Clean your frickin' brushes!

I'm so ashamed of the state that my makeup brushes get into. I'm such a filthy urchin when it comes to washing makeup brushes, which makes NO sense, because I like to think I take really good care of my skin. Here's a newsflash for (me and) you! If you're rubbing dirty sponges and brushes all over your face, you're depositing so much more than just makeup into your pores.
If you're randomly breaking out and blaming your foundation, or that you've been "wearing too much makeup", maybe it's just that your trusty tools need a bit of attention. This is certainly almost always the case for me. I'm not showing you, it's too gross.

It's not even hard or time consuming to do (though you do need to give them some time to really dry out properly).

Here's how I do it:

Products: I absolutely swear by Daiso's puff and sponge cleaner. It's AMAZING, and its cheap (because Daiso!) and I've never used anything that leaned brushes and sponges quite as effectively and efficiently as this does.They also have a brush cleaner product, but I have't tried that yet. I'm almost out of the 5 bottles I bought the last time I went to Daiso, so I'll see if I can get both this time and do a bit of a review for you.

Then it's simple, warm running water (don't leave your brushes soaking in water, it's not going to do anything extra except make the hairs fall out of them), a squirt of cleaners into the palm of your hand and off you go! Run the brush under the tap until it's wet through, then swirl it into the cleanser in your hand, really working the product into the brush hairs. Repeat as necessary until the water runs clear, then give the brush a gentle squeeze and set aside on a towel of in a drying rack. Don't pull at the hairs as you're squeezing out the water. Leave them to dry, give them a swirl on the towel when they're half dry to fluff the hairs up, and then once you've got them completely dry again, they're ready to use!

I don't know if it's my cleaning method, or the fact that they're just amazing brushes, but my set is mostly comprised of Real Techniques brushes (both old school and the gorgeous metal ones) and they come back to near-new when I clean them. I say near-new because 2 of my eyeshadow brushes are stained from intense pigment shades, and I'm ok with that.
The handles are looking 5 years old, let's be honest. They're worn and a bit discoloured at the ends, but the bristles/hairs are still beautiful and soft, and they bounce back to their original shape every single time. I'm thoroughly impressed, both with my brushes and the cleaning process.

Go grab your brushes and sponges now, have a look, if they're gross or you just haven't cleaned them in a while, get to it! Your skin will thank you!

MAKEUP MACGUYVER - HOW TO DIY IN A PINCH

MacGuyver dishing out tips to his lady friend

I've been promising you guys this post for a while now. My makeup MacGuyver tips, and how to make stuff that's awesome from stuff you have lying around your house.

So...what awesome things will I share with you? Let's get right down to it.

1.MAC strobe cream.
This one is really easy. Strobe cream is basically just a moisturizer base with a pearlescent finish to it, which gives your skin a dewy glow under your makeup.
For this, you need to mix 9 parts moisturizer with 1 part white shimmer powder. Make sure it's mixed really well.

2.BB cream.
Another super easy one. This mix is 1/3 moisturizer, 1/3 foundation, 1/6 sunblock and 1/6 primer. Just mix them together well, and you have a makeshift BB cream.

3.Facial scrubs.
These can be made with a variety of different things, but my favourite all-purpose friend is Bi-Carb soda. Make a paste of Bi-Carb and water and use it as you usually would for a facial scrub. Use it once a week, not more often than that, because it is quite harsh on your skin.

4.Teeth whitening.
Again with my friend Bi-Carb, this time making a paste with peroxide. You can use creme or liquid, but the creme peroxide makes a better paste. Brush onto your teeth once or twice a week to remove stains. IMPORTANT: DO NOT SWALLOW THIS PASTE.

5.Volumizing shampoo for beachy waves.
This one is really simple. Summer is coming, so beachy waves will be right back on trend like they are every year. To help your hair along, or even just to add some extra volume, just add a little rock salt to your shampoo.

6.Lip scrubs.
You can make these a bit fancy with a carrier oil and some essential oils, but really all you need is some raw sugar to make a fantstic lip scrub, which is edible too! You can mix the sugar into a bit of vaseline to make it stick together better and disperse onto the lips better.

7.Avoiding hair dye on your skin.
Using the vaseline again, draw the outline of your face, all along the hairline with vaseline. This will form a barrier between your skin and any dye that goes astray. Don't forget to do your ears and the back of your neck, too!

8.Eye makeup remover.
Last of all, how to remove any stubborn makeup, waterproof makeup, stay-on lipsticks, etc.
Baby oil. It's that simple. It will remove any of the above mentioned cosmetic products.

9. Makeup setting spray.
1 part glycerine to 9 parts distilled or filtered water, shake well, use in a spray bottle and replace every couple of weeks. Because we're not using chemical preservatives in this, it'll go off.

That's all for Makeup MacGuyver 2013. I hope you guys get some use out of this stuff.

MAKEUP: AN ACT OF BETRAYAL...?

Here's a little post, just to show the dramatic effect that makeup -can- have on a face. I'm often complimented on my lovely eyes, but it's almost always when I've dressed them up with a bit of colour and pop.

So, here you can see the difference between my eyes au naturale, and with makeup, lots of eyeliner and mascara, and a very fine pair of false lashes.

I've also defined my brows in the makeup shots, which does a lot for framing the eyes and completing the look.

I'm able to mask the large scar I have on the outer corner of one eye with makeup, cover up any imperfections, lengthen my lashes and define the inner rims of my eyes to make them look slightly smaller, yet wider-set (by using a very light colour in the inner corner.

The brow bone is highlighted in white, giving extra dimension to the area, and the crease of the eyelid is darkened to create artificial depth.

This post was inspired by an article I read, which claimed that makeup was deceitful, an act of betrayal.

What do you think?

TUTORIAL: MODELS PREFER SWEET KISSES TIN

This week, I had a little play with my new palette from Models Prefer, which I showed you guys the other day. Here is my first makeup look from the palette:

BELLABOX OCTOBER 2013 - FIRST LOOK!

This is the second month in a row that I've received my bellabox without an actual box, and last month it was because there was too much stuff to physically fit in a box. This month, I'm left thinking "What the hell, bb?"

This month is their birthday celebration box, and I have to admit, I am slightly disappointed, mainly because of all the hype in the lead-up. Maybe I read the articles on bb's website wrong, but I was under the impression that everyone was getting high end products like L'Occitane hand cream, and I can't remember what the other products were.

Here's what is actually in it:

Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Shampoo and mask - both sample size.
Beyonce Heat EDT - sample size
Vaseline Ultimate 10 - sample size
Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Moisturising day Cream - teeny tiny sample size
L'Oreal Paris Shine Caresse lip colour - Full size product RRP $23.95
Bonus- L'Oreal nutrilift gold anti ageing serum foundation - sachet sample.

Stay tuned later today for an unboxing video and more thoughts on this month's offering from Bellabox.

MAKEUP SKILLZ: APPLYING FOUNDATION WITH A BRUSH

This time, I've made you guys an awesome tutorial video about how I apply foundation with a brush.


Tomorrow, I'll show you the rest of the look, using my Models Prefer Sweet Kisses tin!

OMG AMAZING! MODELS PREFER SWEET KISSES PALETTE TIN REVIEW/FIRST LOOK!

This week, I've picked up the most awesome palette I've ever owned, and I didn't even have to save up my pennies for it!

Models Prefer have launched a brand new set called Sweet Kisses, which comes in an absolutely gorgeous "chocolate tin" packaging, and has all sorts of really cute, sweet-themed names.

The tin contains 16 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, bronzer and illuminator, eyeshadow primer, brow gel, mascara and a dual-ended eyeshadow brush.

I'll go through the individual products and let you know my first impressions of them




First, the actual tin. It's very pretty, lightweight, yet sturdy enough to be a really great packaging that you can count on not to break, and the lid is hinged, which means that you never have to search for the different parts of the tin when you're done with your makeup look.

Next, the primer, which reminds me a lot of Too Faced shadow insurance. The formula is creamy and not greasy, and seems like a really great primer for use to ensure your shadow doesn't move or crease during the day.

Next up are the face products. The bronzer is great, not too dark, but enough to get a gorgeous contour, it's silky and goes on beautifully with a contouring brush. The same goes for the illuminator. It's not overpowering, but definitely shows up on the skin, and feels great on the face.

The 2 shades of blush are awesome for pretty much any skintone, and considering the fact that you can mix them together, I think there's something for any cheek there, if you get creative with the bronzer and illuminator also.

Next, we have the duo eyeshadow brush, which is very dense, a flat shader on one end, and a crease brush on the other. They feel good, not as soft as I generally like, but sometimes that's good to help to pack the colour on when you're doing a really awesome eyeshadow look. I'm yet to use it on my actual eye, so I'll let you guys know how I go with that.


There is a clear brow gel, which has a pretty standard traditional spooly brush, which always comes in handy, and a black volumising mascara, with a thinner plastic (spiky-looking) brush, the kind that are popular at the moment. Once I've done a look from this palette, I'll let you know my thoughts on the mascara. It's difficult to judge it without giving it a really good go.

The actual inner packaging is lightweight foam board, which gives a nicer look than just thin plastic or cardboard, but allows for depotting very easily.


Last of all, here are some shots of the eyeshadows up close, so that you can see the kinds of colours that are included. I think the range is fantastic, and I can't wait to use them to create some really great looks for you guys.

Well done, Models Prefer! I'm really impressed with this tin, and can't wait to see what's next from the brand.

This tin is available from Priceline and Priceline Pharmacy (I got mine from their online store) for $25! Go get one!

SPRING FLING: KATY'S SPRING ESSENTIALS

Spring has most definitely sprung and I'm ready for a bit of a change up in my makeup routine as the months get warmer.

Here are a few of my essential items for spring, and heading into summer:

Number one, hands down, and without a doubt is sunscreen. I have very fair, sun-sensitive skin. Having now traveled overseas as an adult, I can definitely say that the sunshine we get here is so much harsher than other places, even in Texas, where it's like an oven 9 months of the year, I just didn't feel the sun beating down on me like I do at home. Dylan Moran famously jokes in his stand-up routine that Australia is three quarters of a mile away from the sun.
I like Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer dry touch sunblock. It's SPF 70, and it has one of the less-greasy feels. Every sunblock is going to feel like sunblock on your skin. There's just no getting around it. I think we just have to sacrifice a tiny bit in the warmer months especially, to have our skin protected.

Next is Red Velvet soap from The Soap Bakery (Vic). These guys are in the process of getting their website up and running, but can be found at local farmers markets around Melbourne. I highly recommend a trip out to one of the local markets to smell their awesome scents. My favourites right now are Red Velvet and Chai.


Super awesome for spring are these Lonvitalite cloth facial and hand masks. They allow you to take a 20 minute break to take care of your skin. Springtime is a really beautiful time of year, but there are so many allergens in the air! Take the time to give your skin a break and a bit of rehab with their awesome masks.



Every girl needs a really fantastic lip treatment, and I've found one of the best. Sukin's nourishing lip treatment is absolutely beautiful, and very reasonably priced. It keeps my lips soft and nourished, and I'm always happy about that.

Looking for a bit of extra oomph without wearing really heavy false lashes? I love Eylure naturalites. They are lightweight, natural-looking lashes that will give you just a touch of extra pizazz without weighing down your eyes. Perfect for warmer weather.






As it starts to heat up, I like to go for a less-heavy approach to makeup, and my lips are a great place to start. Switching heavy lipsticks for Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait, or Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, are a couple of my perfect ways to finish a springtime look.






Keeping it light is something I'll also switch to for my eye makeup, so I switch up from my heavy mascaras to something a little lighter, and Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless mascara is a really good one for giving length and definition without weighing down the lashes.





Next up, for lightening the look on my face, Revlon's new Nearly Naked foundation is perfect for springtime wear. A gorgeous, lightweight coverage, which can be worn alone for a dewy look, or with the pressed powder for a more matte finish, it won't leave your skin feeling cakey at all, which is awesome when the heat increases.




Last of all, my nail polish picks for spring are mostly lighter colours, some neons and pastels, but definitely keeping it a bit lighter and brighter than your usual winter nails is the way to go. I love these colours from Sinful Colors, OPI and Sephora by OPI.

REVLON NEARLY NAKED MAKEUP - REVIEW

The awesome folks at Revlon were kind enough to send me some samples of their new Nearly Naked foundation and pressed powder to try, and I was quite impressed with both products!

Hear what I have to say about my first impressions of these products in my video below.

The foundation is available in 12 shades, the powder is available in 6 shades, and there's something for every skin tone. Very impressive light to medium coverage products that let your natural awesomeness shine through, whilst providing coverage where you need it.

Pick it up today, available at most cosmetic outlets and pharmacies.



Fair and full disclosure: I was provided with these products free of charge for my consideration. I was under no obligation to review these products and always endeavour to bring you open, honest reviews of products I have used and genuinely enjoyed.

HAUL: WHAT I BOUGHT IN THE USA

First of all, I think we need to address the disgusting price differences, particularly in drug store/low end makeup, between the USA and Australia. I don't know what the situation elsewhere is, but to be paying 2-3 times the price for some of these items at home really peeves me right off.

I didn't go too crazy on makeup while I was in Texas, but I did spend a couple of hundred dollars, which is unheard of for me, especially since I've been blogging. Here's a video of all the goodies I picked up, along with some shocking price comparisons on really super-trending items.

BELLABOX AUGUST 2013

I received my Bellabox this morning, and quickly rushed home to make the unboxing video for you guys.
I'm semi-disappointed because one of the products is very misleading in its size, but overall quite happy with the products that I received, even though they are all sample-sized and we received no full size products. I'll be really interested to see what others get in their boxes before I decide if I got the dud box this month. The Talavou Naturals product is inside a full sized container, but here's what's inside it:

Check out my video for the full scoop on what I got in my Bellabox this month:

Fun tag: $20 makeup challenge plus swap with TheAinsleeyx!

This week, for a bit of fun, I did a swap and $20 makeup challenge with TheAinsleeyx from YouTube! We had tonnes of fun and I can't wait to work with her again. You can find her on YouTube HERE.

Check out the video below to see what she sent me and how I turned it into a full face of makeup, proving that you don't have to have the most expensive products or the best tools to make your face work.


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Matte is the new black! Brand new mattifying products from Australis.

 Last week, I received a surprise in the mail from the amazing people at Australis, and I was suer-stoked to find that their new mattifying products were inside!

I've been eyeing off the lip mattifyer for a while, and I am really really impressed with it and the other two products in here.

I've made a review video, which you can view at the end of this post, but here is a short rundown of each product:

The new Matte Up foundation is amazing, the packaging is super awesome, with a sponge and a mirror included in the compact, and at $14.95, you really can't go wrong with this cream-to-powder gem.

Next up is Matte out, a mattifying base product designed to be used under your foundation to keep your oily areas matte all day long. it works like a dream, and despite it being purple in the tube, it goes on clear. At $13.95 it's an amazingly innovative product that really hits the spot.
















Last but not least is Matte Me, a mattifying base coat for lips. I tried it with an australis lipstick AND a MAC lipstick, and it worked really well at bringing the shine off of the lip product and mattifying without drying out. This one is $12.95 and worth every cent.

Here's my makeup look, using all three products. The picture is untouched digitally, and no filters were used. I'm calling this a big win for the makeup industry and for Australis. Well done! Keep the awesome products coming. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Fair and full disclosure. I was sent these products by Australis, free of charge, for my consideration. I was under no obligation to review them at all. I endeavour to bring you honest reviews of products that I have genuinely tried and enjoyed.



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TAG! Colours of the Rainbow.

I just did the YouTube tag "Colours of the Rainbow", in which I show you guys a product in every colour from the rainbow. Here's the video for that, and some pics of other Rainbow-Coloured items I love: