The ‘cat eye’ or winged eyeliner is not an essential makeup technique for most women…but it’s certainly iconic. Having enough skill and know-how to be able to apply iconic makeup styles can open you up to a whole new range of looks. One of the most recognisable and diverse looks that you can play around with is the cat eye. Very few looks and makeup styles are as fun, elegant, and multi-functional as Cleopatra’s signature eye makeup. This simple but intriguing style of makeup was first popularised in the 1940’s on the floors of swing dance halls. However, its widespread appeal only really exploded when Elizabeth Taylor wore it in the 1963 movie Cleopatra. Since then, it’s been worn and remixed into different iterations,  but all based on a single principle: stylishly extended eyeliner. Prep is Important… How do you actually apply cat eye makeup? Some makeup artists will tell you that it all starts with proper prep. The website Stylecraze advises thoroughly cleansing your skin, toning, moisturising, and if necessary using an eye cream or serum to get rid of puffiness and dark circles. But I personally don’t give any creedence to the often-touted claim that eye-cream works wonders for puffiness […]

The last few months I’ve been decluttering with the loving email advice from FlyLady.net. She says clutter causes chaos and takes up precious ‘head space’. I reckon she’s right! Living with clutter is like walking through golden syrup; it slows you down and drains your energy. Have you noticed a trend towards minimalism, not just in home decorating, but in general living? It’s the practise of reducing needless materialism and intentionally investing in the people and experiences that matter to you. And while I’m not painting my house all-white or wearing just one set of clothes, when my physical space is clearer, so is my mind. When not having to rush and rummage, an everyday task can become a life-affirming ritual, an oasis of calm, even an opportunity for appreciation and creative expression! While I’ll let FlyLady guide you on decluttering your house, here’s how to streamline your makeup routine: Do you want to say goodbye to: • Rummaging through a cluttered makeup bag filled with individual items? • Buying pre-filled eyeshadow quads, trios or palettes only to use up your fave shades then have it sift around unused for a few years because it feels wasteful to throw it out? • Opening up individual makeup items to […]