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

Who doesn't love a bronzer?

Sadly, winter has truly settled in but that doesn't mean we have to put up with pasty pale skin (unless that's the look you're going for!).

One of my most asked questions is "What's my favourite bronzer?" and every time I answer "NARS Laguna!". The reason for this is because most bronzers leave you looking like you've had a bad orangey spray tan where Laguna doesn't give off any orange tinge.

I do however strongly recommend having both a matt and luminous bronzer. The matt is ideal for all over the face - no one wants to see a full sparkly glittery face so save it for applying it to where the sun hits. A great inexpensive matt bronzer is Hoola from Benefit. And who doesn't love their packaging…..so cute!

Eyeliner

Over a delicious meal at Saloni in Richmond (I'm still dreaming of that lamb), I sat with my beautiful friend Olga and discussed eyeliner - because that's what we all do, right!?!


Eyeliner can be so much fun and there are many different products we can use with different ways to apply them! Gel liner, pencil, eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner are a few and remember they come in many colours so the possibilities are endless.


Confused? Hope this helps…..


Gel Liner - Gel liners are typically smudge proof/waterproof, so no panda eyes here! First time users may find it a little daunting to apply but with a bit of practice you'll perfect amazing flicks, lines and definition. Gel liners are my favourite by far, with the best being MAC Fluid Line or the Bobbi Brown Long Wear. And if that's not convincing enough, they can double up as an eye shadow. The only downfall is if you don't keep the jars airtight they often dry out.


Liquid Eyeliner - This form of eyeliner is similar to the gel but with the most obvious difference being its ink consistency and the applicator. As it is a liquid I find if you apply it and don't let it dry fully you may end up with rings around your eye. Don't let that discourage you, once again its just practice. I've had a Dior one which I've sworn by but Olga did mention she loved the Stila, so there are plenty of options.


Pencil - An all time favourite for most and a great bridal alternative. It has the ability to be softened and is very  easy to apply. I guess the main thing to look out for is the softness and colour depth of the pencil. I like to go over it with an angled brush to give it a smoother look. I have a million pencils but the ones that stand out for me are the Christian Dior for its creamy consistency and staying power and  the Estee Lauder Double Wear.


Eyeshadow - Who would have thought!! Yes, eyeshadow on top of any of the above, when properly applied gives amazing depth, colour and staying powder. Applied alone, with an angled brush it gives a soft finish that can be reapplied and blended. Truly try this technique as it gives a lovely finish. 

                                 Photographer: The talented Shamim de Varax


Here's some fun I had with eyeliner on a shoot . See, it can be fun and remember to experiment with colour!!!

My very first post…...

Well, how excited am I to finally start this!

Anyone who knows me knows I have a lot (and I mean A LOT) to say about makeup. I am so pleased to now be able to share it with everyone. Many people look at makeup like 'a mascara' or 'just a lipstick' - and in many ways it is, but for me its what you do with them that makes all the difference. Im happy to answer any questions so feel free to ask away!

Being my first post I wanted to start it with something fresh and something I tried yesterday that has since made me smile every time I looked at it. Its Chanel's new yellow nail polish - Mimosa. It truly is a little ray of sunshine when compared to our traditional winter nail colours. Im the first to admit yellow nail polish can make your nails look like hard core smoker fingers but thank goodness not this one. Its bright, highly pigmented and two coats will do the job. 

If you can't justify $35 for a nail polish - you're not alone! Don't fret there are plenty of alternatives that can have your tips shining before you know it. Essie do a great one, as does OPI and Kit Cosmetics. Until next time…..