New Blog Location

Hi Girls & Guys!!

My blog has moved to http://www.skelliemakeup.com/blog.html ! I hope you will continue to follow me an have a little look at my website while your there!

Thank you for following

Sandra x

Winner Alright..but will your makeup be???

Two words "Galway Races", two more words!! "Perfect Makeup"!

Now if I was a betting girl I would say no matter how fantastic your outfit is if your makeup is wrong, well... Operation Houdini has a better chance at winning the "Best Dressed"!! It's a dead cert every year, the ladies that win prizes in Galway are immaculate from head to toe so instead of freaking out about your shoes matching your handbag get your makeup in order!! Here's a few tips and tricks to help you along the way alternatively leave the hard work to me and just make an appointment (087) 2129216!

O.k the chances are we will have two major dilemmas 1. Heat(highly unlikely) and the 2nd the dreaded "Rain" da da daaaa!!!!! Easy peasy follow the steps and blow the rest of those losers(the ones that don't read my blog) outta the water! :-)..now thats fightin talk!...soooo gonna win sumthin :-)

First off "Rain" as it is more likely...pessimist!:-(

Lets start with the "Eyes":

Probably the very first thing that runs down your face is your eye makeup. There's black everywhere and it gets in your eyes and they turn red and within minutes you're a mess....men have it sooo easy!




There are two things you can do to prevent this:

Firstly, use water-proof mascara. You can still layer it and use the colour of your choice. It doesn't run off in the rain and your eyes continue to glow with distinction and beauty in spite of the weather.


Secondly, instead of using an eye liner, use the water- proof mascara to emphasize your lower eye lashes. Regular eye liner runs very quickly in the rain and even if you're fortunate enough to be able to keep your face wiped with a tissue, the bottom eye lashes have lost some of its outline. When you apply the mascara, the lashes stay full and coloured and you maintain the outline of your eyes.


Eye shadows add highlights to the eyes but some wipe off or run very quickly in the rain, adding more colour the black that's running down your cheeks. Instead of using powdered eye shadows, use a cream eye shadow. There are products on the market that are cream based yet are light like a powder and that don't rub off. These are perfect for rainy days.




Your "Foundation":


You definitely don't want to use powder foundations in the rain because they will run off easily. You need to purchase a product that is cream based and yet doesn't rub off. Since your eye makeup won't be running down your face, you won't be touching your face and a foundation that won't run will mean that it's staying where you put it.




Your "Blush":


When powdered blush gets wet, it becomes dark and matted and it looks terrible. You will want to choose a blush that is cream based so that it remains on your face just as you put it there. It doesn't matte together or run and you continue to look lovely.




Your "Lipstick":


Most lipsticks aren't affected by water, in that they don't run or smudge because of it. However, you might want to avoid very dark coloured ones just in case you wipe your lips by accident in your efforts to keep the water off. Otherwise, the dark colour could be accidentally wiped onto your face.




So, even though the rain is falling all around you, you will look beautiful because your makeup will be in tact.

Now for the sunshine pop over to May's post on how to keep your makeup perfect in the heat with some really cool products available at affordable prices!

Here are some visual makeup ideas for those all important out-fits!

Natural Makeup

Soft Pinks

Dark Smokey Eye

Blonde/Brunette/Redette..rock that red lip!

For the "dare not to care" kinda gal!!

Enjoy your makeup, don't make it a chore, express yourself through your makeup, you'll find it can be quite fun! Experiment with colours who's going to see but your reflexion! If your happy with a look then you will wear it with confidence and this in turn will show to others!!

Till' next time amigos happy racing and remember the sayin/question;

"Did ya ever see a bookie without a bell on his bike??"

                                                                                 X

Here comes the Summer sun....we hope!! Tips and Tricks to keep you looking fabulous!

Warmer days means weekends outside, fun at the park, and trips to the beach with the family. Never fear Sandra's here to give you some great tips on how to look your best, survive the heat and all without taking away from your fun in the sun.

Fun and all as Summer can be, melting makeup, sliding eyeliner, and supersticky lipstick are not good looks and ones to be avoided at all costs. The heat and humidity are a challenge, so you will have to make a few changes to your routine. Here are some tips for keeping makeup looking fresh and pretty, even when the weather is working against you.

1. Make time for primer. You won't regret the few seconds it will take to smooth on a primer, which goes on after moisturiser but before face makeup. It provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next and can really help hold makeup in place. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer proves to be one of the very best!

2. Lighten your face makeup.Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on hot days. I would recommend brushing powder foundation over the tinted moisturiser in spots where you need a little extra coverage — say, on blemishes or areas of redness around your nose.

3. Bronze believably. Bronzer makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter, everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin. To keep the results looking fresh and natural, I recommend applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits your forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose.

5. Stop shine, add glow. A slick T-zone instantly telegraphs the message "I'm hot"! and I don't mean "sexy hot". To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers. They're cheap, easy, and amazing, you just press and go. If you need to perk up your makeup too, blot first, then follow up with a dusting of pressed powder. You want to eliminate shine, but you still want to look a little glow-y, especially in summer.

6. Change from thick lipsticks! A simple swipe-and-go choice aka tinted lip balms. They give you light color, and many even have SPF to protect you from the sun. 

7. Stay-proof your eye makeup. For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (it can break down makeup), and smooth on an eye primer instead. It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer!

 8. Apply all products waterproof. If you tried water-proof mascaras once but found them less than stellar, it's time to give 'em another go. They used to be brittle, crumbly, and flaky, but today's formulas are much better and they really last.  

Here are some of my favourites that I like to use during the Summer Season:

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.

If you're out and about, a little eye makeup can go a long way. These smear-proof Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner will last in the heat and water. It is non-irritating, easy to apply, and stays put even during the hot humid summer months. Choose from several colors to see which suits best.

Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Shadow.

It delivers a water resistant, crease-proof creamy powder formula able to last a full 10 hours, according to Clinique. Each works by itself, in conjunction with the other shadows in the collection, or as a base for powder shades. Light, velvety cream glides on vibrant color, stays beautifully and color true - in pearly shades from subtle to high-lustre. Even better, the shadows, which come in nine shades, are ideal for those with sensitive eyes.

Bourjois Waterproof Maxi Frange Maximum Length and Volume Mascara.

The stuff inside this dual-ended tube is equally as cool. Use the first wand to comb and separate lashes, and the second to coat them with lots of volume and intense color. The result? A look that's guaranteed to heat things up—and it'll last for hours without smudging or melting.

L'Oreal Infallible Lip Gloss

If you're going to wear just one product while you're out in the sun (aside from sunscreen, of course!), a long-wearing lip gloss is the way to go. It is a blend of gloss, color and balm. The moisturizing L'Oreal Infallible Lip Gloss does it all and stays on for six hours—lasting through eating, drinking and, of course, sunbathing.

Enjoy the sun everyone, (with my fingers and toes crossed in the hopes that it will grace us for more than two weeks!), start the novena Mammy! Ha Ha! 

XO

Makeup Enthusiasts Info!

Hi Girls & Boys!

So, I promised I would provide you with some info in regards to makeup courses and the likes so here is what I have come up with, I hope it is of some help! I know when I got interested in doing a course I would have loved a little heads up on all there is to offer in this field. Enjoy researching!

O.K., first up we have The School of Makeup Artistry in Briar Hill in Galway. This School offers its potential students courses ranging from a Beginners right through to Masterclasses. It also provides Spray Tan/Nail Technology & Private Makeup classes. With such a diverse range of classes on offer this is a must when considering your college choice. Classes are either run on a weekday evening or fulldays at the weekend. On completion of your selected course you will recieve a School qualification and I.T.E.C qualification, bringing you right around the world career wise!

Here's the link that will provide you with any other info that you will need:

http://www.schoolofmakeupartistry.com/

Next-up, The L.A. Makeup Academy. Now, this Academy is based in Dublin and offers a whole aray of courses including Makeup Modules 1-3, I.T.E.C Teacher training, LA Teen Beauty, Airbrushing, Special Effects Diploma, Setting up Business, Hair Styling and man many more!

On this site you will find past students work, You-Tube videos, all course details and prices and on entering you will see that you can chat to the tutors live if you have any queries!

http://www.lamakeupacademy.com/

Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, You-Tube or Flickr! Now you have no excuse!

If neither of these courses (which I would consider the best in the business), are right for you here are links to others that are mainly based around 1 Day/ 3 Day/ 5 Day timescales. There are some that are more intense, just click on the links and you will have a mind of information by the time your finished!

http://www.fuschia.ie/

http://www.whetstone.ie/

http://www.makeupfablicious.com/

http://www.face2.ie/

http://www.colourandimage.ie/

http://www.portobelloinstitute.ie/

http://www.aintnails.com/

http://www.galligangroup.com/

There is also an on-line Distant Learning course with Kilroys College @

http://www.kilroyscollege.ie/

My advice if you are unsure as to wheter this is the career choice for you is to attend one or two of the above day courses as they really do give you a feel for the makeup industry!

I hope you find this blog helps you in some way....

On a completely different subject while I'm here, I recently did a makeup for a very pretty girl called Chloe here are a few of the images;

For more pics follow the link below to my FaceBook page @:

www.facebook.com/sandragillenmakeupartistry

Thanks for reading guys!

X

Recent work!

Hi everyone!

First and foremost I just wanna thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement on my new business venture. It has been quite hectic to say the least but lots and lots of fun. Ellie (my 1yr old) has picked up a few tricks of the trade already...she now knows that cotton buds are not for poking in your ears but of course for the adjustments one needs to make during makeup application...priceless! As for my three boys their sick to the teeth of having to climb the stairs everytime they need their mother, to inevitably find her in front of the mirror in her bedroom.....its all part of the studying process...duh!!

So, in the midst of my home life madness that is 24/7 I found some time to do a job with the Fotissima girls. This shoot was done with a very pretty girl called Clodagh Connell. To be honest when I saw the end result I was a touch jealous...why???I hear you ask!...well, honestly where were the Lola's and Maj's when I was a teenager to come up with such a cool idea. I'm tellin u I would have a couple of girls rounded up..down to the sugar factory with some fish nets, tutu's, florescent something or others and i'd be in my element. I'll always have my vivid imagination to keep me going! ha ha !!

Well here we go, roll on down and have a gander....you won't be disappointed!

And then...

Wowsa...pretty pretty lady! See what I mean...

Is anyone else thinking 'Scarlett Johannason'...

Go to http://www.fotissima.com/ and check out some more of their fabulous work!

I have more pics of other work that I have done in the last week, but my camera has gone belly up so i'm in the process of dropping numerous amounts of hints about getting a new one...I'll leave this bit out when i'm proof reading it to Stevie..wink wink!!!lol oh and I did forget to thank him earlier for being the bestest friend he's always been. Lets just say the kids are having alot of bonding time with their Dad!

To end my ramblings I just want to let you all know that I am going to post a blog on sourcing a makeup course/prices/quality etc. during the week so as I said earlier keep the peepers open!...and just one other thing my diary is filling up for weddings/races/debs etc. so book early to get your slot in.

22nd May/26th June/17thJuly.....sorry girls I'm fully booked for these dates!

X

Rock the Frock

Hey ya'll!

OK!....so we did the photoshoot and I have to say I had one of the best days of my life. First and foremost I want to let you all know who did the photography for this shoot and it was no other than the FABULOUS Fotissima. Lola Donoghue and Maj Kelly are the brains behind this operation and let me tell you..these girls are going to hit the big time!!!!

 Apart from the fact that it was a tad cold, (slight understatement..sorry girls I lied :-), we were indoors, thats if you call a derelict warehouse "indoors"!), we got stuck in and according to the girls we came out with some really edgy/funky pics(I haven't seen any yet...oh the anticipation!). As I said it was a derelict warehouse...secret location..ya wide!..well it was the perfect location as there was a cool lil' loft with old crates, graffiti on the walls, broken bottles, pretty much crap thrown all over the gaff..you get the picture! We took some pics up in the loft and then some down on the ground.

Now might I add this is not your typical wedding dress photoshoot (read my last post); we had aqua blue ankle socks with high heels, trilby hats with denim jackets and for those of you who know we put together a' Madam Bridget' look unbeknownst to ourselves...hilarious!

New Website!

Hi Everyone!

I'm back...my apologies I had planned on having more posts up at this stage BUT I have started designing my very own website..exciting stuff :-)! I have a long way to go as I am doing it on my own so there is alot of trial and error but i'll get there! My web address is www.skelliemakeup.com so go have a look leave your details and leave me a lil' post here with your opinions may they be good/bad its all good really at the end of the day! So at the moment in between doing that and running after four little lunatics I have been ordering some cosmetics from Coastal Scents in the States. I have read/listened to so many reviews on this specific brand that I decided I would just make up my own mind in regards to its quality. I should have it in the next two weeks so as soon as it comes to the door I will post a video of my reaction so you will know what I really think of it! On the other side of things I have been asked by a photographer in my area to do a photoshoot called 'Rock the Frock' or 'Trash the Dress' as others may have heard it being referred to! (Have a look at some vids on you-tube) Basically its where a bride gets a second chance to wear her wedding dress but this time there is no minding of the dress! Its a fun shoot where the bride ends up with some really fantastic pictures that she never thought she would have! So, not only am I doing the make-up I am also the model/bride! Or as I would like to think the 'muse,' far from a model now as I am only 5ft 3' so there's no chance of a shot on ANTM for me! :-) That is happening in the next two weeks so as soon as I get pictures they will be posted. I will also be posting some pictures of my own wedding as I did the makeup for that aswell and I have pictures of my very pretty friend Jenny who's makeup I did recently for a wedding! I promise it won't be as long for my next post so keep in touch and subscribe, join, become a fan, leave a comment whatever rocks your boat, until then have a great day!

Sandra x

First Post!

Hi Everyone!

Well here is my very first post! You will have to bear with me as this is all new and sure as the saying goes "practice makes perfect"! My plan really is to give a week to week account of my make up artistry course when I start it in March. Make-up has been a passion of mine since I can remember, I know that sounds sooooo cliche but its true! I have had to put my dream on hold as I have four children,therefore as you can imagine the past few years have been quiet busy in their own right. During those four years I have educated myself in all things make-up, from reading books to listening to tutorials to practising on my friends and even doing my own make-up and my four bridesmaids the morning of my wedding!(Ahhhhh!). In the up-coming weeks I will be keeping you informed  regarding  the applicaion process ect. so in the mean time I will be posting some bargain buys, tried & tested products and the likes for all you die hard make up heads!