascara ever made and it is sold for under ten dollars (I saw it at Wal-Mart for just under $5.00). This is the mascara I always suggest but I encourage to find one that you like best... just try this one first!

     4. (also 5. & 6.)

A powder brush, an angled highlight brush and a brow comb. Start with inexpensive brushes to learn how to use them but be sure to invest in a good set of brushes later on. High quality brushes make a huge difference in your application results. They are generally softer (nicer for your face), longer lasting and less likely to shed.

These products are an excellent starting point for a make up kit. Go out an test the products I suggested as well as other brands to find what you like best. Before you buy take the time to test different products; see how long they stay on, feel the texture, see how well it compliments your skin. Remember you are now making an investment on you appearance, you want to make sure to find what best showcases your beauty.

Now go and start shopping! Please post comments and suggestions about great products you find!


Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh.johnstone@gmail.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

Make Up Kit Essentials: Building a Fabulous Make Up Kit

This will be the beginning of another series of blogs. This series consist of items you need to build a great make up kit. I will begin with the very basics; cleaning out your current kit. From there I will continue with a few items that are an excellent starting point for every woman. Each post in the series will be an addition to the basic kit until a collection has been created. I will also include tips for building an on-the-go make up kit (super compact items that you can carry with you at all times), a touch up kit (items you will likely need for touch ups that you can tuck almost anywhere *club nights out ladies, you know what I'm talking about... down the side of your bra- we have all been there). Also, I will make a post on how to pack your make up kit when going on vacation (if you choose not to take a vacation from wearing make up as well- but do you really need mascara on the beach or ski slopes?)

Allow me to start at the beginning. It is likely that most women already have a make up kit (or drawer full of make up that they have no idea what to do with). My suggestion is to go through every piece of make up you have and have a garbage bin near by. Go through and ask yourself the following questions:

1. When did I buy this? 
2. Why did I buy this? 
3. How do I use this? 
4. How often do I use this? 
5. How long have a had this? 
6. Would I buy this product again? 
7. Do I need this? 

When did I buy this?

Make up has an expire date. Mascara for example should not be used after 6 months of opening it. When you pull the wand out and push it back in, air gets into the tube and bacteria can begin to be grow. To help your mascara stay as 'fresh' as possible avoid "pumping" the wand before applying (instead use multiple coats on the lashes, building the mascara to desired look. Apply coats just before the mascara has completely dried to avoid breaking the lashes). Cream based products should be tossed after about a year and liquid products should be tossed if they begin to obviously separate. *Tip: I know this sounds odd but smell your make up when you purchase it, you will know it is time to get rid of it when the smell changes (a chemical smell).

Why did I buy this?

Was it suggested by the employee at the make up counter? Is it a friends favourite product? Was it from a product break down that your favourite celebrity was wearing in a magazine? Was the packaging pretty? (Pretty packages get me every time!) Is it one of you personal favourites that you buy all the time? Do you even remember? Look at the answer to this and if it is not that you like/use the product often chances are it's time to let it go (if the answer is that it is a friend's fav, offer it to them!)

How do I use this?

Quite simply if you do not know the answer you have two options: 1) Learn how to use it by asking someone (karleigh.johnstone@gmail.com I love to answer questions!) or 2) Throw it/give it away. *If you have had the product longer than a month chances are you should go for option two, as you have had the product long enough to know you clearly aren't going to take the time to learn to use it.

How long have I had this?

This is similar to asking yourself when did I buy this, but instead of thinking about whether your product needs to be tossed, think should it be tossed. For example going through my personal kit I found a bright blue eye shadow that I used to wear for dance recitals in the mid 90s. Am I ever going to wear this again? The answer is NO (unless I am going to and 80s themed party, but that is not very likely). Therefore it was gone. When going through your kit it is important to be unemotional. DO NOT BE A MAKE UP HOARDER! If you don't use a product, you don't need it.

Would I buy this product again?

Simple, if the answer is no, it's gone.

Do I need this?

The answer to all the other questions will help decide the answer to this question.

Now that you have an understanding of how to clean out your current kit, go and do it! Use the same rule with make up as for clothing- one in one out. Get rid of one item to make room for a new item. Also remember, I am not telling you if you don't use a product everyday you don't need it, I have eye shadows that I only use when I apply a smokey eye, which I only apply once every two months or so; I'm talking about items you really do not use. These are the items that get lost in the back of the drawer, bottom of your bag and make you say "oh! I remember this!" If you have forgotten that you have it there should be no problem kicking it to the curb (quite literally on garbage day).

Now go make room in you make up drawer, next it will be time to shop!

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).

Part Three: Light Coverage Foundation

This is the last part of a three part post. I was asked about what foundation is the best, although there is no exact answer (it depends what you are looking for from your foundation) here are some foundations I would suggest. Part three of my foundation posts consists of foundations that provide light coverage. I tested foundations at Mac and Sephora, I found Mac had a wide range of colours and the price was slightly lower than many of the Sephora products.

I will begin with the foundations that provide the most coverage and end with the foundations that provide the least. Mac's Pro Long Wear is liquid based and has a light to medium coverage. It is priced at $35.50 CAD and comes in a large range of colours. At Sephora Clinique's Super Balanced Makeup provided a light to medium coverage. It has a dwy finish and a range of colours and is priced at $25.00 CAD. NARS Sheer Matte Foundation has light to medium coverage and is available in with a dewy or matte finish. There are lots of colour choices and it is priced at $55.00 CAD. The last light to medium coverage foundation I found was Makeup Forever's Mat Velvet foundation. It has a matte finish is available in many colours and priced at $39.00 CAD

The last foundation with a light coverage that I tested and would reccomend is Shiseido' Lifting Foundation. There are  ten colour choices and is priced at $48.00 CAD.

Light coverage foundations are good if you have good skin and just want a light dusting to even small inperfections, or just want a base for the rest of your make up. Light coverage foundations let your natural skin come though.

This will be the final post of my foundation testing, I encourage to go out and find the right foundation for you. Decide what type of coverage you need, the finish you want (dewy, matte or a shimmer)and the type of foundation you like to use best (cream, liquid or powder), finally go shopping! Clueless as to how to find the right colour? Read on:

To find a foundation colour that matches your skin tone it is important to go shopping during the day (when the natural light is at its best) and with out make up on (I know a scary thought to leave the house with a nude face, but it will be to your benefit in the long run). To test the foundations colour place a line with your fingertip from under the cheek bone over the jaw line and slightly onto the neck. It you feel like it is a good match try the shades that are one darker and one lighter than the colour you chose. Put them on either side of the original test and the best match should "disappear". The reason you test the area under the cheek bone to the neck is because the neck can be a different colour to your face so you want to ensure it blends. Once you feel you have found a good colour test it on the forehead as well to make sure it matches the entire face.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).