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justthisgirlsworld · 7 months ago

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do you have any makeup advice?

Hi sweetheart! Thank you so much for your question!

Ah makeup, trust me when I say, it takes time.

Experimentation is the key, honestly. I look back on how I did my makeup, even a year ago, and cringe heavily. But that’s the point, it’s a form of self expression. It’s to fit your features and to make you feel happy and confident! At the end of the day, if you end up feeling happy and confident, you’re doing it right.

I think I only really started to become “good” at makeup after breaking up with my ex, lmao? I’m very competitive, so, it was this urge to look better than he was. And he got into a relationship straight away anyway with a weirdo who spits on the floor, so we’re good.

Always put on moisturiser if you’re doing anything to your skin. I like washing my face with a cleanser, Cera Ve, and then going in with their spf morning moisturiser. It just helps your makeup stick a little better, and makes it look less crusty.

Then, I don’t quite like how heavy foundation feels? So I will use concealer in its place. It makes it look a little less natural, and it’s a bit lighter. I’ll put it over any blemishes, and usually a little bit over my eyes. Then with a beauty blender (which you wet beforehand and squeeze out the water, to make it expand. I didn’t know this at first until my mum told me I was doing it wrong lol,) you just lightly dab and blend everything out. Try to press the foundation/concealer into your skin, it makes it seemingly last a bit longer.

When it comes to eye makeup, it look me a while to get it right. Especially eyeliner. Yes, I fell victim to the 2020 chunky wings, I don’t want to talk about it.

I started going in with a nude colour, slightly darker than my skin. I would then slide on some iridescent eyeshadow, and wipe off any excess, just to give it a bit of depth and shimmer. Then, I go in with an eyeliner pencil. I do this on my bottom waterline, as well as very lightly going over my lash line. I’ll then go in with liquid eyeliner. Now, depending on the day, this can either go right first try, or I sit getting incredibly frustrated, attempting to get it right.

So, in the event that it’s the latter, micellar water actually removes liquid eyeliner really well. I’d you get a bit of it on a cotton pad, or even a bit of toilet roll, it just wipes it straight off so you can try again. Make sure to dab your skin dry though, or it can dry out the liquid eyeliner if there’s any excess micellar water left on the skin.

I don’t do any bronzer or anything, because I am ridiculously pale and would end up looking MENTAL. But, if you suit it, then there are many really good tutorials over on TikTok.

As for blush, I’m a bit of a weirdo with it? Again, I’m super pale, but I also love how Sabrina Carpenter’s blush looks. She always looks really dewey and youthful. So I started using a big, fluffy brush, and using shimmery pink eyeshadow as blush. I felt it matched how pale I was more, whilst also giving me some extra shine and light to my face. It doubles as highlighter and blush in one.

Lips are a struggle for me. Sometimes, very occasionally, I’ll put a bit of red lipstick on. But it only works for me sometimes. I find just a simple clear gloss is so effective. It looks classy and sophisticated. However, there are so many tutorials over on TikTok for different lip types, skin tones and other factors that might make you want to consider an alternative.

I really hope any of this helps! Have lovey day.

#girlblogging #girlhood #girly #girly blog #girly stuff #girly tumblr #just girly things #just girly posts #just girly thoughts #this is a girlblog #makeup

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thebananniediariesbyannie · 19 days ago

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Galentine’s Day Glam YouTube Tutorial: Get the Look for You and Your Besties!

valentine's day is NOT just for couples—it’s a celebration of all the amazing women in your life! whether you’re spending the day with your gal pals, video chatting with the girls, or hosting a fun night in, you deserve a glam look that’s both easy to achieve and fabulous for the occasion. (or save this look for another night out!)

watch the tutorial here 👇 (as always, you can shop these products through the links within this blog post - thank you in advance for using my links as it allows me to continue sharing these tutorials with you)

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today’s galentine’s day makeup tutorial is all about creating a flawless, fresh-faced glow with some of the best beauty products out there. i’ll walk you through each step and share the products i used to create this stunning look.

Products Used and links to shop:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Mini Power Grip Primer with Niacinamide

to get started, i always begin with a smooth base. the e.l.f. mini power grip primer is a must-have—it grips foundation beautifully, providing a dewy and fresh look. plus, the niacinamide helps keep skin hydrated and balanced!

Catrice Cosmetics Under Eye Brightener

for bright, refreshed eyes, i love using the catrice cosmetics under eye brightener. it works wonders at concealing dark circles and making your eyes pop. just a dab under the eyes, and you’ll look wide awake and ready to take on the day.

Tower 28 Tinted Sunscreen in Shade 20 Mulholland

next, for my foundation, i go for a lightweight, buildable option like the tower 28 tinted sunscreen. it provides light to medium coverage while still allowing my natural skin to shine through. the sunscreen is an added bonus for protection! i apply it with my subtl beauty travel brush, which makes it super easy to blend.

Dibs Glow Tour Duo in Starlit

for that galentine’s glow, i apply the dibs glow tour duo in starlit. the highlighter gives the perfect shimmer to the high points of my face, while the bronzer adds just the right amount of warmth. this duo gives your skin that radiant, sun-kissed vibe.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

i swear by the anastasia beverly hills clear brow gel for keeping my brows in place without the crunch of other brow gels. it’s perfect for a natural brow look without any flakiness or stiffness.

Rare Beauty Setting Powder

to keep everything in place, i set my makeup with the rare beauty setting powder. this powder mattifies and locks everything in without making your skin look dry, which is essential for a fresh finish. the shade i’m using is porcelain.

Kylie Cosmetics Brow Pomade

for more defined brows, i love using the kylie cosmetics brow pomade. this product gives a defined, sculpted brow that frames the face beautifully. i use the pomade with a small angled brush for precision.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Eyeshadow Palette (Shade Pretty)

this anastasia beverly hills mini eyeshadow palette contains the shade "pretty". it’s a perfect option for galentine's. it has soft, rosy tones that complement a pink makeup look while creating a soft, romantic look.

Subtl Beauty Highlighter (Applied with e.l.f. Cosmetics Fan Brush)

to give my skin that final radiant touch, i apply the subtl beauty highlighter to my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and right above my top lip, and right underneath the outer end of my brow. the e.l.f. cosmetics fan brush is the perfect tool for precision—just a light sweep of highlighter and you’re glowing all day.

Catrice Cosmetics Lip Balm

to prep my lips, i use the catrice cosmetics lip balm. it provides a hydrating base for the lips, a subtl pink tint, and keeps them soft all day long.

Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Pencil in Valentine

for a bold yet romantic lip, i opt for the kylie cosmetics matte lip pencil in valentine. it’s the perfect shade of bright pink that works beautifully for galentine’s day—bright, fun, and flattering.

Dibs Beauty Lip Gloss in Strawberry Summer

to add a juicy finish, i layer on the dibs beauty lip gloss in strawberry summer. this gloss has the perfect balance of shine and color, making it the perfect topping for your galentine’s lip look.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara in Black

to complete the look, i finish with a few coats of anastasia beverly hills volumizing and lengthening mascara in black. it adds volume and length to the lashes, giving them the perfect fluttery effect that makes the eyes pop.

shop these products in through one post 👇

ready to create this galentine’s day glam look? head to my youtube channel for a full tutorial on how to achieve this look from start to finish. wishing you all the love and glam this galentine’s day! 💖✨

follow along for a daily dose of style, beauty, and wellness wisdom served with a side of humor and a sprinkle of self-love – because life's too short not to be fabulous, and i've got the secrets to help bring out your best self

#GalentinesDay #MakeupTutorial #BeautyTutorial #ElfCosmetics #CatriceCosmetics #Tower28 #SubtlBeauty #AnastasiaBeverlyHills #RareBeauty #KylieCosmetics #DibsBeauty #MakeupInspo

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mansisharmasworld · 3 months ago

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Makeup Tutorials for Every Occasion ❤️💅

Makeup can be a fun and interesting way to express yourself and enhance your natural beauty. Whether you are getting ready for a casual day out, a formal event, or a night in the town, there are makeup looks that can suit every occasion. Here’s a simple guide to help you create the perfect makeup look for different events.

1. Everyday Makeup Look :-

For daily wear, you want something that is quick and easy but still makes you feel good. Here’s how to achieve an everyday makeup look:

Start with Skincare: Cleanse your face and apply moisturizer. This helps your makeup go on smoothly.

Foundation: Use a lightweight foundation or BB cream to even out your skin tone. Apply it with your fingers or a sponge.

Concealer: Dab concealer under your eyes and on any blemishes.

Blush: A little blush on your cheeks gives you a fresh look. Cream blushes blend easily and look natural.

Eyes: For everyday, stick to neutral eyeshadows. A light brown or beige works well. Add some mascara to make your eyes pop.

Lips: Choose a tinted lip balm or a nude lipstick for a subtle finish.

2. Work Makeup Look :-

When going to work, you want to look polished but not overdone. Here’s how to create a professional makeup look:

Base: Start with primer before applying foundation for long-lasting wear.

Foundation & Concealer: Use medium coverage foundation and concealer as needed.

Eyeshadow: Opt for soft colors like taupe or soft pinks. Avoid glittery shades during the day.

Eyeliner & Mascara: A thin line of eyeliner can define your eyes without being too bold. Apply mascara for definition.

Brows: Fill in your eyebrows lightly for a neat appearance.

Lips: A classic lipstick in shades like rose or mauve works well.

3. Evening Makeup Look:-

For an evening out, you can go bolder with your makeup choices:

Base Preparation: Start with primer and full coverage foundation for a flawless base.

Contouring & Highlighting: Lightly contour your cheeks and nose, then apply highlighter on the high points of your face (cheekbones, brow bone).

Eyeshadow: Use darker shades like deep plum or smoky gray for drama. You can also add shimmer for extra sparkle.

Eyeliner & Lashes: Go for winged eyeliner and consider false lashes for added glamor.

Bold Lips: Choose bright red or deep berry lipstick to make a statement.

4. Special Occasion Makeup Look:-

For weddings, parties, or other special events, here’s how to elevate your makeup:

Flawless Base: Use primer followed by full coverage foundation and setting powder to ensure longevity.

Dramatic Eyes: Consider using glittery eyeshadows or bold colors like golds and silvers. Don’t forget eyeliner and mascara!

False Lashes/Extensions: These can really enhance the eye look if desired.

Cheeks & Lips: Use bold blush colors that complement the overall look and choose long-lasting lipstick formulas.

5. Seasonal Makeup Looks:-

Different seasons can inspire different looks:

In spring, think soft pastels; in summer, go bright with corals; in autumn, warm tones like oranges; in winter, rich jewel tones work beautifully.

By following these simple steps tailored for each occasion, you can feel confident in your makeup application no matter where you’re headed!

#this is what makes us girls #makeup #glamour #makeup looks

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whatsonmedia · 9 months ago

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10 Tik Tok Makeup Trends You Need to Try!

Summer is here! The sun is finally shining (thank goodness!) and it is time to get glam and get out there. Tik tok is ready to help with lots of inspiration to help you decide what your makeup look of the summer is going to be. There is everything to full glam to a more subtle look and there are even tutorials on there for you to get your teeth into and be the next instagramable make up star (we know you can do it!) Here at WhatsonUK we have put together our very own top ten list of Tik Tok’s best makeup trends to get you started on carving out your new look for Summer 2024 whether it be a dramatic one or minimalist, we have something for you! 1. Holographic eye makeup “She was a fairy”, yes that’s right you can be a fairy too with this look. Pastels and a shimmer should do the trick to get you that iconic holographic look. You don’t have to be Makeup by Mario (The Kardashians makeup artist) to do this and you can be the fairy of your dreams with amazing eyeshadow sets available on tik tok shop to help you get that dreamy look. This look is perfect for a park day out or a cheeky bottomless brunch. 2. Matte Smokey eye Dramatic and out-out is what this look screams and we are pleased that it is back. Children of the 10’s and 00’s will be thrilled by this one as we are bringing back to life our Jade West from Victorious dreams. In my opinion I can’t imagine this look ever being out of fashion because it can really bring together any look you have in mind for any event day or night. The beauty of this one is you can tone it down to be more natural or make it more dramatic and build it up with more pigment for a more out there goth-esque look. 3. Blue themed eyeshadow- Mermaid core Bring your 80s fever dream to life with this one and no you don’t need to look like something off the Goldbergs. You can be as extravagant as you like with this look. Add some shimmers and you will be right on your way! 4. Bright coloured mascara and lash extensions This is an unusual way, but a cool way to get across your own individuality. These a bright and can make your makeup look pop and give you an edge when you have no makeup/minimal makeup day. This look is possible with mascara or lash extensions. 5. Skinimalism The no makeup, makeup look is perfect in this heat. It is great for being on the go as you need less products for this. A good mascara, concealer, bronzing highlighter and blush should be all you need alongside a natural tinted lip gloss. 6. Grunge This one is pretty similar to the smokey eye look from earlier expect messier and with a shimmer if you fancy it. This one can be dressed up or dressed down. There’s no need for perfect lines or blending with this look. You can just go all out! 7. Fluffy brows Bye Bye 90’s skinny brows and hello Fluffy brows. We’re glad this is back on trend because, who doesn’t love a fluffy brow it makes your look more natural and stops you from damaging your brow line for a trend (we’ve all been there), so bring out the brow gel once more you’ve got this! 8. Dark lips AKA the red wine gloss lip. Our personal favourite is the Fenty Gloss bomb for this. It comes in a variety of shades but the red ones paired with a dark almost purple liner can really do the trick and help you to achieve this look in style. 9. Wet skin look Dewy skin is back! A good primer from Elf or MILK can help you achieve this look. Highlighter is a must to get that natural glow on your skin. A pink toned blush can be really good for getting dewy skin and a nice natural gloss can top it off! 10. Mob wife look This is the polar opposite of natural, it is glam, it is powerful and it makes you look like you’re the boss. This look is like something out of The Sopranos with bright red lipstick, dark eyeliner and a good bit of blush to create a more mature look you can rock this Mob Wife dramatic Makeup look. Good luck with finding your new summer 2024 look! Let us know in the comments how you got on with trying these looks! Read the full article

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abdimakeup · 9 months ago

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Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to embrace a romantic and glamorous makeup look. Whether you’re going out for a romantic dinner, having a cozy night in, or celebrating with friends, this Valentine's makeup tutorial will help you look and feel your best. Follow these steps for a stunning Valentine's Day look that highlights your natural beauty and adds a touch of elegance.

Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply a hydrating primer to create a smooth base for your makeup. This step ensures your makeup lasts longer and gives your skin a healthy glow. Don’t forget to prime your eyelids as well, using an eyeshadow primer to ensure your eye makeup stays vibrant and crease-free.

Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and provides a flawless finish. Use a damp beauty sponge or a foundation brush to apply it evenly across your face. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines. For added coverage, use a concealer to hide any blemishes or dark circles under your eyes. Set your foundation with a light dusting of translucent powder to keep it in place.

For a soft, romantic eye look, start with a neutral eyeshadow base. Apply a light pink or champagne shade all over your lids. Next, use a medium-toned mauve or rose color in the crease to add depth. Blend the colors well for a seamless transition. For a touch of glamour, apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the center of your lids and the inner corners of your eyes.

Define your eyes with a fine line of black or brown eyeliner along your upper lash line. Wing it out slightly for a subtle cat-eye effect. Curl your lashes and apply two coats of volumizing mascara for long, fluttery lashes. For extra drama, consider applying a pair of false lashes.

Add a pop of color to your cheeks with a rosy blush. Smile and apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards your temples. This gives your face a natural, flushed look. For a radiant glow, apply a highlighter to the high points of your face, including your cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow.

Valentine's Day calls for kissable lips. Start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dry skin. Apply a moisturizing lip balm and let it sink in. Outline your lips with a lip liner that matches your lipstick to prevent any feathering. Fill in your lips with a romantic shade of lipstick—reds, pinks, and berry tones are perfect for this occasion. For a long-lasting finish, blot your lips with a tissue and apply a second coat of lipstick.

Set your makeup with a setting spray to ensure it lasts all day and night. This step will keep your makeup looking fresh and prevent it from smudging. If you want to add a bit more sparkle, consider applying a touch of glitter or shimmer to your eyes or décolletage.

With this Valentine's Day makeup tutorial, you'll be ready to celebrate in style. Remember, the key to a great makeup look is confidence. Embrace your beauty, have fun with your makeup, and enjoy your special day. Whether you're spending it with a loved one or enjoying your own company, you'll look and feel absolutely radiant.

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camellasstory · 10 months ago

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Achieve a Flawless Bridal Makeup Look with This Easy Bridal Makeup Tutorial

As you prepare to walk down the aisle and say “I do,” achieving a flawless bridal makeup look is undoubtedly at the top of your list. Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and you want to look nothing short of stunning. Fear not, lovely brides-to-be! In this easy bridal makeup tutorial, we will guide you step by step on how to create a picture-perfect bridal look that will have you radiating beauty and confidence on your big day. Let’s dive in!

Steps You Should Follow in This Easy Bridal Makeup Tutorial

So, you've got the big day coming up and want to nail your bridal makeup look effortlessly? Let's break it down into simple steps that will help you achieve a flawless finish:

Step 1: Prepping Your Skin

Before diving into the makeup application, it's crucial to start with a clean canvas. Begin by cleansing your face thoroughly to remove any impurities and excess oils. Follow up with a gentle exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and prepped for makeup.

Next, apply a hydrating moisturizer suitable for your skin type to ensure a well-hydrated base. Don't forget about using an eye cream to address any dryness or puffiness around the eyes. This step will help create a smooth surface for seamless makeup application later on.

Consider using a primer that suits your skin concerns - whether it be pore-minimizing, mattifying, or illuminating. A primer can help prolong the wear of your makeup while ensuring it goes on evenly. Don't skip applying sunscreen as part of your skincare routine - protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is key in achieving healthy-looking skin on your big day!

Step 2: Creating a Flawless Base

After prepping your skin, the next step in achieving a flawless bridal makeup look is creating a perfect base. Start by applying a primer to ensure your foundation lasts all day. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and blend it evenly for a smooth finish.

Conceal any imperfections like dark circles or blemishes with a high coverage concealer. Set your base with translucent powder to prevent shine and keep everything in place throughout the day.

Contouring can help add dimension to your face, so lightly contour under your cheekbones, along the jawline, and on the sides of the nose. Don't forget to highlight areas like the tops of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and brow bone for an added glow.

Blend everything seamlessly using a damp beauty sponge or makeup brush for an airbrushed look. A flawless base sets the stage for stunning eye makeup and bold lip colors later on!

Step 3: Perfecting the Eyes

Now that your base is flawless, it's time to focus on perfecting the eyes for that dreamy bridal look. Start by priming your eyelids to ensure your eyeshadow stays put all day. Choose neutral shades like soft browns or pinks for a romantic touch.

Next, define your crease with a slightly darker shade to add depth and dimension. Blend well to create a seamless transition between colors. For added drama, you can opt for a subtle winged liner using a waterproof gel or liquid liner.

To make your eyes pop, don't forget mascara! Coat your lashes generously with a volumizing mascara for that fluttery effect. If you want extra glam, consider adding false lashes for an added wow factor.

Finish off the eye makeup by highlighting the inner corners of your eyes with a shimmering eyeshadow or highlighter. This will brighten up your eyes and make them appear larger and more awake.

Step 4: Adding Color to the Cheeks

After achieving a flawless base and perfecting the eyes, it's time to add a pop of color to your cheeks. Blush can bring life to your face and enhance your bridal makeup look effortlessly.

Choose a blush shade that complements your skin tone - whether it's a soft pink for fair skin or a peachy tone for deeper complexions. Using a fluffy brush, lightly sweep the blush onto the apples of your cheeks in circular motions.

Remember, less is more with blush! It's easier to build up color than to remove excess product. Blend well to ensure a seamless transition between your foundation and cheek color.

For brides looking for an extra glow, consider adding some highlighter on the high points of your cheekbones. This will catch the light beautifully in photos and give you that radiant bridal glow.

With flushed cheeks and glowing skin, you're one step closer to achieving a stunning bridal makeup look that will last all day long.

Step 5: Finishing Touches for a Long-lasting Look

Now that you've prepped your skin, created a flawless base, perfected your eyes, and added color to your cheeks, it's time for the finishing touches to ensure your bridal makeup lasts all day. Setting spray is your best friend here – give yourself a few spritzes to lock in all your hard work.

Don't forget about the lips! Choose a long-wearing lipstick or lip stain in a shade that complements your overall look. Blot with tissue and reapply for extra staying power throughout the day.

To make sure everything stays put, gently press some translucent powder onto areas where you tend to get oily. This will help control shine and keep your makeup looking fresh.

Grab a handy touch-up kit including blotting papers, lipstick, and powder for any necessary midday fixes. With these final steps, you'll be ready to walk down the aisle with confidence and radiance that lasts from "I do" till the last dance of the night.

Conclusion

With these easy steps in this bridal makeup tutorial, you can achieve a flawless bridal makeup look effortlessly. Remember, the key to stunning bridal makeup is enhancing your natural features and feeling confident in your own skin. Whether you choose to hire a professional makeup artist or decide to do it yourself, this tutorial will guide you through creating a timeless and elegant bridal look that will last all day and night. So go ahead, embrace your inner beauty, and shine on your special day!

#bridal makeup tutorial

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azdskinandmakeup · 1 year ago

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What is the secret to doing a full face of makeup for beginners but still looking professional?

Achieving a professional-looking full face of makeup as a beginner requires practice, patience, and some basic knowledge of makeup techniques. Here are some steps and tips to help you get started:

Start with Skincare: Cleanse, moisturize, and apply a good quality primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. Skincare is the foundation of a flawless makeup look.

Choose the Right Foundation: Select a foundation that matches your skin tone and type. Use a beauty blender or makeup brush to apply it evenly. Blend it well into your skin, and make sure it's well-matched to your neck and chest.

Conceal Imperfections: Apply concealer to cover any blemishes, dark circles, or imperfections. Blend it with a makeup brush or your fingertip for a natural finish.

Set with Setting Powder: Set your foundation and concealer with a translucent setting powder to prevent creasing and increase the longevity of your makeup.

Enhance Your Brows: Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to define and shape your eyebrows. Be careful not to make them too dark or blocky; a natural look is often more professional.

Eye Makeup: For a beginner, start with neutral eyeshadows in shades that complement your skin tone. Apply a light shade on the lid, a slightly darker shade in the crease, and a light shimmer on the brow bone. Use mascara to make your lashes stand out.

Eyeliner (optional): If you're comfortable, apply a thin line of eyeliner close to the lash line to define your eyes. A brown or black eyeliner can work well for a professional look.

Blush: Apply a natural-looking blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile to find the right placement. Avoid overly bright or shimmery blushes for a professional look.

Contour and Highlight: Contour your face subtly to add dimension, and use a highlighter on the high points of your face, like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid's bow.

Lips: Choose a natural lip color, like a nude or soft pink, and apply it evenly. Use lip liner to define the lips if desired.

Setting Spray: Finish your makeup with a setting spray to help it last all day and look fresh.

Practice Makes Perfect: Remember that makeup application is a skill that improves with practice. Experiment with different techniques, colors, and products to find what works best for you.

Watch Tutorials: There are plenty of makeup tutorials available online that can help you learn different techniques and styles. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKXugxcZ8x63-lVQIeUyHvg

Invest in Quality Tools: Good-quality makeup brushes and tools can make a significant difference in your makeup application. Invest in a few essential brushes for a more professional finish.

Less Is More: When in doubt, remember that a professional makeup look often emphasizes natural beauty. Keep your makeup understated and avoid overdoing it.

Consistency and practice are key to improving your makeup skills. Be patient with yourself and have fun while you experiment with different looks. With time and experience, you'll become more confident and skilled in achieving a professional makeup look.

#makeup #makeup tips #professional make up #make up artist classes #skincare #classic lashes extensions #eye lash extensions #professional makeup

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lyssified · 1 year ago

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guys im gonna describe the makeup in detail bc yall dont need to see my face 😋

tutorial kinda thing slash desrcibing my makeup in extreme detail

so first we do like a tint blush and it's bright pink and it goes under everything bc u cant put it over concealer. that goes like. right on my cheekbone and outer corner of my eye. then concealer to make the dumb acne on that bit between my lip and nose less red bc it should just go away already, also on my eyes as eyeshadow base, set all of the concealer with powder and then set the blush with a peachy mauvey powder blush and i kinda went ham with it like kinda a sabrina carpenter type thing all over my upper cheekbone by my eye and also my nose.

then for eyes i did a similar color to the blush but but a little darker shade of mauve eyeshadow all over my eye and blended into the blush and put a little bright pink to make it more saturated.. n then right in the middle i used a kinda champagne/pink shimmer for the middle of my eyelid and also as highlighter for my nose and upper lip. over the shimmer i did a chunkier light pink / white glitter kind of going into the inner corner and then did the same pink eyeshadows and shimmer right under my eyes. and then brown mascara with black mascara on the outer edges of my upper eyelashes bc my eyes look really tiny if i don't emphasize the outer corners and it also mimics how eyeliner shapes your eye without using eyeliner .. and thats it !! i think i finished off with a little more bright pink blush and some brown gel liner on my undereye. OH ALSO LIPS i used the same blush tint on my lips plus a light pink lip gloss :)

this is like. super girly and not what i usually go for but it was rlly cute and no one noticed even tho i had so much pink blush on my face 💀

guys i dont wanna take off my valentines makeup i really ate this up and literally 1 person noticed all day omg

#lyss says things #bet u guys didnt know i was a makeup nerd #i think it's fun

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wifediaries · 2 years ago

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hi Mimi 💕💕 I follow u on twitter & I just wanted to say that as a younger girl (who wants to tap more into her feminine side) ur such an inspiration to me!! ur so angelic & gorgeous, & I adore ur style so much ♡ my question is (if u don’t mind me asking hehe) is: what r some of the daily makeup products that u use or would recommend to somebody else?? :)

Hi love!

This is so so kind, thank you so much! I am so glad you find some kind of inspiration from my style, as I really do enjoy putting outfits together. Ask as many questions as you'd like!

It's like you read my mind! I have been planning to upload a makeup tutorial and this seems like the perfect chance! So, without further adieu...

Mimi makeup tutorial:

Before applying my makeup, its important that I prep my skin. I rub Glossier Milky Jelly into my skin and wash it off before patting my skin dry. I love how this smells and always makes me feel so clean and fresh.

Once my skin is dry, a skincare item I cannot live without is Glossier Solution as with someone with very dewy skin I feel it helps tighten and smooth everything out so that product can be placed on top of it whilst removing some oiliness.

To moisturize, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream always leaves me glowing. However, recently in these winter months I have been reaching for a small pot of E45, as it is super thick and I find it super hydrating. Once I have moisturized, I apply a high SPF on my face and neck.

I don't tend to use primer, as I feel they often cause conflict with my other products. If I am doing a full face, I will use Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter in 4 Medium all over my face and pat it down with a velvet powder puff or damp beauty blender.

Once that is blended in, I will use a small amount of Elf Cosmetics Hydrating CAMO concealer in Light Ivory beneath my eye closer to the inner corner, from the end of my eye to the tail of my brow, beside my nose, along the tops of my eyebrows and the center of my forehead. I will let this sit for a minute, and then press it in using a pink velvet powder puff.

Because the Flawless Filter leaves my faces way too dewy for my liking, I will generously powder beneath my eyes, beside my nose, the middle of my forehead and my chin with Glossier Wowder. If I'm going a little more glam, I will press Laura Mercier loose powder in shade Rose beneath my eyes to add a brighter, pinkier tone.

If I'm bronzing, I will either use Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood contour wand in fair medium before I powder (But I often refrain from this as it takes a lot of blending and can come across muddy in my opinion) Or I use Hoola Bronzer on my outer cheeks and temples. I also like to swipe this across the nose tip to accentuate a button shape.

Blush is by far one of my favourite steps to my routine, and depending on my mood there are many I could reach for. If I want a bright pink with a bluey/purple undertone by favourite has to be Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle cream blush in Bikini Martini. If I want a warmer, glowy, more bronzed look then I will choose the Charlotte Tilbury beauty light wand in Pinkgasm. However, my favourite powder blush at the minute which as been my cold-girl, winter essential must be the Kylie Jenner pressed blush powder in Winter Kissed. It's an excellent dupe for the Dior backstage blush!

For highlight, I add some glow back into my face by tapping the Charlotte Tilbury light wand in Pillow Talk along my upper cheeks, and down my nose, before dipping into a white shimmer shade from any eyeshadow palette and adding this to my inner corners, the tip of my nose, my brow bone and sometimes even my cupids bow.

If you use a setting spray, go ahead and use it now.

For eyebrows, I simply fill in any sparse areas ensuring they are as even as possible and straight. Sometimes, I brush a clear brow gel through them if they are acting especially unruly that day!

For eyes, I begin by tightlining my top lashline with brown eyeliner, or a brow pencil. I feel using a dark brown eyebrow pencil has a better hold through the day. I feel this gives the illusion of a thicker, fuller lash line. I do not use any special product for this, so feel free to use what you've got! I then curl my lashes, and if I can be bothered I will heat the curler with my hair dryer for a few seconds. If you do this, let it cool for another few seconds as you don't want to burn your eyelid. Another hack I have picked up, especially if I am coming to the end of a mascara-- is to keep the mascara tube either in your bra or between your thighs to warm up the product inside as you do your previous makeup steps. When I do this, I find the product is less stiff and just makes the lashes come out less clumpy. For this, I use Glossier Lash Slick, as I prefer length over thickness. The product adds little fibres which goes a long way for a long fluttery lash.

More times than not, I opt for a strip lash. If I'm going for a doll-like spiky lash look, I use the Amazon Manga lashes. For a more casual look, I will wear these half lashes. But my favourites recently have been Ardell Wispies.

If I really wanna go all out, I'll add a tiny bit of liquid eyeliner in my inner corner, and or draw a half crease just to add something special. To finish of I dust a light shimmer from any eyeshadow pallette over the lid.

Finally, I move onto lips. Lipliner is essential, and it doesn't need to be expensive to be good. I use a browny pink, ever so slightly rounding my cupids bow just a little more whilst remaining its shape. If I want a fancier glossy-satin finish lip, I'll use this Mac lipstick in shade Angel. Very few times I have left it at that, but 99 percent of the time I will be wearing a gloss. I've been loving the TooFaced Lip Injection Power Plumping gloss in Pretty Pony. It's super plumping and glittery, however I do find it to be quite sticky. My go to gloss, for a super juicy and wet finish would be the Kiko Milano gloss in Tutu Rose. However, if I'm doing something super casual or not wearing makeup but still want hydrated and juicy lips, I will always have on the Lush Snow Fairy lip jelly. It keeps my lips super soft, plump, and tastes really great!

So, after any finishing touches that's about it. If you'd like to know some of my common hair styles with attached tutorials let me know! If you try out any of the products linked or even followed my tutorial let me know what you think!

Mimi 💗

#makeup tutorial #makeup #fashion #pink aesthetic #girly aesthetic #mimis guide ♡#fashion advice #anon

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hazeltailofficial · 5 months ago

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HALLOWEEN FLASHBACK

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup in 010 Vanilla Benefit Boi-ing Industrial-Strength Concealer in 01 Nyx Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation in Creamy Natural Nyx Blush in Mauve Urban Decay Primer Potion Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk Nyx Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in 939 Green Shimmer Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Wicked Look Pixie Princess Kit Urban Decay Vice Palette (Noise) Ulta Eyeshadow in Love Wet N Wild Color Icon Trio in Cool As A Cucumber L'Oreal Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black Revlon ColorStay Gel Liner in White Mist Nyx Aqua Crystal Liner in Crystal Pink Wet N Wild Mega Sparkle Confetti in Lilac Frosting N.Y.C. Weather Proofer Liner Sealer Nyx Doll Eye Long Lash Mascara Ardell DUO Eyelash Adhesive in Clear Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette (Naked 2) KVD Painted Love Lipstick in Celebutard Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Wicked Look Pixie Princess Lipstick Skeleton Earrings from Spirit Halloween

MAKEUP TUTORIAL BLOG POST

Glitter Masquerade (Last Minute) Tutorial

@hazeltailofficial / @hazeltail / hazeltail on youtube / hazeltailofficial on tiktok / hazeltailofficial on ig

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frenchtipacrylics · 4 years ago

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my updated makeup routines✨

i love love love makeup. my favorite thing to do is to switch it up and find new products and techniques that work really well with my features. since the summer has started and i’ve had much more free time, i’ve been playing around with my makeup styles and how i do my makeup for different occasions. as of right now, i have three makeup routines: my everyday “no makeup” makeup, my everyday glam routine, and my full glam routine. keep in mind, i have very oily skin so some of these techniques won’t work well for everyone!

“no makeup” makeup

my grocery shopping/running errands look. if i had ten minutes to do my makeup, this is the routine i would go for. not long-wearing, but it helps me look more “put together” when i’m being a bum.

base:

my first step is to use a primer. for primer, i use the elf putty primer to fill in my pores so i look smooth, then over top i use a gripping primer to keep my makeup on my face. i like the milk hydrogrip and the elf watermelon primers.

next, i powder my face either with the maybelline loose setting powder or the fenty powder foundation so i have a bit more coverage but also so my oily skin won’t break down my base makeup as quickly.

for “foundation”, i use the glossier skin tint mixed with the covergirl matte bb cream. the glossier skin tint is not good if you have oily skin, but combined with the bb cream it is much more long wearing. i either use my fingers or a beauty blender.

then i bronze, and i put that on my cheeks, forehead, nose, and blend it into my eye socket and under my eyebrows, flicking up once i get to my temples. this emphasizes my bone structure in a way that’s more natural looking than contour. i really like the covergirl queen bronzer.

moving on to blush, i use the milk cheek stick from sephora or the cream blush stick from colourpop. i put it on my cheeks, nose, and some on my chin and forehead to make everything look put together.

eyes:

i prime my eyelids with my eyeshadow primer and swipe some of my blush onto my lids so everything looks a bit more “effortless”.

next I do my brows. i use the maybelline brow pencil in a shade that matches my real eyebrow hair color. i continually brush through them with a spoolie so they look natural, and rub my bronzer on the beginning of them so it doesn’t look as harsh.

for my lashes, i heat my eyelash curler, curl my lashes, apply a brown tubing mascara, and curl again. the mascara i use is the maybelline snapscara in the shade brown since it looks more natural than black. i also use a lash serum to promote growth.

lips:

for my lips, i use a red chapstick to give my lips a “naturally” red look (either the dior lip balm or burts bees), a light pink lipgloss in the middle, and the fenty gloss bomb in hot chocolit as a “liner” that looks more natural and moisturized.

tutorials i follow:

THE ULTIMATE NO MAKEUP LOOK | fake it til you make it... 👀

“NO MAKEUP” MAKEUP LOOK USING ONLY DRUGSTORE PRODUCTS

Makeup For Finessers!!! "No Makeup Makeup" Tutorial | Jackie Aina

NO FOUNDATION makeup routine

my no makeup tutorial

My "No Makeup" Makeup Look | Glowy Flawless Skin Tips + NO Foundation | Easy Summer Look

Minimal Makeup! Using 10 products | Jackie Aina

everyday glam makeup

very heavily inspired by the victoria’s secret angels. definitely more “high trust” than my full glam routine, kind of a “cute” look instead of a “sexy” one. plays with shimmer, pink tones, highlight, more of an effortless vibe. if you guys remember my fashion post, this ties into the girly & romantic aesthetic.

base:

my priming step is the same here, and i still set my primer with powder before going in with the rest of my makeup.

tinted moisturizer!!! to get my perfect shade and finish, i mix the covergirl matte bb cream for oily skin with the glossier skin tint like above.

for concealer i use the colourpop tinted moisturizer on the areas i want to highlight. for extra brightening, i use the maybelline fit me concealer in a shade thats way lighter than my skin tone and i put a small amount on the bridge of my nose to give it some extra depth.

instead of contour i use bronzer. bronzer is used to bring warmth to the face, so it is important to place bronzer in the places the sun would naturally hit/tan you. bronzer is not the same as contour; bronzer is always warm toned (hence bringing warmth/making you look tanner) and contour is always cool or neutral toned (because it is supposed to mimic shadows). putting bronzer where you put your contour can make your makeup look muddy, and a lot of bronzers contain shimmer which you don’t want in a contour. i put my bronzer on my cheeks and forehead with a big fluffy brush for a sun kissed look, and with a smaller brush i put a little at the top of my nose bridge. it adds depth and makes it look like i contoured my nose without me having to actually do it.

then i set my concealer. i use the maybelline fit me powder in the shade medium, press my beauty blender into the powder, dab the excess off on the back of my hand, and then i press the powder into my skin.

for this look, i prefer to look more youthful than snatched. so for blush, i like to put it on the apples of my cheeks and the tip of my nose. i use shimmery powder blush, and my favorites are the baked milani blushes or the elf blush palette for dark skin.

i highlight my skin with the shimmer color i put on my eyelid in order for things to look more cohesive. since i have some texture in the center of my cheeks, i keep my highlight closer to my temples, on the tip of my nose, and down the bridge. i then take a brighter glitter eyeshadow and, using a more precise brush, put that right in the center of the areas on my nose that i highlighted for more dimension.

eyes:

i do my eyeshadow before my eyebrows now.

for eyeshadow, i usually put my bronzer in my crease and my outer v, and sometimes blend that out with a lighter/skin tone shade. on the lid, i put a light shimmer eyeshadow for contrast. on the inner corner, i use a very bright glitter eyeshadow, and lightly blend it onto the beginning of my lid. i also use the same eyeshadows on my bottom lid.

i use a tubing mascara since it’s gentle on the eyelashes, then i go in with regular mascara to make my lashes longer. my favorite regular mascaras are damn girl from toofaced (it has an antiflaking formula), the kush mascara from milk, and the maybelline lash sensational. all the mascaras i like are for lengthening. i also curl my lashes before and after putting on mascara.

this is when i do my eyebrows. i use a spoolie to shape them into a shape i like. using a pencil a shade or two lighter than my actual eyebrow color, i fill in the sparse areas and try to make my eyebrows as even as possible.

for fake lashes, i usually use half lashes or wispy lashes. i like the ardell demi-wispies (i cut these in half and stack them), the kiss lashes in matte silk, the kiss lashes in teddy, and the koko lashes in queen bees. the idea is for people to still be able to see the eyeshadow despite me having lashes on.

lips:

since the base and eyes are the main focus of this look, the lips are always kept nude. i line my lips with a brown lipliner close to my skin tone (i use colourpop’s lipliner in BFF #3) and then fill it in with either a brown nude lipstick (sephora’s rouge lacquer lipstick in shade 43 be proud) and too with a clear gloss, or i fill it in with a pink/peachy nude and top with the fenty gloss bomb in the original shade.

tutorials i follow:

THE ULTIMATE MAKEUP LOOK | Hindash

Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Glam w/ Marsha Hunt

Get The Victoria’s Secret Model Look – Makeup Tutorial | Charlotte Tilbury

Victoria's Secret Runway Makeup Look | Genelle

Victoria Secret Fashion Show Makeup ♡ Brown Girl Friendly

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2018 Makeup Tutorial | Charlotte Tilbury

Glam Time with Romee Strijd

full glam

this is my full beat look. if i’m going out at night with my friends, or when i want makeup to be especially long-wearing, this is usually the routine i follow. 90s supermodel inspired, soft glam, fully matte, snatched/lifted, all nude/brown tones. lines up with my minimalistic & edgy style.

base:

during the colder months, i like to use a pore-filling primer with a gripping primer on top, usually the elf putty primer in original or matte, and the elf watermelon primer or the milk hydrogrip primer like i said before. but during the summer, i have to use the becca ever-matte primer. it has a huge learning curve, but once you know how to use it, it’s a godsend for oily skin.

my first step is contour. i use the too faced born this way concealer in a color two shades darker than my skin tone and always with a cool undertone to mimic shadows. i put a small amount on my cheekbones to make them look higher, three lines on my forehead for depth, and i line my jawline to give the illusion of a smaller chin. then, i blend everything together with a beauty blender. to make it easy, you can use whatever concealer you like in a darker shade as a cream contour.

next i conceal. i use the teint idole concealer from lancôme in one shade lighter than my skin tone, and i put concealer in all the places i want to highlight: under my eyes (a little by the sides of my nose, a line on the outside of my eye to lift), above my top lip, the middle of my forehead and chin, and a strip down my nose bridge. a little of this concealer goes a long way; i use less than half a pea-size for my entire face. for a little extra brightening, i use a really light colored concealer but only one dot in the inner corners of my eyes and a little on the nose bridge. for this, i just use the maybelline fit me concealer. before i add my foundation and blush, i make sure there are no harsh lines between my concealer and contour.

i use a cream blush. to everyone who wears makeup, look into cream blush. it’ll change your life for the better. blush is an underrated but very important step in my makeup routine; blush can shape your face even better than contour. when i want my face to look lifted and sultry, i put my blush on my cheekbones close to my hairline and blend upwards. i use either the milk makeup cheek stick or the colourpop stick blush.

finally i go in with my fenty powder foundation. using a kabuki brush, i tap into my compact and then add the foundation to the parts of my face which have no concealer, blush, or contour first. then, i lightly go over my contour and blush, and around the edges of my concealer. this really saves you if you haven’t blended very well or went too heavy handed on the liquid products you used, since going over it with your skin toned powder tones the contour etc. down. i use the fenty powder foundation. it is very lightweight feeling in comparison to liquid foundation, and it never feels like i have a mask of product on my face when i use a powder. however, some of my favorite liquid foundations are the estee lauder double wear (full coverage matte), the too faced born this way (both the matte and regular versions), the fenty soft matte, and the anastasia beverly hills luminous foundation. at the drugstore, i like the nyx born to glow, the maybelline fit me, and the loreal infallible foundation.

setting powder is a must if you have oily skin. i prefer loose powders, but pressed powders also work, especially if you’re on the dry side. before setting my concealer, i blend out any creasing that happened. then i pour a small amount of powder into the lid, dip my sponge into it, then tap the excess off on the back of my hand (which evenly disperses the powder on the sponge too), then i press and roll the powder into my skin. i set every place that i put concealer with the laura mercier translucent loose setting powder in the shade honey, since it is lighter than my skin tone and is also a nice warm shade without being too yellow. because i use a powder foundation, i don’t have to set the rest of my face. the maybelline fit me loose setting powder in the shade medium is also a favorite of mine.

after i set my makeup, i do bake the areas that i know will get very oily very quickly, so my nose, my chin, and my upper cheeks. if you have normal or dry skin, i wouldn’t recommend this at all. know what works for you and your skin type! i usually do my eye makeup while the powder sits. instead of wiping the excess powder away at the end i actually use a brush and press it into my skin in order to avoid any patchiness.

eyes:

my eyebrows are a pretty nice shape naturally (and i groom them weekly), so doing my eyebrows is usually pretty simple. i like to outline the bottom of my eyebrows with either a pomade or a darker pencil, then i fill in my eyebrows with a lighter colored eyebrow pencil, mimicking hairlike strokes so it looks natural. i then go over everything with an eyebrow gel. unlike base products, i would never pay a lot for eyebrow products. my favorite eyebrow pomade is the milani pomade, though the anastasia dipbrow is a classic. my favorite eyebrow pencil is the maybelline brow ultra slim, and the gel i use is the benefit gimme brow but i’ve been meaning to try the new nyx brow glue.

before i put on eyeshadow, i use an eyeshadow primer. i get really oily eyelids, so i need that barrier so my eyeshadow won’t crease. i put a very small amount onto my brush and blend it out on my eyelids. it also creates a blank canvas so my eyeshadows can pop more.

i won’t go in-depth with eyeshadow, but i will say my “formula” is usually as follows: a color slightly darker than my skin tone in the crease, a dark color on the outer v, and a really light color on the lid. sometimes i use a shimmer for my inner corner highlight, and sometimes i use a matte color instead. eyeliner isn’t necessary, but sometimes i use it in my waterline or by tightlining, and sometimes i use eyeshadow instead for a smoked out look.

for this look, i always use cat-eye shaped lashes, or half-lashes, or a few individual lashes on the outer corners of my eyes. it all adds to the “lifted” effect that i’m going for.

lips:

since my lips are naturally very big, i almost never put color on them since it always comes across as trying too hard. i like to stick with a nude ombre look. i use a lipliner close to my skin tone first (bff #3 by colourpop), rub my lips together to blend the liner out, add a light colored nude in the center, blend again, line the very outer parts of my lips with a dark brown, and finally blend again. sometimes i add a gloss, usually the fenty gloss bomb in the shade fu$$y or i use a gold colored gloss to make my lips look more warm toned so they match my eyeshadow.

tutorials i follow:

What The Hell Is SOFT GLAM MAKEUP?!

90s Glam Makeup on Dark Skin | KeviKodra

MY FLAWLESS SOFT GLAM TUTORIAL AND A CHAT ABOUT FEAR | The Queen Hadassah

GRWM: IG Model Glam | Kevin Luong Inspired Makeup Tutorial | Gold Smokey Eye + Soft Beach Waves

90's MATTE MAKEUP TRANSFORMATION! | Hindash

Aysha Harun's Guide To Soft Glam Makeup | Beauty Secrets | Vogue Inspired

This New Too Faced Foundation...I HAVE THOUGHTS

#my posts #makeup #black girl makeup #soft glam #fenty

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waywardfangirl · 4 years ago

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For the fantastic @fight-surrender: You are a wonderful person with a brilliant mind and a kind heart, and I am so happy to know you! I really enjoyed the prompts you suggested for the Secret Snowflake exchange this year, so to give you something fluffy and happy for your birthday I combined a few of them into one sweet and silly fic - I hope that you like it! 🖤

A big thank you goes out to @carryonvisinata for her wonderful beta work and for making this fic even better for such an incredible friend 🖤 Purr-fect Strangers

Rated: General Audiences Word Count: 3208 Chapters: 1/1 Simon

"Die Hard? Really?"

I'm struggling to make the Redbox give me my DVD. Video vending machines sounded like a good idea when I couldn't find anywhere to stream my favorite movie, but the obstinate thing in front of me and the condescending voice behind me are now making me reconsider my choices.

"What's wrong with Die Hard?" I demand, momentarily giving up on retrieving my video to take some of my frustration out on the prick watching me.

Unfortunately, when I turn around to scowl at him, I make eye contact with one of the most attractive people I've ever seen. He's tall, with dark hair escaping the bun on top of his head and falling around his face, and a perfectly tailored suit hugging every inch of his body right on down to his shiny Chelsea boots. My brain shorts out, and he sneers at me.

"There’s nothing wrong with it, per se. But you have a near unlimited assortment of cinema to choose from, and you've selected Die Hard?"

(Read the rest on ao3, or keep reading here)

I scoff.

"Look, mate, some of us don't feel the need to watch pretentious films just to feel better than other people. I like Die Hard. I'm going to watch it while eating pizza and relaxing in joggers, and I refuse to feel bad about enjoying that."

He looks a bit startled, and his cheeks take on a slightly pink tinge, but he just arches an eyebrow at me. (And manages to make that look unfairly hot too, the prat.)

"What movie are you renting?" I say it like a challenge, and he pushes past me.

He deftly removes my DVD from the stubborn machine and thrusts it at me, before turning back around to get his own. I loiter behind him, just like he did to me, ready to see what movie he thinks is better than Die Hard.

"Two Weeks Notice?" I exclaim, when I see the poster pop up on the screen. "You're ridiculing Die Hard, but getting a rom-com for yourself? Unbelievable."

He pushes past me and turns up his nose. My blood boils for so many different reasons, and it's work to hold myself still.

"This has Hugh Grant in it. My tastes are superior."

Then he swans off, and I'm left standing on the kerb.

Baz

A year into my time at university, I started treating myself to a monthly visit to Sephora. It was easily excusable then, with parties every weekend to justify each new purchase, but I've kept up the tradition since graduating. (Retail therapy and good skin care never hurt anyone. And a little eyeliner does wonders for one's self esteem.)

This month, I'm browsing for something sparkly. My eyes are grey, but with a dark, glittery liner I think they might stand out a little more. I'm just testing one of the pencils on the back of my hand when I see him.

Blond hair, plain blue eyes, and a constellation of freckles and moles across his skin. The most lovely man I have ever seen, with the worst taste in movies, and (I'm sure) a well-deserved hatred for me.

For all that I try to appear cool and confident, my facade sometimes fails me. When I get flustered, I become cruel. The man renting Die Hard was so pretty that all I could do was insult him and then curse myself for it the entire way home. I couldn't even properly enjoy Hugh Grant, as mired as I was in self-loathing. And now, whatever second chance to impress him I've been granted with has surely been ruined by my actions last time.

I keep my head down and steal glances at him through my eyelashes.

He is entirely out of his element, that much is obvious right away. I watch him ask one of the shop assistants for help, and she points him in the direction of a display. His brow furrows as he picks up different containers, and he’s ridiculously precious and hopeless as he holds a lipstick tube next to a garish eyeshadow palette and closes one eye to look at them. (What is he even doing?)

Finally, his confusion seems to win out, and he turns to look around for help, when he suddenly spots me. I've been caught out; I can't pretend now like I haven't been staring, and he scowls a little as we make eye contact. I arch an eyebrow, watch as his face grows pink in anger, and decide I hate myself enough to try talking to him again.

"That's really not your shade."

"What?" It's a simple word, horribly enunciated, and does nothing to quell the wrinkle between his eyes.

"The purple. I don't think it would flatter you. Furthermore, that lipstick clashes horribly with every color in that palette."

He turns a bright red and starts to splutter. I am hopelessly endeared.

"That's not- I, I don't- it isn't-"

"Oh, calm down, there's nothing wrong with wearing makeup," I say, flashing him the back of my hand with the eyeliner tests on it. "You just need to pick a better shade." I pluck a different palette (for blue eyes) and a lipstick in a true red from the display and hand them over. "Something like this."

He stares at them dumbly for a moment, his mouth hanging open. (Mouth breather.)

"You think I should wear this?"

"I think it would flatter you if you chose to wear makeup. That purple will do you no favors." I sneer at the garish eyeshadow still in his hand.

"It's for my friend!" he finally bursts out.

"Are you mad at her?" It's a reasonable question, that eyeshadow is truly appalling.

"No? It's her birthday next week, and she said that she wanted to have some makeup for date nights and things."

"Are you in love with her?"

"No!" No hesitation at all. "No, no way. Penny is like my sister. She's my best friend. We're not…" he trails off, and I'm strangely reassured. He still probably hates me, but at least there is one woman in the world that he’s not dating, so my odds have improved marginally.

"Don't get your pants in a twist. I just thought you might be, since that eyeshadow would certainly drive away her current boyfriend."

He sticks out his chin and seems to decide something.

"Fine. What should I get for her, then?" The “if you know so much” is left unsaid.

I'm not really an expert, despite my monthly purchases, but I'll take any excuse I can get to linger around this starburst of a boy for a few moments more.

"Does she wear makeup normally?" He shakes his head no. "Then perhaps start with something more subtle for her." I take the offending palette away and hand him a more subdued one, with a faint shimmer. "Do you think this would look nice on her?"

He thinks hard for a moment, then pulls out his phone, swiping at the lock screen and turning it to face me.

"This is her."

His home screen background is a picture of the two of them, cheeks pressed together and grinning like crazy under the summer sun. His curls are being tossed by the wind, and he looks like a bronze Adonis. I think my heart actually skips a beat at the sight.

"That palette will be fine then. This lipstick, too," I add, handing him a plum shade. "Do you need anything else?" I ask, and then cringe when I sound like I'm working instead of flirting.

He shakes his head.

"No, this is brilliant, thanks."

He still looks a bit confused, and he bites his lip as he looks down at the makeup in his hand - the makeup for his friend, and the things I picked out for him.

I don't want to go, but I can't figure out any way to prolong our conversation.

"You should get that one," he says, pointing to one of the lines on my hand. I raise an eyebrow in question. He's right, but what does this mean? Is he flirting? Does he want me to wear eyeliner? Is he just trying to repay me for helping him? "Yeah. Definitely that one."

He raps his knuckles on the counter beside us twice, and then wanders towards the check out.

It's not until I'm trying to fall asleep that I realize - he bought the makeup for himself too.

Simon

One of my foster fathers had a workshop, and I spent a happy summer watching him build a table and matching chairs for the dining room. I didn't get to stay to see it completed, because one of his biological children kept stealing money out of his mom's purse and blaming me, but I still enjoyed the time I had spent watching woodworking. I liked it so much that when Penny and I graduated and got a flat together, I saved up to buy a few tools. I don't make anything major, but I've built small shelves and a side table and a pan organizer for the flat, and I really like it.

Recently, Penny has been complaining about not being able to reach everything in the kitchen, so while she's still at work I stop by the B&Q to pick up some wood for a step stool. I'm heading to the check out when I see him - the mean makeup guy. (Although he was actually quite nice when we were talking about makeup. He was just rude when we were getting our movies.)

He's dressed casually today, in tight dark jeans and a warm grey sweater, with his hair falling in loose waves around his face. He's glaring down at two wrenches, and I hate that he still looks so good when he's glowering.

Before I even register what's happening, my feet have carried me over to him.

"D'ya need help?"

He startles, and turns lovely grey eyes up to look at me. It's work not to gasp. He’s wearing eyeliner. I'm not entirely sure, but I think it may even be the eyeliner I told him to buy.

"The sink in my kitchen is leaking. I watched a tutorial on YouTube, and it should be easy enough to fix, but I don't have the proper tools."

He goes back to glaring at the wrenches, and I lean over to take a look.

“You want that one.”

“Why? How do you know?”

“Well, it’s adjustable. You can change it within reason, so as long as your plumbing isn’t something incredibly out of the ordinary it should fit just fine.”

He looks surprised (and maybe a bit like he wants to attack me, although I try to ignore that).

“How do you know that?”

I laugh.

“Basic home maintenance, mate, I’ve had to fix a leaky sink before too, believe it or not.”

I grin at him until one corner of his mouth tips upward in response.

“Thanks,” he says, his cheeks flushing a little. “I’ll get this one then. Yes. Thank you. Have a nice evening.”

He strides off, once again leaving me feeling a bit dazed.

He looks really good in eyeliner.

Baz

When Fiona discovered I hadn’t left the apartment in a week, she called in the cavalry. Daphne showed up at my door with a casserole and some flowers, and within minutes she had the kitchen feeling like a place that was less utility space and more home.

“Basil, Fiona is worried about you.” I rolled my eyes, despite knowing it wouldn’t get me anywhere. “I’m worried about you, too. You spend so much time by yourself, and you hardly ever go out to see your friends or enjoy the city.”

“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”

“Basil,” she had said, and that time it was a warning. “It’s not healthy for anyone to spend this much time alone.”

“What, do you expect me to get a cat?”

Daphne smiled, and I knew that I had said the wrong thing.

“Yes, actually. And,” she said, before I could object, “Fiona thought you should too. In fact, she made it a condition of your continued occupancy of this flat. We both think it might be nice for you to have someone else around to talk to.”

I arched an eyebrow.

“And you want me to talk to a cat?”

Daphne just gave me a Mona Lisa smile, handed me a plate filled with food, and told me when she left later that evening that I had forty-eight hours to send her a picture of a cat. (I asked what I should do if I didn’t like any of the cats I saw. Or if they didn’t like me. She said I had to at least prove that I tried.)

So, this morning, I made my way to the nearest RSPCA and talked to strangers for the first time in over a week. I told them that I was looking to adopt a cat, and they immediately led me to a room filled with individual cages and an assortment of felines. They said I could play with any of the cats that I wanted, and now I’m staring into the eyes of a fluffy orange tabby.

The tabby meows at me, and I swear that she’s telling me to get lost. I guess cats can tell when you’re out of your depth.

I stroll down the aisle and read the names given to each cat. It’s been years since I last had a pet and even then, the husky my family had wasn’t my sole responsibility. I was in charge of feeding him, but there was always someone else making sure that I did. And really, we only adopted him when my pediatrician suggested that an animal might help me after my mother died. Daphne is probably trying to do the same thing again now. (Is this how one becomes a crazy cat lady? Depression, anxiety, OCD, and an unwillingness to tolerate therapy?)

I keep walking slowly until I feel a tug on my sleeve. I look down, and a little orange paw ending in one very sharp claw has latched on to me. I unhook it before my sweater can snag, and then look into the kennel. There are two kittens, each only about ten weeks old according to their cards, and the orange one is peering up at me with big blue eyes. Its littermate is asleep in the corner, curled into a fluffy black puffball, but the tabby is ready to play. His tail twitches, and he pounces immediately when I wiggle a finger between the bars. He catches my fingertip in a far more gentle grasp than I would have imagined, then looks at me with what can only be described as pure adoration.

“Excuse me,” I say, moving my finger some more and feeling small claws dig in. Then again, louder, to get the attention of the woman, “Excuse me. Can I see this one?”

The woman comes over and flips the latch, then reaches in and comes out with a handful of fur and knives. The kitten opens its mouth in a fierce imitation of a vampire, then stretches it further as it lapses into a yawn. We spend the better part of an hour in a bright, cheerful room, just the kitten and I. At first it chases a string that I drag along the ground and runs after balls with bells in them, but then it calms down and curls up in my lap to sleep.

I’m petting it and cooing softly to it, trying to ignore the fact that Daphne and Fiona were both right about this whole thing, when the door to the room opens again.

“Oh. It’s you,” says the most beautiful man I have ever seen. My face flushes when I remember our last encounter and I pray he doesn’t remember my ignorance. (Of course he does. I didn’t know how to select a wrench. I am incapable of basic home repair and he knows it.)

“Do you two know each other?” The woman from before is back, this time holding the other kitten from the same cage, and looking between the two of us. “These kittens aren’t technically a bonded pair, but they are siblings, the only two remaining from their litter, and it would be lovely if they could still see each other.”

“Err…” the man says, shifting his weight.

“We’ve met in passing a few times now,” I say, trying to avoid encouraging this line of questioning.

“Great!” she says, clapping her hands brightly after handing the kitten off. “I’ll leave all of you to get better acquainted then!”

For a moment, there’s just awkward silence. Neither of us are looking at each other, both focusing on our respective kittens. Then, his kitten turns into the feline equivalent of a slinky, oozes out of his grasp, and runs over to tap my leg once before running away again. It hides behind his legs, and all I can see is a black tail winding around his ankles.

We both laugh, and the ice is broken.

“I’m Simon,” he says, and smiles at me. It’s the same radiant smile I remember from his lockscreen. It feels like looking into the sun, and I bask in it.

“Basil. Although my friends call me Baz.”

“Are you going to…” he trails off, but gestures to my cat.

“Yes,” I look down and give it a scratch under the chin. “I’m going to adopt it.”

“Same here,” Simon says, and then he blushes. “I mean, unless it rips my face off in the next few minutes, but I think this is the one.”

“Do you know which one you have?” Their names and genders were on the cage, but it didn’t specify who was who.

“No idea. I’m going to rename mine anyway though, I didn’t like either of those names.”

“I was planning on doing the same thing. If I’m going to have a pet, it needs to have a proper name befitting its personality. Not something mundane like Fluffy.” I scowl, and he laughs.

As his kitten comes over to touch its nose to my kitten, Simon clears his throat.

“So, um, like she said, they’d probably be happy to have playdates or whatever. I mean, since we’re getting them. And since we keep running into each other. It might make sense to, you know, exchange numbers?”

“Yes!” I say, far too eagerly. “I mean, that seems reasonable. It would be more convenient than waiting to happen upon you in the Waitrose choosing inferior crisps to set up a future meeting.”

He smiles. “Well, yeah, there’s that. And this way, it’ll be easier for me to ask you out, ”

Then the absolute nightmare sits down beside me and hands me his phone. He texts me immediately once I enter my contact info.

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) This is Simon Snow

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) Your cat is cute.

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) So are you

Unknown Number (11:28 AM) Wanna get dinner sometime? ;)

I blush, and send him a reply.

Baz (11:29 AM) I thought you’d never ask.

#snowbaz fic #Purr-fect Strangers #a gift for a friend!#fuff #my fic

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