I came across a great makeup tip a few weeks ago and have been doing it every morning before work. Now, I swear by it!

I noticed that by 4pm each afternoon that my eye makeup had pretty much faded to nothing! All the care I took in the morning to pick out a pretty eye shadow meant nothing and my eyes looked smudged. Gross.

Give it a go! Put a dab of contact solution on your eye lids before applying eyeshadow. The solution has helped keep my eyes bright all day long and my eye shadow lasts so much longer!

Try it, did it work for you?

Spring 2010 TRENDS

This spring think lush tropical beauty.  Makeup hints at a dew-kissed petal.

Spring’s trends are wonderfully wearable and fabulously fun!

A dewy, glistening face is the must have look of the season.  Use highlighting powder on your cheek  bones and over your blush.  This will create a complexion that looks like it has been kissed by light.

With more emphasis placed on the cheeks, a transparent and naturally rosy glow is key. Use a Pink or Berry toned blush depending on your skin tone.  

Lips are luscious in Berry toned hues.  Or to really keep emphasis on cheeks use a nude lipstick with a Sparkling Bronze lip gloss. 

Hair is styled away from the face so the cheeks can be more of a focal point. Slicked back into a bun, cascading into curls held back by a head band or combs or swept into a flowing or braided pony tail. 

Colors are vibrant and energetic, Wood, metal, feathers and fabric are crafted into more than just accessories; they are transformed into organic works of art. Mixing textured pieces with bright fabrics adds dimension and interest, while adding solid wooden pieces to an eye-catching print keep it from feeling frantic.

How to Get a Flawless Finish that Last All Day

A light even dusting of loose powder sets foundation and concealer, giving your face a velvety, more natural finish. It also provides smooth blending for any eye makeup or blush to follow.

1. Dip a puff or powder brush in loose powder. Shake off excess to avoid uneven distribution, then apply powder over entire face and neck.

2. To maintain a flawless finish throughout the day, apply pressed powder using a sponge or clean powder brush.

Tip: Face powder can be used alone, over foundation or over your moisturizer for a natural, sheer, no-shine look.

Tip: For the closest color match, choose a powder shade that is 3 shades lighter than your foundation.

Tip: If you are over the age of 30, avoid powdering under the eyes as it can make fine lines and wrinkles appear more obvious.

Tip: Facial oil-blotting sheets help to remove excess oil and shine without disturbing your makeup. Carry them with you everywhere you go!

Would you like a superb assortment of makeup sent directly to your home each month? Then visit www.makeupofthemonthclub.com and find out how you can get the best makeup sent directly to you!

How to Hide Imperfections

Concealer is more dense than foundation, allowing fuller coverage of trouble spots and hyperpigmentation (red areas). It can be used over foundation or on it own, and has greater staying power. Remember, a little goes a long way!

1. Since the skin under your eyes is more transparent, it tends to look dark, especially at the inner corner near the bridge of the nose. To even out the tone, concealer is a must. Using liquid concealer, gently pat over dark under-eye circles (don’t sweep it across the entire area), then blend with your ring finger.

2. To cover trouble spots and imperfections, apply a thicker cream concealer onto the blemish or flaw. Then lightly press with a makeup sponge.

Tip: Choose the shade of your concealer carefully. When testing out shades, pick one that matches your skin tone or one shade lighter. It helps to use a mirror outdoors to see how shades look on your skin in natural light.

Tip: Prepare your skin with a light SPF moisturizer before applying concealer for a smoother application.

If you want the best deals on makeup and cosmetics, visit www.makeupofthemonthclub.com

Applying Makeup – The Secrets to Success

To prepare your face for your makeup, always start off with clean, moisturized skin. You’ll find that your makeup glides on and blends more easily.

1. Keep your skin free of buildup by using a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. When cleansing your face, do so gently in upward motion stokes – do not tug, pull or scrub too hard to prevent irritation.

2. Freshen up your skin with a toner containing ingredients that suit your skin type.

3. Indulge your skin and keep it hydrated with a moisturizer that is compatible with your skin type. Make sure your daytime moisturizer contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

4. Treat yourself to an at-home-facial 2 to 3 times a week. Use a mild cleanser, then exfoliate with a gentle scrub that contains exfoliants that are round and non-abrasive.

5. Apply a facial mask after exfoliating. Rinse off thoroughly and get a good night’s sleep!

Tip: Even when you’re steering clear of the sun, or it appears to be a cloudy day, always be sure your makeup foundation or moisturizer contains SPF 15 or higher.

For more information on makeup and makeup tips, go to www.makeupofthemonthclub.com

How to Fake Fuller Lips

Full lips are definitely “in” these days.  But just because you weren’t born with full lips it doesn’t mean you can’t fake them.

As a rule I usually recommend using a lip exfoliating product to be used a couple of time per week, this keeps lips looking smooth and soft. Not to mention it will make your cosmetic application much easier.

Any woman’s lips can make a statement with the right color application, even if they are on the thin side. Just follow these 6 steps:

1. Apply lip primer to lips and surrounding lip area.  Yes, go outside the lines!
2. Erase existing lip line by applying concealer or foundation.
3. Use lip liner to draw a line slightly above the natural top and bottom lip lines. Fill in lip with liner to create a matte base.
4. Now the “real trick”. Place a dab of light concealer in the center of the top and bottom lip.
5. Apply lipstick as usual.
6. Finish with a dab of lip gloss in center of the top and bottom lip, to the same area as the light concealer.

 See photo illustrations above…

Over the holiday season I played host to my sweet sixteen Aussie cousin, @emilyrobertson. You may recognize her as the other half of the Eurasian Power Duo from our many adventures around NYC.

Emily is not your average student but a rising make-up artist who used her time in L.A. to work on a film and sharpen her skill set in that area with the help of @erinquill.

Even though the last time I had seen Em in person before this trip she was ten and much shorter than me, I was glad to find out she was 16 turning into a gorgeous young woman and still shorter than me. (This is a key element to making me happy which Louis, part of the Eurasian Power Triad did not do! Instead he shows up 20 years later over a foot taller than me. Okay he was an infant when I last saw him but really did he have to grow up over six feet tall? His redemption was being a good sport who tolerated my bad Faux French accent and teased him mercilessly.)

Back to EM!

1) You’ve been working on an independant film in L.A. as a make-up artist for the male cast members. What is the difference in making up women vs. men on-camera?

Well, when working with men it’s generally less work because you don’t have to put on eyeshadow, lipstick, cheeks etc. However, the main thing you have to remember is to take away the shine on their faces, remove any odd shadows and cover any blemishes, basically make them look the best they possibly can. Because working with HD cameras EVERYTHING shows up.

2) Is it true you applied make-up to one of the Twilight cast members? Did you witness any hysteria?

It sure is! It was Justin Chon who plays one of Bella’s high school friends. He was great to work with he’s really funny and nice. Because everyone on set was probably 25+ I think if there was any hysteria it would have come from me (I kept my cool though). He had an obsession with my hair and when I brought Tim Tams for everyone I was instantly in his good books.

(ed. note: It’s okay that Em sacrificed a pack of Tim Tams from Down Under, not the crap export Pepperidge Farm is hawking in some supermarkets. Really, I mean Justin is part of the Teenage Dream Factory that is ‘Twilight’ and I got my share. Really…it’s okay…..sniff….sniff.)

3) Do you have any tips for trying bold colors with skin tones i.e.. red lipsticks based in orange great for pale skin tones, not for dark. etc?

That’s a tough one! It really depends on the tone of the skin and if they are a cool or warm person. People really need to indapendant know their colourings, which is quite easy, you just look at your inner forearm and see what kind of shade you have to your skin, pink? yellow? Pink is cool and yellow is warm. Then look at your natural hair colour, what shades does it have to it? Also look at the colour of your eyes. If you haven’t really worn bold colours on your lips before, it’s best if you ease into it. Otherwise people will be a little shocked and you could get a little self conscious about wearing bold colours. Try colours that make YOU feel good! It is really hard though trying to find the right bold colours for your skin tone so I find talking to professionals at make up stands is really helpful.

4) During your trip to LA you had a chance to observe and try different types of make-up applications. What were they and which was the most eye-opening?

What's my style? Tranimal.

There is this style called tranimal and it’s like a crazy kind of drag. You cut up fishnet stockings and layer them on your face, it’s so creative I really loved it. I was also lucky enough to learn a few drag tips. I am in love with drag queens just because they are a piece of art, they are some of the most creative people I’ve ever met and I am dying to try some new looks, I might have to pay some of my guy friends to be a mannequin! Tranimal and watching the guys get into drag was really amazing.

5) What is the best plan for surviving a Zombie infestation?

Well, in the unlikely chance of an outbreak get out of urban areas because they could be anywhere. Find a safe place away from civilisation, think that where there are people, there will be zombies! Get a good team together and plenty of weapons, your aim is to destroy the zombie’s brain. That is the only way to kill them, DESTROY THE BRAIN! I could go on for hours but those are just some key things to remember.

If you want to show off movie lips, do not miss these five tips that will make your lips irresistible!

• “Eyes or mouth? Experts say makeup, unless you want to bet on a ‘look’ very bold, never to be distinguished both at once. Thus, if one chooses shadowsvery bold and marked, should be drawn lips neutral and discreet. Do you prefer a red lips and flashy? In that case, the eyes have to move to the background.
• The intense color needs touchup.
• Always well hydrated using protective ointments.
• Similar colors. You do not have the makeup of the lips and clothing are identical and are fully coordinated, but should be in one color line.
• Invisible boundaries. The lip liner should be a neutral tone or the same colour and blend perfectly with those lips.

Feelgood Womanhood!

J. Manuel invited me twice to the set of Style Her Famous to share a few beauty secrets. The inspiration for my two looks were Jada Pinkette Smith and Hayden Panettiere. Check it out!

Like lash extensions, how well you care for your lashes can really increase the mileage you get out of them.

• Avoid applying mascara over fake lashes unless you want them to clump together and harden, or you want to look like a drag queen.
• Don’t throw away the fake lash container. Storing falsies keeps them clean and in shape.
• Always remember to peel off the glue after each use so that there are no icky layers. Not only is it more hygienic, it also ensures the lashes stick to lids properly the next time you apply.

Most women wear make up because they think it improves their looks and may also attract men.

But new research has found that, in fact, one in five men think women wear far too much make up, with one in ten men preferring women to wear no make up at all. According to the new research, carried out by skincare brand St Ives, thickly applied or caked on foundation was one of the biggest turns offs for men. Pencilled in eyebrows, false eyelashes and very bright lipstick were also cited as turns off for men.

But while around 20% of men surveyed wished their partner would ease off on the slap, addressing the subject wasn’t so easy. Just over half said they had voiced their opinion but one in ten of those who did break the bad news were dumped soon afterwards.

But the research also found that impressing men was not the reason why most women wore a lot of make up, the main reason was to cover up bad skin. However this could be a false positive because wearing a lot of make up can make bad skin even worse. Skin condition such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can all be aggravated by too many cosmetics. Thickly applied foundation can clog up pores and not let skin breathe as well as aggravate sensitive skin and cause dryness. Heavy eye make up, especially with glitter in, can cause aggravation around the eyes leading to dermatitis, itching and dryness. Heavily applied mascara can also contribute to eyelash thinning or loss as during the removal of mascara, lashes are often lost.

The study also found that more than four out of ten women nearly always put make-up on before leaving the house, while 15% admitted they wouldn’t dream of walking out of the front door without their make up on.

39% claimed they dreaded their husband or boyfriend seeing them before they have applied their make-up.

Tinted (preferably medicated if you have a skin condition and/or with an SPF to prevent UV damage to skin); moisturisers rather than foundations; light mineral powders instead of heavy blushers; lip glosses or balms rather than lipsticks; minimal eye make up that matches the colours of your hair and/or eyes – are all ways to still cover up uneven skin tone and accentuate features but gives a more natural look rather than a fake impression as well as being kinder to your skin.

In addition treating underlying skin conditions such as eczema, acne, rosacea or psoriasis with medicated skincare products rather than simply trying to camouflage them with make up will not only give your skin more chance to heal, but will also giving you more confidence in your skin and so make you less reliant on make up.

You can save money this year by ditching your expensive anti-wrinkle creams and costly facials because new research has found that the key to youthful beauty is skin colour and tone, not wrinkles

To prove this, researchers at Procter & Gamble took high-resolution digital images of 170 women between the ages of 11 and 76 and showed them to members of the public. Those shown the pictures were able to guess how old the women were from their skin colouration alone.

As we grow older, melanin and haemoglobin are distributed unevenly in our skin, giving us brown age spots and spider veins. In a young, healthy face, the only contrast is due to the features – the mouth, nose and eyes – but as you age, you acquire concentrations of haemoglobin and melanin, and shadows due to lines and wrinkles, and it is this contrast that gives a major cue to our perception of age.

The scientists also showed that our eyes are drawn automatically to smooth evenly-toned skin, rather than wrinkles.

Anti-wrinkle creams are also notorious for being packed full of chemicals and dermatologists are blaming the rise in common skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and rosacea (which can all negatively affect skin colour and tone) on the multitude of chemicals packed into anti-ageing creams and cosmetics.

So switching to more natural and gentle products that suit your skin type and cutting down on highly technical, but also highly chemical so-called wonder creams might not only save you money but may also improve the colour and tone of your skin, which according to the new research will shave years off your complexion.

http://makeoverphotographyuk.wordpress.com/

this link will bring you to a make over blog,  it has information on  make over photo shoots, make up and make up artisits as well as the photographers that offer the services to clients

6 Tips for Total Wellness

Mary Kay Ash said “Looking Good makes you feel better.”  This is very true for me personally.  I know the way I look has a huge impact on how I feel!

This is the time of year most of us start thinking about the goals we would like to achieve and changes we would like to make for the New Year.  For many, those goals include a healthier life style.

Strive for total wellness by achieving a well-balanced life style.  Here is how you can make great skin part of your wellness plan.

6 tips for total wellness from Dr. Beth Lange.

1. Skin Care- the best way to look better is to keep your skin healthy and glowing.  Find a complete yet simple routine for addressing outer beauty, allowing your inner beauty to be at its best too.

2. Hydration and eating right – Drinking water helps keep the skin hydrated and supple, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  A well balance diet including fruits and vegetables containing natural antioxidants can benefit your skin as well as your over all health. 

3. Exercise –Regular exercise enhances blood flow, giving skin a healthy glow.  It also reduces the production of stress related hormones that contribute to Acne flare ups.

4. Girlfriend time – As busy women taking time out for ourselves is often a struggle.  But it is important to spend time together catching up and celebrating one another’s accomplishments.  Girlfriends support and guide you; the overall health and well being will make you glow inside and out.

5. Stress Relief – Regular massage helps to promote relaxation, increase blood circulation, exfoliate dead skin cells and encourages cell regeneration. The result is healthier better looking skin.  You can save money by doing body scrubs and facials at home.

6. Adequate Sleep – It seems like it we never get enough sleep.  It is essential for maintaining metabolism, but it is also important for skin health.  Sleep relaxes the facial muscles and that helps to smooth lines on your face.  Lack of sleep may alter the regulation of blood vessel tone and thus contribute to puffiness or bags under the eyes.

This is probabally my most used make up look. I love the “Naked Face” or “clean” look. First of all it is incredibly easy to apply, and secondly all it does is enhance what you already have. It’s very minimal and can be applied in a matter of only a few minutes. The first step is as always to apply your moisturizer to your face and let it dry completely. Always choose a good moisturizer or primer with at least spf 15 or 20. Your face is truly your most important asset, so you have to take good care of it. Secondly, apply your foundation. When applying foundation, only put on enough to cover small flaws and even out your complexion. Third apply a good cream blush to the apples of your cheeks using your finger. Don’t apply too much, you want it to look natural, just give yourself a light glow. After you use the same blush and apply to your eyelids instead of shadow. Finish with either a clear gloss or one that closely matches your natural lip color. For night wear add a light touch of eyeliner and some mascara. Products I recommend for this look are all by MAC cosmetics, and they are Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation for $26, Blushcreme I like the color “Britwit” and its only $18.50, and finish up with Clear lipglass for $14. The price may seem high for just some make up, but MAC has excellent pigments and you only need a small amount so it will really last. These three items can also be used in other looks as well, so definitely a worthy investment.

Afterglow Organic Makeup is one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets. Why? Celebrities have to wear makeup everyday and are concerned with the products used on their skin. As a result many makeup artists have switched to products like the amazing EverGlow line. Afterglow Cosmetics focuses on offering the most natural color cosmetics on the market, free of many of the synthetic preservatives, bismuth oxychloride, petro-chemicals, synthetic dyes and fillers found in traditional cosmetics. Be sure to check out this line; it is surprisingly affordable.

Posh swears by the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque. Apparently it’s her “ambulance in a tube.” It’s an intensive masque of concentrated vitamins and botanical extracts that calm environmentally-stressed skin. Extracts of licorice, comfrey and burdock soothe skin and decrease sensitivity. You can find this online for less than $50; it is most definitely worth a try.

Kim Kardashian SWEARS by her Nars lip gloss in Turkish Delight, and it is really as good as she claims. It is yet another product that is affordable at $24 a tube, which is worth it if you LOVE it…and you will!

Free People put together an awesome YouTube video showing makeup application tips they use to photograph the models in their latest catalog. Watch and learn!

If it’s prom, or pics you want to look your best for then a little eyebrow

Eyebrow

powder, and a liner brush can go a long way.

All you do is dip your bush in the powder, blot on the back of your clean hand . Slowly start adding to your brow .

I find if you start just a bit past your brows natural starting point , in the middle of the brow, and brush down an over.

Just adding a small amount as needed. You will be see what a huge difference it can make to your look.

I hope what ever you’re looking your best for is a great time . and just remember if it ’s not all that at least you are!!

This is a coat. Fashionistas and normal people alike all wear coats in the winter as the cold weather dictates that if one wishes to not develop hypothermia, one ought to wear a coat. Whilst the model in the picture looks unconcerned about the temperature, in the real world, she would have the buttons done up if she were shopping on a cold Saturday afternoon.

Luckily, the model is wearing a wool coat from Max Studio. The coat is made from heavy wool and is also fully lined so keeping warm is not a problem. But girls who like to stay stylish in the winter often run into the same problem time and again – how can you jazz up a coat and dazzle whilst in a crowd of people?

There are three answers to this:

• Choose a garish colour coat. The danger with this is that it doesn’t really match any of your other clothes if you decide to undo the buttons but not take the item off once you go indoors. On second thoughts, maybe this isn’t such a great idea!
• You could wear  a brooch. Brooches are no longer for grannies and elderly aunts but costume jewellery appears to have become the surprise fashion accessory of the late noughties
• Wear make up that  makes a statement by choosing bright lippies or eye shadows

Personally, I go for choosing more distinct looks in the winter to stand out from everybody else!

How to put on red lipstick successfully

• Put all your other make up on first. If you are opting for bright lips, make sure your eye make up is understated (unless you want to look like an extra from Moulin Rouge!)  Keep eye make up to mascara and a tiny bit of eyeliner on the inside of your eye lid.
• Even out skin tone with a lovely light foundation (I like No7 and the Body Shop’s effort) and using a sponge, lightly brush it over your lips too to form a base. If you put some loose powder over the foundation, keep it light otherwise you will literally look caked in make up.
• From the cupid’s bow at the top of your lips, apply lip liner that is the same or similar colour to your lip stick around the natural edge of your lips. Don’t try and make your lips look bigger by drawing on the outside of your lips as you will look ridiculous.
• Apply a moisture-rich red lippie (I like Rimmel’s ‘Alarm’ as it is so, so bright!)
• If you have a ’setting’ lip gloss to keep the colour in place, by all means, feel free to use it. Clear gloss can make lips look stunning but can spread across your face easily.

I love this time of year.  I enjoy playing with color and trying new looks. All the parties give me lots of reasons to glam it up.  If you want to go for big impact make-up then an evening wedding is a good choice for you.

Evening weddings allow you to go for more dramatic color looks.

Since evening wedding photos will most likely be taken with flash everything should be more defined.

Bronzer for evening weddings is crucial to help contour and keep you from looking washed out.

Defined smoky eyes really stand out and photograph well.  False eyelashes are especially good for evening.  Shimmer eye shadow mixed with a matte work well but avoid frosted shadows.

If you are going for the smoky sophisticated look then don’t forget to soften up the lip color.  Be sure to use lip primer to keep lip color in place and help it to last longer.

What should you do with your makeup over the christmas period?

Here at The Retreat Beauty & Laser Clinic in Ringwood we always use the highest grade products to deliver a fabulous result and our makeup range is no different. Jane Iredale Mineral Make Up is so effective it is recommended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and skin care professionals. At last a make-up that is good for the skin!
HERES THE REASONS WHY:
*Broad Spectrum Sun Protection: Based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide- physical sun screen ingredients that give instant UVA & UVB protection.
*Fast, Weightless coverage: Because we use pure pigment with no fillers such as talc, one quick application provides unsurpassed coverage that needs minimal touch ups.
*Non-Comedogenic and Oil-Free- The minerals lay a protective filter on the skin which allows it to breathe and function normally
*Minimum Allergy Risk- The top three skin sensitisers: fragrance, synthetic dyes and preservatives are not contained in our make-up.
*Inert: Because minerals are inert, there is very little risk of cross-contamination.
*Quality: We use state-of-the-art cosmeceutical ingredients to ensure the finest performance in coverage, application and texture. Our vitamins and anti-oxidants are pharmaceutical grade.
*The most common mistake made when first using minerals is applying too much. Our powders are pure pigment and not diluted by a filter such as talc. A little goes a long way. Use a yellow base to conceal redness.
Jane Iredale products are not tested on animals.

Shimmery makeup is an absolute go-to for holiday parties. Don’t be shy! Unless you frequent the red carpet, this may be your one chance to create over the top, all out glamour with your makeup.

24-Karat Gold Dust in any shade is your best friend for fabulous:

• To create a soft halo of light, use the Fan Brush to dust it on the tops of cheeks, over finished eye makeup, to the collarbones or in your hair.
• For serious shimmer on your eyes, color wash them by tapping some Gold Dust into the lid of the jar and spritzing it with Hydration Spray. Use your Deluxe Shader Brush to mix and then pat onto the eyelids. You will get an incredibly long lasting, gilded look.
• To put the focus on luscious lips, use your finger to dot 24-Karat Gold Dust in the center of your bottom lip after applying Lipstick or Lip Gloss. Press lips together to blend.
• Now here’s one you’ve probably never tried, which we tested in the office this morning (yes, we always try it on ourselves first): Use the Contour Brush to apply 24-Karatto the entire ear, avoiding the canal. It sounds a little avant gard, but it looks absolutely enchanting, especially if you are wearing your hair up. Add sparkly earrings and you will light up the night!

One final caveat: don’t try all of these at once! Choose one (or two) at a time and have a sparkling holiday season!

For more information on this and other tips and offers, follow my blog or visit www.the-retreat.biz