Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Photography by Gemma.Southworth ❤

Hi friends,

I decided to share a couple of portraits taken by my bestfriend ( GEMMA. SOUTHWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY). She is taking Photography as a course in university and is very talented and passionate on what she does. She is currently based in Manchester and Blackpool. So, if you ever need your photos taken for occasional purposes or If you need yourself a photoshoot, she's the best person to call. Here are some of her photos she took of me (African/traditional women theme):





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What also made the photography session fun was that she chose me to be the MUA for her other model too. Priya Svnsn (Link to her Facebook Page) is a part-time free lance model. She was perfect for the photoshoot theme that the photographer was looking for, which are to demonstrate bold and strong stances and features representing traditional women. She suits well in the dresses picked out for her to wear. Here is one of the photos taken from the shoot: 

These are the before and on-progress transformation:
 

This is the Before and After :)
Makeup Products used as far as I can recall: 
  • Embryolisse Lait-creme concentre moisturiser
  • RCMA highlighter and contour , / #S-1 & S-5 (Retail Price: £25) http://bit.ly/1zhLeo4 w/ RCMA Shinto palette / #SH-4 & SH-5 (Retail Price: £25) http://bit.ly/1TA9UDf (to create shade of foundation)
  • Urban Decay Vice eyeshadow palette (1st Ed.) (#Chaos, Laced, & Black Market E/Ss)
  • Kryolan cream highlighter / #Satin (Retail Price: £12.95http://bit.ly/1SkVILV 
  • Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed (#Opal)
  • Bobbi brown gel eyebrow (#Rich Brown) 
  • MAC Pro Sculpting cream (#Coffee Walnut)
  • MAC Cream Colour Base (#Au Natural)
  • Milani blush (#05 Luminoso)
  • Korean lashes (#Can't exactly remember but very natural wispy lashes)
  • MUA Lipstick (#13)
  • Revlon Colour Stay Skinny Liquid Liner (#Black)
  • Laura Mercier (#translucent) setting powder
  • Rimmel eyebrow pencil (#hazel)
  • Kevyn Aucoin sculpting powder (#Medium)
  • Benefit They're real mascara (#Black)
  • Illamasqua Powder Blusher / #Intrique (Retail Price: £22http://bit.ly/176V1VB
  • Beauty Blender
  • Real Technique brushes

Hair Products used: 



Saturday, 31 January 2015

Everyday Makeup Routine using Makeup Atelier Waterproof Gel Foundation ❤


Hi friends,
Here in this post, I will be sharing with you the products that I use for my everyday errands and how I apply them on my face. It is pretty basic but I hope you do learn some tips and tricks from this video. I kept it short and sweet so that it gives you an overrall idea that you do not have to spend hours doing your own makeup, if you are just going to meet up with friends. However, it's obviously another topic if you are going to a glam night out. :) We all want the bold/smokeys makeup for that.

P.S. I forgot how HD this video is, so it didn't do much to make my skin perfect, but I guess it benefits you; since this is suppose to show the effect of the foundation (Review) and my recent makeup routine. Just all for you, lol.








Product Used/Listed: 

❤ Tools/Brushes Used
  • Dior Backstage Beauty Blender (REVIEW) (Retail Price: £12http://bit.ly/1EwL4zd
  • Boots, Cottons Pads
  • Primark Synthetic Foundation Brush
  • Real Techiques Brush
  • Urban Decay Brush
  • KLTMALL Premium Synthetic Kabuki Brush Set (REVIEW
❤ Music: Tove Lo - Habits (Stay High) 

Hope you all enjoyed this post and my makeup video :) 
In the next post, I will be uploading my in-depth review of the foundation including swatches, before, after pictures, and so on. 

Sette Ventura 




Saturday, 24 January 2015

New Brushes: Dupe of Sigma Kabuki Brushes?. ❤





Hi friends, I decided to do a review on these brushes that I have purchased in Amazon a few months back. My boyfriend decided to splurge on getting these for me and spoil me, haha. In this blogpost, I will be reviewing each brush and my experience with it so far. 

As you can see, the major differences between both the Sigma brushes and these KLTMALL Premium Synthetic Kabuki Makeup Brush Set is that:
  • I purchased them from different websites. 
You can purchase the Sigma Beauty Kabuki Brushes (top picture) Here: 
You can purchase the KLTMALL Premium Synthetic Kabuki Brush Set (second picture) Here:
  • There prices have a big gap between them.
Sigma Beauty Kabuki Brushes: Set brushes- $168  / Approx- £97.95
KLTMALL Premium Synthetic Kabuki Makeup Brush Set - £13.77 w/ free delivery. 
  • The KLTMALL Premium Brushes are faux gold plated and the Sigma Kabukis are Silver.
  • Sigma Kabuki Brush Set consists of 9 brushes whereas KLTMALL Kabuki Brush Set has 8.
  • Comparing the brushes provided in the set: Sigma Brush Set have F88 Flat Angled Kabuki & P88 Precision Flat Angled which KLTMALL does not have but rather another eyeshadow brush which have longer bristles (picture included below) 
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Before, I start reviewing each brushes and what the major differences are, I want to point out that I am not sponsored or contacted to make this review, All opinion-based comments are from personal experience. 

KLTMALL's claim on the Kabuki Brush Set (Description taken from the website) also, included in the description are directions on how to use each brush:
  • Large Brush Bristles Length: approx. 15.5cm
  • Handle Diameter: approx. 2cm
  • SYNTHETIC brush hair.
  • Small Brush Bristles Length: approx 18.5cm
  • Handle Diameter: approx 1.2cm
  • SYNTHETIC brush hair.
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Now onto reviewing each brushes, I will be starting off with the Large brushes. (Click Picture to View Full-Sized Image)


F86 Tapered Kabuki:
- Natural Hair
- Quite Brittle
- Perfect use for cream and liquid products
- Not ideal for powder applications
- Sturdy handle
- Quite hard to clean as you really need to massage it to remove product trapped in the center of the bristles












F84 Angled Kabuki:
- Natural Hair
- Soft bristles
- Perfect for blending and contouring
- Perfect for liquid, cream and powder applications
- Sturdy handle
- Quite too wide for a precise contour
- Easy to clean











F80 Flat Kabuki:
- Natural Hair
- Soft bristles
- Flat top
- Perfect for liquid, cream and powder applications
- Sturdy Handle
- Great for foundation applications
- Easy to clean











F82 Round Kabuki:
- Natural Hair
- Soft Bristles
- Domed shape
- Perfect for cream and liquid applications
- Not ideal for powder as bristles are too compact
- Sturdy handle
- Difficult to clean as its hard to clean center of bristles.










Small brushes: 


P84 Precision Angled:
- Soft bristles
- Natural hair
- Perfect for shading, blending and adding colour to the crease/socket of the eyes
- Too wide for inner corners and eyeliner
- Sturdy handle
- Easy to clean












P82 Precision Round:
- Soft bristles
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy handle
- Perfect for blending, shading, and putting on eyeshadow on lid.
- Perfect for blending concealer
- Natural Hair













P86 Precision Tapered:
- Sturdy handle and bristles
- Easy to clean
- Perfect for blending eyeliner, applying eyeshadow on inner corners and shaping/sculpting eye socket/crease.















This is just a random added brush as part of the collection. It is just a smaller version of the F80 Flat Kabuki.
- Perfect for blending and shading
- Sturdy Handle
- Soft Bristles
- Natural Hairs
Perfect for applying highlighter/concealer.











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It has been months since I have used these brushes and I can happily tell you that it is worth the investment. They all are high-quality standard in terms of the bristles and the handles. So far, I have not seen any fading in terms of the brush handle and any fall outs from the brush hairs. Plus, they are very easy to clean and use. For the worth of its price, it is definitely a bargain and a perfect gift to someone who loves makeup. Also, a perfect brush set for a beginner.

I am not here to bash any companies out, however sometimes it's not about the brand but the use, price and importance in quality of the products.

I hope you enjoyed this post, :)
Thank you for reading,

Sette Ventura ❤









Sunday, 16 November 2014

Beauty Blender VS Dior Backstage Blender Review ❤


Hello friends, 

How you guys doing? I will be reviewing both Beauty Blender and Dior Backstage Blender Foundation Sponge back to back. Since, it is highly requested; I ensured that I will be covering as much points as possible to ease all the drama between both of these sponges, ha ha. Joking. But seriously, I have tried and tested out these sponges for a long duration of time and can honestly share my experiences and opinions on both of these products. Also, I am going to mention and highlight on this blogpost about the differences, and similarities of these products side by side and which I do prefer. However, before I start reviewing both these products, I just want to claim  that I am not paid in any shape or form to share my opinions and truthfully, I just love sharing with you all these kind of reviews to help you choose whether If its worth it or not ;) 

Beauty Blender Description: "Beauty Blender has been created to leave you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Forget your fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges, these application methods waste makeup and can leave visible streaks. Beauty Blender's patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Beauty Blender is latex free, non-allergenic and odour free."

Dior Backstage Blender Description: "The egg-shaped, ergonomic Fluid Foundation Sponge delivers seamless application, even in the most hard-to-reach places, for a radiant and sculpted studio finish. Application tips: 1- Use the side of the sponge to blend foundation over the entire face. 2- Use the tip to apply foundation on specific areas (wings of the nose, eye contour, etc.)The base can be used to adjust coverage on areas that require greater correction. ". 


Beauty Blender and Dior Backstage Blender Foundation Sponge. 

Beauty Blender and Dior Backstage Blender (Side by Side, Close-up)

As shown in the above picture, I have both Beauty Blender and Dior Backstage Blender next to each other. The Dior Backstage Blender is quite longer yet more of an oval Shape but the Beauty Blender is more rounder in the other end and pointier on the other. To be honest, they both look egg-shaped anyway. 

Comparing both blenders when not soaked in water, they both have closed pores nonetheless, their texture are somewhat different from each other. The Beauty Blender is a lot more 'bouncier' and more porous which allows water to pass through the blender yet the texture of the Dior Backstage Blender is quite Velvety, a lot more closed pores and not so 'bouncy'. 

Beauty Blender and Dior Backstage Blender Foundation Sponge (When soaked with water)


Beauty Blender and Dior Backstage Blender Foundation Sponge (When soaked in water and hand comparison)

As you can see in the above images, the Beauty Blender expanded its shape whilst being damped with water. This is because the pores of the sponge are a lot more open thus, allowed water to seep through. On the other hand, the Dior Blender remained as its original shape and size. After many trials of multiple use of both these sponges, I can honestly say that the damp Beauty Blender dries for quite a long duration of time compared with the Dior Blender Sponge. 

Cleanliness: I have attempted and tried to clean and disinfect these sponges using different products that could help not destroy its original shape, texture and colour. I mostly use baby shampoo to clean both the sponges by applying a good amount of product on the sponge then massaging it thoroughly on the palm of my hand under warm-to-cold water. Another cleaning application I found that works well with blenders are the Beauty Blender shampoo or soap. I am sure that there are hundreds of tutorials in Youtube that demonstrates how to clean Sponge Blenders any way, so therefore, I could save you some time instead of me blubbering further into a subject that has already been covered by many bloggers and MUAs. Here's an example:

Video Link: http://youtu.be/-ERzchbhxoo by Tracy Timberlake. 



Application use
  • Beauty Blender: There are many videos out there establishing on how to use this product and which makeup format works well with it. I just simply love using this sponge when damped with water to apply my regular liquid face products such as foundations, highlighters and concealers. It gives such a beautiful airbrush finish and you can definitely enjoy it more when it has been dampen as this allows to reduce and break down the feeling of heaviness and deep concentration of the foundation product into the skin. Firstly, I apply the foundation or concealer directly on the face using my fingers or brush then I blend it thoroughly in a patting motion using my damp Beauty Blender. 
  • Dior Backstage Blender Foundation Sponge: The best method in which I use this Dior Blender is when its kept in its dry state and shape. This is because it does not really do much change even when it has been dampened with water. I love how easy it is to use without standing up and going to the sink to dampen it, ha ha. As repeated above, I use the same method on how I apply my liquid face products which are the simple apply with fingers then blend in a tapping motion.
I like using both sponges on liquid face products as it gives a radiant and flawless finish. However, I am not really a big fan using it with powder or creme format products as it does not give me the result I am looking for compared with using an actual makeup brush and puffs. 



Differences of: 
- Beauty Blender:
  • Air-brush finish
  • Helps break down the heaviness of the face product
  • Refreshes face
  • Odour-less
  • Variety of colours 
  • Best used when damped
  • Best applicator for liquid products
  • Availability everywhere. 
  • Softer and Spongier
  • Porous
  • Available shampoo and solid soap
- Dior Blender Sponge:
  • Air-brush finish
  • Cheaper price compared with the Beauty Blender
  • Easy to clean
  • Odourless
  • Best applicator for liquid products
  • Best used when dry
  • Not so fragile


My experience: Sharing my experience with both these sponges and I just wanted to assure you that everything mentioned in this section of the blog post are based on my actual thoughts and opinions of the product. As much as I love my Beauty Blender, It sometimes is a pain removing the stains on the actual blender even when I am using its branded soap or shampoo and it can be quite fragile so I had to be careful whilst cleaning and using it. I actually do prefer using this product whilst its damp and when being applied in a patting motion, it feels like you're punching your face with cotton balls haha.  

I am starting to also love the Dior Blender Sponge but still getting used to how I prefer using it and so on. My experience with this product is quite different than it is with the Beauty Blender. You do not have to damp this product and it is a go-to-makeup tool that allows you to quickly access on blending  your concealer or foundation, when you are running late in your usual errand or work. The con's in which I faced with this product are that when using it in a patting motion, it feels like you're punching yourself with rubber and its texture in my opinion, are like any other makeup sponge you find from the pound stores or any drugstores. I do not really see the hype on this product, I guess its just the brand name that got me into buying it. I do not regret any of my decisions because it is always great to have sponges in your beauty makeup kit. I still do prefer my Beauty Blender. 

There you go guys and girls, This is my whole review of both the Beauty Blender and the Dior Backstage Blender Foundation Sponge back-to-back. I hope you enjoyed reading my review on these products as much as I have reviewing and sharing it for you all. Please, if you have time. Let me know your thoughts and opinions too underneath this blog post. Thank you so much guys. Underneath this, I will be posting the prices and where you can all purchase both these products. 

Price & Websites
  • Beauty Blender £15-£28


- Selfridges: http://bit.ly/1xDNBSp
- Beauty Blender Website: http://bit.ly/1y5C9hW
- Beauty Bay: http://bit.ly/1cGS9KA
  • Dior Backstage Blender Foundation Sponge £10.80-£12


- Debenhams: http://bit.ly/11dZgLY
- Selfridges: http://bit.ly/1uzf6gc

P.S. I will have a tutorial coming up soon demonstrating on how I apply my liquid products using the Dior Backstage Blender.

Have a great days guys and take care,

Sette Ventura ❤


Friday, 14 November 2014

Quick Update ❤


Hello friends,

First of all, I just wanted to say sorry for neglecting you for weeks. I became so busy with running errands and having to keep up with my new job. Oh how fun. But the good news is, I will start reviewing some products tomorrow and onwards on products that has been longly awaited for. Also, I have tried and experienced using such products for a while now and can honestly, say my varied opinions and share my experience with it. I am very lucky to have you guys who have been keeping up with this blog and I would like to thank you so much for your patience. It has been a good motivator boost to assure that my blog is kept up-to-date as much as I can. I will list in this blogpost the reviews that are going to be featured in the blog as well as extra bits and bobs about my adventures, If you do fancy knowing what I have been up to. Ha ha. However, I could not guarantee to you that some of these blog posts will be posted in order but I most certainly will assure that every one of these blog posts are achieved and posted.

Blog posts coming up soon: 


  1. Beauty Blender VS. Dior Blending Sponge (Done)
  2. Yes Style Skincare Haul and Reviews
  3. MAC Contouring shades (Cream) and how I use them. 
  4. Monster High Collaboration - Dracula Inspired (X)
  5. Collection Haul Vid (Done)
  6. Update on hair and products used.
  7. My new job and what I have been up to lately. 
  8. Autumn Inspired Look 
  9. Review on Desio Lens (Desio) VS Geo Lens (Yes Style) 
  10. Update on Skincare Routine
  11. Update on Everyday Makeup Routine
  12. Favourite Highlighters.
  13. Must Haves and Top 14 Products of 2014 (Done)
  14. Vlogs (Continuing to 2015)
  15. Contouring & Highlighting Makeup Routine - Tips & Tricks
  16. New Years Resolution & How I can achieve it. (X)
  17. Gym Journey & Diet Plan 
  18. Plans I will be doing next year
I will be posting my new blog post this Sunday, 16th of November about my experience using the Beauty Blender and Dior Blending Sponge. 

I miss you guys and I hope you have a great day.
Love love you all

P.s. I have changed my Instagram Username to: Setteventura


Sette Ventura

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Becca Ombre Nudes Eye Palette Review & Swatches ❤

Hi guys, I'm here to review for you today the Becca Ombre Nudes Eye Palette. I have seen this palette being raved about ever since it came out which is not so long ago. I ordered it from Space NK for quite a high price however, it was worth it. Below are pictures displaying the pigmentation, true shades and the quality of the product swatches without and with a primer. This Becca Eye Palette contains 5 eyeshadows that contains mostly cool toned shades of brown except eyeshadow (1) which is a light dusty peach shade. I apologise If I haven't took an image of the back of the palette but it doesn't say much, just the number of the shades without names. 


Without Flash. 

With Flash. 

Close up of packaging and eyeshadows without flash. 

Eagles eye view of the eyeshadow palette without flash. 

Swatches. (Top Row) without primer. 1, 2, 3, 4. 5.
(Botton Row) with primer using NYC Jumbo Eye Pencil, Milk. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 

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Whole review of the product:

Packaging: The packaging comes in a dark brown/Sepia colour box with Becca printed on the side. Just like any regular box packaging, it includes the name of the palette and description on the back saying, "Create natural depth and luminous highlight with velvety soft, tone-on-tone ombre nudes. Skin-authentic shades with a range of contrasting undertones enhance and illuminate the eye area for a wide-eyed effect, Green Coffee Oil helps awaken the eyes and smooth the lids, while a built-in priming effect extends the wear of your shadows. These versatile neutrals may be used to create a range of looks, from subtle to bold". The main packaging of the product has a sleek and glossy cover with a wide mirror inside covered with a plastic so that it wouldn't get dirt on it. It also contains 5 eyeshadows size compared  with the MAC single eyeshadows. The way to lock the product and open is a clip-in access and it is very easy and convenient to carry in your makeup bag.
Price:
Pigmentation: If the eyeshadows are applied without a primer, it comes off looking like a light shadow however it works best with a primer. One of the eyeshadows (1), when being built for more clarity became quite powdery and can get messy. In contrast with this, the other dark eyeshadows are fine. They do cling onto hairs hence the picture above.
Fragrance: No fragrance
Texture: Buttery, powdery & good quality.
Multi-uses: Except for its main purpose of eyeshadows, this product can be used to create natural contour shadows in your face. depending on skin tone. The eyeshadow (1) and (2) can be used for light skin tones, (2, 3, 4) for tan-mid dark skin tones and (4,5) for dark-ebony dark skin tones.
Audience/Preferable for: Any one
Price: £34.00
Rate: 8/10
Delivery Experience: When I first ordered this product, it was out of stock everywhere. After a week, I found it available in stock at the Space NK website. I had to splurge myself into getting the palette as quickly as possible since it runs out quite quickly. Successfully, getting myself one; it is set to be delivered at my home by Tuesday 30th. I was excited because when the product arrived they provided exactly what estimated time they were going to be delivering the products as well as the name of the delivery guy. Whilst I was opening the package, I found  the eyeshadow that I bought from Laura Mercier but the palette was not there. I became quite disappointed so I rang customer service and told them of what my enquiry is about and they have told me that they do not know when they are going to be delivering the next stock of this product so thus, I waited because it was out of stock again on the website. The day after, I recieved an email explaining that I have got a delivery soon set up to arrive on Thursday, 2nd of October from Space NK. After so, I have received my product.
Delivery Rate: 6/10

Website Bought: http://uk.spacenk.com/ombre-nude-eye-palette/MUK200013696.html


I am not paid to do this review neither was I sponsored by this product. All opinions are mine.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post,

Sette Ventura


Thursday, 18 September 2014

Arabian Makeup ❤


Just my boredom that I am trying to get over by putting makeup on my face. Definitely impressed with the outcome. Should I make a tutorial? haha. 

Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Day out w/ my best friend. ❤

Hi friends, I just want to share a little blog post about my adventure recently in Manchester with Jason, my best friend. He is a genuine, down-to-earth, caring and a very vain friend that I have. He loves the mirror just as much as I do haha. Jk. He hasn't really been touring around Manchester even when I was in University, so I was thinking of showing him some of the best places that I have been to and enjoyed there. We went around Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Yo Sushi, etc. and took many photos! 

Click the photos to view full size. 

Here is a photo of the clothing I tried on the changing room, ha ha:
  
These are all from H&M, B.T.W.
- Grey Jumpsuit in Lyocell Mix: LINK bit.ly/1oRUHwq
- Merino Wool Top: LINK bit.ly/1tYyMHc



 

My OOTD:
Top - H&M - Off-the-Shoulder-top / White £24.99 LINK bit.ly/XrGgrK
Pants - H&M - Suit trousers Slim Fit / Light Beige  £24.99 LINK bit.ly/1t1dTNw
Bag - G by Guess
Fur Stole with Hood - Zara £39.99 LINK bit.ly/1q9gCyK
Sandals - Topshop - Singer Chunky Platforms £55 LINK bit.ly/1phhQaM

 

 

Our little small dessert/snack at the Cafe inside Selfridges&Co.