The Day I Met Alex Box

On Monday evening I met a Make Up Artist who has been one of the biggest inspirations in my journey through artistry. Her body of work is absolutely breathtaking and her instinctual knack for colour and placement is incredible. Meeting Alex Box was a dream of mine and I'm so excited to be able to share it with you guys.

(Alex & I rocking Lipstick in 'Box' - one of my favourite reds)

The Illamasqua counter at The Bay Queen Street was buzzing while dozens of us adoring fans crowded around to catch a glimpse of the infamous Alex Box - Illamasqua Creative Director and Co-Founder.

Julian Kynaston, Illamasqua Founder, gave a wonderful introduction and truly energized the crowd as he showed us how humbled he is at the success of his five-year-old brand.

Powder was smoking in the air and brushes were gliding all over. I watched Alex dig into Powder Eyeshadow with the blunt end of her brush to create a loose pigment and press it into the skin with exceptional prowess. It was so incredible to watch her work.

After the demo, Alex mingled with us and we were invited to shop the counter with the Illamasqua team. 

I'm so happy that I was able to take part in this event and hope that my path will someday cross with hers again.

Makeup Tips for Glasses Wearers

I've been wearing my glasses a lot lately for one reason or another and thought that many people would really benefit from a fun post dedicated strictly to us visually impared!

Determining what style of eyeshadow you should wear really depends on your type of glasses.

If you are farsighted and your glasses tend to magnify your eyes, opt for darker, smokier looks which will make your eyes appear smaller. Experiment with matte shadows in deeper tones that will define your eyes and not amplify them. Feel free to play with colour in jewel tones like emeralds, navy's, and plums, and keep the colour close to the lash line. Tight line inside the eyes with dark kohl pencils. 

If you are nearsighted and your glasses tend to hide your eyes and make them look smaller, choose light, bright shadows that will make your eyes appear larger. Experiment with eyeliner to define the eyes so that they don't get lost behind your lenses, and a light shimmery shadow on the inner corners of the eyes to open them up. Enjoy light iridescent colours like lavender, bone, and pale blues and greens. Use flesh toned pencils on the inside of the eye for a wide eyed effect.

No matter what your style of glasses, always remember to use a brightening concealer under the eyes in case of any shadows your frames may cast on the face. Always add definition to your lashes, and always have well groomed, well defined brows! Your eye brows frame your frames and are really important for glasses wearers.

Know that these are just guidelines, and that people that wear glasses can wear any eyeshadow look they want! Always have fun with your makeup and your glasses and play up those beautiful eyes!

xo candice

www.candicegroen.com

Cute Doll Halloween Makeup

Say hello to another Halloween look inspired by a cute dolly!

1 Start by applying foundation all over, concealer in areas of concern, and setting with a translucent powder.
2 Apply a light blue shadow all over the lid and into the crease. Make sure to bring the colour up high enough to be seen when the eye is open. Bring this blue shadow tight against the outer corners of the lower lash lines.
3 Densely press a blue glitter all over the lid from the lash line to the crease. Soften the edge by blending through the crease with whatever blue shadow is left on our brush.
4 Apply a white eyeliner to the inner corners of the eye and press an iridescent duo chrome white/blue shadow on top.
5 Line the top lash line with a black liquid liner and apply a light coat of mascara.
6 Rim the inside of the eye with a light, flesh toned pencil for a wide eyed appearance.
7 Apply long wispy lashes to the upper lash line and shorter wispy half lashes to the outer corners of the lower lash line.
8 Create a 3D blush effect by applying a hot pink shadow in a round shape to the apples of the cheek and then a light frosty pink shadow around the edges. This will give a natural and soft gradation.
9 Use a brown eyeliner pencil to dot freckles of varying sizes onto the cheeks.
10 Finish with a bubble gum pink lip colour!

Products Used:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Stila Perfecting Concealer
Tarte Amazonian Clay Translucent Powder
BH Cosmetics 120 Palette (for the cheeks)
Korres Kohl Pencil "Brown"
Urban Decay Eyeshadow "Kiddie Pool"
Michaels glitter (Blue)
Lit Cosmetics Clearly Liquid Glitter Base
Physicians Formula Eye Booster Liquid Liner (Ultra Black)
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil "Milk"
Naked Cosmetics Pigment Stack "Ivory" (Blue)
Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara
Ardelle Lashes
Revlon Lip Butter "Cupcake"

xo candice
www.candicegroen.com

Get Artsy Competition

Last month I entered a Make Up For Ever face chart contest and ended up in the top 10 with my look featured on the Make Up For Ever Canada Facebook page! (Which you can see here).

It was a fun look to create and I had the pleasure of recreating it on my beautiful friend Chicara. Hope you guys like it!

xo candice

www.candicegroen.com