Wednesday 31 October 2012

Trendsday: the sock bun.

I am seeing "the sock bun" everywhere! Even JLo wore one at the Oscars this year!

My hair is still very short (just sitting on my shoulders now), so I'm going to slip in some extensions to try this with. My apologies for any visible clips or hair-colour-not-matching type faux pas.

So what you need to make a sock bun is:
A pair of scissors
A sock that you really don't want any more (a clean one!!!!)
Bobby pins
Hairspray
A hair elastic
A little bit of patience

Cut the toe end off the sock, and throw it away. Then roll the sock tightly into a bagel-type shape.
Next, secure your hair into a high ponytail with the hair elastic, making sure to smooth out the hair on the top of your head (you can tease, or use some Umberto Giannini Backcomb in a bottle if you want a little more volume on top).
Put the end of your ponytail through the middle of your sock-bagel, and start to roll it down the length of your hair, spreading the ponytail out and covering the sock-bagel as you roll it. (If you're having trouble with these instructions, I'll pop a youtube tutorial up in the next few days. Let me know if you want me to do it.)
Once you get the sock-bagel all rolled up inside the hair and sitting close to your head, just secure it in place with a few bobby pins and give it a spray with your favourite hairspray. I've used Fudge Urban Vanilla Raspberry hairspray.
Et Voila! That's it! The sock bun! Give it a try, tell me how you go! Mine turned out a bit messy, but with practise, it becomes easier to do it neatly. FYI, this was the first time I'd tried this.

Tuesday 30 October 2012

October Bellabox!

My October Bellabox arrived today! The theme for this month was Pretty in pink party, to raise awareness (and funds) for breast cancer research. $1 from every box this month was donated, and they featured products that support breast cancer awareness.

Sooo....what did I get?

Well, for starters, I'm super stoked because I got four... yes FOUR full sized products in my box.

They were:

Carmex moisture plus tinted lip balm: The information for this product was not printed on the card enclosed with the box, but it's super cute, pink-tinted and feels amazing on my lips.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri fast dry nail colour; 260 Sonic Bloom $13.95 RRP: An awesome neon pink colour that dries in 60 seconds! We all know how I feel about nail polish so I'm extra excited about this one.

Cedel blow dry fast heat protector, 165ml $9.99 RRP: I'm about to try this one out. It is apparently a 2 in one heat protectant which somehow speeds up the dry time on your hair to reduce the exposure to heat as well... interesting!

Elf cosmetics eyeshadow quad, $3.99 RRP; Some gorgeous nude/bronze colours here. They'll get a run in my makeup box for sure.

Also in my bellabox, I received samples of:

Estee Lauder Reilience Lift Instant Action Lift Treatment, 5ml (30ml RRP $100): Facelift in a bottle... let's see how this stacks up against my Aum product from last week.

Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Extra Radiance Renewer, 7ml (30ml RRP $74): an exfoliant that doesn't irritate the skin. Very interested to see how this goes.

DKNY Fresh Blossom Eau So Intense 1.5ml (100 ml RRP $135): Perfume sample! I love perfume samples! This one's not quite my style, but I think my mum might like it.

Also in the box was a cute little heart shaped chocolate, which 2 year old Max claimed as soon as we opened the box. It was tough trying to get a picture of the box in its entirety before he nabbed it.

So... did the box pay for itself this month? Oh yes. The nail polish alone was only $1 less than the cost of the box, so as far as I'm concerned, it's so worth getting. If you happen to sign up for bellabox (www.bellabox.com.au for $15 per month you get samples delivered to your door to try!), let them know I referred you. I'll get 50 bonus points to use in their store and often, they'll give out little freebies to both members when you join up and refer a friend.

More importantly, am I happy with this month's box? YES! Very happy! So looking forward to next month!


Halloweeny nails with Sally Hansen Salon Effects!

I was trying to decide what to do for a Halloween nail post, and whilst casually browsing through my local gloss store, I stumbled upon these awesome Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips!

They are totally cute ghosty-patterned strips that are super easy to apply, you basically just peel the strip off the backing, stick it to your nail, smooth it out and file off the excess at the tip edge! The best thing about these (which I know from using them previously), is that they last forever and a day! If you give them a coat of your favourite top coat they just wear and wear so much better than nail polish and really justify the extra $$ you spend for them.

There are so many different patterns to choose from, so definitely not just a Halloween gimmick, they have the perfect fit for any special occasion, or even for your everyday moods.


Available at KMart, Target, Big W, Priceline, Price Attack, Myer, David Jones, Woolworths and pharmacies.

Monday 29 October 2012

Monday How-to: Choosing the right mascara for you.

There are so many different kinds of mascara out there. Definining, Curling, Plumping, Extending, the list goes on and on. So how do you choose which kind of mascara is best for you? Basically, it's all to do with personal preference, rather than face shape, colouring or eye shape, so I'm going to show you some of my favourite mascaras that have a home in my makeup kit, and come out to play dependent on my mood or the occasion.

First, a really great everyday mascara. Australis Lash TLC curling mascara is a really great one to use if you're out and about during the day, just hanging out. The effect is quite nice, it lifts and defines the lash, curling it gently and of course tinting it (mine is black). The other great thing about Lash TLC is that it contains conditioners to look after your lashes while you're wearing it, which is another reason I like it as a day-to day mascara. You may recognize this product from the September bellabox blog post. I love it when a sample becomes a staple.

Innoxa Ultimate Lash mascara is going to be my awesome beach mascara this summer. It's water-resistant (so a splash of water won't make it run, but it cleans off easily when you wash your face), lash curling and plumping, and you can build it up for a more dramatic look with two or more coats, so it easily becomes a beach-to-dinner-date product with a simple extra application. This product was provided for review by the lovely people at Innoxa. My opinions, of course, are always my own.

 Then we have Natio Lash Definition mascara, which really lives up to its name. It separates my lashes perfectly, adding a lovely black tint, while lengthening my lashes just enough for daytime, worktime, anytime wear. This product was provided for review by the lovely people at Natio. My opinions, of course, are always my own.

Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express is a product that has had a home in my makeup kit for a really long time. I always find that when I run out or it starts to get old, I really want to replace it and always have it in my case. It gives the fattest lashes ever, which is awesome for night time going out wear. It also makes a really good foundation for false lashes, creating a really dense look underneath them.

Last of all, we have my very favourite ever mascara. Another one from Maybelline, it's a two-step formula called XXL Extensions. First the primer goes on to create a longer, fatter lash, then once you give that a minute to dry, you go in with the black tope coat and finish the look. Twice in my life I've been asked by heterosexual men if my eyelashes were real or "fake", and both times I was wearing this mascara. It's a winner for any special occasion.

Pro-tip for mascara: Your lashes are cylindrical, so make sure you swoop in from above the lash as well as underneath to ensure maximum coverage and effect.


Friday 26 October 2012

Gloss Goss: Katy's spring picks

It's no secret that I lovelovelove pink lipgloss. It forms an important part of my signature look. Here are some of my fabulous favourites for spring:

Natio Rich colour cream gloss in Happy is a deep, rich pink with a shimmery sparkle to it that really makes my lips pop!

BYS diamond shine gloss in Precious is an all-year-round favourite of mine that blends exactly to the natural colour of my lips to just give them a slightly deeper colour.

Benefit Posietint is a poppy-coloured lip and cheek tint in an almost salmon hue that I use for my lips and to give my cheeks a little boost when I don't want a blushed-up look.

Australis Plumptastic is for the times when I want a little boost in the fullness of my lips. It tingles and plumps up my lips while giving me a light pink tint.

MAC Dazzleglass in Smile is a lovely nude-ish salmon colour with a slight lustre to it, it was my very favourite lipgloss for many years, and has now fallen into my regular lineup all year round.

So there you go, my favourite pink lipglosses for spring!

What's your favourite gloss?

Most of these products were purchased by me, however, the Natio gloss was provided to me for review by the lovely people at Natio. My opinions are always my own, and it has earned its way into my favourites completely on its own merit.

Thursday 25 October 2012

Review Thursday: Aum lifting face serum

Today I tried out a new product and I'm already hooked! Aum Anti Age organics specialize in age-defying skin care products, derived from organic ingredients.

Their Lifting Face Serum is amazing. With Papaya's antioxidant properties, and marine botanicals to even out skin tone and fade away dark spots, I could feel it working as soon as I applied it. My skin felt firmer, plumper and more hydrated, and truly I feel like I've had a mini facelift right now.

The serum is very light in texture, almost watery, rather than sticky or thick. I much prefer a thinner consistency, that absorbs easily into the skin, so this is ideal.

I really love the feel and look of my skin after using this lifting serum. It's even lifted and smoothed my under eye bags, which is awesome!

I can't wait to try out more products from Aum's range of anti-age organics!

Available nationally in selected Myer department stores, pharmacies and organic health retailers. Find your nearest stockist on www.aumbeauty.com

This product was provided for review by the lovely people at Aum anti age organics. My opinions are always my own.

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Trendsday: Tanning

To tan, or not to tan? That is the question. Leading into the summer months, it's the question on everyone's lips. When it comes to tanning naturally, the health-smart answer is NO! So that leaves us with artificial tanning products, or staying pasty-pale.

I've done both. I will admit that in my very early 20's, when I got married, I spent a great deal of time in a solarium baking myself, which I realize now has put me at an increased risk of skin cancer. All because I was getting married in Queensland and "you can't go to Queensland paler than a ghost!".

Faking it at my brother's wedding
For my brother's wedding, it was a different story. I went the spray tan route. Although it came out ok, and was very even and nicely done, it's really not quite a natural human-looking colour and so I generally now just opt for the pale look. These days, it's definitely not frowned upon to be pale in Australia, because everyone knows the harmful effect of the sun's rays, and it's almost a 50/50 split between people who fake it and people who don't want to.
Add caption
So...for those of you who want to fake it, the best way to do it is to fork over the money and have a professional spray you. You need to do an all over exfoliation before your tan and moisturize well in the couple of days before you have it done. Invest in a really nice body scrub, like Puretopia glowingly smooth body polish (I LOVE this product, and I don't even tan), available at Priceline, Big W and a whole bunch of different pharmacies to keep your tan  even as it wears off.




Pale and natural, enjoying a...
lemonade in the pool
And for those of us who prefer to stay on the pale side, all you need to invest in is some great sunscreen!

Either way, it's important to keep your skin well hydrated and nourished during the summer months to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. I got an awesome product in the September bellabox from You, me and every body, which was a body mousse, kind of a foamy, light moisturiser that goes a long way and soaks into the skin so easily. It's really lovely and really affordable. Definitely one to try out.


So... tell me, do you tan or stay pale?

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Oh bugger! I broke a nail!

I have a lovely set of acrylic nails that, as you know, I love to paint up and make pretty. I also have primary custody of my two sons, who are 8 and 2 years old. So when they go off to visit with their dad for two days each fortnight, I take myself off to the nail salon to have my acrylics filled. There is no way I'd be able to take the little one with me, even when my eldest son is in school. Not fair on him, not fair on me, and certainly not fair on the nail technician. So what do I do when I break one (or more)?

Well...I really just have to wait it out, file the nail so that it's not sharp, and try to make the best of it until my next appointment. I'm currently in that situation and have to wait all week to have it fixed, so I decided I'd do a little disguise work.

As you can see here, I've opted for a two-tone bright coloured french, with the tip darker than the base.This makes the bright colour stand out more, and seem more even across all five nails, even though my index finger doesn't have a tip!

Another way to do it is to try the latest trend of painting one nail a different colour, and make the broken nail the "odd man out".

There are loads of different ways to dress up a broken nail just to get you by until your next available time to visit the salon, or until it grows back in line with the others (if you have natural nails and don't want to file them all down to match the broken one). What's your favourite way to get over the broken nail blues?

Monday 22 October 2012

Monday How-To: loose, flowing curls.....with a straightening tool.


I bought a new straightener on the weekend, and realized I hadn't shown you guys any of my hardware, or how to use it, so I'll show you over the next few weeks how to use different pieces of equipment or how to achieve certain looks using your straightener, curling wand, hair dryer, etc.

First up, how to create soft, loose curls with your straightening tool.

Begin with your straightener nice and hot, and all the tangles combed out of your hair.

Take your hair and pin up the top 2/3 of it (you might want to do 3/4 if your hair is thick). Start work at the bottom of your hair, taking small sections, approximately an inch wide.

Clamp the section in your straightener as if you were going to straighten it, then turn the whole straightener over, so that the hair is wrapped around it. I always flip mine up, but the same result can be achieved by flipping it under, the curl just runs in the opposite direction. Pull the straightener through your hair, keeping it's "flipped up" position all the way down the hair section, and voila! A lovely little curl!

Continue all through the lower section, then let down another 1/3 of your hair and style that in the same way. Pay attention to the back of your hair, you want to look just as good from the back as you do from the front!

Work through the sections and curl all of your hair, then all that's left to do is just to add some argan oil to your fingertips and run your fingers through the curls.. Done!


Let me know what hardware/styling how-to you want to see next!

Friday 19 October 2012

Nail crazy!

It wouldn't be a week on katy's beauty secrets without a post about nail polish, so I decided to put together a collage of the crazy nail art I've attempted in the last week or so. If you guys see something you like on pinterest or instagram and want me to have a go at showing you how to do it, drop me a link in the comments or on facebook!

Thursday 18 October 2012

Review Thursday: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Recently, I received a sample of Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant with a magazine purchase, and I've been using it every other day since then. For a little sample, it really has gone a long way, which tells me that the full size product is definitely value for money.

It's a powder that you shake out into your hand, add just a tiny bit of water to it, then use it like a scrub. I've been using mine (and storing it) in the shower, and the powder is still perfect, despite the humidity, which is awesome!

When I use it, I give my face a good wash first, then scrub with this product, and after that, my skin feels so clean! It works like an exfoliating scrub, just on a smaller scale, so that it is safe and gentle enough to use every day to slough away dead skin cells and other impurities.

I'd certainly recommend this product, and will be out to buy the full size product as soon as my sample size runs out!

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Trendsday: Pink blush

It's spring here in Australia, and I'm seeing lots of lovely springtime makeup looks around, most of which include some shade of pink cheek. This is perfect for me, because I am a pink blush lover and have all the shades of pink to show you!




For a pink cheek to work, it's best to use the blush on the apples of the cheeks and sweep upward towards your ear, and not really focus it under the cheekbone. Pink tends to work well as a highlighting colour, and using it in a contour area will just leave you looking a little clownlike.

The other trick to pink blush is to keep it light, especially in spring and summer. We want to keep the look fresh. Also, be aware of your natural skintones. For some people, a pink blush just isn't going to look nice, and they should stick to more bronze-y shades. It's all about finding what looks best on your skin, not just about following a trend no matter how silly it looks on an individual.

One gorgeous little secret weapon I have in my collection is a little bottle of MAC lustre drops in Pink Rebel. It's gorgeous as a highlighter and gives a subtle wash of pink with it. I use this regularly along the top of my cheekbones, just above the blush, for an added dimension.


Tuesday 16 October 2012

Base basics: which foundation product is right for you?

There are endless options when it comes to choosing a base formulation that works for you. I've been known, in the past, to combine any number of these products in the quest for the perfect base. Over the years, my outlook has evolved into what I feel is the mature way to look at skin and makeup and how it all works together, and I now feel that if you can make your skin, the canvas upon which we work with makeup, as good and healthy as possible, then it only needs a light coverage to correct colour and smooth out the overall look. Let your own beauty shine through instead of trying to cover "flaws" with lots of heavy makeup.

So...some of my favourite products to use are:

BB cream; a light coverage product that works on your skin's health whilst providing a base cover for your makeup.

Powder/mineral foundation; initially a light coverage product, which can be built up for more coverage. Doesn't clog pores or sit heavily on the skin. I like MAC studio fix powder (powder cake).

Liquid foundation; my favourite liquid is MAC matchmaster. It's a medium coverage product that works with your skintone to provide a natural-looking base.

Other formulations I've tried:

This base is MAC matchmaster liquid foundation and
Rimmel Stay Matte powder to set it.
Mousse foundation; is a medium coverage product that I actually really liked. It tends to sit lighter on the skin, but I found I got more breakout activity when I was using it. It could have just been a brand I was incompatible with. I'll have to try a different brand of mousse to be sure.

Stick/Pancake/heavy foundation; is a full coverage product that I have used onstage for years. It's very heavy and pore-clogging and needs to be washed off as soon as possible after wear, but it provides a full cover, non-shiny, non-reflective base perfect for if you have bright lights shining on your face or for flash photography situations.

No matter what formulation you prefer, it's always a good idea to use a translucent powder to set the makeup base before applying the rest of your look.

Last, but certainly not least, always make sure that your face matches the rest of you. As you can see in the picture here, my face colour is the same as my shoulders and chest, and that's what we want, to avoid a "mask" look. To achieve this, always test foundation colours on your jawline or neck, instead of on your hand or arm.


Monday 15 October 2012

How to: avoid a makeup faux-pas


There are a few little tricks up my sleeve when it comes to keeping makeup fresh and natural-looking, and many, many times I've noticed women with the classic makeup faux-pas. We all know the "different coloured face" one, which can be overcome by choosing foundation based on the colour of the skin in your jawline/neck, rather than on the back of your hand/inside of your arm/forehead/nose, etc. Blend, blend, blend away the "line" where your foundation ends, and use a good powder to set your makeup that you can brush down over your neck and chest to keep the colour continuity. But there are some other makeup tips and tricks to help us overcome a little makeup disaster or make the most out of our makeup looks;

The first one is this little area right here: the nostrils. Often, we put on our face and forget that the skin around our nostrils curves inwards, and we need to get some foundation on that inward curve to avoid a "flaring nostril line", or a band of skin directly around the nostril which is a different colour. This is another very good reason to always use clean sponges, because you're going to have to edge your sponge just inside the nostril to get a good coverage.

Then there's the bleeding lips. Usually this will happen if you haven't used a lip liner, or if you're using bright glosses very close to the edge of the lip line. I've come across women in the past that just shouldn't wear lipgloss. It ends up all over their face. If you're one of those girls, take heed: lipliner, lipliner, lipliner and lipstick. A little bit of gloss goes a long way, so let's not slather it on like we don't care how fast it runs out. It's not a good look, your hair and makeup flawless, but your lippie looking like it's trying to escape up your nose. So, the key to avoiding this is not just lipliner, though that is important. You need to also make sure that when you apply your foundation, you also cover your entire lips. Then apply lip liner, and you're set to get your lipstick or gloss on there without a disaster.

Here's a little something that a lot of people don't even think about. When we apply mascara, we generally go in from underneath and coat the underside of the lash, but you can achieve a much fuller look by remembering that lashes are cylindrical, and a good coat from above is important to get the whole lash working for you. I often get comments about my lashes (twice now from heterosexual manly-men without makeup knowledge!), asking me where I got them, because people assume they are false lashes. Then when I explain that they are my real ones, I'm often asked how I get them looking so full....and now you all know my secret!


So, there you have it. Some of my tips and tricks for avoiding a makeup faux-pas and for making the most of your makeup looks. If you guys want to ask questions or request a tutorial, let me know and I'll get to work on that for you!

Friday 12 October 2012

Second giveaway winner!

Congratulations to Deb Bond, our lucky "liker" from facebook who won the giveaway today!

You have a box of goodies heading your way which includes the box pictured, plus some extra goodies from brands like Biore, Dermalogica and MAC!


I'll be in touch soon to organize getting your prize to you! Have a great weekend, everyone and I'll see you all on Monday for how-to!

Review: Mor Marshmallow lip balm

Here's a product that I both love and hate to use in equal amounts....and that's because the packaging is so beautiful, I can't bear to take it out!

Mor lip balm comes in this divine little floral tin, inside a gorgeous little box, all tied up with a ribbon and looking to-die-for. It was one of those purchases that happened because I picked it up and said "I don't even care how much this costs. I'm having it". I got mine from Myer, but it's also available at David Jones, gift boutiques, select retailers and pharmacies or at the MOR E-Boutique http://www.morcosmetics.com

And we haven't even started on the actual product yet!


The actual balm is a heavenly blend of scent and taste, with a very slight colour payoff and a shine that's just lovely. It leaves my lips so beautiful and smooth, especially through the cold months when I'm prone to cracking and splitting even when I use lip balms. It's really helping me through the cold nights and keeping my lips lusciously hydrated and looking gorgeous too!


Thursday 11 October 2012

Nail tutorial videos: candy stripes for beginners and leopard ombre advanced technique

Today, I've dropped out of sequence, and your review will be coming tomorrow instead.

To make up for it, I filmed 2 nail tutorials, a candy stripe beginners nail art, and an Ombre leopard print for the more advanced artists.

You can view the Candy stripe tutorial here: Candy Stripe tutorial

And the Ombre leopard tutorial here: Ombre leopard tutorial

or you can watch them in the video bar on the left and not even leave this page!

The music I've used for both videos is from Amanda Palmer and Grand Theft Orchestra's new album Theatre is evil.

If you want to see something else, or if you come across an awesome design and want to learn how to do it, let me know!

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Special occasion nails



Today I was in Spotlight, and I picked up some small swarovski crystal elements in the jewellery section and thought to myself, "wow, these would make for amazing special occasion nail art!".

So here's a look I put together, using silver metallic polish, black and white nail art brushes and the swarovski crystal elements, held on with a little top coat underneath and a generous coat on top.

These would make great party nails, for a special birthday or a formal!

I have some nail tutorials for other looks coming out soon, so stay tuned.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Think pink in October.

October is breast cancer awareness month. You have undoubtedly seen the pink ribbon fundraisers about, and various products with the pink ribbon symbol on them.


Photo from bellabox
Why not support a great cause by looking for a product with a pink ribbon symbol on the packaging, if you need to buy something this month.

Monday 8 October 2012

Monday How-to: Back to basics: Eyes.


 So what's this eye makeup business all about? I keep throwing makeup terms at you guys, but haven't taken the time to explain to you exactly what I'm talking about when I say "lashline", "waterline", or "tightline", or how to blend eyeshadows and layer them to create makeup looks.

Sunday 7 October 2012

1000 view giveaway!

On my facebook page, I announced that I'd hit my goal and exceeded 1000 views in my first month, and would be doing a giveaway to celebrate!

At this stage, it's a little one, but I do have a habit of adding things to the boxes as I go along, so there's a fair chance you'll get some happy little surprises in the box if you win.

So far, it's just a Rimmel eyeshadow, 2 ChiChi duo lipglosses (6 colours in total) and some hand cream and bath salts. I have some skincare bits and pieces lying about here to pop in there too.

All items in the giveaway are brand new and unused.

All you have to do to be in the running for this little box of goodies is hit the like button on my faebook page at www.facebook.com/katysbeautysecrets

If you're already subscribed to my facebook page, you're already in the draw, but what I like to see is people getting their friends involved and giving them a chance to win too, so anyone who shares this post on their facebook timeline will get an extra entry! Just go to the facebook page and share it from my post so that I see the share pop up in my stats and know that you've done it.

GOOD LUCK, everyone! I'll have the boys draw the winner on Thursday 11/10/12.

Friday 5 October 2012

All about: BB cream


 Today's post comes courtesy of my very dear friend Elizabeth, who asked me on facebook "Katy, what on earth is BB cream?". It's becoming really, really popular, yet so many people have no idea what it is or how to use it. I admit that I did have to do a bit of research myself to get to the roots of BB cream, because it seemed to appear on the western market out of nowhere, but I got to the bottom of it, and here's what I now know:

BB cream was developed in Korea, where traditional western foundation formulas are often too heavy and pore-clogging for the women, whose ideal is to have clear, clean, porcelain-like skin. Many BB creams, particularly the ones made and market by asian compaies, contain whitening agents.

BB cream was originally marketed as an all-in-one product, replacing serum, moisturizer, foundation and sunblock. The tint is often mineral-based.

BB stands for Blemish Balm, Beauty Balm or Blemish Base. It actively helps to clear the skin of blemishes whilst providing SPF (check your brand for individual specs) and a light foundation base.

Here's how you use it:

Start exactly like a foundation. Use a clean sponge, or clean fingers to apply it, then either leave it (will give you a slightly dewy look), or finish with a powder (for a more matte finish with more coverage).

So, which local brands are offering BB creams?

Most of them, actually, but here are a couple that I found that I liked. The Garnier BB Cream comes in regular and oil free formula, and retails for around $14. The Natio BB Cream is really lovely at around $15. Last, but not least, the high end brand M.A.C. have a gorgeous BB Cream at around $50.


Most BB Creams are available in Light and medium tones, and some have dark tones, too, to suit every complexion.



I think the days of heavy foundation base for everyday wear are numbered. When you find a product that not only gives you a foundation base coverage, but actively treats your skin, you're onto a winner!


Thursday 4 October 2012

Thursday Review: Bioderma Sebium range




In my September bellabox, I was lucky enough to receive a couple of awesome products from french brand Bioderma.

Both samples were reasonably small, but looks can be deceiving, and I've found enough product in the 2 little samples to keep me going for several days.

Wednesday 3 October 2012

Divine hair with Pure.


 I've been asked a lot which brand of shampoo and conditioner I use. I'll admit to being a bit of a switcher when it comes to hair care products, because I like to try out lots of different things. In the past I've used ALL the supermarket brands, as well as some of the salon-only brands that are available.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Feeling like a superstar with so...? fragrances.


 It's a rare thing to find a fragrance that perfectly suits your skin chemistry and settles in perfectly with the balance of your natural pheromone scent.

For me, so...? superstar is one of those fragrances! It went on a little bit heady, with the fruity scents lingering in the air as I sprayed it on, but as it warmed on my skin, the aroma of almond musk and lily of the valley hit my senses and I was in heaven.

With top notes of oranges and passionfruit, it would make an ideal spring into summer fragrance, perfect for moonlit walks by the bay or a night out with friends.

It's available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml eau de toilette, as well as a 150ml body spray, which is awesome for carrying in your gym bag or overnighter.

Monday 1 October 2012

Monday how-to by request: Red Lips


This week's how-to Monday is by request from reader Jenni, who asked me to do a how-to about red lipstick and how to make it look good, no matter your skin tone.

Well, to begin with, the main thing you want to do to achieve that timeless bombshell look with red lipstick is to apply a second coat of mascara, some black liquid liner, maybe some false lashes, and keep the eye makeup simple and elegant. Use neautral tones, lighter shades, perhaps a very delicately smoked eye. The easiest way to end up looking more drag queen than silver screen princess is to over-do the eye makeup and team it with bright red lips.