RECREATE GENEVIEVE NNAJI'S LOOK WITH BIMPE ONAKOYA

I have no idea why I don't post more content like this on the blog. I LOVE when a makeup artist breaks down the products used in creating a look! When I saw this look Aunty Bimps created I was absolutely blown away and I am excited she's agreed to share the product breakdown and what's more, it's got less than TEN steps!

I even got her to tell you the inspiration behind this look: 

"I created a minimalistic take on classic midcentury glamour. The skin is youthful and fresh with a barely made-up finish, punctuated with a bold and modern stained lip" - Bimpe Onakoya

Step 1: Warm the skin with Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation, even sweeping it gently across the lips to neutralize pigment.

Step 2: Highlight the under eyes with concealer to brighten and minimize shadows.

Step 3: Hide any blemish and in perfection in skin with Face Studio Master Conceal and set entire face with a light layer of Clear Smooth All in One Powder.

Step 4: Define clear angles and shapes of your face by applying highlighter across high planes of the face:  the bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, cheekbones and Cupid’s bow, followed by using Clear Smooth All in One Powder in Cacao on the cheekbones, outer brow along the sides of the nose and outer edges of the face, blending the bronzer and contour cream with a brush.

Step 5: Apply nude eyeshadow from The Blushed Nudes Palette across the lid then layer the Clear Smooth All in One Powder in Cacao along the eye crease, blending outwards. Trace across the upper lash line beginning at inner corners of eyes to the outer corner with Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Blackest Black. Dab Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24Hr in Barely Branded the inner corners of the eyes for pop ad finish with a double coat of Rocket Volume Mascara. (Optional: Apply 2 layers of strip lashes on eyes).

Step 6: Fill in the brow to perfection and then gently define around the brows with concealer.

Step 7: Line the lips and fill with Color Sensational Creamy Matte in Mesmerizing Magenta.

I'm sure you guys noticed that all the products used in creating the look are Maybelline. As their brand ambassador, this is expected and what's more you can get these products at the newly launched Maybelline store in Surulere which I shared about in this post here


BIMPE ONAKOYA IN LONDON - JULY 30TH
To all my UK readers Aunty Bimpe will be hosting an exclusive Master Class this month in London.
She's had a series of classes here in Lagos which have been a HIT, seats literally sold out in hours! If you are a makeup artist or enthusiast you do not want to miss this!

Date: 30th July, 2016
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com

Hope you enjoyed this post and be sure to spread the word about the Masterclass

Ez xxX

MAYBELLINE CLEAR SMOOTH & LAURA MERCIER SETTING POWDER

I recently picked up these powders because I needed to re-up on my supply.

Laura Mercier 'Translucent' Loose Setting Powder - N16,500

I am running really low on my Sacha Buttercup Powder, so I decided to try something different for a change. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Sacha one, in fact it's at Holy Grail status for me at the moment, I just wanted to see what all the hype was about with this Laura Mercier one.

Since I purchased it, I've used it once and so far so good!

Maybelline Clear Smooth All In One 'Honey' - N2,500

So I've got a little story to share about this Maybelline powder. A few months after Maybelline launched in Nigeria (3years ago) a bunch of us were invited down to the L'Oreal offices for an event. During the course of the event they talked us through some of the L'oreal brands like Dark and Lovely, SoftSheen Carson, Maybelline, etc. After the session we were then asked to step up to a table so we could get matched to our shade in the Clear Smooth range. You guys, I couldn't be matched, I was like 'WAAAHHHHYY' I had heard so much about the Clear Smooth powder and how it was formulated with our climate in mind, was so eager to test it out only to find my shade was not considered. So two years later, I'm really happy with this additional offering they've included in the Clear Smooth range! Been using it every single day since I picked it up, and I have got no complaints.

Allow me to let you guys in on a little tip about makeup: the key to a long-lasting makeup base is your primer! People ask "Oh, what powder should I purchase that'll get my makeup to last all day?"... Answer: "None!". It's all about what products you use at the 'base' not over the 'top', kind of like building a house if the foundation isn't done right, no matter how many fixtures and fittings it's all going to come crashing down. The other day at the Lagos Makeup Fair I was chatting with Theo of DoranneBeauty and she said she had very oily skin, let me tell you every singly time I've run into Theo she's always looked flawless. So I asked her, what primer do you use and she mentioned a combination of four different primers I can't remember at the moment. But the point I'm trying to make is, invest in a good primer and you're already more than halfway to solving your problem.

So powders are used to 'finish up' a look and set everything in place, but they won't be your answer to 'oily skin'. A good skincare routine and primer are the secret to great makeup!

Let's help each other out in the comments, by answering the question below:

What's your favourite primer?

Ez xxX

MAYBELLINE STORE IN LAGOS | EXCLUSIVE PICTURES & PRICES

Yes, you read that title right, there is an ACTUAL Maybelline New York store right here in Lagos, Nigeria. Maybelline arrived in Nigeria 3 years ago, I attended their media launch event at the time and blogged about it. If you click the link to the post, you will see I asked the Maybelline team if they had plans on opening a store and the response I got was "No" and they were more concerned with getting stands in various beauty stores around the country. The fact that they launched with only three products out of their ENTIRE range was also a huge bummer, and most of you guys expressed your disappointment in the comments section of that post. I hope those commenters are still BiL readers, because this news will be music to their ears! I guess their plans have now changed, only took them 3 years *side eye*, but I ain't mad! Anyway enough rambling....

I went down to the Maybelline store yesterday to  check it out and I was completely blown away! I shared videos with my snapchat family, so they know all about it! You should follow me on snapchat, they get all the 'juicy' stuff first (Username: BeautyInLagos).

 I have provided not just images, but prices as well because I know this is just as important. I also purchased a few items which I will share in a different post. Enjoy the pictures!

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick - N2,500

Maybelline Color Sensational Bold Matte - N2,500

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse - N3,650

Maybelline Super Stay 24 - N3,600

Maybelline Colossal Kajal - N1,500

Maybelline Color Drama Lip -- N1,500

Maybelline Pure Makeup - N1,200

Maybelline Baby Lips - N1,000

Maybelline Clear Smooth - N2,500

Maybelline Mascaras - N1,200 - N1,500

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner - N1.500

Details
Maybelline Newyork Store
84 Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos.

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Ez xxX

To have your Business featured in the 'Out and About' series, Email: hello@beautyinlagos.com

MAYBELLINE NY NIGERIA | Bimpe In New York!

Hey Guys, hope you are all well!

When I was contacted by Maybelline New York Nigeria to take part in a project, of course I was intrigued. And then when they sent across even more information, that sealed it for me!

After eight seasons of iconic runway looks, Maybelline New York returns for its 9th season as the Official Cosmetics Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2014. The New York Fashion Week kicked off yesterday and from today through to September 11th 2014, BeautyInLagos will be working with Maybelline to bring you closer to the runway than ever!

I want to believe most of you know that the Artistic Director for Maybelline New York Nigeria is the awesome, Bimpe Onakoya. Aunty Bimps, as I like to call her, is truly one of the most genuine and down-to-earth people you would ever meet. With all the years she's been in the industry and accolades she's received, her humility is a breath of fresh air.

This year, Bimpe Onakoya, will be the first Black African Makeup Artist (MUA) to work backstage glamming up runaway models side by side with co-world class MUAs and Fashion designers at the New York Fashion week 2014.

The event of this trip, themed “Bimpe In New York”, will be covered live on all Maybelline New York Nigeria online platforms and with exclusive snippets from the event. So, you’ll be getting an up close and personal encounter with Bimpe’s exciting journey and virtual backstage access to your favourite designers and makeup artists.

During this exciting week, there will be giveaways and Bimpe Onakoya will return with special gifts for ardent fans. Will you be one of them? Be sure to follow Maybelline online, so you don’t miss any of the fun!

Instagram: @MaYbellineNYNG
Twitter: @maybellinenyng
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaybellineNewYorkNigeria

Laters,

Ez xxX

PRODUCTS I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW - March Edition

House of Tara Brow liner

House of Tara Precision Eyebrow Pen in 'Brown' - N1000

When I got this House of Tara Precision Eyebrow Pen* I was very worried, a felt tip pen to fill in my brows? Won't it be too harsh. But after I swatched it on my hand, my concerns melted away.

I have used this every single day since I took it out the box and that was about 2weeks ago. If you are familiar with lining your top-lid with liquid liners, this should be a dream to work with. You will definitely need a steady hand.

This liner is in the shade 'Brown' and as you can see it is the softest shade and not harsh at all. It may look, from the swatch, that it won't make a difference but trust me when I say it does. It also helps keep your brows in place once dried.

It offers me the precision I love! Have a look at my 'before and after' shots above. I really really love this product, so much so that my former love here has taken a back seat for now. I will highly recommend this brow pen, give it a try and please let me know in the comments section how it worked for you.



E.L.F. Gel liner brush
I am always looking out for a new tool to apply my gel-liner. I'm pretty good with gel liner application, so a new brush to apply always excites me… I'm a loser I know

E.L.F. Angled Eyeliner Brush - N1000

I was browsing BeautyKink a couple weeks ago and I came across this oddly-shaped brush and I HAD to get it.

I am so glad I did. The bend at the top really aids in getting that 'flick' we love on the outer corner of the eye.

You do have to turn it this way and that as you work through different sections of your eye, depending on which eye lol.

For my right eye I like to work with the brush turned in, that's with the bend at an angle away from the eye. Then when I get to the 'flick' I lay it on it's side.

Then for my left eye (I know this isn't my left eye, but work with the kid), I work with the brush upside down and work with the same angle as the right eye for the flick.

I can't get enough of this brush and like most things, I love that I own more than one eyeliner brush, because it's always nice to have choices.


Love, Tims Signature Fragrance

Image from: idoweddingsng.com

You all know I cannot describe scents to save my life, but I really like the 'Love, Tims'* fragrance by I Do Weddings.


'I Do Weddings' is an indigenous weddings solutions company, which caters to all wedding related needs. Love, Tims is their bridal line that offers wedding dresses, reception dresses and their recently added self-titled fragrance. I have worn it quite a few times these past week and it's now part of my perfume rotation on my vanity.

It's just a nice light fragrance, not overbearing and all….. that's all I've got! But I DoWeddings describe its as having opening notes of bergamot and pink pepper. The heart of the fragrance is floral, the base note infuses vanilla musk and sandalwood

It retails for NGN5,500 and can be purchased in-store at Shomya Salon & Makeup Studio and BeSaz Boutique


Maybelline 'BabyLips'

Image From: Drugstoreprincess.com

Now I am not sure how many people know that lip conditioners and lip balms are two different lip products. A balm usually has a  thicker consistency and contains some sort of menthol, which gives that 'cooling' sensation when applied and soothes chapped lips. A conditioner works the same way but has a more 'buttery' consistency and doesn't contain menthol, unless it is a flavour added in. I much rather prefer conditioners. I initially thought I preferred balms, but found my lips to prefer conditioners.

Maybelline's 'BabyLips'* are conditioners and I absolutely love them. I apply them right after I have moisturised my face and it stays on while I do the rest of my face so that by the time I get to working on my lips they are nice and moisturised providing the best base for my lip products.

I also reapply this throughout the day whenever I feel that I need it.

I have had the yellow one this since the Maybelline Launch party and it's permanently on my vanity and I was glad when I was given the pink one at the Maybelline Beau-Tee Party a few weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was slightly tinted, so it conditions as well as provides some colour for the lips. This goes everywhere with me in my MMM.


So these are the products I have been loving this month.

What products are you currently loving?

Laters,

Ez xxX

MAYBELLINE - Welcome to Nigeria!

Hello Everyone!

So from the title of this post, yes you did read that correctly, Maybelline has landed in Nigeria!

For most of you this isn't news, but there are still people that don't know this. The Maybelline team had a small launch event, last month, targeted at the media and people in the beauty/lifestyle industry, as a little introduction to let everyone know they had arrived.

I'm not really interested in blogging events and stuff, I'm all about letting you in on what's hot and available in Lagos in terms of beauty, but I'll provide you with a few pictures. Like the DUFUS that I am, I brought along my camera but forgot my SD card at home, so you'll have to make do with my iPhone snaps of the event.

I spoke to a member of the Maybelline team, and the first question I asked was: "Where will your store be located?". She said they do not plan on opening a stand-alone Maybelline store, rather they are working on getting a Maybelline stand in as many stores and supermarkets across Nigeria. Although, I was slightly disappointed to hear this, it is actually how Maybelline operates around the world. Think about it, in London they've got their stands in Boots, SuperDrug etc. So that's exactly how they want to roll it out in Nigeria.

I also asked her if we will be getting ALL the products including new-releases and limited editions. She said we will, but for now they plan on introducing Maybelline products to the Nigerian market bit by bit, they don't want to 'overwhelm' us with all their products at once. So the first two products they will be releasing are 'The Colossal Volum' Express' Mascara and 'The Colossal Kajal' Eyeliner.

I was a little disappointed by this, I personally feel like they should just launch all their products, but that's because I am familiar with Maybelline, and although I can't necessarily think like someone who's never heard of Maybelline, I'm sure the team here in Nigeria have a well thought-out strategy. So I'm just going to trust their process and wait patiently for the products to start coming through.

Gift-bag!! Always excited by these.

It contained the two products that they are releasing first to the Nigerian market and also their very popular lip-conditioner, BABY-LIPS!!

I have been gagging to try out this lip-conditioner simply because of all the hype its been getting, especially on blogs.


So yeah, that's the gist of it, Maybelline is in Nigeria! Maybelline is under the umbrella company, L'Oreal. L'Oreal own a ton more makeup and skincare brands like YSL, Lancome, Urban Decay, Shu Umera, Clarisonic, Essie, Garnier and many more! Imagine the Touche Eclat, Naked Pallete, Clarisonic Mia 2 all available to buy in Nigeria, just like they are in London!! A girl can dream aye?


Laters,

Ez xxX