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

SHE BANGS SHE BANGS..........TO FRINGE OR NOT TO FRINGE.

I've seen blunt, side swept, wispy and short ones! I've seen good ones and I've seen DIY at home jobs that have turned out terrible. Yes peeps; I'm talking about the FRINGE - aka the BANGS as our American friends call them.

Rihanna with and without a fringe.

I don't mind this particular look as it can be quite stylish and chic. The decision to cut the fringe is something you really have to evaluate and think "do you really want one"? After all, they can be annoying; they require frequent maintenance so you can see; if not washed can block pores on the forehead resulting in unwanted breakouts; and once it's cut - that's it.........until it grows out.

Now lets take a closer look at some of these good and bad choices for the fringe.
First, here is the stylish side fringe.  It's flattering and tends to suit everyone.

Some celebrities and royalty who wear the side fringe.

We then have the blunt number. I actually like it as it has a sophisticated look about it. It definitely can be a glammed up look.

Straight across will always return in style and suit most ladies. 

Next up is the very short bang!!! The ones that look fab......on some only! I think it works if the wearer dresses accordingly. Pretty much seen on Pin up 1950's style girls.

I think it is safe to say there are 2 celebrities looking
amazing out of the 3 here. Sorry Beyonce - but that is a fail.

While we are on complete FAILS; check out these beauties. Has no one told them about straight across and not CROOKED; TEASED or CURLED UNDER!!!! I'm not going to lie; I have been spotted back in the 80's with the teased fringed....and yes - with loads of hairspray that may have contributed to the ozone layer effect!!!!

Everything from teased high with loads of hairspray: to the curled under fringe which looks ridiculous.
Tina Fey.......no words really!!!

Gees there are some horror looks out there in tinsel town. What if they didn't like it? Stiff cheddar! Or ..... they can hide it with a clip in fringe - YES there is the fake fringe for those who want a fringe today and not tomorrow.

The FAKE FRINGE. 

Here are some acceptable BANGS to grace our parties!!

All pictures are Courtesy of Google Images.

So give it a go peeps ~ it is only hair that will grow back. Choose a style of fringe that will frame your face and perhaps give you fullness. It's great to hide the greys..... I mean the sparkly bits. You know; the highlights! Talk to your hairdresser on what will best suit you.

Get 'banging'!!!! 😉😉😉

SK x

WHAT'S IN YOUR BEAUTY CUPBOARD?

It's time to clear out those beauty products that have been sitting at the back of your bathroom cupboard for the last...... hmmmmm 5 years perhaps. They are taking up way too much space and there is a whole new ship load of goodies waiting for you to purchase in the beauty isles. 

Once a product has passed it's used by date - yes they do have one - it's time to toss it. Once the jar/bottle is opened, they generally are active until they have hit the use by date. Creams and lotions especially have a little jar icon, found either on the label or at the base. This icon will have perhaps a 12m or 6m written on it. This indicates how long the shelf life has once the product is opened. Serums and masks won't be as potent as they are when first opened and therefore will not deliver the outcome you are expecting.

 

 

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

I'm sure you peeps have wondered what's in my beauty cabinet. Well, I'm going to share with you all my little obsession of beauty and make up products alike, that are residing in my bathroom, bedroom, beauty room, handbag and just about anywhere I can store this little beauties (pardon the pun :-) ).

Picture courtesy of Google Images.
 

WHOLA........ Here is my beauty cabinet in my bathroom. You will notice it is all female products. Hubby has a tiny space under the vanity which houses his 'beauty products'.

 

You will also notice they are all tiny sample products. That's how I roll peeps. Try before you buy I say. Some of these goodies can last up to a month's worth of skincare supplies. I used to use the same product brand for cleanser, exfoliant, moisturiser. But once I studied Beauty Therapy and in particular skincare, I found a little bit of this brand and a little bit of that brand, can benefit my skin. I have everything here from serums, eye creams, make up removers, cleansers, toners, exfoliants, SPF moisturisers, whitening creams and firming creams. The bonus of having purchased these travel sizes is that if I have a reaction to them, at least I haven't spent a fortune and I will have used them up before the expiry date.

Next up, my make up bag or bags I should say. So pretty and so clean. Yes, I am a neat freak when it comes to my beauty products. Everything from wiping the containers down, making sure the lids are kept on and having some sort of order. You should protect the products from drying out; keep them out of the sun or heat; keep in a cool place; and chuck them once they smell different or the actual content has separated and not applying like it should.

 

My neat little Elizabeth Arden make up bag

I purchased just before Christmas. The goodies

in it are pictured below.

 

 

 

My little blue Napoleon Perdis make up bag that

I keep in the bathroom and take away with me.

 

 

My cute little Oroton make up bag (yes I am

notorious about make up bags) that houses my

essentials for on the go.

I always like to make sure I have a few coloured lippies on hand in my handbag too - lipgloss, paw paw ointment, red lipstick & nude lipstick. I keep a moisturiser as well, that I can use all over the body if needed. I only carry a compact powder if I have a special occasion and I'm out all day. I only really use it if I have a shiny T-zone so I just pat that area. I also carry spare tweezers, so that I can quickly get rid of that unwanted hair on my brows - they only tend to appear in the rear vision mirror in the car - go figure.

While I'm on the topic of cleaning, throwing out and maintaining a beauty cabinet; don't forget to wash and care for your make up brushes. Poor little buggers always get left out. Remember, if those brushes have a build-up of foundation, eye shadow, eye liner or lippie, you are not going to get a nice finish when you apply them. A simple wash with shampoo and conditioner will ensure they are kept in good condition and are hygienic to eliminate adding any bacteria to your face. Pat dry your brushes with a towel and lie them flat to dry; this will avoid loosening the metal bits from water getting into them.

So what are you waiting for. There is no time like the present. I have just received an email from a gorgeous skincare brand as I'm typing this post; showcasing their new lip scrub/moisturiser. I think Sandikay is going to have to 'try before I buy'. After all, Valentine's is next week. My lips have to be smooth and ready for the kissing marathon.

Stay beautiful peeps.
SK x

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING.............

Happy 2015 peeps.

I find myself typing this blog at 6am when I should be sleeping. It's the school holidays and I have every opportunity to sleep in but unfortunately my sleep patterns have other ideas.

Picture Courtesy of Google Images

Social Media comes to my rescue to entertain me at this hour. Finding out what the rest of the world is doing is always intriguing. However, this is probably the worst activity I could have picked to amuse me.

The dictionary defines sleep as;

noun: sleep

1. 1.

   a condition of body and mind which typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended.

   "I was on the verge of sleep"

   synonyms:

   nap, doze, rest, siesta, drowse, catnap; More beauty sleep; informalsnooze, forty winks, a bit of shut-eye, power nap; informalkip, zizz; children's languagebye-byes; literaryslumber "why don't you go and lie down and have a sleep?"

   • literary

     a state compared to or resembling sleep, such as death or complete silence or stillness.

     "a photograph of the poet in his last sleep"
   • informal

     (typically in the context of anticipating a forthcoming event) a night, or a night's sleep.

     "two more sleeps till I fly to LA"
2. 2.

   a gummy secretion found in the corners of the eyes after sleep.

   "she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes"

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images 

So why am I not sleeping? It's like my body goes through different cycles when sometimes all I can do is sleep and then other times like now, when 5 hours tops is all I'm getting. :-(

As I ponder as to why this happening to me, here are some reasons why sleep deprivation may be haunting you.

1. Stress - Your mind is constantly ticking as you try to close your eyes. You toss and turn and counting sheep is not cutting it. It's almost as if your eyes stay wide open the entire time.

2. Illness - that damn runny nose is dripping like a tap and there are tissues thrown around everywhere. I usually shove the corner of a tissue up my nose just so I don't have to blow it AGAIN. Or when razor blades take residence in your throat. You struggle to swallow and end up with a puddle of saliva all over your pillow, as you lie there breathing through your mouth.

3. Excitement - as in a big event occurring the following day. (Get your minds out of the gutter peeps lol). I have arrived at a Bride's house in the early hours of the morning to apply the Bridal Party Make up, only to find they have had little or no sleep due to the excitement of the day ahead. Who can sleep when your besties are sleeping next to you, reminding you this is your last single night at home.

SLEEP PATTERNS
Pictures Courtesy of Google Images

So how can we overcome these dreaded sleepless nights?

1. Wind down before going to bed with a nice warm cup of herbal tea - Chamomile is my favourite.

Picture Courtesy of Google Images

2. Avoid computer screens and phones - NO SOCIAL MEDIA - I'm reinforcing this to myself as I'm guilty of this 100% of the time.

3. Gentle exercise could be beneficial or even a walk around the block after dinner. This would also help with stress. Clearing your head and breathing in fresh air sounds like a great combination to relax you before sleep.

4. Have a relaxing warm bath. Add essential oils to the bath - lavender is always peaceful. Burn a few candles to create the ambience.

Picture Courtesy of Google Images

5. My favourite would be to receive a massage before bed. This relaxes the muscles and helps you unwind. The only problem is getting your partner to do it for longer than 2 minutes before they give up.

Picture Courtesy of Google Images

Lastly, how does sleep benefit your beauty regime.

1. While you are sleeping, the skin regenerates and new skin cells are formed. Serums and Night Creams that are applied, do their job by penetrating into the skin layers and promote the production of collagen and elastin.

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images

2. Your nails grow whilst you are resting. Popping on some cuticle oil onto your nails will help nourish them.

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images 

3. An oil hair treatment can be put on whilst you sleep, to nourish the hair. Pop the treatment on and put on a plastic shower cap to protect the pillow.

Hair Mask - Picture Courtesy of Google Images.

4. Sleep will make you look refreshed in the morning and dark circles under the eyes are less visible. However, dark circles unfortunately can also be genetic (meaning if your mum or dad has dark circles, its more than likely you will inherit this too), or can be an indication of poor diet and ill health.

Picture Courtesy of Google Images

5. Dry and scaly feet can be treated whilst you are sleeping, by rubbing on foot balm on your feet and popping on some loose socks so that the skin soaks it up.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images. 

So sleep is beneficial not only to stay awake the following day, but also to assist in our beauty regime. After all, they do call it BEAUTY SLEEP!!!! Time for Sandikay to get some zeeeeez I think. #feelingblah

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images 

SK x

Picture Courtesy of Google Images.