MW's Contouring Ways

Hello Whirlers,

Today I`m going to do something different - with a completely different approach, too.

I got asked a while back on how I contour, so I thought I`d show you:

(click on photos to enlarge)

Products used:

Sleek Faceform in Dark

NARS Bronzer Blush Trio

Blush Brush - natural bristles

Kabuki Brush

Small Brush

On with the photo tutorial:

1.  In order to create the depth in your cheeks, you will need to find the darkest matte brown powder you have and with the handle of the brush, you will need to place this on your cheek to see where you want to apply the powder (photo 2).

Once you have determined this, start applying the powder. Ensure you apply it in a 'C' motion like the photo below. These are the darkest parts of your face, so you want to emphasise these.

2. It may look daunting at the moment, having two dark streaks on your face, but using the same brush apply lighter bronzer to the area marked in the photo below. I used NARS Laguna for this. I usually suck in my cheeks at this point to see that I`m applying it to the right area - apply it to the part that catches the most light when you suck in your cheeks.  Once you have done this, blend the two products together so it looks seamless. 

3. At the point, you would apply blusher to the apple of your cheeks as the photo below. I like to then blend the blusher in with the lighter bronzer to make sure there are no harsh lines. I applied NARS Orgasm for the blush - a favourite of mine.

4. This is where you highlight. As you can see from the photos above, it is all of the photos on the bottom row. You would do the upper cheek (which is just below the eyes), the T-Zone and your brow bone - the photo below shows where you should apply the highlighter. It is preferable to use a small headed brush at this point as you only want to apply a small amount. Also, as I was using NARS Albatross - you only need a little bit to go a long way, so had to be able to control it. For the T-Zone, I like to use a fatter headed brush, and I seek my kabuki brush for this part, where I lightly brush it over my forehead and down the bridge of my nose. A point to remember, never do the tip of your nose. Its also nice to apply a little bit of highlighter to the cupid bow on your lip - this is great to make your upper lip look larger! 

5. After all that is done, I like to swirl the kabuki brush all over the face to ensure it is all blended well and there are no harsh lines.

Final result:

(don`t ask what I`m doing with the brush - I can`t pose without doing something with my hands :/ )  

For the rest of my face, I used:

Foundation - Christian Dior Forever Skin in 030 Honey Beige

Concealer - MAC Studio Fix in NC42

Mascara - L`Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra-Black

Eyebrows - HD Brows in Dark Brown

Eyeshadow (lightly applied to lower lashline) - Urban Decay Toasted

Lips - Rimmel in 136 Ballistic

So, what do you think? Easy to follow? Should I do more of these? If you like, and have a specific request - do let me know, will try my best!

xo

P.S. Make sure to follow me on twitter, instagram, bloglovin` and facebook! I`m easy to find, just type in 'mangowhirl'!

MW's July Make Up Bag

Whirlers,

Hope you`re all well and have entered my bloggy giveaway?! I`m having so much fun filling the MangoWhirl Surprise Box with goodies for a lucky Whirler!! :)

This month, I`ve been keeping my make up simple, because:

a) Its been warm/humid/wet - no chance to do anything nice

b) I`m lazy

c) Too much effort removing full face make up for namaz

d) I`m lazy

e) I`ve only been going to work this month - so, no one to impress

f) Did I mention I`m quite lazy??

So, I took a quick snapshot of my go-to items from my make up bag:

1. Sleek Contour Kit - Medium

I love this contour kit soooo much! I use it everyday, I feel fat if I don`t put it on. I`m obsessed with bronzers and contouring, and this is by far the best contour kit I have come across and at such a good price, you simply can`t go wrong with it.

2. NARS Blush-Bronzer-Highlighter Trio

Absolutely LOVE this! Although, the item I use the least is the Albatross Highlighter. I find it too shimmery for a day to day basis. I instead use the highlighter from my Sleek Kit! So much more natural.

3. HD Brows Kit

Got this in a GlossyBox last year, and it is the only decent item I ever got before I cancelled my subscription!  I would most definitely re-purchase this once this kit finishes. I`m not a fan of 'fake' eyebrows, where it looks blatantly obvious you`ve filled it, but with this palette, it fills the eyebrows but isn`t so harsh? Does that make sense?

4. Studio Finish Concealer - NC42

I`ve stopped wearing foundation because of this product. I used to wear my Christian Dior concealer and foundation to hide my flaws, but it was always too heavy. I felt like my skin wasn`t able to breathe properly. However, I decided to try MAC as a fair few friends yapper about it, so I thought I would go and give it a go. And, I`m telling you now...I will not go back to Christian Dior concealer. I absolutely love this!! Lasts all day, too. So, good! Will definitely repurchase this.

5. L'Oreal Contour Kohl Pencil Eyeliner - Carbon Black

I have been using this pencil for YEARS. Not this EXACT pencil, but same product. I love it. It slides on so smoothly. The texture is nice and creamy. Only downfall is, its a pain to remove! But, I use it delicately and for just my upper lashline, to make my eyelashes appear thicker.

6. Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick - Blushing Nude

I love the colour of this lipstick, its natural yet with a little bit of pink to it. I can wear this on an everyday basis, which I love but looks so natural, as if I haven`t even worn any lipstick! I always reach for this lipstick when I feel I need a touch up throughout the day (but, I usually forget).

7. Urban Decay Lip Junkie - Naked

I absolutely love Urban Decay, whether it be their eyeshadows or their lip products. I got this with my Naked Palette 2, and I adore this product. It tingles and tastes all minty. It plumps up your lips RIGHT away, which is good for mine, which are small! I would definitely buy this and in probably a different colour, as there is a few shades in this range.

**MangoWhirl Surprise Box Spoiler**

I actually have this product in my box!!

8. L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes - Extra Black

This is amazing. I love it. On probably my 12386496324 tube. Love, love, love it. I feel lost without it! If you haven`t tried it, buy it. I prefer this to more high-end products! Especially, as mascara should be replaced every 6 months, so you don`t feel as guilty chucking it away! 

What have you guys been using this month? Do you use any of the same products? If so, do you have a better recommendation?

xo

P.S. Don`t forget to enter my blog giveaway here.

P.P.S. I`ve finally removed that 'captcha' thing, where there is word verification for putting comments on my blog. I genuinely didn`t know I had that, until a few girls brought it to my attention. So, I apologise about that...so, now, no excuses!! Comment away!! ;)


P.P.P.S. Make sure you vote for Hommes de Femmes for the Next/Cosmo Blog Awards 2012. Thank you.

MW's NARS Day and Night Palette Review

Okay, background behind this NARS palette is that, I initially ordered the 'Danmari All About Cheeks' Palette. However, due to the volume of orders for that palette, they ran out and they didn`t notify me about it until a week later. I was disappointed with this customer servicing and as an apology they sent me this complimentary gift.

Click on image to enlarge.

The colours are gorgeous, I`m not going to lie. I can totally understand why this palette, which was initially released for their 15th year anniversary is still available to purchase. 

(Image 3)

L-R TOP - ABYSSINIA - SUGARLAND - FATHOM

L-R BOTTOM - CLEO - UNDERWORLD - NIGHT BREED

Favourite colour? Sugarland. It blends SO well into the colour of my skin and looks so natural yet bronze-y. Cannot wait to experiment with this colour.

Least favourite? Cleo - not drawing to the pastel blue, if I`m honest, but thats because its quite in your face colour.

If I had to purchase a single colour? Underworld. So heavily pigmented and such a rich deep blue. Beautiful. Or, Sugarland <3

+ Pros +

+ Its in a small compact palette, so great to put into your make up bag and get out when you`re getting ready for the evening after work, which is what NARS, I`m guessing had aimed for.

+5/6 colours are approachable.

+ Packaging is adorable, but NARS always get it perfect for packaging.

- Cons -

- I don`t like Cleo.

- Not really worth £37, for a mere 6 colours, when the UD Naked Palette offers a greater variety of shades, which are amazing quality/pigmentation, etc - retailing for £35! So, for £2 less you get a much nicer palette? Much better for money's worth.

Would I purchase this once finished? Probably not, based on the price. But, if I really, really liked Sugarland or Underworld, possibly buy them as singles?

Once, I start to experiment with the colours, I`ll share with you some FOTD's so you can see what I created.

Does anybody else have this palette? What colour combinations shall I try?

xo

MW's LUSTLIST

1. Pixi 'The Ultimate Beauty Kit - £20

2. NARS Danmari All Cheeks Palette - £45

<3

xo