Le volume de Chanel

I was given this tiny little sample with the promise that my lashes would look amazing and it would deliver EVERYTHING I need in a mascara. "Yeah right,  I thought.  Another mascara wanting to deliver the promise to challenged asian lashes lacking any type of curl, volume or length.  Loser lashes in other words!!!! My asian sista's from another mother know what Im talking about here!

Well this tiny little tube of goodness blew me away!!! The picture below sums it all up I think.

After curling my lashes with my trusty Shu Uemera lash curler I then applied three coats of Chanel's Le Volume de Chanel. What you see is what you get. Pretty amazing don't you think? Importantly for me I did not have to use a waterproof mascara first which ensures the lashes stay curled and upright all day long. 

Yes this mascara will be pricey, but I believe in this case Chanel have nailed this mascara and it is well worth the investment. 

MY TIP!!! 

Chanel have been super generous with the amount of mascara in this tube. To ensure your lashes are clump free lashes, first clean off the brush by wiping the brush into the top end of the tube, don't do this onto a tissue or your hand as you will waste the product. 

Do you have another mascara you love? Id love to know about it!

Creative collaborative success

Photographer - Jessica Apap, Makeup - Kymbat Malianova, Model - Alexandra Pozzo Scene Model Management

Here's some new work photographed by the very talented photographer Jessica Apap. The collaboration turned into a  success story with model Alexandra Pozzo being signed to Scene Model Management. 

Blue by you

One of the biggest makeup trends to dominate the 2014 spring / summer collections was blue.  It's a dominant feature of an entire makeup look but use it with subtlety and to remember to avoid looking Jerseylicous, less is definitely more. 

The video I've put together shows a number of different ways blue can be worn. Although blue is traditionally a cool tone, it can also be warm also - think turquoise, therefore just like red lipstick it can be worn on any eye colour.  

At the Chanel Cruise Collection pre-spring/summer 2014 in Singapore Peter Phillips, former Global Creative Director for Chanel Makeup complimented the "designer comb over" ( I love it by the way) with a graphic, bolt and dominant eye.  The rest of the face, cheeks and lips all blend in together in the same hue. Clever!!! But don't under estimate the contouring done here.  There is loads and it is done really well. Getting that balance right is not easy. 

Photo - Style.com

Photo - Vogue UK

The graphic accent of the eyeliner on both the top and bottom lids really works.  I prefer this look on the asian models as it does not disappear into a crease.  Hoorah to a flat and creaseless top eyelid!

So my tips to wearing blue successfully: 

1. Just like red lipstick blue may be worn on any eye colour because blue can also be a warm tone ie: have yellow as am undertone 

BUT

2. Less is definitely more (see the examples in the video if you don't believe me) 

3. Try using blue as an accent colour to your existing look. You may want to line the inner rim of the bottom eyelids and smudge it out. This looks great with a champagne/bronze mobile lid colour. Or how about using it on top of graphic eyeliner to enhance that mean symmetrical flick which we all know is not easy to do? The possibilities are endless!

Got any makeup questions you need answered? Ask me. Ill do my best to get you your answers.

Yes I am a hippy but my skin loves me for it....

I've really battled with bad skin for many years.  Working in cosmetics I was lead to believe (like so many of us) that using this product and that would eventually leave my skin youthful and "glowing from within" just like Liz Hurley's airbrushed face!!! 

Nope....I don't think so. 

Through trial and error I believe that I have finally worked out whats right FOR ME.  I'm not trained as a beauty therapist - white is not my colour and neither is the pulled back bun, but what I have worked out is that simplicity is the key. 

I must admit I am a bit of a hippy when it comes to putting stuff on my skin. My personal preference is as natural and organic where possible. I don't want unnecessary chemicals on my face and cannot see the point in using them when a natural and / or organic one will do the same job.

Here's a few things I would not do without and tell my clients about when they ask me what I use: 

Loving Earth Coconut Butter 

Yes this is coconut butter and yes, you do cook with it BUT it is also the best makeup remover I have used.  As a waterproof mascara user I need something gentle, effective and also moisturising to remove my makeup. This is it. I gently warm about a tsp of it in my hands and "massage" the hell out of my face and the thousand coats of waterproof mascara!  

Dr Bronners Shikakai Hand and Body Soap  

Shikakai has been extracted from organic sugar and grape juice and then combined with castile soap. This is the no fragrance version but it does have a slight smell of caramel and burnt toffee goodness.  Great for your face and your body!

Organic Rosehip Oil

It doesnt matter what brand.  I've used a few and thought them all to have the same result.  Rosehip oil is naturally rich in lycopene. That's the scientific word for antioxidant and it is high in essential fatty acids.  See it as a shield for your skin kind of like Superman's cape whilst it protects the skin from free radicals and improves the appearance of like scars, burns and wrinkles. 

Invisible Zinc Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 30+

Unfortunately you may not end of looking like Elle Macpherson but your skin may after sometime.  This ones my preference as it uses zinc oxide as the broad spectrum.   Be aware though that zinc oxide is synthetically produced but it is found in zincite, a naturally occuring mineral.

AND FOR A TREAT WHEN IM BEING PAMPERED 

by my loved one ........

Australian Bush Flower Essences Love System

This is more than skincare.  Ian White is the brainchild behind Australian Bush Flower Essences.  Without sounding too hippy dippy these are described as vibrational essences. Basically vibrational essences use the healing energy of plants and other substances such as gems to help the assistance of the body's healing process and emotional state. The Australian Bush Flower Essences Love System is described as " a powerful skin, body and emotional care system".  This to me beats all other skincare hands down.  My skin has never looked better.  More importantly my emotional state and well being is more balanced. Two benefits for one... now thats better than a gift with purchase!!! 

Who said portrait photography was cheesy!?

For the last few months I have been working on a project with two very talented Melbourne photographers Catherine Whitty and Sharlene Annesley.  What a lovely experience getting out of the  studio and shooting in natural light.  For me it has added a different dimension and energy to my work and I have been challenged to really think about application and use of products.

The project was influenced by some leading FEMALE photographers Sue Bryce and Carla Coulson. Their work is sublime and so respectful of women and OUR vulnerabilities.  The accolades that both these photographers have received is very deserving. There's something about an all female project that is very nurturing and full of heart.

Here's some images .....enjoy!

psst..none of the gorgeous ladies here are professionals models.  Just insanely beautiful and showing off their true spirit!