Staying Inspired & Following Through: Suggestions from a Creative

Staying inspired is always a task for creatives. Our work takes a lot out of us. To interpret a vision in our head as best as possible and try to recreate it into something tangible that an onlooker/viewer can see with their own eyes and in some cases touch is no small task. However what happens when you are out of ideas or encounter that dreaded creative block? It is like being in limbo, in a space where inspiration is figuratively circling the drain. How does one break free of that space or prevent it from happening?

I have been in this suffocating uninspired space before and felt like I was in a huge rut. However with experience and reflection I realize there are things I can do to keep me inspired and excited about my art and business.

Before we go any further I want to remind you this is my personal experience. We are all individuals and what may work for me may not work entirely for you, but I do believe that I have some helpful points to share and look forward to opening up this discussion to all you creatives out there.

Be Aware

Many artists/creatives have been called dreamers; trust me this is a compliment to us. Sometimes we may literally just sit and daydream or 'tune out'. In our mind when this happens we are actually 'tuning in'. I try to be aware of what's happening around me; be it a beautiful sunset, a particular colour combination in a flower or how a specific song makes me feel. Be aware of the little things. I am not a neurological expert, but what I do know is when you make those conscious impressions on your brain it gives your creative energy something to feed on or draw from. You never know when something you take note of will serve you well.

Record

While we take notice of certain things that we may find beautiful, interesting or inspiring it is pivotal that we not rely solely on our own memory. This is an area quite a few of us lack in. We must record in some way when we are inspired whether it is by writing, voice recording or even video. What triggered this? Why? How did it make you feel? Be as sensory as possible. Documenting as much information as possible makes it easier to recreate this inspiration later. It helps our brain to relive that moment more clearly.

Be Organized

When you have decided what you want to create with the inspiration you have and also recorded, go on to set time lines for development and deadlines for completion. This gives our vision some focus. No matter what we are embarking on having these goals in place is very important so we know what we are working towards.

Be Kind to Yourself

We can always find something we could have improved on. Being overly critical of our own work just comes with the territory but try hard to fight against that. Note points to focus on improving on for future projects and move forward. When you have finished your project, admire your work and be proud of it. It is a manifestation that just started with a feeling and that is something amazing.

There you have it folks! Applying these four things have helped me to keep my creative engine fueled and also follow through on inspiration. It has also helped with anxiety regarding work and various projects. It is a beautiful world out there and we have the wonderful opportunity to 'tune in' and interpret that in our own unique ways.

What keeps you inspired? Any tips for us? Looking forward to your comments!

Until next time,

xoxo

Dee

Make the Most of Your Makeup: Sanitize!

This is a ritual your professional artist should know all too well. Makeup kits have to be sanitized after every job to ensure our makeup is hygienic and safe from contamination for all clients. Most people see the high importance of this practice for pros but what about you consumers and makeup aficionados? 

I have realized quite a few people do not think it is necessary to sanitize their own makeup. It is people! Here's a couple reasons why:-

1) When you do not sanitize your own makeup for example pressed powder products; with every use of a sponge or brush on this product, you are transferring oils from your skin onto your product. Oils essentially turn into dirt eventually and furthermore bacteria. Have you ever noticed your pressed powder foundation has a smooth crust on the top? That is a build up of those oils. Although this is your own personal product you can cause breakouts especially if you are acne prone. 

2) Regularly sanitizing your makeup increases their shelf life! Freshening your makeup helps to restore your products enabling you to get the most and best use out of them. 

"What do you use to sanitize?", I can hear some of you asking...

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My spray of choice is one called Beauty So Clean. It sanitizes makeup in ten short seconds; simple mist directly on the product holding bottle about 6 inches away and wait till it is dry before closing. 

1) For those products that have a film or crust over them simple scrape the top part off gently with a spatula or spoon  Then spray the sanitizing mist on it and wait 10 seconds for it to dry. 

2) Have a routine or set day for your makeup sanitizing. I try to do it at lease once a week however in all honesty it is usually every two weeks. 

Unfortunately I have not found this spray locally in Barbados so I stock up when I travel. It is totally worth it and very necessary. 

Thank you as always for all of your article requests and suggestions! Have a wonderful week Beauties and don't forget to subscribe to this blog so you are notified when new posts are up!

xoxo

Dee

Current Favorites: April to June 2015

Press play on the video below to watch my April to June favorites! See what products I have been reaching for over and over and why I love them so much. 

Hope you like the video. Please don't forget to send your requests by commenting on the video or on this blog.

xoxo

Dee

Make the Most of Your Makeup: Pressed Eye shadows!

Rich, shimmery, creamy, glittery....I could go on and on with describing that addictive little cosmetic called eyeshadow; pressed shadows to be exact. Every makeup lover confesses they have to many and never enough. For many of you Beauties this is your favorite part of makeup application.
From simply using it to even out dark eye lids to an alluring smoky eye to complex works of art. Eye shadow can be used on many different levels to add to your makeup look.
There are a few ways you can get your bang for your buck with these cosmetic gems. Continue reading to see how you can get the most out of your eye shadows.

1) Soft Brows. Take a synthetic angled brush to a matte rich dark brown shadow and lightly use it to fill in sparse areas in the eyebrows. This can look very natural and soft if you are going for a natural look or if your brows are already defined but only need a light fill in.

2) Blush. Whether matte or shimmery, some eye shadows can actually double as blush. Some are so pretty and have such a blend-able texture it is practically a crime not to use them in this way. My personal favorites are reds, oranges and deep pinks. Simply use a fluffy blush brush to apply the colour to the cheeks for a nice diffused wash of (blush) eyeshadow on that cheek area.

3) Matte red lips are contemporary and will always in style. I cannot think of any reason a red lipstick lover would not have a matte red lipstick in her makeup collection but just in case you only have a satin finish......matte red eye shadow to the rescue! Apply your lipstick. Take a spatula, butter knife or spoon and gently scape the top of the matte red shadow to get some of that shadow loose. Use a flat eyeshadow brush to apply the shadow to your lips in a patting technique. This will not only mattify that satin lipstick, it will make it bolder and more long wearing by setting that lipstick!

What are some outside of the box ways you like to use pressed shadow! Comment, message, share...I wanna know!!

xoxo
Dee

Lip Service: Guide to Lip Prep

 Lip looks are having a major beauty moment. With the rise in super matte liquid lipsticks, new glosses and liners on the market; lip products are selling like hotcakes and bold lips are very requested by makeover clients. They are a win for me because focusing on perfecting the skin and a bold lip colour is effortless and saves time when you're in a rush. I love lipsticks, always have and always will; so lip care is very important. Here are my top tips for priming and aftercare of your lips to ensure you have a beautiful lipstick/gloss application and healthy happy lips!

1) Exfoliate. I am sure you have heard me say this a million time. Yes, take 2 seconds to gently remove those dead skin cells off your lips. To do this run your toothbrush over your lips for a couple seconds after brushing your teeth. It will result in smooth healthy lips that allows lipstick and lip gloss to be applied beautifully.

2) Moisturize. Use your favorite lip balm after exfoliation to soften your lips and add that moisture that those ultra matte lipsticks absorb. I prefer to use formulas that are not medicated because they can be drying. I look for organic simple lip moisturizers that contain ingredients like shea butter and jojoba. My favorites to apply before lipstick or gloss are the EOS balms. I typically apply a heavier balm before bed like just shea butter.

3) Sun Protection. Especially if you plan on spending days by the pool or on the beach sun protection is very important. Sun burnt lips are very painful and can result in cracked, sore lips. When this happens you can't wear any lipstick at all. Save yourself the heartache and take the time to care for your lips properly.

Let me know your favorite lip balms!
xoxo
Dee

Make The Most of Your Makeup: Eyeshadow Pigments

Eyeshadow pigments are loose eyeshadow powders ranging in texture and finish, from matte and very finely milled to shimmer or glittery. Pigments are that cosmetic we all like to look at and collect because they are so pretty and enthralling. Sad thing is when reaching for eyeshadow on an everyday basis pigments lose the battle to pressed eyeshadows. A big reason is pressed shadows are easier to work with and less messy.

Let's take a second to consider the word 'pigment', it simply means colour. Therefore it is a simply a cosmetic colour in a powder form. I am sure you can see why this is an excellent multitasking makeup product. Pigments can be used in a number of ways here are my personal favorites.

1. Wet eyeshadow application. Rub your eyeshadow brush on a face wipe to dampen it then apply the pigment to your eyeshadow look with that brush. This works with pigments that have shimmer to intensify the finish and make it even more shimmery.
2. Add a small amount of shimmery golden or bronze pigment to body lotion to create a beautiful bronzed highlight on your skin. This is perfect for summertime outings; it adds a healthy glow.
3. Amp up your gloss or lipstick. You can create your own lipgloss by adding your desired pigment to clear gloss. You can also pat pigment over lipstick to mattify it, or add dimension.
4. Highlight. Who wouldn't want glowing gorgeous Jennifer Lopez skin? Pigments make excellent highlighters on the tops of the cheekbones! Tip: Be extra light handed and use a small fluffy blending brush for precise but soft beautiful application.

Writing this post has definitely inspired me to start playing with my eyeshadow pigments again. Follow my Instagram ways I use pigments more this season!

What are your favorite pigments Beauties? You know I want to know!

Xoxo

Dee

Make The Most of Your Makeup: Concealer

I used to say quite often the only thing I need for a certainty in the morning are 'the two C's'; Coffee and Concealer. This product is another must have in your personal makeup kit. It wields the power to not only make you look alive in the morning by hiding that under eye darkness. Concealer can be used to spot concealer acne scars, pimples or hyper-pigmentation. For those of you who are not big on wearing a full foundation application everyday; concealer in places where you need it and a light dust of translucent powder to set it can go a very long way to make you have that fresh faced appearance with very minimal effort and time. However there are a couple simple ways you can use your concealer to get that extra oomph out of its application!

1. Apply it to your eyelids to neutralize darkness and conceal veins. We use concealer under the eyes to hide that darkness, but what about on the eyelid? By using concealer there it balances the look and also gives an instant eye brightening effect. You can choose to just blend it out and set with powder or you can do this as a priming step before your eye shadow look. Tip: Use a small amount and blend well.
2. Use it as a makeup sharpener. With concealer and a trusty synthetic angled brush; you are equipped to trace along your winged liner to make it appear even more sharp and fierce. Also use it in this way to clean up bold lipstick looks; this makes the lipstick appear more defined and prevents the colour from bleeding outside of those lines and looking messy. Tip: Set lightly and carefully with translucent powder, this will make sure that concealer does not budge.
3. Use it to neutralize highly pigmented lips. Want your lip colour to pop however your lips are very pigmented naturally (coloured)? Dab a very small amount of concealer on your lips and blend out with a fluffy brush. Now you have a neutral canvas to layer that lip colour over and really make it pop!

What concealers do you like to use and how do you like to use them?

XOXO

Dee