overnight makeup bag essentials.

lol yes this is me at my finest hour on my 20th birthday in vancouver. This is a classic "Rel is 




having a good time pose." For some reason I always bust out this pose in Photos shale we take




an adventure.

My bestest friend aka boyfriend on halloween :D

Mexico with the family

...trust me theres a lot more where this came from ;)

All this fun and dancing and partying eventually comes to an end, occasionally the night leads to too many cocktails and you find yourself doing the responsible and sensible thing that is not to drink and drive but decide to end a good night out at a friends. Have these essentials handy in your makeup bag and you'll be prepared for wherever it is you decided to end your night. 

Brush: Have this item handy in your purse for obvious reasons, unless you like that messy bedhead look(like myself, in which case simply scrunch and tossel locks), have a brush handy to tame that post party mane. Theres a variety of cute, convenient mini brushes that are capable of fitting in your makeup bag but really any brush or comb will work.

Travel size Baby Powder: Now I know your probably giving me a weird look but heres 

the thing. Have you ever heard of "dry shampoo's?" Salon's and drugstores may carry products 

called "dry shampoo" which is applied mainly to the roots to freshen up hair, working as a dry 

consistency to absorb our hairs natural oils. Well folks if you can't find a product that suites you

or for a cheaper, economical solution. I got some exciting  news for you. BABY POWDER

 DOES THE SAME THING! 

yes its true! just sprinkle a bit in your hand and tossel through the roots of your hair, because 

baby powder is white however, be sure to thoroughly work powder into hair. Dry 

Shampoo can be used in between washes or for backcombing, (apply a small amount to the 

root and proceed with normal backcombing technique) this provides a dry texture for better 

backcombing and in the end result, fuller volume with better stability.

Having a dryer texture on the hair also allows bobby pins and clips to anchor better within the 

hair. For those nights where you feel and undo is in order. 

 

Travel size Baby Oil: Don't worry were not preparing to babysit infants. Baby Oil is another

great versatile product to have handy in your bathroom or purchase a travel size to fit in your

makeup bag. Baby Oil is very moisturizing to your skin. It can be used in or after a shower to

fully moisturize the skin beyond just the surface like most lotions, without leaving the skin 

feeling greasy. However in this situation baby oil is a great economical eye makeup remover.

 

Relish's homemade do it all spritz!

I know, I know not the best name but I'll work on it ;)

Remember my little lecture about Tea tree oil, and how it was my little sidekick for everything! 

No?.. Well if you would like to proceed down my blog. If not heres a recap. Tea tree oil is a great 

natural antiseptic. It's great for acne because it cleans and kills the bacteria that gets trapped in 

our pores and build up, resulting in pimples, blackheads ect..

 This is especially when we sleep in our makeup which is a complete NoNo but 

at one point or other we are all guilty of doing it. Well I've created the solution..literally ;)

While pondering the many uses of tea tree oil, and the common problem of me always falling

asleep in my makeup a lightbulb went off in my brain and this stuff was born!

Why not create a mist you can spritz your face with and take off your makeup while killing the 

bacteria that leave our pores clogged. I can't list the different things this spritz can be used for. 

Composed of just 100% tea tree oil and purified distilled water, this spritz can be used to clean 

the face and take off makeup, as a toner before moisturizer, to spray on cuts, wounds, bruises 

etc... to clean makeup brushes, as an insect repellant

the list goes on..

 

To make this magical potion is very easy.First off start by finding a little spritz or spray bottle 

of your preference and fill almost full of purified distilled water. Take your 100% pure Tea 

tree oil and add to the water. I Haven't decided on a ratio or measurement or anything I 

just kept adding drops of tea tree oil until I decided there was a good amount of water to

tea tree oil, this will also depend on how big your spritz bottle is. I'm guessing you would want

twice as much water as tea tree oil but if you feel the mixture is to strong or to weak add to your 

preference.  

Other Items that are self explanatory and a must to have in your overnight makeup bag are

Deoderant/Purfume

Toothbrush

Moisturizer

Compact powder, Mascara, Blush etc..

Hand Sanitizer

And so there you have it! The very essentials to have when you leave the door for your night on 

the town. These items are very versatile and are also great to have for road trips, camping, 

airplane rides, on vacation, your gym bag etc.. 

Obviously feel free to add whatever else you can't survive without.

Happy Partying! and Happy Adventures!! you never know where each day will take you and 

therefore you won't know where each day will end. However with these items handy in your 

makeup bag you'll be prepared for whatever life throws your way.

Have fun! Be safe! and remember DONT drink and drive! make it a slumber party! 

xoxo

Relish

bejewel me

This is just a lil something I came up with one night when I was bored...yes when I'm bored I do my makeup ;)  hence makeup addict lol. It's times like those however you can really get your creative juices going experiment and explore with different looks and colours. This is just a simple clean frosty eye with all the attention mainly on the bejewelled lips. I have to be honest I wanted the lips to be more bejewelled but the jewels were to big to fill the lips in nicely, If i did this look again I would use smaller bejewels and really get those lips bejazzeled ;)

As you can see replacing the drama of the bejewels with a pop of colour makes this look totally wearable. Try switching up your typical black smokey look on the evenings to this clean classic frosty eye, Paired with a chic black outfit..perhaps a little black dress ;) you'll be the talk of the evening.

 Using light colours as opposed to your typical black give you a more innocent, classic, clean bright eyed look. Bringing attention to your eyes while working with the bold lip.

To get this look

Foundation: Conceal and Powder as usual. Contour and Highlight if desired. 

Eyes: Prime the lids with your choice of primer, I used painterly paint pot from MAC. Taking a white frosty colour (any lighter frosty colour will work also) using your fluffy brush dust over entire lid from lid up to the brow bone ( I used Shroom from MAC) To add more depth to the eyes wash a matte white eyeshadow over the lid, using different textures in the same shade adds dimension to light colours(I used Vanilla from MAC) Line the eyes with your choice of eyeliner, I chose to use black. And thats it!! although you don't have to stop there. Try experimenting with colours.

Cheeks: Apply cheek colour of your choice try picking a shade or colour that contrast and pairs well with the lips.

Lips: Finish off with a bold matte lip, or glossy if you prefer. I personally think a glossy lip will overdue the look considering the bright frosty eyes. Feel free to experiment with bold pinks, deep fushia's, bright reds. I used Trimming talk from MAC.

How to get the Hair: 

I like big curly kinda messy sexy hair, and I think it pairs well with this look. To get this look first start by applying spritzing some sort of styling lotion, heat protector, whatever you typically use to protect your hair from heat. I love Styling lotion or thickening spray by Bumble and Bumble. Curl your hair in sections with whatever curling iron you got, remember that hair does fall flat through the night, so using a smaller curling iron will give you nice medium sized curls that will eventually fall into waves, where using a bigger curling iron will simply just fall. If you really want to get creative and add texture try using a different sized curling iron with each layer. Remember to hairspray curls in between layers.

After entire hair is curled bust out the backcombing brush, any comb/brush will work. grabbing your hair in sections backcomb entire head by elevating hair and teasing the root, gently sliding hair from mid root to root. This creates volume and can be teaselled and manipulated for your desired volume, shape and style. spray with hair spray. For extra texture and hold in the curls, apply a small amount of styling balm into the palm of your hands and scrunch your hair defining your curls. I love After Party from Bedhead.

Hope this inspires you to come up with your own looks, go out and rock it ;)

xoxo

Peace Love and Makeup

Relish

Organizing your make-up

When it comes to organizing your makeup there is so many options and ways you can turn your vanity of overcrowded makeup into a sanctuary of peace. I was currently so frustrated with the way I have been storing my makeup for years that I opted to find a better way, and I think I succeeded !!!
I have stored my makeup in everything from Pencil containers, 1$ store baskets, Walmart containers, at one point I even went out and spent almost 200$ on a cute wooden cubby hoping that was the answer to all my problems...it wasn't.
Before...what I thought was the answer to my makeup storage problems..now..it holds my hair tools ;)

A couple weeks ago I was in Michaels Kraft supply store and what caught my eye from across the store was the answer to all my makeup storage problems!

This baby is made for storing craft supplies but not any more!! I've completely organized all my personal make-up and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I bought little plastic containers from the dollar store that fit into the four individual drawers to better organize my products. This storage unit was on sale when I purchased it but I believe they run around 50$ kinda steep I know but it was well worth it for me, considering I did spend an abundance more on what it now my new hair tool cupboard.

If you've been as frustrated as I have been with your makeup being scattered everywhere, filling up your makeup bags which leads to broken powder and eyeshadows :( or slowly creeping into your boyfriends side of the counter then I definitely recommend getting one of these babies. They come in a simple white, which gives you the option of personalizing it and making it your own. I will be jazzing mine up with glitter, sequins, bejewels, possibly a nice painted pattern..haven't quite decided yet.

Happy Organizing !!...what are some of your makeup storage solutions ??

xoxox 

peace love and makeup 

Relish  

Gwen Stefani-Get the look !

I Love! recreating looks in magazines..theres something so exciting about figuring out colours, techniques, products used and having it all come together in the end, adding your own twists along the way.
This look is inspired by the cover of Novembers issue of In Style magazine featuring Gwen Stefani. Obviously Gwen Stefani is a  major fashion icon not only in her style but in her make-up as well. She loves to rock a modern clean nude cat eye with a bold lip, usually red, but not this time kids, nope she's sporting a hot pink/fushia type lip that looks amazing!! try it and see for yourself. This clean cat eye can be paired with any bold lip of your choice so have fun and rock it!!



Face:  Foundation, conceal and powder as usual. although try some simple contouring by 




Using a bronzer with NO! shimmer in it( I love Blunt from MAC) run this in the hollows of your 




cheeks from your ears to the middle towards your mouth. Next apply a light dusting of shimmer 




eyeshadow or powder along the tops of your cheek bones sweeping up towards the outer eye. 




Highlighting the highest points and contouring the lower points of the face work together to 




slenderize and brighten the face as well as add




depth and color to the face.

Eyes: First off you want to prep your eyes so that your shadow lasts all day I used MAC paint 




pot in Painterly, not only does this allow your shadow to last all day but it also allows the 




pigments of the eyeshadow to show true to their colour.

After your done prepping the eyes its time to move onto shadow. This look is a very clean look




and requires just a couple of shadows, sweep a white shimmer or matte eyeshadow all over the 




lid up to the brow bone I used Vanilla eyeshadow from MAC. 

By the look of the picture it looks like its just a wash of a matte colour all over but I decided to 




add some depth to the look by applying a light brown colour to the outer corners of the eye in a 




'V' shape. I used cappuccino by MAC using my blending fluffy brush in a winder wiper motion 




in my crease to create a soft colour in the outer crease. 

Time to grab your liquid liner ladies and create that classic cat eye, this does require practice so 




if your uncomfortable using liquid liner try using a sharp angled brush with black eyeshadow to 




practise with. eyeshadow can easily be blended out and corrected until your confident enough




to use liquid liner. After be sure to curl your lashes and apply mascara, apply false lashes if 




desired.

Cheeks/Lips: For the cheeks she didn't look like she had to much on, obviously her skin tone is much different from mine but no worries just work with what you got. I used a very light pink blush, Dandelion from Benefit but any light pink will do. And lastly the  star of the show those beautiful fushia/pink lips. First I outlined and filled in my lips with a pink lipliner, here I used Glam Pink lipliner from Gosh. Applying lipliner around the lips as well as filling in the lips allows your lipstick to last longer, have more staying power, and prevents the lipstick from running outside your natural lip line. After applying the lipliner I covered my lips in Lily Extase (340) by Revlon.

Don't forget to fill in the brows, which I did, I know it sounds strange but filling in your eyebrows with a coloured shadow or eye pencil frames the eyes and brings structure to the face.

I Love this bold lip!!! I even matched it with a scarf.. have fun and enjoy :D

Exploring with colour- get the look

Everyone say hello to my beautiful younger cousin Brianna. I love it when people allow me to do whatever I please with their make-up. In a casual day with my cousin I decided to do her makeup funky yet wearable. The inspiration came from a face chart I had created months before. I chose to explore with colours using mainly MAC pigments simply because.. well their well pigmented and easy to work with continue reading if you would like to get the look, or get inspired and try these colours in your own way.  

Face: Foundation, conceal and powder your face as usual. 

Eyes: First start by priming the lids with the lid primer of your preference, I LOVE! MAC paint pots I used Painterly for this look. 

For any look it is recommended you start your eye look with the lighter colours first simply because it is a lot easier to go over a light colour then to cover up a dark colour. That being said in the first inner corner of the eye place your yellow pigment in the first quarter of the eye. We are creating a soft transition of colours so next I used a beautiful lime green colour, to blend into the yellow and cover another quarter of the eye. in this case I used MAC pigments in Chartreuse. 

I wanted to transition the green into a deep purple and used a combination of MAC eyeshadows in Nocturnelle,Indian Ink, Vibrant Grape and Fig 1. but by all means work with what purples you have, when it comes to layering and making colours pop try working with various shades of the same colour to add depth to the look.

and lastly I wanted the outer corners to transition to a beautiful fushia/pink colour and went with MAC Fushia pigment.

Cheeks: For such a Loud eye look like this try keeping the cheeks a bit more subtle yet complementing to the eyes. Because the eyes have that pop of pink/fushia I went for a Blush colour to complement this, I used MAC Dollymix. Don't let this colour scare you it looks really intense on the pallet but is beautiful when applied, sweep this colour with a light hand along the cheek bones to give a nice natural flush of pink.

Lips: Again with this look choose a lip colour thats subtle yet ties in with the rest of the look, I went with a variety of light pinks to compliment the cheeks. I used Sweet thing by MAC. 

Product Recap: 

                    Eyes:

                            MAC Lemon pigment

                            MAC Chartreuse pigment

                            MAC Nocturnelle eyeshadow

                            MAC Vibrant grape eyeshadow

                            MAC Fig 1. eyeshadow

                            MAC Fushia pigment

                            

                   Cheeks: MAC Dollymix

                    Lips: MAC Sweet thing

                          

However use whatever colours, brands you have and get creative and see what different looks you can come up with. I love working with pigments because there so pigmented and so colourful!! A little goes a long way with these babies and for a more creamy liquid texture try mixing them or wetting your brush with water, eye drops or a mixing medium. I love experimenting with color and the best thing about makeup is you can do what you please, have fun :D let me know what looks you come up with.

xoxox Relish 

Tea Tree oil your powerful sidekick in everyday battles with anything!

Yes...kinda random tea tree oil? what the what??
I love this stuff!! yes it smells kinda weird but in a good aromatic way, kinda refreshing on the nostrils. but weird smell or no it is a essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca aternifolia tree greatly found in Australia. It has been used for many centuries for the treatment of cuts, abrasions, burns, insect bites, infections and similar conditions in between.

The many uses of tea tree oil.
 Tea tree essential oil is considered to be both a natural antiseptic, meaning able to destroy bacteria capable of causing infections, and antimicrobial, may destroy or prevent growth of microbes which are tiny living things including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. It is used in various ways in the treatment of many conditions. The most common being prevention or treatment of acne, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, yeast infections and a wide variety of skin conditions. 
Tea tree oil works against bacteria and microbes in a similar way to disinfectants. It disrupts the cell membranes of the destructive microorganisms and disables the proteins within them so they cannot multiply and cause health problems. The main constituents in tea tree oil are chemical compounds called Terpinen-4-ol, Alpha-terpineol and Linaool.


Where can tea tree oil be used?? 
the ten common uses of tea tree oil are
1.) Acne  Apply tea tree oil to affected area as needed. add a few drops to your face cleanser to prevent build up of bacteria that causes acne.
2.) Athlete's foot Apply 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to the affected area on the feet. soak in solutions of 5-10 drops in a bath of warm water.
3.) colds Add approximately 10 drops of tea tree oil in a vaporizer to help clear chest and nasal congestion.
4.) cold sores Apply tea tree oil directly to the sore two times a day.
5.) head lice Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1oz of shampoo. massage into wet hair, leave on for 10 minutes, rinse, repeat daily until lice and eggs are gone.
6.) insect bites Apply a drop or two of tea tree oil on an affected area, for cleansing make a solution of 10 drops of tea tree oil in 1/4 cup of warm water and wash affected area with a clean cotton ball or pad.
7.) Dermatits/eczema Apply a small amount to affected area if no irritation occurs repeat on other areas. for cleansing make a solution of 10 drops of oil in 1/4 cup of warm water and wash affected area.
8.) Ear infections Mix 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1/4 cup of warm olive oil. drop a small amount into the ear, tilting the head to one side, using a small cotton ball swab gently to absorb the oil. repeat as needed.
9.) Cuts and wounds  Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to cup of warm water to use as an antiseptic wash.
10.) Dandruff Add 20 drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo and mix, or use three drops mixed with your shampoo in your hand to wash your hair.


Tea tree oil in my opinion is great to have around the house for any of the above and more!! when buying and using tea tree oil look for 100% pure to get the best results and the purest oil possible.  To read up more about tea tree oil and more if its uses check out various health stores or of course the interweb ;)

cheers
xoxoxox Relish