Purple Reign! How young is too young for Make up?

Lets step back in time. It's 1987, I come home from school and find a new outfit on my bed and MAKE UP. I was 14. Mum had purchased me my very first piece of make up. I was like a kid in a candy store. 
It was purple eyeshadow and purple lippie in true 80's style. That night was my very first school disco! Picture Rick Astley (this ones for you Rachel T - Never going to give you up), Madonna (La isla Bonita), Pet Shop Boys, Los Lobos (La Bamba), George Michael and remember Mel & Kim. I was channelling Prince - purple was my favourite colour. Still is. Loved Purple Rain.

I wish I had a pic to share of that night. I looked so cool (in my head) and I was rocking the perm with 'that fringe'. It had height. It had tiz and it didn't move. Karol, you will vouch for me. (Walking to the bus stop shielding our 'fringes' from the breeze. It was an art! We nailed it.

Circa 1989 Year 10 Formal with my bestie. Make up was done by ourselves.

Ok enough reminiscing.  Back to make up. Was I too young to be painting my face? Not really. I was a teenager. I was yet to be introduced to foundation. I wouldn't even have known how to apply it. I may have drawn an outline of my face and carefully coloured in within the line. A bit like what I witness in 2014 - the young girls of today and some older women too who like that 'non-blended' look.
Young teens shouldn't be plastering their faces with too much make up. Most of them are covering the effects of hormone outbreaks. Some are frantically disguising the tiny red blemish! They are better off investing daddy's money on anti-bacterial skin care.
A simple BB cream (this will even out skin tone and redness) would suffice or even a tinted moisturiser with a SPF+.

Picture courtesy of www.putinstyle.com

This can be teamed with some eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, blush (not too dark - dont want to look like a clown) and some lipgloss. NEVER SHARE liners, mascara and lippie.  Avoid passing on infections such as cold sores and conjunctivitis.
I was 34 when I started using foundation. Could be why my skin has behaved for me. I let it breathe and kept it free from harsh parabens - nasty ingredients that are detrimental to our skin and entire body system.
Foundation for me is only a tool to even out my skin tone. I tend to go red on my cheeks ~ you should see when I drink wine).
I loved wearing lippie and black liquid eyeliner.
The only acceptable time young girls can pull off looking like mini adults (I speak eloquently here - I could have used the term 'little hookers', but I am a mum) is when they are performing up on stage.

My girls performing at the Easter Show 2010

2010

Make up is most girls 'must have' wants. It is exciting purchasing the different colours and parading the little black and white striped bag (Napoleon Perdis). It should be fun experimenting with their girlfriends. After all, what sleepover would be fun without some girlie make up looks.

Picture courtesy of Grease -Look at me I'm Sandra Dee!

SK x

Skin Therapy.

Hitting the age of 40 last year, saw me go through many ups and downs with my health. It was supposed to be 40 and Fabulous, but it felt more like 40 and Falling Apart. Regardless of this crappy period, I've always taken care my skin.
I've been blessed with great skin..... I thank my Dad for those great genes. The gut and thighs and not forgetting the 'tuckshop arms' were passed on kindly from my Mum who got it from her mama.
Today I had my very first treatment of Omnilux Light Therapy. Sounds pretty fancy right?
My beautiful BFF Nicole mentioned it to me over coffee less than a week ago. She was concerned about her rosacea (a condition of the skin where redness appears on the face). To date she has had 3 treatments within the week and she is ecstatic with the results so far.
Im more concerned with my pigmentation and the early signs of wrinkles. Unfortunately,  as we get older our skin doesn't have the same plumpness and elasticity as it did in our younger years. (Just look at my sagging butt and breasts :-( - I thank my beautiful children for the boobs that hang to my knees - breast is best x 4 rugrats - mummy loves you guys!!! )
Two words that you will hear a lot about when it comes to anti-ageing is "collagen and elastin". Collagen gives the skin cushioning whilst the elastin gives the skin elasticity. Ageing signs are lifeless skin, sagging and no more youthful glow. Arrgghh. It is the building block of our skin. It holds it together firmly until the ageing process kicks in. No more glow and no more bounce.
Enter the lovely Therapist Mel, who has compiled her own Miracle Skin Therapy Menu. She has earned a spot on my Christmas card list!!

WHAT IS OMNILUX LIGHT THERAPY.

"Omnilux is a medical devise that utilises light emitting diode (LED) technology.......works with the body's own natural processes to counteract the effect of ageing".  It "heals and rejuvenates the skin". Ahhhhh music to my ears.

WHAT SKIN CONDITIONS DOES IT TREAT?

"This treatment is beneficial and effective for both men and women of all ages and skin types." Cha-ching!
Can help with;
* ageing skin - fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation.
* Mel mentioned it was great for healing scar tissue.
* rosacea.
* acne.
* dilated capilleries.
* Good news...... they are now trialling the treatment of CELLULITE (insert happy dance here).

They will have to get a bigger light to fit this mamma's entire body!

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TREATMENT.

Mel gives your face a quick cleanse - this removes any make up and debris. She uses the luxurious brand Priori - the Moët compared to the Brut of skin care. AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids ) is one of the main ingredients in the product. Great for anti-ageing.
Once the cleansing process is complete, Mel pops on some safety eyewear that I'm sure make me look flattering. It's all very high tech and I'm excited.
Whilst my eyes are squeezed closed tightly, not knowing what to expect, she turns on the bright light machine ~ and by bright I mean it will be the most brightest reflection whilst your eyes are closed you will ever experience. The eyes quickly adjust and I melt away (not literally) and dream I'm in Bora Bora sipping my mimosa, whilst Pierre the pool boy fans me and feeds me grapes and ....... wakey wakey Sandra.
It isn't Pierre massaging my hand; it's actually Mel giving me a hand massage whilst the light therapy does its magic. It really is painless and the session lasts 20 minutes. The warmth of the light is lovely and I find myself very relaxed. Mel mentioned at the end of my session that they use Light Therapy in some countries to treat seasonal depression. It promotes the good endorphins that makes us happy. Well that's a bonus in my books!
Once the light switches off - again it only takes a few seconds for your eyes to adjust, Mel finishes off the treatment with a moisturiser and eye cream. My skin feels instantly plump and smooth. Like Botox  but without needles. (I have never tried Botox - too chicken). A mineral powder is brushed on also by Priori ~ a foundation that is light, not flakey and includes vitamins and minerals to assist in nurturing the skin. Its main ingredients is Coffee Berry - like a caffeine fix to awaken the skin. I'll have mine with skim please and thank you. I couldn't resist but purchase one for myself ~ my splurge for the month (kids are eating toast for dinner tonight)!!!!
I've booked in for my 2nd treatment next Wednesday.  You can book in within 72 hours of each treatment. I will probably go for a minimum of 5 visits. (Sorry babe. Think of it as an investment ~ happy wife, happy life).
My skin looks great even after the 1st go. Smooth and I'm glowing. So good that I don't hesitate to take a selfie in the car before I even leave Mel's place lol.

Will keep you all up to date once I finish the treatment.

SK x

For further information on this wonderful miracle skin therapy, head on over to Mel's Facebook page (Miracle Skin Therapy. Mobile Anti Aging  Specialist). Tell her Sandra sent you!
Mobile : 0404101053.
miracleskintherapy@gmail.com

Brush your way to the top.

Put your hand up if you have used your fingers to apply your make up.  Be honest. I have! Although, I will be the first to say that you shouldn't be afraid to use your fingers, as the product will heat up to your body temperature and will help it to glide onto the skin easier.

Here are 5 facts about make up brushes you need to know.

1. Quality brushes will last for years if you look after them. They are expensive but will be well worth it in the end.

2. By using a foundation brush - you are not wasting product as you would using your fingers or even a sponge. They both suck up the product. 

3. Sable brushes are made from different animal hair. For example,  goat, pony and squirrel - you can have a reaction if you are sensitive / allergic to animal hair.

4. Brushes best for powdered products (powder, eyeshadow, blush) are sable - they are generally fluffy; whereas synthetic brushes are best used for wet products (foundation, lipstick, gel liner). They are usually more tapered.

5. To prolong the use of your brushes and achieve a smooth application of make up; ~ foundation, liquid liner, lipstick ~ always wash them every couple of weeks. This will ensure that any make up build-up within the centre of the bristles, is removed and bacteria is banished. Use warm water and shampoo or Sard wonder soap. To stop them from looking frayed, use conditioner to soften them. (NB You must squeeze out access and lay them flat. You don't want them to go rusty by keeping them upright. In between washes, you can use an alcohol based brush cleaner to remove any nasties.

MUST HAVE BRUSHES to have in your beauty bag.

1. Foundation Brush. This will smooth on foundation and blend accordingly. Use this brush in a stippling motion to avoid brush stroke marks. The end result is a flawless finish.

2. Concealer Brush. Similar to the foundation brush but a lot smaller.

3. Powder brush. To dust powder over the entire face to set liquid foundation or even to wear powder on its own.

4. Eyeshadow brush. A medium size is good to begin your collection with. Pat on the eyeshadow to avoid fall out onto the face.

5. Blending / Bullet brush. This will blend your eyeshadow and will guide you through the crease line of your eye.

6. Angled brush. Best way to apply liquid or gel liner. Also great to feather in colour through your brows.

7. Blush brush / Kabuki brush. A little smaller than the powder brush. You can also use this for your bronzer.

8. Lipstick brush. Instead of putting your lippie directly onto your lips,  this brush will get right into the corners of your mouth. Also great if you are at the end of your lippie and want to get the last bits out.

These 8 brushes will get you through your make up application. As you gain more confidence, you can add more brushes to your collection.

Here are the brushes I mentioned.

L to R as numbered above.

SK x

Did someone say CAKE?

Who can say no to cake? Cake is wonderful but NOT on your face.  I don't mean crumbs either. I'm talking about laying on that foundation way too thick and looking like you just made out with Casper (the friendly ghost).
There is nothing worse than seeing someone with a cake face -  they obviously own a chisel cause that's what they will need to remove it.
A quality foundation these days, has ingredients that do not need to be caked on. Why waste your product. A foundation should last you 3 months if used every day.
If you have had your make up done by yours truly, you will know that I am very light handed when it comes to foundation application.
Remember, the idea of foundation is to even out your skin tone and not putty it on.  'Au naturel' all the way ladies. Make it look like you aren't wearing any.
If your skin is dry and flaky, be sure NOT to overdo the powder. This will only accentuate the dryness.
I also find some mineral loose powder can look like the sahara dessert on your skin - too dry.
Matte foundations don't require a setting powder or it may look too harsh.
Finally, DON'T let me see you 'crack' a smile. Let the foundation rest comfortably on your face.

SK x

Breakout and hide! Conceal those flaws.

OMG. Look at that zit. This is not the time to call the cement truck in. Skin breakouts are like the unwanted black jelly bean (I still love them).  They love to creep up on us and land in the middle of the forehead, on the chin and on the nose. And of course, their flight schedule is coincidently the same day as a wedding or special occasion.
It's the body's way of saying, "Dude, I'm so excited that I'm just going to come out and play"...grrrrrrr.
If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "I never get pimples and today I woke up with one", I would be one very rich lady (wearing Jimmy Choos of course).
Fortunately, someone had a light bulb moment and came up with the magical concealer.
Let me clarify the use of a concealer and explain the use of the different colours available. There are two types of concealer - corrective and basic concealer.
CORRECTIVE CONCEALER is put on before foundation application. You lightly pat it onto the skin. It's job is to balance out blueness, redness and pigmentation.
With new formulas being whipped up, foundations these days are pretty good and can do the job on its own. For example, someone with redness on the face would benefit from a green concealer. Some foundations may already contain green pigments within the formula to neutralise the redress, eliminating the need for this corrective concealer.
Why green you may ask. On the universal colour wheel, opposite colours neutralise each other. Green is opposite to red. Orange is opposite to blue - used for under the eyes, and purple is opposite to yellow / brown and neutralises pigmentation and also sallow (yellow) skin undertones.
Your basic concealers (similar to foundation colours) go on top of foundation. Not usually necessary again because of the formula used in foundations that generally cover up pimples and skin blemishes. That doesn't mean ladies, that you putty up your red pimple. No amount of concealer will disguise the height of your bump. It will however, hide the redness.
The eye area shouldn't be smothered with foundation either. Liquid foundation can sting your eyes especially if they contain SPF in them. Under the eyes should be concealed with a shade lighter than the foundation colour. This usually does the trick, unless you have the dreaded dark circles under them. This is where the orange concealer can be used to neutralise. Concealer is a better finish in this delicate space due to its creamier consistency. Always powder the concealer to stop the concealer from sitting in the eye creases. (Otherwise it will look as if you have wrinkles).
I also like to use the same concealer on top of the eyelid as it acts as a great base for eyeshadow. Remember to powder to remove any tackiness on the eyelid. This will prevent eyeshadow from sitting in the crease line.
You can also use concealer on your lips to act as a base for lipstick or team it up with some gloss to give you an instant nude coloured lip.
Concealer too much for you to handle? There is a cheats method, by using a stick foundation (pan stick as some of you may call it). But you didn't hear that from me. Shhhhhhhh.
My choice of concealer I use is the Napoleon Perdis Pro-Palette Concealer and Corrective Conceal. Don't be afraid to use your finger to pat it on under the eyes. Use your middle or ring finger as they aren't as heavy when you pat this delicate area.
Happy concealing ladies and don't let those skin blemishes get you down.


SK x

Don't confuse me with a Dorrito! The right way to Tan

Welcome to the 21st century, where leathered skin is no longer in fashion and has been replaced with the good old FAKE TAN. It's the sun kissed look that is desirable and not to be mistaken for the oompa loompa look - leave that for Willy Wonker.

Fake tans can look great if preparation of the skin is taken care of first and the correct shade is chosen.

Prior to your spray tanning appointment, follow these simple steps to ensure the results are great - and acceptable to walk out in public!

BEFORE THE SPRAYTAN.

1. Lightly exfoliate your skin at least 24 to 48 hours before. Don't over do it or your tan can look streaky.

2. Shave or wax 24 hours before. You don't want your pores to be noticeable as the tan can look spotty.

3. Moisturise days leading up to the tan to hydrate the skin. Dry patches will look blotchy.

DAY OF THE SPRAYTAN.

1. Avoid showering just before the tan.

2. Don't apply underarm deodorant, perfume or moisturiser - this will result in patches.

3. Wear loose fitting clothes.

4. Remove all jewellery. Best to leave them at home.

5. Avoid rubbing your straps whilst tan is developing.

6. Try not to wear a bra - set the girls free lol.

7. Avoid getting the tan wet. Depending how long you need to keep it on for.  Most of them are 2 hours.

AFTER CARE AND PROLONGING THE TAN.

1. Wash the tan off after the recommended time. 

2. Shower with water only - No soap. Wait until the water runs clear and the tan almost looks like it has disappeared. Don't stress. The tan will continue to develop in the next 24 hours. 

3. Do not use shampoo during this shower. Wait till the next day or you will get streaks.

4. Pat dry your skin - no rubbing. Do this for the rest of the week.

5. Moisturise each time you shower as this will allow the tan to fade gradually over the week.

6. Once the tan has faded, only then you can begin to exfoliate the skin.

There you have it. Simple steps to achieve the look that you have just returned from Hawaii or Bora Bora.....SIGH!

A good spraytan will make you feel flawless. Cellulite seems to be disguised as well as all the other skin imperfections, even if it is for only a short time. 

Its your time to GLOW peeps. 

SK x

For all your spray tanning needs, contact Sandra ~ 0418648384. I use Naked Tan DHA 8% for a natural coverage. It's recommended to do it 1 to 2 days before your wedding.

A day in the life of a Make up Artist.

Bonjour my lovelies!
Give me a blank canvas and I will paint you a Monet. Well, not really. But I will make you feel a million dollars (who even has a million dollars lol).
'Love the job you do and you will never have to work a day in your life'. Yep! That's me. Sminka Ink. Make up by Sandra (you can find my page on Facebook).
What does 'sminka' mean you ask. It's LIPSTICK in Croatian. This is my second language, so it was only fitting to include my roots in my business name.
I'm fortunate enough to be booked for wedding make up each weekend. It's awesome. I get to witness the transformation of my beautiful client.
My day can begin early. The earliest morning I can recall was 4.30am. You need to be punctual or you could run the risk of making everyone late.
I have a great network of hairdressers I work with. Their creativity inspires me and together we work our magic. (NB. I am no magician. More like a fairy godmother - only I don't have a wand).
Bridal parties can be small or large - the most I've ever done was 11 in one party. I have had 16 clients in one day that included make up for a special occasion. (My family ate caviar that week....jokes).
People often ask me if I deal with any BRIDEZILLAS. I think as a mother of 4 - three of which are female - no bad behaviour phases me. If they are nervous or are behaving bridezilla-ish, my witty sense of humour usually brings them back down to earth. It's the mother in me!
I have a strict schedule where I allow myself half an hour per person for make up and I like to think I am thorough and in control. It's all about communication and taking charge of the situation.
The bridal party can also include make up for mums and mother-inlaws (insert small print here...I'll make her look like a clown for an extra $50........) and sometimes even nanna's are beautified for the special day.
Once everyone is powdered, lipstick applied and lashes are glued on, its time to wish the bride the very best and I'm off my merry way. This can all happen before lunchtime, which leaves the rest of the day for further clients and beauty therapy.
I love my job. The best part is seeing my client stare into the mirror and say "Gees I look hot". The worst part??? Ummmmm, nothing really. Maybe cleaning my brushes and my clothes wearing the make up.
Make up artists work hard and we truly love making you feel beautiful.
On that note, my next client has arrived and I'm off to create some magic!
SK x

Getting married? Call Sminka Ink Make up by Sandra  ~ 0418648384.

Laying down the Foundation

Hello my fellow Friday night ravers.
Yes I'm home too and relaxing before a big day of make up tomorrow.
As I clean my brushes and tidy my make up case - yes I am very pedantic when it comes to my case - my pride and joy (next to the kids and hubby of course), I find myself thinking about foundation.
Like a house needs a strong and smooth foundation to withstand bricks and mortar,  so too does your face - the canvas for your master piece.
Whilst teaching make up, I was regularly asked by my students, the difference between a cheap foundation and an expensive one.
Ok, here it is. (These claims are based on my thoughts and experience). They each do the same job; they even out skin tone. However, you will find that the dearer one will have better staying power over the course of the day, therefore you're less likely to re-apply which in turn lasts longer before you have to purchase a new one.
The cheaper foundation will still look good, as long as the colour match is correct and you don't have that distinctive line around the jawline. (NB. Your face is not a colouring book - just saying.) You may find it won't last on your face as long which means you will be wasting a lot more and hence having to make a purchase sooner.
Foundation is NOT putty. It should be used sparingly to build the coverage you desire. LESS IS MORE - more or less. Starting from the nose you BLEND the foundation outwards, towards the jawline. Notice I stressed the word BLEND. This is where too many girls go wrong, regardless what foundation is used - cheap or expensive. If it's not blended its going to look crap.  Call me blunt but it had to be said.
What's my favourite foundation? I'm a little biased but I love my Napoleon Perdis. This is the range I use on my clients. Why? Cause I know it is a great brand that delivers a flawless finish every time. Oh and I was fortunate to have worked for the company for 3 years. This was where my make up foundations were laid...see what I did there!
I will discuss the importance of preparing the skin and the application of foundation in a future post. But for now, I must sign off and get some sleep.
Goodnight lovely people. Enjoy your weekend. Stay safe.
SK x

Wax on. Wax off.

Hello my beautiful peeps. 
Spring is only around the corner. Time to get out the shorts and skirts. But wait, those neglected leg hairs need some overdue attention. My hubby can't tell the difference between his legs to mine. (Arrrrghhh).
So what do you decide to do? Shave? Wax? Laser? Don't even let me hear you say the hand mitt - you might as well light a fire, cause that's what the friction to the skin smells like, not to mention the damage it does to your skin. It's like sandpaper for the hairs - ewwwww.
Shaving is ideal as it's quick and you can do it yourself. But, if you're like me, there's regrowth by lunch time. Shaving removes the hair from the skin surface. Hairs grow back sharp and prickly - just ask my hubby.
Waxing on the other hand, removes the hair from the hair follicle, leaving the skin smooth for about a month - depending on how quick your hair grows. Did you know hair grows quicker in Summer? 
Waxing is best done by a professional so that hair is removed in the correct direction. Doing it yourself runs the risk of pulling in the wrong direction, causing the hair to snap off and ingrown hairs may develop. It will feel like you have just shaved. Hairs actually grow back finer and softer. 
Don't be disgruntled if you still feel sharp hairs after your wax. Hair grows in 3 stages (a lesson to be given at a later date), therefore you are actually feeling new growth that is too short to remove by waxing. These hairs are really short so won't stand out. Phew!
Does waxing hurt? Ummmmm......hell yeh. But suck it up princess. Beauty is pain. 
Finally, there is Laser Hair Removal. A more permanent form of hair removal after so many required sessions.  It's a lot more expensive but the end result is awesome. 
BUT. There always is a BUT. Not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. If you have dark hair on the area to be lasered, head on over to a Laser clinic and begin de-hairing. If you have light coloured hair, I'm afraid you will waste your $$$$. Laser only successfully works on dark pigmented hair. Always discuss your options with the Therapist.
So ladies, and gents, get those pins ready for the warmer weather that is fast approaching and enjoy snuggling next to your partner, without feeling like a gorilla.
Cheers.
SK x

Love Thy Skin.

Welcome fellow beauty lovers to my very first blog. It's been on my "To do list" for years. Timing is everything and here we are.
Today I found myself discussing skincare with one of my lovely clients.
She wanted to know what products to purchase for use at home, as she had concerns about her skin feeling dry and sensitive. She was also experiencing breakouts around her chin.
Whilst I had recommendations to give her, I also mentioned how internal factors played a major role in the condition of our skin.
My own skin has been going through a crazy stage - I blame hormones but also ill health. The use of a heater and this cold weather doesn't help either. Unfortunately, no product will cure my skin instantly until internal hiccups are ironed out.
Getting my health back on track, eating healthy and drinking loads of water are proving to show improvement on my face.
I am notorious for cleansing morning and night and this assists in cell regeneration whilst I sleep. Lets face it, as we get older the healing process takes longer and the skin loses its elasticity and becomes dull.
So my advice to you, sister to sister, nourish your skin with good food, lots of water, a cleansing regime and SLEEP!

Happy cleansing.
SK x 💋