Wafers, bread sticks & a glass of Chardy. Pass the Caviar Darling.

FORGET AVOCADO ON YOUR FACE. Been there, done that. Move over the rich and famous and welcome to CAVIAR. Move over salsa and hello crackers and Chardonnay!

Pic courtesy of Google Images

You may have noticed the delightful delicacy (for some.....not really a fish egg fan) has made its debut in recent times in the Luxe Facial regime and now also gracing the fingernails of young fashionistas everywhere.

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images 

For those of you who do not know what CAVIAR is, let Sandikay define it for you through the words of this lady from Canada - Dana McGlynn.

"DANA MCGLYNN works as a freelance fitness and health instructor in Toronto, Ontario. She has fitness certifications from the Ontario Fitness Counsel and Yoga Alliance. Over the years she has taught a variety of different classes including Cardio dance, Step, Pilates, Body Sculpting, Balance Ball classes and Yoga. She is interested in all forms of health and holistic therapies and also has a B.A. in psychology and English. In 2010 she completed her certification as a Natural Health Practioner from the Institute of Aromatherapy. She also has her own line of herbal and aromatherapy body products".  (taken from www.examiner.com)

Dana goes on to define caviar as the following:

"Caviar has long been considered one of the most decadent and expensive foods to eat and enjoy. It is thought to be the food of the rich and famous. Simply put, Caviar or fish eggs is often served to impress one's company and treat them to a delicacy of taste and sophistication. In recent years caviar has also become a popular ingredient in skin care creams and spa treatments.
Caviar skin care products and spa treatments of the stars".

"Being that caviar has been known as an expensive food, often enjoyed by the rich and famous, it is perhaps not surprising that caviar spa treatments, creams and lotions first became popularized by some of Hollywood's elite".

"Angelina Jolie is one star that openly proclaimed her fondness for the caviar spa treatments and the benefits of the caviar products and treatments. The famous star, mother and partner of Brad Pitt began using the caviar creams after a noticeable weight loss that left her feeling that the veins in her hands, forehead and face were bulging and more noticeable. The three hour spa body treatment that she underwent included a detoxifying body wrap followed by an application of the caviar creams over her entire body. The whole treatment lasted roughly three hours, and was said to cost roughly $400. Needless to say, Angelina claimed to be thrilled with the results, and also began using a caviar laced cream from La Prairie on her skin in between treatments".

"There is also a popular Caviar Facial offered at the Spa at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hill's that costs roughly $295 U.S. It is reportedly a favourite treatment of many of Hollywood's stars. Some of the stars that are rumoured to be fans of caviar creams and spa treatments include: Gwenyth Paltrow, Mick Jagger and Stella McCartney".

"The skin enhancing and anti-aging benefits of caviar skin care treatments and it's products
Caviar, which again is simply fish eggs contains many nutrients and antioxidants that heal, regenerate and protect the skin. To begin with caviar contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Fatty acids help to prevent cellular inflammation of the skin, and also trigger hormones in the skin that are beneficial to the skin by promoting regeneration and collagen production.
Caviar also contains a fair amount of antioxidants such as Vitamin A and E which both help to correct and protect the skin from environmental hazards and free radicals that cause aging and disease.


Caviar also contains the nutrients: Potassium and Selenium. These nutrients improve the skin's dermis elasticity and help to prevent the erosion of tissues.
Finally, caviar has a unique cellular structure that is similar to a human cell. Like a human cell, caviar is 50-70% water. Therefore, using caviar products and having caviar spa treatments can help keep the skin moisturized which reduces superficial lines and wrinkles within the skin".

Pretty fancy right? Not for the faint hearted either. Not to mention the dent it would make to your bank account. But lets put all that aside for a moment and look at the benefits of this wonderful discovery.

 

 

Some LUXE products you may come across next time you walk through David Jones and Myer in the City.
Be prepared to spend a month's salary on these products.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

Remember I have discussed Skin Elastin in previous posts. This is what keeps our skin tight and as we mature (there's that bloody word again for OLD), the skin struggles to keeps its elasticity and saggy skin becomes apparent. Caviar will assist in elasticity.

Caviar also contains Vitamins A and E - both are detrimental to fighting free radicals. What are these you ask? Free Radicals are the effects on skin (whether it be drying/polluting) from environmental factors, such as air conditioners, pollution and smoking. Vitamins A, C and E are anti-oxidants for the skin to recover and protect it from visible signs of aging.

Caviar also contains Omega 3 and 6 which are fatty acids. You may have heard about these in Nutritional and Health articles. Foods which are rich in these include eggs, fish and extra virgin olive oil.  Hence, Caviar is fish eggs. (Again, not really a fan here in Camden). These fatty acids are responsible for the Collagen made in our skin. Collagen gives us that youthful glow - reduces signs of ageing too.

So far you can see that this little wonder is extremely beneficial to our skin and to skin regeneration. I'm passionate about skin care as much as I am about make up. You need good skin to show off a face with make up. Its like if you have a stale cracker and try putting caviar on it or dip, cheese or even pate ........not good. Put it on a fresh, crisp cracker and yummo. Crunch crunch  and wash it down with a nice glass of Chardonnay. Same goes with your skin. If you don't create a smooth canvas, that make up might as well be wasted.

Now for the nails. Yes it has been a trend particularly this year. Nail Salons are promoting the craze as well as the Nail Polish companies. It's 3D polish for the nails. You can feel the tiny little beads and they give the nail texture as well as character. Check out the nail salons next time you go in for a mani or pedi.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

So I hope you learnt something new in this blog. Next time you order CAVIAR in that expensive restaurant, sneak some into your clutch and smother your face with it when you get home. (JOKES) (But its worth a try) :-P.


SK x

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. Most of it anyways. Please fill my stocking with La Prairie. Sounds so posh and very French darlink!!!!!!! Please & Thank you. xxx

WHEN EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN. Living like Benjamin Button.

Bonjour my little beauties,

Whilst performing make up the other day, one of my clients made a comment suggesting that the older I was getting, the younger I looked. Really? Hmmmmm. I decided to check out some of my pictures from years gone by and holy moly - I do look younger. Or different. Definitely bigger (big is beautiful I know). But wow. Never thought it was possible but I must admit that a lot of my colleagues, friends and girlfriends do look more refreshed now as we have gotten older - or as I say, "matured". Its 'THE CURIOUS CURSE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON'  rolling out in real life.

Demi Moore in 2014 and back in the 90's. I think its safe to say that we can thank Ashton Kutcher
for keeping her young in the looks department (and plastic surgery). Pictures Courtesy of Google Images. 

Nicole Kidman in 2014 above and in 1980 (BMX Bandits days) below.
Courtesy of Google Images. 

Who can we thank for this latest finding? Is it the beauty products we are using? Is it the 2 litres of water we are drinking (or wine...... whatever wets your palette)? Is it our environment? Is it our diet or lack of? Is it the steroids pumped into our chickens? Is it the botox readily available to 'LIFT' our  sagging skin?

Pic Courtesy of Google Images.

You know what I think? I think it has to do with our genes. Not of the denim kind - those blasted skinny jeans were never made with my body shape in mind. Arrrrgggghhhhhhh.

Yes ladies, I truly believe it is our genes that map out our overall appearance.  My mama definitely looks better now than she did when I was younger. I used to think 40 was sooooooo old and over the hill. But, here I am...... 41 and finally I can say, and FABULOUS.  Turning 40 last year was more like 40 and FALLING APART :-( .

Mum & I in 2010.

My wedding day in 1993. Look how young hubby and I looked. Mum looked
fabulous in her fascinator. Dad had brown hair and my brother still had hair. Lol.

Back to the genes. A lot of my clients always request that I hide their bags under their eyes, or the darkness. Unfortunately, blaming lack of sleep is not always the reason behind it. Chances are if your mum or dad had really dark circles under their eyes, its hereditary. Nothing will really get rid of it besides a great concealer.

Tip: Always use a shade or two lighter than your natural colour, to highlight the darkness and then BLEND girls.

Pics Courtesy of Google Images.
Here are some concealers designed to use under the eye area to conceal darkness. 

Dark circles can also be a result of poor diet and dehydration. So lots of water and invest in a really good eye cream. Some of my favourites include Dermalogica, Sukin and the Young Living range that I am a distributor for. Best to apply at night when the skin is regenerating.

I may have mentioned before (pretty sure I did as this is one thing I am happy with), my skin is really good. My dad has great skin and there aren't too many signs of wrinkles. He is fully grey though, I am following suit - but thank goodness for hair dye and Mr G (Hair Flair Salon - my hairdresser). My mama is grey too so it was inevitable for me not to go grey. I was 30 when 1/2 my head showed signs of the 'sparkly hairs', as my youngest called it. Sparkles I wish. Perhaps I'll begin a new trend. I have noticed on the pages of fashion magazines, that grey hair is in vogue. Yeh........nah.  It definitely looks sexy of Richard Gere though.  Funny isn't it. Looks crap on us girls but on the boys its hot. Bastards.

Kate Moss with grey highlights.
All pics Courtesy of Google Images.
 

The way we dress and the make up we choose, along with the hairstyles we sport; also plays a big part in looking younger. I have my 'fat clothes' in my wardrobe for those 'fat days' I may have and honestly, I look about 10 years older. Then when I'm feeling fabulous, my hair looks great, my clothes reflect somewhat of a fashionista; and my make up - well what can I say. My MUA - Sminka Ink ;-p makes me look pretty. Lol. Less is more babes. No spak filler required, or the 80's blue on the eyelids is NOT necessary. Go for the fresh, natural look and maybe go for a fabulous red lippie or pink.

Another pic from 2010 - that was a great year. Pretty sure
it was when I finally found ME.

I THINK PINK IS MY COLOUR.

PIC COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES

Afraid to wear RED?  I always used to wear red lipstick in my younger years. As I got older (mature) I felt it was too harsh for me. RUBBISH. I just didn't have the confidence to pull it off. Whilst working at Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics, I was encouraged to wear the look of the month and many a time, it included a bright red lippie. I will never forget when a male friend of mine walked past my counter and said, "wow, you look like a hooker Sandra. But a classy hooker". Gees thanks. Lol.

But then I realised I was the only one who thought it looked "hookerish" (my own made up word) on me. One of my favourites these days is the RED. I prefer the blue/reds with a pink tone in it.

Pic courtesy of Google Images.
Olivia P - Love her look and the way she wears RED LIPSTICK

 
TIP: Warm tone Reds include - orange/red.
Cool tone Reds include - blue/red (which is a true red), pink/red.

The ideal tone for you if you have an orange undertone complexion - are the warm tones.
If you have pink undertones - go for the blue/reds, pink/reds.

There is no rule though that you can't wear either or. Just go for it.

Hair can also determine how old you look. Just picture the perm. Although, having said that, I have heard of late many women hoping it makes a comeback as it was so easy to care for. But picture the frizzy perm. With no product in it. Big FAIL. Soft waves, curls and messy buns are ideal - especially for the party season in the warmer months.

THE PERM. 1989. SO COOL.
 

I'm wearing the classic bob again - I find this look is great for both young and old. Can look classy and then I can have fun with it and make it wavy to give me that playful look. Don't be AFRAID to experiment. Haters are gonna hate regardless. Give them something to stare at I say.

Finally, dress to impress. Impress who you may ask???? YOU. You are your worst enemy for the way you look. I'm guilty of it - especially when I'm having a 'FAT DAY'. Impress yourself ladies. Do you feel great in your outfit? Do you like wearing a hat and accessories with loads of jewellery? Go for it I say. Do what makes you comfortable. Wear it with your head held high. (If it looks shocking; lets hope your girlfriends will let you know before you show the world....lol) You have nothing to lose and a whole lot of FABULOUSNESS to gain.

These pics were taken in 2008. I was definitely having a 'fat day'
however, once I got dolled up, I felt fabulous. 

Love
SK x

PIC COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES

BEAUTY ON A BUDGET. Looking fabulous for less.

The definition of beauty as described by Google Dictionary;

beauty

ˈbjuːti/

noun

noun: beauty; plural noun: beauties

1. 1.

   a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.

   "I was struck by her beauty"

   • a combination of qualities that pleases the intellect.

     "the artistry and beauty of football"

     synonyms:

     attractiveness, prettiness, good looks, pleasingness, comeliness, allure, allurement; More loveliness, charm, appeal, heavenliness, voluptuousness; winsomeness, grace, elegance, exquisiteness; splendour, magnificence, grandeur, impressiveness, picturesqueness, artistry, decorativeness; gorgeousness, glamour, irresistibility; bonniness; formalbeauteousness, pulchritude "a young woman of great beauty"

     antonyms:

     ugliness

   • denoting something intended to make someone more attractive.

     modifier noun: beauty

     "beauty treatment"
2. 2.

   a beautiful or pleasing thing or person, in particular:

   • a beautiful woman.

     "a blonde beauty"

     synonyms:

     beautiful woman, belle, vision, charmer, enchantress, Venus, goddess, beauty queen, English rose, picture, seductress; More femme fatale; informallooker, good looker, lovely, stunner, knockout, bombshell, dish, cracker, smasher, peach, eyeful, bit of all right "Esther was no beauty"

     antonyms:

     ugly woman, hag

   • an excellent example of something.

     "the fish was a beauty, around 14 pounds"
   • the pleasing or attractive features of (something).

     "the beauties of the English countryside"
   • the best aspect or advantage of something.

     "the beauty of keeping cats is that they don't tie you down"

     synonyms:

     advantage, attraction, strength, benefit, asset, draw, lure, pull, strong point, boon, blessing, virtue, merit, selling point, good thing/point, bonus, plus, added extra "the beauty of the system is that the information can be called up instantaneously"

     antonyms:

     drawback

adjective

Australian/NZinformal

adjective: beauty

1. 1.

   good; excellent (used as a general term of approval).

 

 

No where in that definition does it say, "Expensive", "Costs a fortune" or even "You need lots of money to look great".

 

Famous last words as spoken in BRIDE WARS.

 

I was out shopping the other day when I stumbled onto a $10 rack in Target. Yes, Target - I've been shopping in Target since I was a kid - a stylish kid at that thanks to my mum. My dad was responsible for the annual "Christmas Outfit" from EVENTS. A splurge I apparently deserved for achieving an outstanding School Report.

 

So back to the $10 clothing rack. I was so excited because the sizes left were all coincidently my size - I'm not afraid to tell you - SIZE 16. (see, it does have a 6 in it - the size my eldest daughter is these days). What are the chances. When I need an outfit, I can't find one. Here I was just browsing, and PRESTO, it's infront of me.................and its cheap as chips. Not to mention, it has my name all over it. :-P

 

 

My $20 outfit from Target. Fabric feels like scuba-diving
material - great for sucking me in.

 

I ended up purchasing 4 items for $40. Wow. Go me.

 

I wore one of the ensembles to a meeting I had the next day. I felt so stylish and you know what? I felt liberated cause I felt great and it only cost me $20 for the entire outfit. Nobody knew. The old lady on the train gazing at me (perhaps she thought I looked ok - lets hope that's what she thought lol) had no idea that it was that cheap.

 

Some awesome and very affordable outfits you can purchase
from Target stores. 

 

 

 

It dawned on me that I have always been one to grab a bargain when it came to clothing. I never pay full price unless I have to. Whether I pay $1000 for a dress or $50 for the same dress, its going to look the same on me - it only further confirms that we make the outfit look good and not the other way around. And shoes, don't get me started girlfriend. I'm pretty sure Imelda Marcos lives with us at home. Just don't know where she is hiding. But the shoe cupboard between us 4 girls in the house - no comment.

 

Wear Chanel inspired clothing on a budget. You can make
it look authentic. 

 

The same can apply to beauty products - depending what you are expecting to achieve from them. A question I used to get asked a lot from my beauty students, "What's the difference between an expensive foundation and a cheap foundation?" A great question I might add.

 

NP SET is affordable make up in the Napoleon Perdis range.
Available in Target, chemists, DJ's, Myer and Big W. 

 

 

 

 

Get a GWP (gift with purchase) when you spend a certain amount.
These promos are available throughout the year, so keep your eye on it.

 

All foundation is made to perform the same task - even out skin tone, conceal, contour and to wear as a base for the rest of the make up, ie. lipstick, eyeshadow, blush. They both are applied the same way - by brush or CLEAN fingers. Both can also look the exact same on the face.

 

Now for the difference. I believe that if you want your foundation to last all day; less need for touch ups; less need to reapply the product - then perhaps the expensive foundation will deliver. I prefer to use this type of foundation on my brides and bridesmaids as the make up is expected to last all day. The ingredients are also up to date, to enable the product to perform at it's best. Less product is required, therefore you will get the most out of it.

 

The cheaper foundation can definitely still deliver, just not to the same capacity the expensive one can. These foundations are great to use for everyday and perhaps save the expensive ones for special occasions. Having said that, don't leave the expensive foundation too long in your beauty cabinet - you don't want it to go off. You might need to build your coverage a little more to achieve the effect you want.

 

The only piece of beauty I definitely would not skimp on would be PERFUME. Cheap perfume is NASTY. Cough cough to the lady behind me on the train, wearing TABU. Nasty and so not friendly on the nose. I find the cheaper the perfume, not only does it not smell as good as CHANEL, DIOR, YSL or ESTEE LAUDER to name a few; but the scent does not last too long on the skin - causing the wearer to add more - PLEASE DON'T. PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

 

Some perfumes just smell off. The toilet bowl perhaps
does smell a little better. 

 

So to sum up, the best shops to purchase a great apparel bargain include; Target, Big W, David Jones (yes DJ's - their sales are awesome), Myer, Crossroads, The Iconic (online), Jag. Pretty much any store once their clothing goes on sale. Be patient and if it is still there when the SALE begins, then it was meant to be yours - that's my philosophy anyways.

 

For beauty products; head on over to your local PRICELINE store. There is so much to choose from when it comes to make up, skin care - including chemical free skincare, hair accessories and beauty tools - eg, sponges, brushes, tweezers. Also look out for the big cosmetic brands that hold warehouse sales. For eg, Napoleon Perdis holds a warehouse sale a few times a year. Check out their FB page and website - the items on sale are fabulous. They are not necessarily close to their use by dates, rather they may be a colour/item that is discontinued, packaging may be dated or simply they have excess stock they want to get rid of.

 

Finally, the perfume. I find PRICELINE always has great bargains on expensive brand perfumes. Check out their Christmas packs - they are a bargain and great for stocking fillers. Chemist Warehouse is also another great place. Don't snub DJ's or Myer though. They also offer GIFT WITH PURCHASE during the year, when you purchase a perfume from their range. Who doesn't like a freebie.

 

 

So don't think you can never look good because you can't afford it. Just get out of your comfort zone and check out the various bargain stores. You do not keep the price tag on to show the world how much you spent. Who cares what others think anyways. You can look beautiful at any price.

 

 

SK x