True or False - will spritzing your face with water keep it hydrated?

Aesop

On a hot day like today (Melbourne, 34 degrees C), will spritzing your face with water keep it hydrated? FALSE


What you're actually doing is assisting in the DEHYDRATION of your skin! Apparently, 'as the water evaporates off your skin it takes moisture with it'. I know….who would have thought!


So you need to find a spritzing product that contains humectants to keep the moisture in the skin. And to get the full affect try spritzing just before you moisturise.


Humectants (or moisturizers) are important cosmetic ingredients allowing to prevent loss of moisture thereby retaining the skin's natural moisture. Some compounds also have the ability to actively attract moisture.


As this year ends, I hope you all have a fabulous New Year and thank you for all your support! Keep watching this space for some exciting news ahead…..

Part 3 - GREEN EYED BEAUTIES………..

Well, I know this post has taken a while but I purposely held back. It was my sisters birthday yesterday (a fellow hazel eye) so I thought I'd dedicate this to her. Happy Birthday Anna!

We can thank hotties such as Miranda Kerr, Katy Perry and Tyra Banks for perfecting the green eye look and despite the fact they have quite different tones they certainly know how to make them POP!

Green/Hazel eyes are best matched with:

• Gold
• Various shades of green - grey, bronze, brown.
• Peach
• Pinks
• Mauve
• Brown Grey

Ok, yes you are lucky and these colours are just so wearable BUT avoid bright heavy greens at all costs! Instead opt for a a variation of green such a turquoise and when applying it don't pack it on jut give it a light wash.

Miranda Kerr

Katy Perry

Tyra Banks

Part 2 - Brown eyed girls!

Van Morrison knew a thing or two when he sung his famous song 'Brown Eyed Girl'!

Having brown eyes myself, I can relate to those who think they're boring but rest assured they're a great colour to have and we're lucky because we are able to wear a lot of colours which complement the different shades of browns. Kim Kardashian really knows how to make her brown eyes look so exotic and who can ever go past Beyonce or J Lo's peepers.

So for all you brown eyed girlies out there start playing with:

• Mauve
• Light Pink girlies
• Peach
• Navy Blue
• Black
• Chocolate Brown
• Gray
• Neutral Browns
• Bronze 
• Gold
• Eggplant
• Green

If you have olive skin it may be best to avoid brown tones such as Taupe, Khaki and yellow browns as it may emphasise the yellow undertone in your skin……who wants to look they're suffering from jaundice! 

Kim Kardashian's famous immaculately made up eyes!

J Lo's sultry peepers.

Beyonce's cleverly done eye makeup…...

PART 1 - Blue eyed hotties read this!

What makes make-up so much fun and something you should never forget….there are no rules to it! Use the colours you  love, experiment with different tones and shades!

With all that said, there are certain colours that bring out your natural eye colour - fact! 

In part 1 we'll focus on blue eyes. Obviously there are hundreds of different blue tones - some that can even look green depending on what your wearing but generally the below eyeshadow colours will enhance all blue eyes. If you're a lucky blue eyed sparkler you'll notice already that you're probably using these colours now:

image: shenewfashions.com - Felicia Yong

• Beige Pink
• Fleshy Pink
• Mauve
• Gray
• Bronzey Golds
• Black
• All Browns
• Light Dusty Blue
• Slate
• Turquoise

Now, off you go and try - don't forget BLEND BLEND AND BLEND some more!

FUN FACT!

When your shopping for a lipstick or gloss and want to see the true colour without putting the germ infected  lipstick to your lips  just rub the colour onto your finger tip. Its the closest colour and texture to your lips!!


Want to find your perfect shade of foundation?
DON'T judge by placing it on the back of your hand or jawline instead match it to your chest! That way the colour will blend all the way through your body making it look more natural.

Why a face powder?

With the glorious sun shining today and providing us with glimpse of the fine weather to come I couldn't help but notice the 'shinier' faces around me (because that's what I do!?!?)


Rest assured you need not look like an oil slick just because the temperature is rising. 


Not only are face powders a fantastic addition to your makeup kit particularly in the warmer months, it also has additional benefits. Below are a few handy tips:

• Use a soft brush to apply it all over your foundation to assist in setting.
• If you are using a powder eyeshadow apply with a large eyeshadow brush the translucent powder over your entire eyelid. This will help you blend your eyeshadows but also absorb excess oil which funnily enough is quite a lot on your eyelids!!
• Once you've applied your concealer under your eyes use a fluffy eyeshadow brush and set it with the powder. This will help the concealers longevity.

My absolute favourite is the Shu Uemura translucent powder which is colourless and the softest of powders.  

THIS ALL COMES WITH A WORD OF WARNING

Only use powder sparingly as you will either look way too cakey or if you'll be in front of the camera and use the wrong powder you may turn out like………

Mineral Makeup? Its definitely for me.

Whilst living in London my skin reacted to the harsh elements and as a result I reverted back to my teenage years - breakouts galore!  

I tried EVERYTHING to clear it up and knew I had to start with my base foundation. A friend of mine who went through the same misfortune recommended a mineral makeup by Youngblood. Being a makeup artist I was a little apprehensive to try it and thought it was all a little gimmicky - how can a mineral makeup be good for your skin and give me the coverage I needed? Well, it did.

After much research it was evident that their products were:

• Non-comedogenic
• No lead
• No talc
• No chemical dyes
• No artificial colour or fragrance
• Not tested on animals
• No mineral oil
• Lightreflecting properties
• No alcohol
• Long lasting coverage
• Pigments derived from natural minerals from the earth

But what surprised me even more was that it gave me amazing coverage and I was left with a healthy luminous glow. And my skin healed nicely!!

For more reason's then one I probably wouldn't add it to my professional makeup kit particularly for photo shoots but for an everyday healthy alternative I'm sold! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIA LOREN 20/9/34

Many iconic actresses have had an impact on makeup trends and the ultra glamorous Sofia Loren who celebrated her 77th birthday is definitely one of them.


She epitomises the art of grace and class and the fashion and beauty world have a lot to thank her for. 


Happy birthday Sofia and I owe my love of eyeliner to you xx

CHEAP FIX - RIMMEL NAIL POLISH!

This ones simple……...

1. Pretty colours - Who doesn't love a pretty nail colour especially for summer?

2. Matching fruity fragrance - Yes its true, they actually have fruity smells!

3. Long lasting - hands down it beats any expensive brand for staying power…..

4. ONLY $5.79 FROM PRICELINE - Gotta love Priceline for our cheap fixes.

5. So, hurry before they go - I mean it!

A few from the 

"I LOVE LASTING FINISH FRUITIES COLLECTION"

LEMON DROPS

APRICOT PUNCH

LIVELY LILAC

MAKEUP ARTIST MAKE YOUR WAY TO IKEA…..NOW!

I have found the absolute best, makeup artist must have ever - it's from IKEA and now only $14.99. I say now because when I purchased it (maybe a few months ago) it was only $7.99.


I have literally spent $100's on brush containers, brush protectors, brush belts and this is, by far, an amazing brush bag that I will definitely continue to use. 


It has 9 compartments, 7 for brushes and 2, as you can see, for whatever you want. I've used it for tissues, cotton buds and pads. The pouch is quite compact and can easily be cleaned which of course is always a bonus.


Obviously this was not IKEA's intention when popping it on their lovely shelves but I'm pleased to say this may be the purchase of the year!

Here is the link to it on the Ikea site http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20179389 

 Now that I've let this little secret out I think I better stock up.

Get Kim Kardashian's Eyelashes

With the much anticipated wedding of Kris Humphries to Kim Kardashian, I thought it would be an ideal time to talk about eyelashes. Let's be honest they can often look like hairy spider legs growing from her waterline!!!


Kim is definitely known for her thick dark lashes. Without a doubt she is an avid fan of eyelash extensions and on the red carpet it seems she also places a strip lash to bulk them up. I think she looks great, and I too, LOVE a great lash.

If like many, the maintenance of eyelash extension isn't too appealing then the following simple tips will help you get those sexy lashes.


*Place a coat or two of mascara on your natural lash.
*Try to select strip lashes with an invisible flexible back (see picture). this makes it easier for you to manoeuvre along the contour of your eye.
*I strongly recommend not using the glue provided in the lash packs. Instead try using the DUO Adhesive in clear. It comes out white but after a few minutes it dries to clear and will last for ever.
*Place a thin layer of the glue along the strip and wait a minute or so for the glue to go little tacky. This is probably the most important step and will make all the difference. It ensures it sticks and doesn't slide around while you're trying to set it in.
*With a tweezer (or your fingers) place it as close to the lash line as possible.
*Once it's set take your thumb and pointy finger and gently press your natural and false lash together to slightly bond them. This will assist in making them look natural and not separated from each other.
* Finally pop some mascara on your bottom lashes and you're right to go.













It may take a few try's to get the hang of it but before you know it you'll be addicted!

TOP 5 Hair products in my kit….

Hmmm I thought this would be an easy one, but no, it sure wasn't!


I sat there for a few minutes looking through my hair kit trying to narrow down my top 5 products. That led to me opening up a bottle of wine and going back to the task - glass now quarter full. It was difficult because there are so many great products out there. 


My mother has been a hairdresser for 44 years and I grew up with Cedel hairspray in my lungs and pulling the set rollers out of the seniors blue rinse hair, so this blog did pull a few heart strings.


After much deliberation my top 5 products are (in no particular order) :


1. Klorane Dry Shampoo - total god send! Not only does this refresh 2 day old hair it also adds texture and volume to fine, limp hair. Brunettes try the Batiste coloured one…..unless you want to look like you've had a fight with some flour!

2. L'oreal Elnett Hairspray - I was introduced to this backstage at London Fashion Week. Stylist basically relied on it like a heart beat. I'm addicted. Without a lie I have 4 in my kit at this present time!

3. Curling Irons - these have come along way from the damaging, sizzling sticks they once were. Now, they create sensational curls, waves and kinks depending on how its used. I have 3 size wands.

4. MOP Glisten Shine Drops - Nothing gives a more polished, finished style then this. Just a few drops will make your hair look shiny (not oily) and like you just left the salon. Mine has lasted me forever and I use it religiously.

 -

5. Bobbi pins and grips - We all know we need them, if not 100!

HAPPY STYLING.

Vogue Italia, Plus size model = GLAMAZON!

I'm in love, love I tell you, with Robyn Lawley who must be one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen and YES she is Australian and a size 16.


I cant tell you how thrilled I was to see such 'normal' sized ladies grace the cover of the prestigious magazine……finally!


Oh and how can I neglect the flawless hair & makeup? The ever so talented Renya Xydis and Justine Purdue created a modern 50's look with my favourite 'flick' eyeliner and red bold lips.


Hope you LOVE it as much as me!!

Photographer: MAX DOYLE

As promised!

Ok, following my previous post I tried, tested and loved Chanel Illusion D'Ombre - Epatent 84!! 

Lasted all day with no creasing and kept its amazing colour.

There's only one problem…..what colour next?

Cream Eyeshadows……what an improvement!

I. Just. Got. My. Hands. On. The. New. Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Eyeshadow.


Feeling quite puffed up like a rooster having been given the opportunity to try this amazing product. It has yet to be released in Australia and of course being a lady I will not reveal my supply source ;P Give it a couple of weeks and you too can try it.


Generally I'm a huge fan of cream eyeshadows. They have come a long long way from the greasy creasey type we all remember and what's even better they have sensational staying power. They blend so well and can help create depth to powder eyeshadows when worn together. 


So, when I twisted the lid off the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre - Epatent 84 my smile grew wider to find an intensely shimmery khaki cream. It glides on beautifully as an eyeshadow but can also be used as an eyeliner with the specially designed shadow - liner brush (yep you get this cite shadow liner brush too). I'm in LOVE! 

There are 6 intense shades to choose from:


Fantasme: A whitish silvery colour
Emervielle: A peachy goldy colour
Epatent: A khaki colour
Illusoire: A cool shimmer brown/eggplant
Ebloui: A warm bronze colour
Mirifique: Black glittery colour


They retail at $48 each, which, too be honest is not THAT much considering one pot will last you a while AND you get that cute brush.


I'm off to experiment some more……. stay tuned for the pics!

DRUM ROLL……..Finally the twist in the Melbourne Aquarium Shoot

Best job ever. Simple!

Oh and for those who don't know me………thats me!! 

One base - 3 lips!

Lip colour can make a world of difference to any ones makeup. Whether you select a lipstick, gloss, tint, pigment or even glitter it can totally change the outcome of the overall look.

Don't believe me? Below are some examples of how three different colours and even shapes (for fun!!) can look completely different. Remember I haven't changed anything else but the lip product. 


Before you go slapping your lipstick on PLEASE remember flaky dry lips are sooooo not attractive. For a quick do it yourself gentle lip exfoliate mix a little baking soda with some water and gently rub it over your lips.  Then smother on lip balm and let it do its job!!

MAC Cremesheen Gloss in Boy Bait

NARS Bloodwork lipgloss & MAC red glitter

Chanel Noir  Obscurs - Hysteria
MAC studio fix to block lips out.

Have fun with lipstick - there is a shade out there for everyone….if not 10!

ITS ALL TRUE - YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!!!!

Ok, so Im getting older..…I am…….but to be honest Im actually ok with it (I know who would have thought!).

But with age comes the awareness of the importance of looking after your health and skin. We all know sunscreen is a must, ALL THE TIME, unless you like your skin to look like leather?!?! What I want to speak about today isn't anything you put on your face but instead inside your body.


Over the last month I did a little experiment eating foods good for your skin, I didn't obsess over it but increased certain foods that are meant to be good for your skin and guess what - it worked! 
First, I increased my omega 3 dramatically. Im not talking about a tin of tuna but instead I ate mackerel a very oily fish a few times a week. Salmon can be used as a substitute.
Secondly, I increased the amount of fruit and vegetables I consumed in particularly anything green.
Thirdly, I added nuts such as walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds to my foods.
And last but most importantly I drank A LOT of water. Please if there is anything you take from this drink plenty of water.


I have never in so many years had this many comments about the look of my skin. Im the first to admit I still get the odd blemish but the tone and suppleness of my skin has improved dramatically. 


Makeup can only do so much but you have to do the rest!! Would love to hear your results if you try it.

The Ultimate Glam Rock Wedding - Kate Moss & Jamie Hince!

I dont care what anybody says - Kate Moss is the ultimate glam rock chick and her wedding was no exception. Despite the hefty $1.4m price tag the images projected an effortless and laid back day.


She looked radiant standing next to Jaime with all their little fairies around them. Her makeup was natural but definitely accentuated her features. With her skin tone she chose neutral browns and soft pinks - perfect choice. 


I LOVE IT!!


        

(Brilliant) Makeup on a budget!

Now, lets get one thing straight…….. makeup. does. not. need. to. be. expensive! 

For the everyday person there are definitely things I wouldn't recommend you skimp on: foundation, concealers and most cases eyeshadows, bronzers and powders! Everything else you can look for cheaper alternatives and can often can find amazing products. Today I did.

I am the first to admit I am a sucker for buying expensive products knowing they are of great quality and being a makeup artist I cant go without. Today I took a stroll into Priceline (people in the UK thats the equivalent to Boots or Superdrug) and want to share my great finds that anyone can afford with many products having multiple uses. 

From Bourjois Paris www.bourjois.com.au I purchased sensational liquid eyeliners in purple and blue, 2 blushers and 2 creamy highly pigmented coloured pencils. I am not too surprised how good of quality they are as they come out of the CHANEL factory!! And if that isn't enticing enough….they don't test on animals.

Savvy a very non expensive brand with some great baked mineral eyeshadows.

Rimmel and Maybeline have some awesome mascaras and lipgloss.

So now you have an excuse to do some major shopping……..

This is the amazing long lasting blue liner. 

So feeling sorry for myself!

Ok, so Im at home, sick and feeling completely sorry for myself…..you'd think Im a man! 


By mistake, I took a glimpse in the mirror and almost dry-reached at the site of my complexion. If feeling like death isn't enough I now look like it. So I guess this is where the topic of foundation comes into it.


I loathe the site of foundation on people. It shouldn't be used to render your face (yes, growing up I too was a victim of this) but instead it should be used to even out your skin tone and often enhance it. 


Obviously if you are blessed with good skin a light tinted moisturiser or sheer foundation such as MAC Face & Body or Chanel Pro Lumiere is more then sufficient. For people with problem skin DON'T think you have to wear a very thick cover - if anything it will only draw more attention to your skin. Choose a long lasting, good coverage foundation such as Lancome Teint Idole Utlral 14hr or Mac Studio Fix and set with a translucent powder to help it set. The trick is to blend blend and blend!

My all time favourite that suits most skin types is Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20. It has an incredible finish, lasts forever and protects your skin against horrible UV rays. I use this on most brides and on the majority of shoots!! Its not cheap but worth every $.

It's all about brides!

I love love love love doing bridal makeup and I love doing bridal shoots that tad more!


Saturday started off dreadfully…...spilt coffee on my clothes, traffic on Punt Road, a touch of hay fever and the start of a migraine - I know, could it get any worse? Happily no, that all changed when I met the wonderful creative team at the Southbank studios. Berlamu PhotographerIllustrator was amazing (are we still trying to figure out if you're half Japanese :P), Vanessa worked her hair magic (congratulations on quitting smoking - read its going well!!) and Chloe was just beautiful so transforming her into a bride for the look book was a breeze (still love your ring!!).


Here's a sneak peak…..

Panda eyes are cute only on Panda's!

We've all had them/have them, whether you've drank too much, haven't slept enough or its hereditary (thanks mum or dad!!!) black bags under the eyes aren't liked by anyone!


I know choosing the right concealer is like searching for the perfect chocolate cake recipe (well for me it is anyway!!) but with a bit of research and understanding you can do it…… sorry I cant help with cake.


First and foremost, don't choose a very light colour thinking it will assist covering the dark - it wont and will only make you look like you've been wearing your sunglasses for way too long! I highly recommend two colours, one lighter and one darker that way you can adjust the colour according to your skin colour throughout the seasons.


Secondly use a light reflecting concealer - Dah!


Thirdly I recommend applying your concealer with a soft brush - MAC 224 is my choice but rest assured your ring finger can be a gentle option too. Just pat it on and blend away!!
If you have more mature skin with a few beautiful lines don't powder under your eyes to set it as this wont sit nicely. Just leave it. People with younger skin can softly set the concealer with a bit of translucent powder. This will give it staying power.


This is a how and how not thanks to Eva Longoria. Her tragic white rings is actually from the powder she used but the wrong colour concealer can have the same effect.

Now, lets all look fresh tomorrow xx