SEE YOUR TRUE COLOURS.

COLOUR THEORY!

Sounds technical right? It is a module I teach my students at college as part of their Design and Apply Make up course.

Pic courtesy from Google Images.

Colour is everywhere. I'm constantly inspired by colour in everything - whether it is the sky, fashion or nature. Some of these inspirations will form the platform of the make up looks I like to create.

Let me introduce you to the COLOUR WHEEL - a universal tool that is used in many creative grounds; fashion design, art, stylists, interior design, hairdressing and make up to name some. If we go back to our preschool days, we were introduced to PRIMARY colours - red, blue, yellow. These colours can not be made. They are the base colours to a whole rainbow. SECONDARY colours are formed when we mix 2 primary colours together; eg red + blue = purple, red + yellow = orange, blue + yellow = green.

THE COLOUR WHEEL
Pic courtesy from Google Images.

COMPLIMENTARY colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel and help to neutralise colour. For example, if you have blue under your eyes, the colour opposite blue is orange, therefore you would use orange concealer under the eyes to even it out. If you have redness on your cheeks (or suffer from the skin condition Rosacea) green concealer will help. Green is opposite red on the colour wheel.

Pic courtesy from Google Images.

Want to know what colours suit you? As we flick through fashion magazines, we can clearly see that anything goes as far as colour these days. BLUE & GREEN should never be seen - yeh right! These two colours look amazing together. I call them the ADAM & EVE of colours - shouldn't be together and yet are so good together. Get my drift???

Pic courtesy from Google Images.

Regardless of the "anything goes" theory, there are colours that will compliment you and enhance your beauty.

We divide the Colour Wheel into two - cool and warm colours. How do we differentiate what we fall under? Follow my easy steps to find out your colours.

WARM & COOL SKIN UNDERTONES
Pic courtesy of Google Images.

What is the undertone of your skin colour? Usually falls under Pink or Orange. Predominantly people of English and Welsh backgrounds are usually pink undertones whilst European backgrounds tend be orange undertones. This is also the way we determine the foundation colour for you. Best way to check is by applying 3 tones of foundation on your inner wrist, that you think might be closest to your skin colour. The colour that fades into your natural colour the most, is the ideal colour for you.

Pink is more a cool colour whereas Orange is a warm colour.

Therefore, great colours for pink undertones are blues, greens, purples.

Great colours for orange undertones are orange, yellow, reds

Pic courtesy of Google Images.

Pic courtesy of Google Images.

 

 Next, look at your eye colours and follow the table below.


Pic courtesy of Google Images



Your hair colour should also be taken into consideration.

Pic courtesy of Google Images

HAIR COLOUR CHART USED BY HAIRDRESSERS
Pic courtesy of Google Images.

 

 

Finally, what looks better on you - GOLD or SILVER. Look at your inner wrist. Are your veins showing through more of a blue or green colour? The bluer the veins reflects coolness. The yellowy/green tones reflect warmth. Gold is more complimentary on warm golden tones and Silver is best with cool pink tones.

Pic courtesy of Google Images

Confused? Don't be. Make up Artists and Hair dressers are trained to help you with colour choices, as well as Design consultants.

Lets have a quick look at the RED LIPSTICK. How do you decide which is right for you, especially if you aren't daring enough to try wearing it. There are WARM REDS and COOL REDS (just to confuse you further lol). Therefore, a cool red lip - also known as a TRUE RED - is best suited to those with pink/cool undertones and the warm red - with a hint of orange through it - is best suited to orange/warm undertones.

RED LIPSTICKS
warm tones and cool tones.
Pic courtesy of Google Images.

There you have it. Embrace colour. Live a little dangerously and experiment with colours you have never worn. Bring out the real beauty with the rainbow.

Me wearing warm and cool - cause I can.
My undertones are in the middle of pink/orange therefore either or works well for me.
Colour theme here is orange and blue - warm/cool


 

SK x

BEAUTY QUEEN SOUL SEARCHING.

This Friday, yours truly will be embarking on yet another adventure. I will be surrounded with bling, gowns and gorgeous pearly white smiles. I am off to judge a BEAUTY PAGEANT! Not just any pageant may I add. This one will be crowned Miss Oceana International - a girl who is passionate about her surroundings and will go on to represent Australia overseas.

Picture courtesy of Google Images

I have been asked to organise the make up application backstage as well as sit on the judges panel. To say I'm a little excited is an understatement. I have organised a wonderful creative team that will beautify our contestants, whilst I search deep into the souls of our pageant entrants.



A Face Chart I threw together to get an idea of the look the girls will wear.

As I write this post, I think about what it means to be crowned in a beauty pageant. As a young girl, who always thought she would one day have the honour of speaking those special words......."I want world peace and to stop world hunger".......... I was fascinated by the gorgeous women with their long silky hair, their perfect smiles and their gowns that were fit for a princess. Last but not least, that CROWN. Wow.

These pictures were courtesy of Google Images 

The gorgeous Miss World Oceana from a few years back - Erin Holland.

But now years on (not that many years ok) I realise there is so much more these young ladies have to give. The majority of these girls are career oriented and are role models for our younger teens. They are knowledgeable and have engaged themselves in charity awareness.

Miss Oceana has set the standard far and beyond. Contestants were invited to join from all cultures and backgrounds and there was NO size restrictions. Big girls have beauty too you know. I have always said that you can be the most beautiful girl around, but if your personality stinks, then I'm sorry my dear, but you are UGLY.

Picture courtesy off Google Images

I am so honoured to be a part of this. I look forward to meeting all of the contestants and learning more about them.

I will be doing make up for models partaking in the fashion parade, that will be showcasing hair couture before the pageant begins. I can't wait to share the pictures from this with you all next week.

My awesome creative team, who I will mention in my next blog - will have the duty to provide the gorgeous girls with a makeover, making them glamorous as they walk the stage.

Finally, I would like to add that this pageant - Miss Oceana International - would not have substance if it didn't have a purpose. The money raised from this will be going to a charity that raises awareness of child abuse. No child should be mistreated and put under this abuse.  My creative team are volunteering their time for this wonderful cause.

Stay tuned till next week, when I will give you a rundown of our special night.

SK x

SHOWER HER WITH COLOUR THIS MOTHER'S DAY.

My goodness. It's already May. Where is the time going. May means Mother's Day. Purchases of perfumery, jewellery, pyjamas, dressing gowns, slippers, flowers (yellow, pink and white chrysanthemums) mugs, chocolate, love song cd's and vouchers to beauty salons are frantically being made ......... ummmmm........... the day before. I bet you are guilty of that. I'm usually this 'last minute' person, but sure enough I am a little more organised this year and have made my purchase for my mama.You still have 4 more shopping days peeps to get yourself organised.

May means Mother's Day and that means CHRYSANTHEMUMS
Pic courtesy of Google Images.

Why must the typical "Mother's Day" presents be purchased year after year. Me personally, I enjoyed my children making me little crafty gifts at school when they were younger. That doesn't happen anymore :-( .

Pics courtesy of Google Images. 

Only today my son who is 16, suggested he may buy me the new Mercedes Benz perfume, cause it might make me smell like a care!!!!! What the?????? I have a vision of me smelling like engine oil for some reason.

Pic courtesy of Google Images.

Mums usually put themselves last. We are good like that. LOL. Never enough time to make ourselves look pretty, take care of our skin, do our hair or even apply simple make up. I'm constantly hearing women state that they wished they knew how to apply make up PROPERLY. Unfortunately, it isn't a skill we are born with - well the majority anyway. Make up application is a learned skill. And I don't mean the Kim Kardashian wanna-bees who think contouring is the be all end all.

Pic courtesy of Google Images

If you are stuck for ideas, here is one - Get them a make up lesson from participating beauty counters or make up counters. They usually go for about 1 hr to 3 hrs, in which a step by step demonstration is shown. This won't make them make up artists, but it will give them some confidence in choosing the appropriate colours and techniques. Trust me, she will love you for it.

Pics courtesy of Google Images

If you don't think she would enjoy this, then invest in quality make up for her. A gift voucher is always handy so that she can be correctly colour matched. Don't be shy to ask at the beauty counters either. If all else fails, grab her a nice lipstick. You may not be able to afford to buy her a CHANEL bag (I'm still waiting.....) so try getting her a CHANEL lipstick. Style and quality all in one little package. After all, its the thought that counts.

If my children are reading this, I would be happy with the CHANEL bag. Please and thank you.

Here is a picture kids....... just saying!!!!
Pic courtesy of Google Images.

So to all the mums out there reading this, I hope you have a wonderful day being spoilt. Breakfast in bed should include wine. It's that one day each year that we are being celebrated for being a mum, grandmother, step-mum and role model.

SK x

YOU HAD ME AT "MAKE UP".

MAKE UP ~ There is "kiss and make up" and then there is "do you wear make up?" Sort of the same as they both involve luscious lips.

Pic courtesy of Google Images.

I love make up - that is no secret. After all, I am a make up artist. But I don't just love buying; playing and experimenting with make up. I love the way it can transform the appearance and the confidence the wearer experiences.

I'm a big believer in that there is beauty in everyone and that beauty comes from within (for some it may appear deep deep down from within......just saying). However, a little transformation can brighten someone's day and give them the confidence to step outside their comfort zone.

Let's take the RED LIPSTICK for example. Its the classic lip colour and it can make you look sexy and stylish, or it can make you feel like a "hooker". Don't get me started on red lippie on teeth - so not necessary ladies. If you are hating on RED - it may be that you just haven't found the right shade of red to compliment your skin tone. Confused? Let me elaborate.

TYPES OF RED LIPSTICK

BLUE BASE RED - This is a true red. Best worn by those with fair and light coloured skin. It's a cool red.

ORANGE BASED RED - More of a warmer red so best suited for medium to dark coloured skin.

PINK / RED - Not quite the fire engine red, but rather a pink undertone making it more of a cooler red. I love this type of red.

THE DIFFERENT TONES OF RED AVAILABLE TO SUIT YOUR SKIN TONE.
Pic Courtesy of Google Images. 

BLUE BASE RED LIPSTICK - PERFECT FOR THOSE WITH COOL UNDERTONES.
Pic Courtesy of Google Images.
 

RED LIPSTICKS AVAILABLE TO GIVE YOU THAT KISSABLE POUT.
Pic courtesy of Google Images.

I suggest you experiment with the different reds available and you may just surprise yourself. DON'T forget to use a red lip liner to avoid bleeding of the colour outside the natural lip line. Wear it with confidence. If you love the way it looks on you, chances are others will see the confidence in you.

Whether its the red lippie or the smoky eye - either way it will transform you from the everyday 'plain jane' look.

Only recently, I was fortunate to do make up for a beautiful lady who just completed her round of chemotherapy. My belief is that all women should be able to feel beautiful, regardless of their status, race, religion, age or in this case, if they have just gone through hell and back.

A little foundation was added to my client's face - to even out her skin tone. Soft browns were put onto her eye lids with a very fine brown gel liner on the top lash line. Her gorgeous eyes were completed with some short individual lashes and a soft crayon was used to pencil in her brows. A soft brush of blush onto her cheeks and a soft browny pink lippie was applied to finish her makeover.

She looked ...... WOW. Her face lit up and I could see she was feeling comfortable in her skin. Make up will not take away pain and hurt within ourselves, rather gives that little bit of femininity back that disappeared for a while.

Pic courtesy of Google Images.

So to perk up your drab feeling you may be experiencing of late, pop on some make up. It doesn't have to be 'out there' and full on. A simple soft coloured lip and eye can make the difference. There is no time like the present to KISS and MAKE UP.

SOME LIPSTICK CHEMISTRY.
Pic courtesy of Google Images.

SK x

FEELING THIRSTY?

It's getting darker earlier and mornings are beginning to get a little more chilly. Arrrghhh Autumn is upon us. A part from absolutely loving winter fashion - think coats, boots, scarves - I hate the dryness my skin is beginning to feel and the first signs of scaly skin.

 Picture courtesy of Google Images

Time to hydrate peeps. We need to keep our skin looking and feeling supple. Have you noticed your scalp is a little itchy? Scratching can cause sores and not to mention make it look like you have nits :-/ . (Bet you are scratching your head right now).

Picture courtesy of Google Images

Just like our insides need water to hydrate so does our SKIN. Here are some DOs & DON'TS you can practice to prevent that itchy, dry, scaly, skin.

1. DRINK water peeps. Yes it will help with the way our skin will look. 6 - 8 glasses a day is expected. And no, water in our coffee and tea is NOT considered as one of those glasses.

 Picture courtesy of Google Images. 

2. Avoid HOT showers. I know its beginning to get cold, but hot temperatures on the skin and scalp can lead to dryness and itchiness.

 Picture courtesy of Google Images

3. Avoid SOAP to wash your body. Try using shower gels/lotions or good old fashioned sorbalene. Soap can be very drying on the skin, especially if it has SLS's (Sodium Lauryl Sulphates) listed in its ingredients. Chemical-free soap is also a better choice. Eg. Goats milk, oatmeal soap.

 Picture courtesy of Google Images

4. The same goes with your shampoo. If it is packed with chemicals, it will contribute to a drier scalp; especially if you colour your hair. Perhaps invest in a hot oil treatment each month to help soothe the scalp as well as treating dry hair.

5. Use a moisturiser as soon as you have had a shower. I always tell my clients if they are getting a spray tan, to pat the skin dry and then rub moisturiser all over the body. Even if you leave your skin a little wet, the moisturiser will absorb better. Moisturisers help lock in water / hydration in the skin.

 Picture courtesy of Google Images

6. Use a night cream for your face just before you hop into bed. Don't forget to cleanse first. A night cream is thicker and helps rejuvenate the skin whilst you are sleeping. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I've also recommended to my clients with really dry skin, to use the night cream during the day to speed up the hydration process.

7. When wearing make up, avoid powdery finishes on the face, as this will look dry and caked on, especially if your face is dry. Best to use cream or liquid foundations.

 A typical example of a 'cake face'.
Picture courtesy of Google Images

8. Just because it is colder, don't forget to wear your SPF+. The UV rays are still strong and if you get a little burnt, your skin will go dry too.

So remember, HYDRATION is the key to all things good in our bodies and it will show first on your SKIN.



 Picture courtesy of Google Images

Get drinking and moisturising.

Picture courtesy of Google Images

SK :-)

SCENT OF A WOMAN........OH AND A MAN TOO.

You are standing at the train station and a stranger rushes past. Immediately you are mesmerised with their scent that lingers behind. Sounds like an Impulse (body spray) commercial doesn't it? But that smell, takes you back to your overseas trip to Hawaii. Notes of frangipanis and hibiscus excites your senses and reminds you of the hot balmy nights; overlooking the still ocean under the moonlight!

Ok, so I may not be a great writer when it comes to romance. But I do have a wild imagination and the memory I have talked about is in fact my honeymoon - 21 years ago. Let me assure you that each time I smell these tropical scents of the island, I am whisked away to another era. (That would be the one where I was ummmm 20 and a size 8).

It amazes me how the sense of smell is so powerful and reminds us of another time, place and even emotions. The smell of freshly cut grass takes me back to when I was 5 and I was playing in the garden (cause there was no Facebook), whilst my dad was cutting the grass. That smell reminds me of summer.

Wikipedia defines PERFUME as a mixture of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents used to give the human body, animals, food, objects, and living spaces "a pleasant scent."^[1]              

If we could capture our sense of smell and bottle it forever, that would be cool. No need though. We have perfumeries that create these for us. The process of smelling the essential oils and botanicals in perfumes falls under the Olfactory System. We smell the contents and the message relayed to our brain (known as the limbic system - see I did listen in class when I studied Aromatherapy) takes us to the memories saved in our filing system - formed in our brain.

THE BRAIN
Pictures courtesy of Google Images. 

Perfume makes us smell great. It can make a woman feel sensual and sexy; not to mention when a man smells great - he becomes masculine and sexy. I love smelling good. I have so many perfumes and I still can't get enough. But there are cheap perfumes that can also make you smell rancid and 'OLD' - think of sweet pea and Taboo.

Do you know the difference between a cologne, perfume and eau de toilette? This can make a difference in winning over your loved one.

COLOGNE

Eau de Cologne or simply cologne (German: Kölnisch Wasser, “Water of Cologne”) is a perfume originating from Cologne, Germany. Originally mixed by Italian-born Johann Maria Farina in 1709, it has since come to be a generic term for scented formulations in typical concentration of 2%–5% and also more depending upon its type essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water. In a base of dilute ethanol (70%–90%), eau de cologne contains a mixture of citrus oils including oils of lemon, orange, tangerine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit and neroli. It can also contain oils of lavender, rosemary, thyme, petitgrain (orange leaf), jasmine, and tobacco.  as per Wikipedia definition.

PARFUME or PERFUME

PERFUME is a mixture of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents used to give the human body, animals, food, objects, and living spaces "a pleasant scent."^[1] 
as per Wikipedia definition.

EAU DE TOILETTE

Eau de toilette is also referred to as "aromatic waters" or "flower waters" and has a high alcohol content. It also has essential oils added to the mix. Usually in the form of 'after shave'.

So basically it depends on the chemical ingredients that determines the heading it falls under and of course the price you pay.

Some examples of amazing scents I love are:

All pictures are Courtesy of  Google Images.

Some awesome fragrances worn by my man.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.    

TIP: When trying to pick a perfume for someone, try and smell the coffee beans they have available to neutralise the scents ~ or you will have perfume overload.

Enjoy and smell good peeps!

SK x

THE UGLY SIDE OF BEAUTY.

We've all heard the saying, "beauty is pain" ~ think of waxing; laser; piercings, tattooing, etc. But what about what we are putting onto our skin? Do you really know what's in your moisturiser; shampoo or even your cleanser? Smells good. Looks good. Should be good, right? WRONG!

Picture Courtesy of Goolge Images.

Unfortunately there are ingredients in some products that may be causing us health issues or even skin irritation.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about ALL beauty products on the market. Just those that contain harsh chemicals and parabens.

Next time you purchase a beauty item; check out the ingredients. Generally, the first 3 or 4 listed ingredients are the most active and make up most of the product.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images. 

For example, if your body wash states it's infused with "essential oils" ~ if it is listed towards the end of the ingredient list; then I can assure you there may only be 1% of an essential oil included. So much for "infusion".

You will find that WATER or AQUA is at the top of the list.  Water is essential to add to beauty products.  You may then find SLS's written. This stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - it has been found to be a carcinogenic and is usually a culprit to cause skin irritation.

Manufacturers add SLS's to the item to create a "soap sud" effect. (Think of dishwashing liquid). Imagine what that would be doing to your skin. STRIPPING the natural oils in the skin is what it does.

Another ingredient you may come across is MINERAL OIL. This is derived from Petroleum. Without me going into too much of a chemistry lesson - just think of the word PETROLeum. Yes, petrol is made from this as well. AND you may be putting this onto your skin.

I think I have painted a brief enough picture, in order for you to understand that BEAUTY isn't always Beautiful!

Looking for more valuable information ~ get your hands on this great book!

SK x

THIS IS A COVER UP!

Do you have a birthmark, rosacea, dark pigmentation, vitiligo, dilated capillaries and / or a bruise that is stopping you from leaving the comfort of your own home?  Sick of explaining to people what it is? Does your current foundation and concealer not camouflage your condition completely?

If you answered yes to one of the above or to all of them, then read on as I’m sure you will find this information valuable.

The abovementioned skin conditions don’t necessarily go away, unless it’s a bruise – this will heal; but the others can perhaps be corrected with the use of aesthetics such as Laser and even surgery.

Unfortunately, not all of us can afford these medical corrections. But, there are products on the market that are targeted to cover these conditions. These cover ups are known as REMEDIAL CAMOUFLAGE MAKE UP or Corrective Cosmetics.  It almost sounds like it’s army related when we refer to it as CAMOUFLAGE.

There are various product lines available but I will only touch on one in particular, as it is the same product I use when I teach this subject at college.

Picture courtesy of Google Images.
DermaBlend covers/corrects Vitiligo, Acne/Blemishes,
Rosacea & Tattoos.

Introducing………. DermaBlend. This particular ‘cover up’ was the brainchild of an American Dermatologist back in 1981. Obviously, there was a need to bring confidence to clients who suffered a skin condition and perhaps a cheaper alternative to the more expensive solutions; a face and body make up was created. It is thicker than normal foundation and is waterproof – making it ideal for the Australian beach weather.

DermaBlend Range
Picture Courtesy of Google Images.

 

This particular product is matched to your skin colour and applied to blend in. Once it sets for about 10 to 15 minutes; a setting powder is applied. Best method of applying the DermaBlend is with a sponge/brush.  It is very thick so only minimal amounts are applied, therefore the tube or tub you purchased, should last quite some time. If stored correctly (away from heat and always closing the lid) it will last over a year.

DermaBlend can be purchased from most chemists where beauty products are sold, as well as some Priceline stores. I must warn you though, it isn’t cheap – but it is a lot cheaper than Laser or surgery and it will last you quite some time. More importantly, it will give you the confidence to continue with outdoor activities and to enjoy yourself.

SK x

For further information on this fab product, visit www.dermablend.com.au