12Aug 2014

Almay Practice Makes Perfect WORKSHOP Beauty Tips & Giveaway! #AlmayPicnic

By Sandra D + 0 Beauty, Beauty Tips/How-To, BUDGET/DRUGSTORE, giveaways, MAKEUP, review almay, Beauty, Beauty Tips, bronzer, Drugstore Permalink 0

I love learning new makeup application techniques so when Almay Canada recently invited me out for their #AlmayPicnic I was more than happy to attend. The interactive workshop was led by the brand’s National Trainer Jacquie Hutchinson, who has over 20 years of training/experience as a makeup artist and also happens to be one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met!

When we first arrived at the event we received an adorable lunch bag filled with Almay products and were asked to remove our existing makeup. While some people chose not to partake in the fun….I was all over it. To remove my eye makeup I used two Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads and for the rest of my face I used one Makeup Remover Towelette. Both products are oil-free and were generously saturated with enough liquid to effectively remove all my dirt, oil and makeup.

Once my face was squeaky clean, I proceeded to apply Almay’s CC Luminous Primer. I’ve always said that a good primer is crucial to making your look last….. especially when it’s hot out. “It creates the perfect base…a beautiful veil on the skin”, says Jacquie. I really liked the “glow” that the primer gave my skin. It instantly brightened up my complexion and made my skin look nourished and healthy. This was hands down my favourite product of the night.

The next product we were asked to apply started off white (with greyish dots – aka shade-sensing beads) then magically adjusted to my skins tone when I blended it out. Jacquie recommended applying the Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup with SPF 20 with our fingers so that the warmth from our fingertips helped achieve the most natural looking coverage. Using your fingers also helps the ToneMimic technology in the product work. The coolest thing about this product is that it matches your complexion and adjusts itself so everyone gets a natural looking finish.

For the eyes, Jacquie recommended blotting eye shadow on the back of your hand first so that the moisture on your skin binds the shadow together resulting in less fall out. I used the Intense i-Color Smoky-i Kit for brown eyes which includes a trio of shadows expertly coordinated to suit your eye colour.

For eye liner, I applied a thin layer of the Intense i-Color Liquid Liner in Purple Amethyst along both lash lines. Jacquie recommended using the side of the brush on the upper lash line and the tip of the applicator for more precise lower lash application. Jacquie also suggested that we pull the side of our eye like a ruler to level out any loose skin. This step helps the liner glide along a smoother surface. I completed the eye look with 2 coats (applied in a zig-zag motion from base to tip) of the Intense i-Color Volumizing Mascara in Plum which I have to say, I’m still getting used to. I really prefer wearing black mascara so Jacquie suggested that I apply my favourite black mascara underneath and then top it off with the plum shade for a more dramatic look. The mascara’s formula is great though and gives lashes tons of volume.

To help highlight my cheekbones and give my skin a sun-kissed flush, I applied the Smart Shade Bronzer in Sunkissed to areas of my face that the “sun hits”. Jacquie reminded us to not forget our ears and neck when applying bronzer for a more natural look. Finally, I finished the look by applying some Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm to my lips. I simply adore these glosses. They are not sticky, they are super pigmented, they hydrate your lips and feel great on the lips.