60s Inspired Look

Black Smokey Eye

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).