JINGLE BELLS, LUSCIOUS LIPS & CANDY CANES. 🍭

As I look at my calendar, my heart skips a beat.......eeeek only 11 sleeps till we find out who has been NAUGHTY or NICE! If you're anything like me; you probably haven't began your Christmas shopping yet. In my defence, I work and shop better under pressure - to my hubby's dismay!

Strolling through the stores today, I came across some awesome BEAUTY gifts that I know you guys would appreciate.

Let me share with you some of the great items I stumbled across.

Napoleon Perdis has these awesome gift packs. The gold brushes are lovely - not the usual small travel size either - any make up lover would appreciate these!

A girl can never have enough lip glosses either. These smaller sized ones are great to pop into your clutch during the party season for touch ups. Or buy them to use in stocking fillers by sharing them around.

Finally; the eyes shadow palette is a must. Great for make up students to add to their kits.

Over onto Mecca we have Bobbi Brown's gorgeous Eye Palette. Great pigment too.

Sephora has Benefit Cosmetics and they do awesome small packs. This lip and cheek pack retails for $40.

Lastly; you can't go past Elizabeth Arden
Christmas Colour Blockbuster 2015.  A perfect pack to see you through the 2016 year. Well priced too at $99, available in Myer. I got one last Christmas and I love it.

As a make up artist and lover of all beauty products, these are on my wish list. I just hope Santa gets it right and fills my stocking with sweet smelling, candy coloured lippies and eye shadows to wear into the new year!

Merry Christmas peeps. Stay safe and enjoy this time with your loved ones!

SK 💋

* All pics are Courtesy of Google. Prices are subject to change.

BEAUTY AND THE SUPERMODEL. 5 MINUTES WITH AUSTRALIAN MODEL ALEX WALLACE.

From the very first time I met Miss Wallace, I knew this young model was going places. Her career has taken this beauty to the likes of Paris and China to name a few.  On a recent photo shoot, I was lucky enough to do make up for Alex and gain a little bit of insight on what this girl is about.

Alex wears THOMAS LAZAR COUTURE.

NAME | Alex Wallace

STAR SIGN | Capricorn

AGE WHEN YOU FIRST GOT INTO MODELLING | 20

FAVOURITE FASHION LABEL | Dior

FAVOURTIE BEAUTY PRODUCT | MAC Strobe Illumination

RED LIPSTICK OR PINK LIPSTICK | Red Lipstick

Photography by Tom Lau 

WHAT DOES YOUR DAILY CLEANSING ROUTINE INCLUDE | Cleanse using Garnier Pure Active 3 in 1, Tone using Witch Hazel, Moisturise using Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturiser. Every other day I use face masks from the Face Shop.

SHORT HAIR OR LONG HAIR | Long Hair

IF YOU WEREN'T MODELLING, YOU WOULD BE ......... | I would be doing what I usually do, I model part time. I have just completed my Bachelors in Biodiversity and Conservation and work in a bar and in promotions.

Love this piece that was shot for an editorial.  Dress by Thomas Lazar.

YOUR IDOL | My idol is my mother, she's the strongest woman I know and is a true inspiration to me on never giving up despite life's hardships.

FAVOURITE FOOD | Sushi

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION | Anywhere camping or New Caledonia.

Photography by Kristina Yenko for London Management Group.
MUA by yours truly ~ Sminka Ink Make Up by Sandra 

Thank you Alex for sharing some of your favourite beauty items with us.

SK 💋

THE LIPSTICK FILES A TO Z OF EVERYTHING BEAUTY. Part 1 A - K

Hello peeps.

Here is my LIST of everything beauty that may catch your attention! PART 1 ~ A to K.

A - ALGAE
Used in marine-based beauty products. The benefits of Algae include soothing for dermatitis and good for acne prone skin, to name a few.

Pic courtesy of Google Images 

B - BOTOX
Arrrrrrgghhhhh I'm petrified of needles,  but here is the buzzword of the decade.  Botox smooths out fine lines and wrinkles and can also benefit those with sweaty underarms or hands. Cosmetic surgery has come a long way, so much so that a fuller lip can be done during your lunch hour.

C - CONCEALER
Comes in two types - Corrective Concealers and basic concealer. Corrective concealers come in shades of green  (to neutralise redness ), orange (to neutralise blue under the eyes eyes), purple (to neutralise pigmentation). Foundation should not be used around the eye area (stick foundation is an exception) rather use a concealer that is lighter than your foundation.  Can be used on the eyelids too - to hide redness.

D - DIET
Nasty word I agree. However, our skin does give us a snippet of the kind of food we eat. Eat well and drink water and your face will glow. Internal factors can influence how the skin appears. Be kind to yourself!

E - EYE CREAM
A must participant in your skincare regime. Pop a little under the eyes to smooth out fine lines and puffiness.

F - FOUNDATION
Foundation is used to even out skin tone and NOT to be plastered onto the face. Less is more!

G - GREEN CONCEALER
Green is opposite red on the Colour Wheel. Use it to camouflage redness which can be caused by rosacea (skin condition), red blemishes, pimples, red spider veins or birthmarks.

H - HAIRSTYLES
Wear it straight, curl it, ponytail it, upstyle it, cut it short into a pixie look or leave it lusciously long with various ombre colours through it. Any which way you choose to wear your hair, make a statement.

I - INGLOT COSMETICS
The eye shadow pigments are amazing in this range. There are so many colours to choose from. Can be found at Parramatta & Bondi Westfields in NSW.

J - JEFFREE STAR COSMETICS
Love a matte lippie that pops? This line of lip coverage is applied like a lipgloss and dries matte. Pout on girls!

K - KERATIN
Keratin is a protein that protects the structure of the cells and can be found in our hair and nails. It provides strength to these appendages. Keratin is an ingredient also used in hair straightening formulas - to calm frizzy hair.

Stay tuned for the next instalment!

SK x 💋

LAYER UPON LAYER......WHAT BEAUTY PRODUCT GOES FIRST?

What goes on first? Moisturiser? Primer? Serum? Confused??

So many beauty products on the shelf and you're not sure where to begin. I know I go on about LESS IS MORE especially with make up, however, skincare is numero uno when it comes to feeding your skin with goodness.

Let me simplify it for you.

☆CLEANSE ☆ MOISTURISE ☆ & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

1. Remove eye/lip make up with a bi-phase product (oil & water and then shake to emulsify).
2. Use a cleanser to wash off dirt and any make up. Do it a second time to get a true cleanse.
3. Exfoliate (once a week).
4. Tone your face. Avoid the eye area.
5. Apply serum. Avoid eyes.
6. Moisturise. A night cream is thicker so be sure to use a lighter day cream for your face. Preferably with SPF in it.
7. Apply an eye cream gently around the eyes. Avoid popping it on the eyelids.
8. On warmer days and whilst travelling be sure to hydrate with a floral mist. These are ok to use on top of make up without wrecking your work of art.
9. If you're going to wear make up, you can apply PRIMER at this stage after you have prepared the skin.
10. Wola!!! You have successfully layered correctly.

Here are some amazing products I have tried and tested and have given a big thumbs up.

Time to get layering peeps. Enjoy.

SK.

COMING OF AGE.

I'm too afraid to blink. The year has certainly flown by, but I am pleased with the various challenges and rewards that have been thrown my way.

Forty-something is what I like to be referred to as. I mean, if I have to tick a box on a survey, it's never an exact age - rather a range, i.e 35-40; 41-46; etc.
For years I have pushed MY DAY aside - just another day - but I have come to the realisation it is a celebration of life! My life.

Me ~ the Forty-something

And so it should be a celebration - I'm alive! I have finally emerged into the woman I only once dreamed of. I have found confidence in all that I do.
I no longer worry what others think, rather I use their judgements to fly even higher.
Does it matter if they don't agree with my thoughts, ideas, actions and words? I shouldn't feel as though I have to please others.

I'm not perfect - far from actually - but then what is perfection? This world is big enough for many thoughts and ideas - I will not allow my voice not to be heard.

Forty-something!  Is it the new COMING OF AGE for us women? I was married in my early 20s and had all 4 of my children by my 31st year. My 30's was all about sweatpants,  hair pulled back and kid's backpacks which replaced my handbag. And when I finally reached 40 - I was scared. Scared of getting old. Scared that now I was too old for fun.

Well I'm only days away from my 42nd BIRTHDAY and this mama is feeling fabulous.
I really do not know who filled my brain with these silly ideas. Forty-something women have momentum in doing anything and everything.

I love my job as a Freelance Make Up Artist / Beauty Therapist / Make up Trainer ~ and I'm finally confident to say I am good at what I do.

I was nominated for this Award
In the MUA Category.

As a wife - I respect my role as the one who holds it together and that my husband is my backbone - holding me up and giving me motivation.

My husband. My best friend.

As a mother; I am a role model to my children. I try to set examples that make them want to perform their best and to be proud of all that they do.  I want them to respect themselves.

So this year, I would like to make a toast to all forty-something women. Believe in yourself. Stand tall. And love life the way YOU want to.

Pic courtesy of Google Images 

Cheers.
SK 💋

MAN MAKEOVER!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY to the male/s in your life.

They are strong, our protectors and our best friends. But watch out girls, there is a new breed of man in town! He is suave, cleanly shaven and not to mention - smells divine. And he also has a sense of flawlessness. Yes you read correctly. Men have finally given in and are taking charge of their fine lines, dark circles under their eyes and are hydrating their skin.

Pic courtesy of Beau Mooi 

The new age male isn't afraid of dressing up and looking good for their lady or man. They are dressing like models out of a page from Vogue. Their hair is on point - yes they do brush and use styling products.

But my favourite bit is that the modern man isn't afraid to wear a little bit of make up to hide those flaws. And not just any make up ~ they are heading to the department stores and setting their sights on MAN BRANDS. One in particular that comes to mind is BM Cosmetics ~ the brainchild of Beau Mooi - a 20 something handsome entrepreneur.

Pic courtesy of Beau Mooi

One only has to take a look at Beau to see his clean shaven, flawless looking skin to know this man likes to look good and takes pride in his appearance. He is only doing what many other males are anticipating to embrace.

Meet Entrepreneur Beau Mooi - the genius behind
BM COSMETICS 

BM COSMETICS has made its way into beauty magazines and has taken off with a huge bang. So girls, next time you are stuck on ideas what to buy your man; get him some skincare and make up ~ he will never have to borrow yours again!

SK x

WHAT'S TRENDING IN THE WORLD OF BEAUTY & MAKE UP!

WELCOME SPRING. WELCOME SEPTEMBER. WHAT HAVE YOU IN STORE FOR US?

Kerrie Hess Design

Can you smell the flowers? Look out your window - do you see sunshine like I do? Do you see pops of colour in the garden? I love SPRING. I love the smells that perfume my garden. I love the colours that cover the grounds. It's a HAPPY time and it's the beginning of everything new for mother nature.

Spring also brings with it new beauty on our runways. Fresh faces are emerging with pops of colour. The MBFF begins this month - a must see if you are in Sydney. So much glamour and beauty graces the runway. Inspiration is at its peak. For me anyway.

So what's trending at present you ask. Last night I introduced my Spraytanning class that I teach - a new buzz word - TONTOURING. Yep. No spelling error here. What is it???? Well, after sussing this new technique out in the pages of the latest Professional Beauty magazine - TONTOURING refers to contouring the face/body using manual tan (tan in a can). What the???

Let me explain. You will love me for it as it will be the new 'cool thing' on our beaches. Mark my word.

Pic courtesy of Google Images

Tontouring is utilising a manual tan over your face/body - in the correct shade to suit your colour of course - and then using a darker shade to contour the cheek bones or abs or whatever else you like. Can you imagine???? Looking hot and being able to splash around in the waves without worrying about your make up disappearing. Who is the genius who came up with this?  I love them.

Another beauty buzz word that emerged some months ago is STROBING - think strobe lights. Yep. Contouring using highlighters as the feature focus on the face. Areas that will benefit from this technique is under the eyes, top of the cheekbones, middle of forehead and the cupid's bow (the centre of the top lip).

Pic courtesy of Google Images 

Big this season is WHITE. In particular white LACE. I'm loving these gorgeous pieces. Once upon a time, white was left for bridal couture. Now, white is acceptable for all occasions. As a make up artist, I see more bridesmaids wearing white too. The pop of colour is seen in the floral bouquet instead.

Regardless, embrace all colours. Begin now. September we welcome you.

SK x

LAZY SUNDAY DRIVES TO REJUVENATE THE SOUL.

I finally found an afternoon where I could do whatever I liked - it only took 2 years, but hey, one cannot complain considering I work weekends.
I suggested to hubby we take a drive to the southern highlands, to a place I visited back in February - when I did make up for a bridal party.
So with 2 kids in tow, we set off on a Sunday arvo adventure. The sun was shining and it was so warm in the car - how can we not be enjoying ourselves already!

Pic courtesy of Google Images

Getting out is not only fun but therapeutic for your well being. Serotonin soaks up the sunshine to bring peace to our mind - washing away stress and anxiety of everyday living. The sunshine also infuses Vitamin D - a vitamin most of us lack and therefore we are low in Vit D. Vitamin D is vital for healthy bones and for overall optimal good health. So soak up that sunshine as much as you can - as long as you still slip slop slap during the strongest UV times of the day - between 11am & 2pm.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

On arrival to our gorgeous destination, BENDOOLEY ESTATE, BERRIMA, NSW - the entire atmosphere brought instant calm and relaxation to my well being. Ok, so maybe the Rose wine I got to sip had a little to do with the calm. Lol.

BENDOOLEY ESTATE BERRIMA NSW. 

We decided on an impromptu late lunch and boy was I grateful for it. Freshly cooked pasta with lemon infusion, blue swimmer crabs and chilli made for a delicious 'snack' for me, whilst hubby indulged in the Pork belly and the amazing burger. My mouth is watering still. My younger two girls enjoyed their specially made Shirley Temples (soda) and dived into their wood fire pizza - with fresh basil and mozzarella on top. One word - DELICIOUS.

To finish off our lunch, we did refuse the dessert but were quickly talked into trying the dessert of the day. OMG. HEAVEN. All I could think was why did I have to share this exquisite masterpiece with hubby. I want it all to myself. MINE. MINE. MINE.

There are no words, so here is a picture of the dessert - Panna Cotta with berries, pistachios, topped with Persian fairy floss - spun sugar.

DELICIOUS.

Coffee to complete our meal and we were feeling fabulous. Furthermore, this wonderful place was situated within an old Book Shop - think loads of Shakespeare, Poetry, History - so a quick browse to excite our senses just that tad more, before we returned home - back to the hustle and bustle.

Hubby checking out the literature.

I totally recommend to escape for just the day perhaps once every few months. It may have been one afternoon, but it certainly recharged my batteries and gave me a sense of relaxation. Healthy mind people, healthy life and a happy WOMAN. That is all.

SK x

WHY SO WHITE? EXPLAINING HIGH DEFINITION FOUNDATION.

Picture this. Literally. You do your make up for a night on the town. Looks pretty damn good. You go out, you dance the night away and you take loads of selfies. That's a given, right??? Got to love the selfie. I do. Somehow my 3 chins miraculously disappear!

One of many selfies my bestie and I have taken.
Evidence of my 3 chins have disappeared due to the
angling of my phone.

After a long night that takes you into the early hours of the morning; you decide to scroll through those pics - 90% selfies vs 10% pics taken by others. Looking good.....and then BOOM. What?? Why is my face so white???? Where has that fake tan disappeared to??? 

Pic Courtesy of Google Images EVEN CELEBRITIES CAN GET IT WRONG.

That's right peeps; if you don't angle that camera correctly and you are not wearing the correct foundation, you will then look like you have swallowed some nuclear chemicals (think the episode of The Simpsons when Mr Burns glows). Your face is WHITE.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images.

Don't be mistaken that its the camera's fault (it's always the camera's fault for bad pics lol). The reason for the white look is explained by yours truly and I share some tips to perfect it.

WHY SO WHITE????

In the past, foundations were formulated to include SPF in the ingredients, to protect the skin from UV rays. This complied with the recommendations from skin specialists to protect our skin continuously from harmful UV rays. Perfect one might think. Well yes it was, until amounts of SPF15+ or more were added.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images.

If your foundation contained SPF15+ or higher, chances were when the flash went off, so did your face. Meaning that the reflectors bounced off the colour and left behind a white coloured face. It was then recommended to wear foundations less that SPF15+, which kind of defeated the purpose.

 

Pic courtesy of Google Images

FOUNDATIONS AVAILABLE THAT ARE PHOTO READY.  

 

Until, the term HD arrived - HIGH DEFINITION. Manufacturer's have now updated their formulations to allow for foundation colour to be CAMERA READY - meaning there will be NO REFLECTORS BOUNCING OFF. High Definition relates to filming and photography and the way the subject actually appears in real life. Therefore, the face should not look altered.  



MAKE UP BY ME ON A GORGEOUS BRIDE.
FOUNDATION SHOULD BE FLAWLESS AND WELL BLENDED
TO APPEAR PERFECT IN PHOTOGRAPHS. 

 

THE GORGEOUS BRIDE IS NOW CAMERA READY
FOR HER BIG DAY.

 

Foundations that claim they are HD ready basically mean the powders are finely milled to minimise that caked on look, the creams smooth out fine lines and create the ultimate flawless skin. The formulas contain light deflectors and pigments that give the appearance of an even complexion. The light texture gives a more natural look, while the pigments blend with the skin.

HMUA | SMINKA INK MAKE UP BY SANDRA (me)
PHOTOGRAPHY | MICHAEL BURG (Sydney Photographer)
MODEL | ADRIANA K

Notice the face does NOT appear white even though the lighting is focused on that area.
 This is thanks to foundation used that is suitable for High Definition Photography.

 

So now there is no reason why you can't look fabulous in those selfies. You know the secret now so get painting, I mean creating fresh make up application.

 

Here are some examples of recent make up I did for a professional Photographer - Kristina Yenko (Sydney based). Foundation used was NAPOLEON PERDIS Foundation Stick and Camera Finish Powder Foundation. This particular foundation shoots well for photos.

HMUA: SMINKA INK MAKE UP BY SANDRA (me)
Hair was also assisted by Nancy Trieu
MODEL: Hannah
Photography taken on my Samsung Phone.



HMUA | SMINKA INK MAKE UP BY SANDRA (me)
Hair also assisted by Nancy Trieu
PHOTOGRAPHY | KRISTINA YENCO
for
LONDON MGT GROUP
MODEL | HANNAH

HMUA | SMINKA INK MAKE UP BY SANDRA (me)
Hair assisted by Nancy Trieu
PHOTOGRAPHY | KRISTINA YENCO
for
LONDON MGT GROUP
MODEL | ALEX W



So get Camera Happy peeps and get that Foundation finish on point.
Until next time

SK x