Recession-proof make up

Well, I've talked about sweat proof primer's for our summer skin, but increasingly, it seems to me we all need to try to make our make up selections a little more recession-proof anywhere

we can.

I love my high-end beauty products as much as the next make-up addict, so for me, the thought of making some downgrades to my make up bag pinched more than the credit crunch itself. However, now I have snatched up some bargains and put them to the test I feel like I've been a bit of a brand snob and missed out on some tricks, so from today I am going to spread the word so you all can save pounds without compromising on quality (and better still - quantity!)...

I love Benefit and one of my favourite products is Benetint, its jsut gorgeous and a rally quick and effective way to brighten up your cheeks and lips in a lightweight natural way. It can be applied on its on, over make up, or as a base for further lip colour and blusher. I've used this product for years but at £22.50 it doesn't come cheap.

So, before I headed off to the local fruit and veg store to buy myself a large beetroot to save a few pounds, I nipped into Superdrug chemists who are exclusive stockists of the wonderful "Me, Me, Me" range. I came across the Me Me Me Pussycat Cheek & Lip Tint which looks so similar to the Benetint lip and cheek stain that I thought I just had to give it a try. Well, its wonderful. It is so similar to Benetint that when I closed my eyes and tried to test myself I really couldn't tell the difference in the stains. The MeMeMe version even smells of rose water, it lasts forever, and when rubbed on the fleshy apple of your cheeks you look like you've returned from a lovely walk in the country! What's lovelier still is the price - less than £5 at the time of publishing. Anyway, here's a little picture so you know what to look out for:

Bring on the sculpted cheekbones!

Summer Slip-Ups

Its the time of the year when our faces have slid to our knees by noon (well it should be that time of the year but its looking pretty grim outside today)! We reach for our pressed powder to blot away oil and tidy up the mess but often the result is a crumby caked horror story a million miles from that "fresh dewy look" everyone is telling us we should be wearing in these summer months.

What to do?

The secret to make up that can last all day and into the evening is a great base. We've heard it said before, but a lot of us don't really know how to achieve the perfect summer base. The MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 is a perfect solution. Not only does it include an incredible wrinkle busting SPF 50(very few moisturisers on the market can claim that!), but it also creates a perfect velvety base with oil absorbing powder which helps to prevent oil breaking through on those hot summer days.

I used the MAC Prep + Prime at my recent wedding and on other brides and the results are just fantastic - everyone commented on how perfect the make up looked all day and night long - despite me being on the dancefloor for probably too long. The dancing might not have been perfect but at least the foundation was!

Welcome to MACCA Beauty!

Hello and welcome to Macca Beauty's website. My name is Anna-Marie and I am a professional make up artist who simply loves make-up and how it can change how we feel and transform our image in a brush stroke.

I am available for fashion shoots, television work, bridal work or any other event that requires (or just deserves!) professional make up artistry. I use a wide range of cosmetics from leading high-end brands such as Shu Uemera, MAC, YSL, Bobbi Brown and Nars to the fun but less expensive brands such as Rimmel and No.7.

I am very passionate about my work and I really enjoy putting that extra sparkle in someone's life, so feel free to get in touch to discuss your requirments or arrange a consultation.

Speak soon!