Outfit of the Day: Maxi Dress & Wedges

Hi Everyone.....

Well firstly, I apologise for not uploading any blog posts since October, my make up business was out of control during "Wedding Season", but now it's slowed down a little so I'm going to make a  conscious effort to upload a blog post at least every week!

It's super hot in Australia at the moment and when I want to get dressed up a Maxi Dress is the most cool and comfortable (plus stylish) option!

I bought my maxi dress from Best & Less, for under $20 - score - don't you just love when you snap up a bargain - and then there's 25% off as well!!

The Maxi Dress features a floral print of pink, greeen, yellow, coral against  a navy background.  The dress came with a tan and cream rope belt.  As you can see it's slightly too long so I have to wear it with super high wedges, until I can have it hemmed;)

I paired the dress with a mix up of bracelets from Target, Sussan and my Pandora bracelet.  My wedges are a taupey/tan colour and feature a cork base and are from KMart (via eBay).

Make up was kept to a natural look with foundation (MUFE), concealer (Maybelline), powder (MAC), setting spray (Urban Decay), eyeshadow (Bare Minerals), eyeliner (Rimmel), mascara (Benefit), brows (Benefit), contour (Sleek), highlight (Lorac), blush (NARS), lipstick (Revlon) and lipgloss (Buxom).


Will you be wearing a Maxi Dress this summer?

x

ABC of ME.......Kate!

Hi Everyone!!

Here is something a bit different for you all, its a post that i read on another Qld beauty blogger/mua,  Madame Rouge Makeup Artist's blog (http://www.madamerougemakeup.blogspot.com.au/).  So i figured i would give it a whirl and you'd have a bit of fun info about ME...

A.  AGE: 34

B.  BED SIZE: Queen

C. CHORE YOU HATE: Ironing

D. DAY: Thursday

E. ESSENTIAL START TO YOUR DAY: A cup of tea

F. FAVOURITE COLOUR: White

G. GOLD OR SILVER: Silver

H. HEIGHT:  163 cm

I. INSTRUMENTS: None.  Although I can't hold a tune I love karaoke after a few drinks!

J. JOB TITLE: Mum and Make Up Artist

K. KIDS - Yes, 2 Boy and Girl Fraternal Twins

L. LIVES - Maryborough, Queensland, Australia

M. MUM'S NAME: Cheryl

N. NICKNAMES: My dad always called me "Gert" when I was a kid and it's stuck and my brother and sister-in-law call me that too.

O. OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAYS: length of time: 6 nights when my twins were born; 1 night with suspected appendix and 1 night when I was a kid with a broken arm.

P. PET PEEVE: People asking me if my twins are identical - dumbasses - how can a boy and girl be identical?!

Q: QUOTE FROM A MOVIE: "I carried a watermelon"

R: RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED: Right

S: SIBLINGS: One brother who is 2 years older than me.

U: UNDERWEAR: Bonds!

V: VEGETABLES YOU DISLIKE: Brussell Sprouts

W: WHAT MAKES YOU RUN LATE: Kids!  All the time!!

X: X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: Left arm when I was a child (trying to  run down a slippery slide), teeth

Y: YUMMY FOOD YOU MAKE: Nachos, Risotto and Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding

Z: ZOO: Loved holding onto a baby wombat at a zoo in Tasmania

I hope you enjoyed this blog post, so why not leave me a link to your post in the comments below.

x

Spring Has Sprung! O'sOTD - White & Stripes

Hi Everyone!!

Spring has defintely descended in Queensland (Australia) and I've packed away my winter clothes and unpacked my dresses, skirts and shorts!  Yeah!! 

Today I'm bringing you two Outfit's Of The Day featuring the same white singlet and a striped skirt, one mini and one maxi.....

For both outfits I'm just wearing a plain white singlet from Big W.....first up a breakdown of Outfit No. 1.....

White Singlet from Big W
Navy & White Slimline Maxi Skirt from Big W
Dark Brown belt from Sussan
Dark Brown Sandals from Just Jeans
Bracelets from Diva and Pandora

Make up was kept to a minium with foundation, concealer, powder, brow
powder, vanilla eyeshadow, brown eyeliner, pink cheeks and pink lips

Now onto Outfit No. 2......

White Singlet from Big W
Coral and White Striped Mini from Cotton On
Silver Peep Toe Ballet Flats from Big W
Jewellery from Big W

Make up again was kept to a minimum with foundation, concealer, powder, brow powder,
bronzer, vanilla eyeshadow, black liquid liner on top lashline,
coral cheeks and peach lips

So break out the stripes and wear them today!

 

x

Battle of the BB Creams......

Hi Everyone!!

I know, it's been AGES since I last posted on my blog, life has been soooo busy and it's now entering Wedding Season (Sept - Dec) in Australia so it's all about to get a whole lot more busy.

Today I've decided to do a mini review/comparison on two BB creams that are readily available in the department store.

L'oreal New Nude Magique BB Cream and Garnier Mirace

Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One BB Cream.

Basically a BB Cream is a moisturiser packed with "good" stuff for your skin.  Although, quite a number of companies are just re-packaging their tinted moisturisers and calling them BB Creams.

Review Time

I first purchased the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector when it was released in January (and it was garnering rave reviews in the US - note it was winter in the northern hemisphere too) and due to all the rave reviews I had high hopes for this to replace my normal tinted moisturiser.  Originally it came out in one shade only, however now you can purchase it in Fair and Medium.  Firstly, I noticed it had no SPF which I prefer to have in a tinted moisturiser or daily foundation.  The texture was quite thick, a little oily and slightly orange toned.  My high hopes were quickly dispelled - the coverage was quite thin, felt oily and was orange on my skin.  I like to apply this with my hands and felt I couldn't quite blend it seamlessly with the orangey colour.  Even when setting this with powder after wearing it during the height of summer my face was like an oil slick.  I think Garnier stating it's a "Miracle Skin Perfector" is just  a little far fetched - miracles really?  In a tube??  I put it aside to see what it would be like during winter - much better, however it did need to be set with powder.  Then I noticed the US reviews coming through as it was now their summer - they were all complaining how it turned their skin into an oil slick.  So all in all, not so crash hot:(

Top - L'oral New Nude Magique BB Cream
Bottom - Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector

Enter the L'oreal New  Nude Magique BB Cream ..... this was released during the Australian Winter so I'm yet to see how it performs in Summer (in saying this it was highly rated during their Northern Summer).  When I first saw this advertised I was skeptical but decided to go to the store and see what it was like, I tested it on the back of my hand and browsed the store for a good 5-10 minutes to see what it was like.  I was impressed so into my shopping bag it went!  This claims to mimic the texture and glow of perfect bare skin.  I happen to agree, it makes my skin, look like my bare skin, only better.  Firstly, ticks to it having a SPF 12, coming in Light and Medium Skin Tones.  The fun part about this cream is it white with tiny grey particles and on contact with your skin the cream turns skin coloured - magique!  LOL!  It gives a nice matte feeling and has light coverage, but I find that I can use a touch of concealer and powder and turn it into medium coverage.

FULL POINTS TO  L'OREAL NUDE MAGIQUE BB CREAM

Now that we're heading into the hot and humid Australian Summer I'm going to be using this on a daily basis!  Winning!

x

One Final Winter Outfit of the Day.....

Hi Everyone!!

Firstly, sorry I've been MIA for the past couple of weeks, life has been pretty busy and I had a couple of free weekends for some precious family time before "Wedding Season" hits and I won't have any free Saturdays to spend with my family until mid December - yah for my business!

So it's a Outfit of the Day Post, and we are only days away from the end of Winter and after the cold winter we've had I really can't wait for Spring to be here.....

Navy & White Striped Tee - from Big W
White Jeans - from Roxy
Navy Scarf - from Just Jeans
Coral Belt - from Cotton On
Coral Ballet Flats - from Big W
Coral Bracelets & Ring - from Big W

The Outfit of the Day can be transitioned from winter to spring too, by removing the jacket and scarf....white jeans are so classic and fresh!

I love adding coral to navy and white - it just adds a pop of colour.....

So cute!

My make up today is fresh and natural....just some BB cream, concealer, powder, mascara, brow powder (I need it!), coral blush and tinted lip balm......add in a little hair twist and voila so beautiful....

So are you going to give this look a go for Spring?

x

Does Make Up Make a Difference....How Half a Face of Make Up Can Make a Difference...

Recently I saw a facebook picture that Promise Tamang Phan had uploaded of herself with half a face of make up and I thought it was an interesting challenge to show you all how much a difference make up can make.....

So first up here's the products I used to create my half/half face....

Face
That Gal Brightening Primer
Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation in Natural Beige
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Medium
Benefit Powderflage
MAC MSFF Powder in Medium
Sleek Face Contour Kit (bronzing and highlighting)
Benfit Coralista Blush

Eyes
NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skintone
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Permanent Taupe
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Rimmel Exagerrate Waterproof Eye Definer in Black
Rimmel Master Precise Liquid Liner in Black
Covergirl lashblastlength Mascara in Black (lower lashes)
Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara in Black (top lashes)
The Body Shop Brow Kit
Coastal Scents Whimsical False Lashes

Lips
Rimmel 'Exaggerate Lip Definer in Natural
Revlon Just Bitten KissableBalm Stain in Honey
e.l.f. Mineral Lip Gloss in Pagent Princess
e.l.f. Lip Definer and Shaper

So here's the result.....

So what's the major differences:
Skin texture is brighter and refined
Brows are more defined
Under eye circles are less prominent as well as my under eye bags
Lips are larger
Eyes are brighter and more defined

And here's a close up of my make up:

So I think I've answered the question above, Make Up Can Make a Difference!

OOTD: Leopard Chic....

Hi Everyone!!

Today I thought I'd share my Outfit of the Day, which features two of my all time favourite items....leopard print scarf and leopard print shoes.

Oh my, show me something in leopard print and I have to have it!!

Today I paired my leopard print scarf and shoes with a black and white striped three quarter sleeved long shirt, black stirrup leggings and cropped tan jacket. 

Scarf from KMart
Shoes from Payless Shoes
Leggings from Target
Shirt from Jeans West
Jacket from Cotton On

If you want to mix up your prints, then start out slowly with basic black and white stripes and some neutral leopard print and it won't look like too much is going on.

I like to pair a flowy top with  my leggings so that there is balance in my outfit.

Wearing the scarf as one long piece also lengthens my short torso and legs.



Simple bracelets in the same colours as my outfit pull the outfit together....

- white, gold, silver, dark brown, black and tan

Paired with neutral fresh make up.....as always I emphasise my eyes....

So why not mix up some prints this weekend - post your "mixed prints" pics in the comments....

x

Tape Hair Extensions by my Guest Blogger Jo......

Hi Everyone!!

Tonight my gorgeous hairdresser cousin Jo is providing a guest blog on Tape Hair Extensions......

Tape Hair extensions are fast becoming the most popular hair extensions method.

They are so quick and easy to apply and the result is seamless and natural.  They are undectectable as each weft  sits flush to the head.  A tape extension is basically a fine piece of hair attached into a skin weft which has durable double sided tape attached each piece.  Tapes are ideal for adding length, thickness, volume or colour variation such as highlights or lowlights.

Courtney - before.....

Courtney - after.....
Courtney wanted length and volume

The application process takes approximately 30 minutes to apply a full head.  It's amazing - so fast!  Tapes will need to be removed and moved up approximately every 6 - 10 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows.  The actual extensions themselves should last for around 10 - 12 months if you look after them with moisturising shampoo and conditioner, a heavy duty treatment and heat protector. 

Nat - before.....

Nat - after.....
Nat wanted length and volume

Extensions are real hair so they can be blow dried, flat iron, curled, etc.  But always remember, this hair has been highly processed so extra care is defintely needed.  Anyone out there who is interested in extensions these are defintely the way to go.

Courtney used a ghd to curl her extensions

Nat used a conical curler to curl her extensions

From my own personal experience I have found the tapes give the most natural result, they blend perfectly and are easy to style!

Thank you so much Jo for providing this post.......

So are you tempted to have some tape extensions put in??? I sure am!! 

x

Three of My Favourite Make Up Prods.....

Hi Everyone!!

This morning I thought I'd share with you three of my "go to" make up products, if I'm in a rush then this is all I'll use on my face and of course they are items I also use when I do a full face too!

1. e.l.f Lip Definer and Shaper.
2. L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara.
3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles.

First up, the e.l.f Lip Definer and Shaper.  This is a two-in-one product that has a "Shape" end (lip highlighter) at one end and a "Define" end at the other (a natural lip coloured liner). 

I use the highlighter end on my cupids bow, which instantly makes my top lip look bigger, no injections needed here!

And then I use the natural lip colour all over my lips to give them that "my lips only better" look.

You can purchase this item online from http://www.elfcosmetics.com.au/ for $9.99 in their Studio line. 


Second up, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara, this is hands down my favourite mascara I've ever tried and I always have a back up in my stock cupboard! 

It's an intense black colour and a slightly runny formula  (which I prefer in consistency) with a brush applicator (which I prefer over the plastic type brushes). 

As this mascara is a wet-type formula you do need to wait between applying to your top and bottom lashes to dry before looking up (or down).  When I wear this I can layer it to create a look of false lashes!  This can be purchased at any pharmacy or department store that stocks L'Oreal and retails for around $15.00 (depending on where you purchase).


And lastly, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles.  I've tried LOTS of concealers for dark circles and found this one works brilliantly.  It's also great for covering any redness or blemishes as well!   This is designed to erase puffiness, dark circles and fine lines and I really think it does the job well!

It is a creamy thick consistency which twists out of a sponge like applicator that you can 'draw' or 'dot' straight onto your face and then blend it in with (clean) fingers or a concealer brush. 

With the twist up feature it ensures you use all the product in the container rather than squeezing out the last drops.   I use this in a upside down triangle under my eyes, on the sides of my nose, middle of my nose, forehead and chin.  This gives me enough coverage without having to use a foundation as well.  Then I like to set this concealer with a touch of powder to ensure all day staying power!  This retails for around $15.00 and can be purchased where Maybelline products are sold.

What are your "go to" products when you have to run out the door in a rush??

x

So You Want To Wear A Red Lip? My Faves, Tips and Tricks...

Hi Everyone!

Recently my cousin asked me to find a particular red lipstick shade that she'd seen on a celebrity, I found the colour for her, but it was high end (Tom Ford and $69!!) so I set about finding a dupe for her in a more acceptable price range.  She also wanted to know what other make up to  wear with the red lip so here goes.....

My favourite red lipsticks.....

Left to Right - La Femme Cleo Red, Revlon Lip Butter Candy Apple,
Wet n Wild 520E, Maybelline Royal Red and NYX Femme

Swatched.....

Some other items for a Red Lip...

Gloss - Revlon Stawberry Fraise
Liner - Rimmel Red Dynamite

For a flawless red lip you need to have hydrated lips, so if your lips are at all flaky skip the red lip until the flakes have gone - load your lips up on Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment and use an old toothbrush to scuff off the dead skin.

Line your lips with a red lip liner and fill in your entire lips with the liner, that way you are not left with a dreaded outline when eating or drinking.  Then I blot with a tissue and reapply the lip liner again, follow up with your red lippie of choice (using a lip brush will ensure a neater line and longevity) and then blot, re-apply, blot and re-apply.  If you want that long lasting effect do not top with a gloss. 

Remeber if you are wearing a red lip (or any other brightly coloured lipstick) be prepared to  maintain the colour so your touch up lippie and a compact mirror are essentials in your purse for the rest of the day/night.

Now what other make up should you wear with a red lip?  I tend to keep the rest of my make up neutral especially if I'm wearing it during the day (night time you can amp up the drama in your eyes if you want) but here's a run down of what I last wore with a red lip....

Primer - Benefit The POREfessional
Eye Primer - NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skintone
Foundation - Rimmel Lasting Finish in Soft Beige
Concealer - Benefit Erase Paste
Powder to set Concealer - Benefit Powderflage
Powder - MAC MSFN Medium
Contour & Highligh - Sleek Face Contour Kit in Light
Bronzer - Revlon Suntan Matte
Blush - Benefit Bella Bamba
Brows - The Body Shop Brow Kit
Eyes - Eyelid color in Wet n Wild Walking on Eggshells Trio, Matte Brown in Crease
and Matte Cream on Brow Bone from Wet n Wild Vanity palette
Tightline - Coastal Scents Black Gel Liner  applied with eyeliner pencil
Lips - Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple

Also some other things to think about when wearing a red lip are your own skin colouring, if you have pink undertones in your skin you're going to want to lean towards a red that has orange undertones.  If you have yellow undertones in your skin you're going to want to lean towards a red that has pink undertones.  And if you're lucky (like me!) and you are neutral you can wear both.  However at the moment I'm liking an orange based red!

When wearing a red lip I like to tie in a touch of red from my outfit, be it a scarf, shoes, nailpolish, glasses or in this case my jeans....

Red Jeans from Big W
Taupe Jacket fro m Cotton On
Black 3/4 sleeve shirt from Big W
Scaf from KMart
Tan Belt from Cotton On
Tan Ballet Flats from Big W

So why not lash out and wear a red lip tomorrow!

My Holy Grail Skin Care Product......

Hi Everyone!!


Today I'm going to tell you about my Holy Grail (HG) skin care product.  I've been using this product for 7 months now and all I (well my skin) can say is WOW! 

What is it you ask?  It's a product from The Body Shop's Nutriganics range called Drops of Youth.  Firstly Nutriganics is a high performance certified organic range of products proven to smoothe the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It was developed to combat the first signs of aging.

The Drops of Youth can be used in combination with a serum, or added to your moisturiser day or night to give a surge of hydration and kick start the cell repair process.  Drops of Youth harnesses the power of plan stem cells harvested from criste-marine (Crithmum maritimum), which grow on the rocky Britanny coastline.

The Drops of Youth comes in a 50 ml jar with a doppler to apply the product, only a very small amount is required (one tiny little squeeze) and mix it with your serum or moisturiser.  I like to use this at night time mixed with a serum and applied all over the face.  I'm only 2/3 of my way through the jar so it does last ages!

Since using this product I've really noticed my skin has been a lot smoother, my hyperpigmentation is not as noticeable and any scarring from blemishes have really diminished.

I cannot rate this product any higher!  10 out of 10!!

Drops of Youth retails at $59.95 and can be bought from The Body Shop directly, online or via your local At  Home Consultant (me!).

Would you like to try this product out?

x

OOTD: How to Rock Pink Jeans.....

Hi Everyone!!

Today's Outfit of the Day is Pink Jeans!  I love my pink jeans from Roxy (via eBay) they are low waisted and skinny fit with sandblasting in places to give them that lived in look.

I decided to pair my pink jeans with a white t-shirt, navy blue cardy, tan belt and shoes and a colourful scarf. I used the belt to cinch in the waist of the cardy and love the look it created!

Where I sourced my outfit:

Pink Jeans: Roxy (via eBay)

White Shirt: Big W

Navy Cardy: Cotton On (last season)

Tan Belt: Cotton On

Tan Ballet Flats: Big W

Coloured Scarf: Cosmetics Plus

My jewellery is an eclectic mix of bracelets from Target and Diva.....

I also used the blush and navy tones from the scarf to tie in with my pink jeans and navy cardy...

My make up was simple again today with a light pink eyeshadow with thick brown eyeliner on my top lashline, tightline and waterline.  I paired a light pink cheek with a soft candy pink lip (thanks to my Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart!)  I used the natural wave in my hair to pin my hair to into a side pony...

Are you going to buy some pink jeans now??

x