Clare Hogan Makeup Artist

Flora by Gucci & Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.15

11 October 2012 / Bridal, Products

I was never a huge perfume person when I was younger, I wore it every once in a while, but in recent years I now feel a little naked without a spray of something. I’ve worn a few over the years that I really liked and stuck to them but over the last couple of months I’ve discovered two new fragrances I love!

The first is Flora by Gucci. There are three different fragrances in the Flora range but my favourite is Gorgeous Gardenia (pink bottle). It’s just a beautiful light scent that reminds me of summer and flowers and I ADORE the bottle and packaging. It was what originally caught my eye and I just think it’s gorgeous. Very girly! It would be a lovely fragrance for any brides looking for something fresh for their big day.

The second is Liz Earles new fragrance, Botanical Essence No.15. I got a sample of this with my order last week and it’s nearly gone. It’s a slightly stronger scent but gorgeous and spicy. I’d wear this going out maybe when I want something a little more but not too over powering. It settles really nicely after a few minutes and they say it’s “over 90% directly derived from natural ingredients” which gives it that lovely fresh, earthy scent. Will definitely be buying a bottle when my sample is gone!

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The Marilyn Monroe MAC Collection

3 October 2012 / Celebrity, Products

I always look forward to seeing what celebrity MAC collaborates with next and this Autumn I’m even more excited because their new collection, which is launched tomorrow, features the iconic Miss Monroe.

The Marilyn Monroe MAC Collection consists of false lashes, mascara, liquid eye liner, liquid brow marker, a brow grooming tool, four eye shadow shades, two kohl eye pencil shades, five shades of lipstick, two Dazzleglass shades, three lip pencil shades, two shades of blush, beauty powder and five shades of nail lacquer. If you’ve always wanted to try the Marilyn look or the red lip she was so famous for then there’s no better time to try it out and just in time for the party season that’s creeping up fast! The collection is beautifully designed in black packaging featuring shots of Marilyn from The Black Sitting, her 1956 session with photographer Milton Greene.

I will definitely be getting my hands on some of these pieces, even just to have and keep.

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Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model 2012 Winner

2 October 2012 / Celebrity, Fashion

So the final of Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model 2012 was on last night and Letitia was crowned winner. I didn’t really watch it as religiously this year as I have in previous years but I do think they had a great line up of girls and some stunners including Cork girl Lisa Madden who made it to the last 4.

I have to say I get quite bored of the fighting and bitching that goes on between the girls although I know that’s a big part of the show in terms of getting viewers. My favourite part each week is the styling and make-up that they girls go through and in particular the episode where they get their major transformation. I love seeing how they change their look completely with a haircut or colour.

So what do you think, did they pick the right winner?

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Disney Goes Fashion by Sashii-Kami

7 August 2012 / Fashion, Inspiration

I’m a sucker for anything Disney so when I saw these drawings titled ‘Disney Goes Fashion’ by artist Sashii-Kami I fell in love. These fashion sketches inspired by Disney characters are just stunning with their statuesque figures, chiseled jaws and vibrant colors. The selection is amazing and she’s even done some portraying male villains. I don’t know if I could possibly pick a favourite but I love Snow White and Ariel and check out the thigh high boots on Pocahontas!

You can see more of Sashii-Kami’s work here

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The Importance Of Exfoliating!

24 July 2012 / Makeup, Products, Skincare

As a makeup artist I’m a firm believer that in order for your make-up to look good you must start with your skin and a very important step is exfoliating. In order for your make-up to sit well and look good you need a smooth canvas and getting rid of those layers of dead skin is a must. I would exfoliate at least once a week and you really do feel the difference afterward.

There are so many different products on the market and some are harsher than others. I would recommend going for something with a finer grain than anything too course or rough as this can actually cause more damage to your skin. You just want something gentle to remove the dead skin and allow the new skin to come through. If you have sensitive skin be very careful as harsh products can irritate your skin so be sure to get one that is specially formulated for sensitive skin.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on face scrubs. There are so many really good ones that will last you ages and don’t cost too much. Three of my favourites would be Simple, St Ives and Liz Earle. The Simple scrub is the cheapest of the three and is does the job perfectly but I have to say the other two would be my tops, mainly because the grain is so fine and really works well into the skin and they both smell gorgeous. My skin really feels amazing after an encounter with these two.

So if you don’t exfoliate and you feel your skin is looking dull and lifeless and your make-up just doesn’t sit well or look good then get yourself one of these little must haves and you’ll never look back!

Clare xox

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