So far my virtual 2013 has been all about two things: tattoo-layer cosmetics and mesh legwarmers ( more on those another time!)

My look has really changed in recent months (for the better I hope) and I attribute this to a number of things, but I think the main influences upon my recent style have been the continued emergence of quality mesh clothing and the development of excellent  tattoo layer and mesh cosmetics.

We all know that uber- quality skins are not cheap. Nor should they be; they take a lot of hard work to create.  Of course, there is huge discrepancy on skin-pricing across the grid, and when you find your perfect skin  forking out for a fat-pack that includes all the make-ups can be an eye-watering prospect.  Fortunately, tattoo-layer cosmetics can help.

Recently I’ve become somewhat obsessed with eyeliner. I don’t know why I like it so much. As a child I was a little bit besotted with Siouxsie Sioux and Toyah, so it’s probably a throwback to those days. Problem is you need to be expert at applying it in real life to pull it off, and I’m just useless at it.  My attempts at cat-eye/ winged liner in real life tend towards a spidery scrawl, and I can never get the darned flourishes  at the edge of the eyelid to match. Thank goodness the same doesn’t apply to Second Life!

For a relatively small outlay you can spice up your base skin and become the best looking avatar on the grid bar none.  It’s like having your very own virtual Girl’s World; it is so much fun trying out different combinations of skins and tattoo layers and eventually you could end up with a look that is totally unique to you.  Save your creations as outfits and you’ll have a legion of glorious looks to quickly change in and out of. (Plus in real life heavy eyeliner is a pisser to get right, and when it comes to taking it off you need industrial cleanser and a rainforest of tissue before you’ve even penetrated the ruddy stuff.  No mess Second Life wins again!)

The Cosmetics Fair 2013 finishes soon (April 30th) and it’s definitely worth a visit if you haven’t dropped by yet. It’s not a huge event by comparison to other recent occasions but it’s as equally rewarding and I’m confident you’ll spend more than a few happy hours lusting after the products on display. Ekilim Melodie, the event organiser, has brought together some of the very best cosmetic creators that the grid has to offer and you’ll find everything you could possibly need .

The event is sponsored by Action, BOOM, Glam Affair, *LpD*, PIDIDDLE and Pink Acid and features orgasmic creations from the sponsors and guests. Cam around the location and you’ll spy fabulous eye make-up, luscious lipsticks and glosses, natty nails and even some make-ups exclusively for the chaps.  From the avant-garde to the more mundane, it’s all available here.  There’s just so much to enjoy! Discover amazing patterns to adorn lips and lids, as well as practical devices such as a bum-cleavage  layer that hides your  builders bum crack, cheek definition and nose contour. It’s a must-visit.

You can demo a lot of items and I strongly suggest that you do just that before you buy.  Tattoo-layer cosmetics are cheaper than skins, but they can still be pricey items, so you must ensure you’re happy with your prospective purchases before you indulge.

So what can you do with them I hear you cry? Well, for the picture above I wanted to wear a strong eye-make up to compliment the One Bad Pixel Cheongsam that I’m wearing. (Note: this is a complete fib because there isn’t a single bad pixel on this dress, it’s outstanding.)  At the moment I’m completely besotted with Izzie’s Asia skinline.   The skin I’m wearing in this shot is a medium tone from that range with dark brows.  Izzie  Button really is a talented wee minx, and is also incredibly obliging because she already includes excellent eyeliners, lipsticks and eyeshadows as part of her range, but I wanted something that would really stand out from the crowd. Thank goodness for the ability to layer then. I wore my regular skin, with Izzie’s own  green eye-shadow  and raspberry lipstick to which I then added my first purchase from the Cosmetic Fair, the Blacklace Beauty Exotica V.2 shadows and liners. These are an absolute bargain at L$99 for the package, which includes 11 sensational colourways. Once that layer was applied I was close to achieving the look I wanted, and finished by adding prim lashes and stunning Ikon eyes.

The finished look is a bit of a corker isn’t it?

Here’s a second demonstration of how fabulous tattoo-layers can be. I’m still wearing the dress, but fancied a change of hair and make up. This time I’ve switched to the Izzie’s Rose lipstick, and I’ve complimented it with eye make-up from Shakeup! Cosmetics. This is the Danielle range, and you get 8 colours in the range for L$150. I like the sparkle on this, and how the water-line of the eye is coloured too.  Scrumptious don’t you think?

So what really got me excited at the show? Well if you’re looking for eye designs you’d be foolish to neglect Mons.  For me, Mons really leads the way when it comes to tattoo-layer make-up, because  they’re consistently brilliant and always look divine.   The alternative-styled  avatars out there will find extremely precise, gothic liners and brows at Nuuna, and if you’re looking for killer lips check out Pink Acid for the glossiest gob on the grid.  Every vendor is a winner and you’re sure to find yourself laden with goodies when you leave the sim.

Before I close this post I must mention Mons again, and insist that you check out the eyeliner I discovered from them at this month’s Zodiac event.  It’s called ‘Burning Eyeshadow’  and it is a total winner. I’m wearing it with a dress that I spied there too from Valentina E,  called ‘Le Matadora’ and  by heck it’s good. I knew I had to have it as soon as I laid eyes upon it! The name of the dress immediately identifies with Taurus, the subject of Zodiac this month, and it’s a beautiful mesh frock with a fabulous pattern and matching scarf.  This is a really elegant couture number that’s available in a selection of colours and is exclusive to the event. I detest bull-fighting but I’m completely in love with this!

Kitty wears:

Shape: Kitty’s own.

Hair – First picture) Eep. (Second Picture) Magika

Skin – Izzie’s (Medium)

Make-up layers – As described in post (Cosmetics Fair 2013)

Clothing – Cheongsam from One Bad Pixel

‘Le Matadore’ dress from Valentina E (Zodiac)