FabSwingers.com forum: Smoky eyes make-up

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I love this look but I've never tried it, not being a regular eye-shadow wearer. Any one got any tips? Specifically - do I need eye primer, who makes the best eye-shadow/mascara etc

All help gratefully received

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

Should alwaysuse a primer when wearing make up as it gives the make up a nice surface to sit on.

The make up you use depends on what you like and the look you want. Mascara is a tricky one to recommend to someone as they can have different effects ie curling, thickening, lengthening etc.

I personally love L'Oréal flawless finish foundation, max factor cream puff. No 7 mascara in the green tube. No idea what it's called though lol and 17 eyeshadow compact. Currently using a bright pink lipstick with dark pink liner for an ombre look on the lips. Both L'Oréal. Also max factor eyebrow pencil and black khol pencil eye liner.

To get the smokey eyed technique watch pixiwoo on youtube

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

it's a great look

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"it's a great look"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

im just a basic/minimal make up user who occassionally likes to go crazy and try new stuff out

i just stick to cheap eye shadows as once opeed they only are suitable for 12 months i believe and i cant justify spending out loads

in Superdrug they do a cheap palette for 10 colours for £3.99. The brand is Beauty UK. i like them because if u apply them with an applicator/brush or finger they give a really strong colour even if not much product is used.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

and as a lady above said Kohl pencil eyeliner is a must,, smudge the edges to make them softer

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

Watch you tube videos I know how to do smokey make up but it's hard to explain and takes too long...I always use primer and I wear double wear foundation and various mascaras....you can get eyeshadow trios to do smokey eyes with..

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By *ENDAROOSCouple
over a year ago

South West London / Surrey

I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

I swear by benefit brow stuff...there are cheaper ones available

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"im just a basic/minimal make up user who occassionally likes to go crazy and try new stuff out

i just stick to cheap eye shadows as once opeed they only are suitable for 12 months i believe and i cant justify spending out loads

Powder products last a lot longer than that.

It's the liquid ones, like mascara, in which bacteria can grow, that need to be replaced regularly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

YouTube tutorials are great for ideas & you can also book in for mini tutorials at the Benefit & Bobbi Brown salons.

I used to use Benefit Smokey Eye kit but I found because my eyes are light blue I suit a dark brown as opposed to a black eyeshadow. Currently using Benefits Big Brown Eyes kit which has a make up guide with it. For the eyeliner I use a chocolate shimmer colour in a pot by Bobbi Brown & almost paint it on with one brush & then smudge it with another.

A good primer will help keep eyeshadow in place, again it's Benefit!

To finish the look, use an eyelash curler before applying mascara & I like nude/soft pink lips to balance out the dramatic eyes.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours."

same here.. id love to visit a professional make up artist and see what they can do

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours.

same here.. id love to visit a professional make up artist and see what they can do "

Go to a MAC counter at a quiet time and ask for a demo.

You might have to be a bit brazen to walk out without buying anything afterwards though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Agree with the post above, my eyes are light Blue and I can't seem to pull off black smoky eyes so I use browns instead. I watched a youtube video to learn how to do it. I don't wear makeup too often so can't really give any advice on what make

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours."

When I was training to do make up I toom to it like a duck to water but took me quite some practice to get the look right on myself.

Just keep practicing and try lighter colours. Smokey eyes don't need to be dark and dramatic. Use light browns and soft pinks which makes for a great bridal smokeyed look

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By *igeiaWoman
over a year ago

Bristol

Despite my photos I don't actually wear make-up that often. For tutorials there's a Geordie girl on YouTube who is brilliant. My secret trick is a fat kohl pencil on the upper lid, a decent blending brush and a cream highlighter in the inner corner and just beneath the brow arch. I got a really cheap smokey eye palette in Superdrug that had really easy to follow instructions on the back. It took some getting used to; I always felt like I was wearing too much.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's a great look. There are some very helpful step-by-step tutorial videos on Youtube.

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

My friend Gemma is a whizz at make up

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

It's all about practise and experimenting with colours...I have tons of eye make up and make up for that fact lol

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

"im just a basic/minimal make up user who occassionally likes to go crazy and try new stuff out

i just stick to cheap eye shadows as once opeed they only are suitable for 12 months i believe and i cant justify spending out loads

If you don't want to spend a look on make up I highly recommend w7 cosmetics. Cheap but very good and last well

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

if i do go out i generally apply the same theory to all the shades of eyeshadow..

so im achieving the same look, just different colours

pencil eyeliner to top and lower lashes, do the flick thing at the outer corner of my eye, darkest shade on the outer corner of my eye to about a 1/3 of my eye, lightest shade from the inner corners, then blend the two.

re apply the lower waterline eye liner, curl lashes and add mascara of choice

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours.

same here.. id love to visit a professional make up artist and see what they can do "

And here. I think you either suit it or you don't. My daughter is brilliant at applying make up but that look doesn't look good on me

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By *leasures4Couple
over a year ago

East midlands

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours.

same here.. id love to visit a professional make up artist and see what they can do

Go to a MAC counter at a quiet time and ask for a demo.

You might have to be a bit brazen to walk out without buying anything afterwards though."

This

MAC artists are amazing. I've had my make up done a few times. The deal last time was, £25 for a make over or free if you spend at least £25 on their products.

I love their eye shadows, especially the pigments.

Just be careful how much you spend.

Kid....Sweet shop...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

my attempt at it is my avatar,, that pic is 3yrs old and was the last time i ever tried it with blacks/greys

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

You need to find a look that suits your eye shape and character as what looks good one one pwrson doesn't on another. The best thing about smokey yeys is that it can be adapted and applied to all eyes. As a pro I like going to make up counters pretending I haven't a clue qhat to do. I've learnt new ways of putting make up on this qay and keeps me up to date with latest trends

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

"my attempt at it is my avatar,, that pic is 3yrs old and was the last time i ever tried it with blacks/greys "

Very bold look and quite well done not a smokey look but I don't think that is what you qere going for.

I like it and think it would be great with long fake lashes

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By *isa 59Woman
over a year ago

Newcastle

I'm in the process of trying this look as well but struggling with applying pencil eyeliner so bought a waterproof liquid one...can't get to grips with that either. Also got a new mascara only yesterday which I can't seem to apply without getting it all over my upper eyelids!!! Wtf! Do you think it would be ok to take the mascara back for an exchange/refund?

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

[Removed by poster at 09/07/14 19:15:58]

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

I love this look on women, it is a very sexy look.

I have tried and failed many times, even with a smokey eye make up set.

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

"I love this look on women, it is a very sexy look.

I have tried and failed many times, even with a smokey eye make up set."

There are some great tutorials on youtube. There's some from a girly in LA who is an absolute hoot

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By *itten-xxxWoman
over a year ago

North West

I love the Benefit range too especially the 'Yes Their Real'. mascara it gives great lashes. I also use Estee Lauder make up which is really good quality and lasts forever.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

L'Oreal eyeshadows are good on a budget.

Go to benefit.. They are great at demonstrating if U dont mind sitting on counter...

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

"I'm in the process of trying this look as well but struggling with applying pencil eyeliner so bought a waterproof liquid one...can't get to grips with that either. Also got a new mascara only yesterday which I can't seem to apply without getting it all over my upper eyelids!!! Wtf! Do you think it would be ok to take the mascara back for an exchange/refund?

Once make up is opened even if not used they will not refund it

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thanks for all the great replies - I'll certainly give MAC a go - when I find out what it is! I think I also need to update my toolkit

I was hoping to get away with not using primer - would a light moisturiser do?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I love this look on women, it is a very sexy look.

I have tried and failed many times, even with a smokey eye make up set."

keep trying you'll get the hang of it in the end...start with 'less is more' & then build the look up.

for a lighter look use white across the eyelid, then from the outside in use a brown shade and kind of dab the brush in a circular motion across the lid and into the socket. Then take a clean, soft larger brush and blend away, if you do it this way you can always add if you need a more dramatic look.

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By *isa 59Woman
over a year ago

Newcastle

Once make up is opened even if not used they will not refund it "

Thanks for that...saves me from embarrassing myself in the shop! This is going to be an expensive learning curve at a tenner a shot

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thanks for all the great replies - I'll certainly give MAC a go - when I find out what it is! I think I also need to update my toolkit

I was hoping to get away with not using primer - would a light moisturiser do?"

Should do, or a CC cream.

I learned how to do it from a makeover by Urban Decay. I just used browns to start with but am getting into brighter bolder colours now.

But as many have said, you don't need to spend a fortune.

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By *igeiaWoman
over a year ago

Bristol

I use a bit of concealer on the eyelids first as a base.

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By *ewexperience83Couple
over a year ago

Ellesmere Port

M.AC is an amazing make up range I swear by it x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Definitely watch some tutorials and have a practice run or two. And blend blend blend!

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

"Thanks for all the great replies - I'll certainly give MAC a go - when I find out what it is! I think I also need to update my toolkit

I was hoping to get away with not using primer - would a light moisturiser do?"

Honestly no

As a beautytherapist/make up artist I have tried many. My favourite by far is baby skin by maybelline. Small amount all over the face and feels amazing. Some can feel a little heavy but this is so light and silky feeling you will be so glad you used it. I recommend it to anyone asking about primer. Boots often sell out of it as it is their best selling primer.

I so think they should pay me commission lol

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

"I love the Benefit range too especially the 'Yes Their Real'. mascara it gives great lashes. I also use Estee Lauder make up which is really good quality and lasts forever."

I tried the benfits smokey eyes, I saw a woman who used the same item. On her she looked stunning, on me it made me look like a drag queen.......

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

"I love the Benefit range too especially the 'Yes Their Real'. mascara it gives great lashes. I also use Estee Lauder make up which is really good quality and lasts forever.

I tried the benfits smokey eyes, I saw a woman who used the same item. On her she looked stunning, on me it made me look like a drag queen......."

I guess not the look you want then

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By *leasures4Couple
over a year ago

East midlands

"Thanks for all the great replies - I'll certainly give MAC a go - when I find out what it is! I think I also need to update my toolkit

I was hoping to get away with not using primer - would a light moisturiser do?"

Google MAC. I'm sure their website gives info on their stores. I visit their concession store within Debenhams.

I use ysl touche eclat as a primer. It seems to work a treat. All is heavy on the pocket but lasts for ages.

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

"Thanks for all the great replies - I'll certainly give MAC a go - when I find out what it is! I think I also need to update my toolkit

I was hoping to get away with not using primer - would a light moisturiser do?

Google MAC. I'm sure their website gives info on their stores. I visit their concession store within Debenhams.

I use ysl touche eclat as a primer. It seems to work a treat. All is heavy on the pocket but lasts for ages.

Touche eclat is a light reflecting concealer designed especially for under eyes. I agree it is a great product and I'm yet to stumble uppon a better product for dark under eyes.

I wouldn't personally use it as a primer for the eyes though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I go for cheapness as its not used that often.but I find mua from super drugs works well,that make up academy range,generally it's light and dark browns,and only a pound for a colour pallet,I use that over loreal anti eye wrinkle cream.works well for me,and easy to remove.

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

Smashbox. Nuff said.

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By *leasures4Couple
over a year ago

East midlands

"Thanks for all the great replies - I'll certainly give MAC a go - when I find out what it is! I think I also need to update my toolkit

I was hoping to get away with not using primer - would a light moisturiser do?

Google MAC. I'm sure their website gives info on their stores. I visit their concession store within Debenhams.

I use ysl touche eclat as a primer. It seems to work a treat. All is heavy on the pocket but lasts for ages.

Touche eclat is a light reflecting concealer designed especially for under eyes. I agree it is a great product and I'm yet to stumble uppon a better product for dark under eyes.

I wouldn't personally use it as a primer for the eyes though. "

I wear it on and around my eyes. I always have a pale shade as I think it gives a nice look as a canvas to any eye shadow colour. I add a touch of highbeam after too.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I advise use of primer too, although you would be wise to try out a few, to get one that works well for your skin. Colours are again a personal thing, as they work in conjunction with your eye colour. I vary my smoky eye look depending on mood, time of day and what Im doing. Liquid or dry eyeliner works, and then experiment with a couple of colours, blending them out and up. Sometimes a little light colour works too, helping with highlighting and contrast. Use a good brush to help transition the colours well. I like maybelline and loreal but sometimes pick up other bits and pieces, either from gifts or if shopping. Browns, black and mixes, with the right dark colours all work. Definitely experiment and see what works for your eyes and skin colouring. Maybe get a store makeover, but dont get pressured to buy. Have fun!

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By *andWCouple
over a year ago

Pontypridd

Great tips here thankyou! I need a trip to MAC I think, I've bought the benefit stuff, watched tutorials, practiced and I still look like I've done 20 rounds with Mike Tyson.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Final thought, whilst priming your face, I generally keep product light on my eyes, even if Im caked in eye shadow and mascara. Primer generally gives you a good base for a long lasting finish. A bit like a grand master who would use good canvas material rather than tesco value copier paper for the masterpiece.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thank you all for your tips, I have a lot to try

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By *ighland_RoseCouple
over a year ago

Brigadoon

Panacea81 on Youtube does great, easy to follow tutorials. She's the Geordie girl mentioned in an earlier post.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Painting aircraft seems to take less prep and work that this lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

B&Q are doing good deals on one coat primer at the moment

Gimp

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours.

same here.. id love to visit a professional make up artist and see what they can do

Go to a MAC counter at a quiet time and ask for a demo.

You might have to be a bit brazen to walk out without buying anything afterwards though."

I'm havering a MAC bridal makeover today. An hour and a half session ahead of our big day

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By *leasures4Couple
over a year ago

East midlands

"Panacea81 on Youtube does great, easy to follow tutorials. She's the Geordie girl mentioned in an earlier post."

She's fantastic. I haven't watched her for a couple of years now, but you have reminded me of her name. Thanks.

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By *leasures4Couple
over a year ago

East midlands

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours.

same here.. id love to visit a professional make up artist and see what they can do

Go to a MAC counter at a quiet time and ask for a demo.

You might have to be a bit brazen to walk out without buying anything afterwards though.

I'm havering a MAC bridal makeover today. An hour and a half session ahead of our big day

Ah wow! That will be great! I so need to do this too. Do they do it as the same deal as usual? £25 or free if buying more than £25 of products.....

Also, are you thinking of having them doing it in your big day too? x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours.

same here.. id love to visit a professional make up artist and see what they can do

Go to a MAC counter at a quiet time and ask for a demo.

You might have to be a bit brazen to walk out without buying anything afterwards though.

I'm havering a MAC bridal makeover today. An hour and a half session ahead of our big day

Ah wow! That will be great! I so need to do this too. Do they do it as the same deal as usual? £25 or free if buying more than £25 of products.....

Also, are you thinking of having them doing it in your big day too? x"

I've paid £50 up front which is redeemable against product purchases. Not sure

This is new territory for me. But I'm very excited lol

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

"Panacea81 on Youtube does great, easy to follow tutorials. She's the Geordie girl mentioned in an earlier post.

She's fantastic. I haven't watched her for a couple of years now, but you have reminded me of her name. Thanks.

Fair play to that girl going from doing tutorial in her front room to being an internet sensation in the make up world to now having her own make up brand...she has lost loads of weight got her own house etc...it's a great success story

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By *leasures4Couple
over a year ago

East midlands

"I love it on other women....but I can't get it to look right on me.

Perhaps its because I am used to wearing lighter colours.

same here.. id love to visit a professional make up artist and see what they can do

Go to a MAC counter at a quiet time and ask for a demo.

You might have to be a bit brazen to walk out without buying anything afterwards though.

I'm havering a MAC bridal makeover today. An hour and a half session ahead of our big day

Ah wow! That will be great! I so need to do this too. Do they do it as the same deal as usual? £25 or free if buying more than £25 of products.....

Also, are you thinking of having them doing it in your big day too? x

I've paid £50 up front which is redeemable against product purchases. Not sure

This is new territory for me. But I'm very excited lol

And so you should be!

I'm so envious. I want to come too! Lol!

Have a great day and let us know how it goes.

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By *leasures4Couple
over a year ago

East midlands

"Panacea81 on Youtube does great, easy to follow tutorials. She's the Geordie girl mentioned in an earlier post.

She's fantastic. I haven't watched her for a couple of years now, but you have reminded me of her name. Thanks.

Oh that's great. I didn't realise she had her own brand now. What an achievement!

I was watching her living room tutorials and was wowed by her then. She had just had her first tv appearance. She is very well deserving and yes, a great success story. x

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

"I love the Benefit range too especially the 'Yes Their Real'. mascara it gives great lashes. I also use Estee Lauder make up which is really good quality and lasts forever.

I tried the benfits smokey eyes, I saw a woman who used the same item. On her she looked stunning, on me it made me look like a drag queen.......

I guess not the look you want then

Not quite the final look I was after.

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