My fav picks from Laura Mercier

From left to right..

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage SC-6 $30.00
In every Makeup Artists kit.. Great concealer for sensitive skin.. Customise your colour with the two shades in the compact. Oil free and long wearing so no need for too many touchups. I have opted for a darker shade this time as there are a lot more tanned bodies in LA.

Laura Mercier Flawless skin Purifying Cleansing Oil $40.00
Deep cleansing and fabulous makeup remover which leaves your skin feeling soft and dewy and not dry and tight. Easy to use, fragrance free and even works on those stubborn mascaras.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Creme Body Wash $36.00
Lots of different scents to choose from.. This one smells divine. It's heavenly.. totally relaxing and makes your skin feel a million bucks! Nourishes and conditions your skin. I use this every day! Amazing aromas in your bathroom!

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Wet/Dry Black Karat $22.00
Another Makeup friend introduced me to this product.. Thanks Danni! Very clever little compact.. Eyeshadow with great payoff can be used wet or dry for different looks depending on your moods. Lots of shades to choose from. Brush on evenly.. For a more vibrant and intense colour wet your eyeshadow brush and dip in! Amazing!

xx

New work in UK mags..

Usually I am on the other side of the camera.. This month I was asked to be featured on the first page of Top Sante Magazine UK.. http://www.topsante.co.uk/

The next 3 pics are a story out on shelves now I worked on for Top Sante Mag UK.. fab regular client.

Glamour Magazine UK

promo with Bulova Watches.

xx

MURAD.

Earlier this week I was treated to a lovely facial treatment at Murad's Inclusive Health Spa in LA.

Not only was it extremely relaxing I also left with soft and supple skin (Thanks to my therapist Rosa)!

I also got to chat with the man behind the brand.. Dr Howard Murad!

Dr Murad is a Dermatologist, Pharmacist, he holds several patents and has seen over 50,000 patients over the course of his career since 1985.

Dr Murad has created an inclusive approach strengthening every cell in your body by addressing your health topically, internally and emotionally. We spoke mainly about the skin being connected to EVERY system in your body so taking care of your diet and well-being is important for a fresh and healthy looking face and body. By taking on this approach you will notice more energy and also a more youthful appearance which is what we all strive for.

Murad has spas all around the world with a full range of services.. Facial and body therapies, hair, nails, waxing, fitness, nutrition, acupuncture and the list goes on. Try Murad s approach and see what difference it can make for you.

Skin cells turn every 28-35 days! By exfoliating every now and then will give your skin that nudge for a glowing effect. 'Eat your water' by indulging on some fresh produce (raw and colorful) and connect with others to stay happy.

Two products I am loving right now are..

Murad Soothing Gel Cleanser (Redness therapy)

I have sunburn damage from my years in the sun as a child growing up in Sydney.. mainly on my cheeks so find my skin to be quite sensitive.. This product has helped to calm and soothe red and irritated skin. Cleanses impurities and relieves tightness and discomfort. Contains Goji Berry Extract to help soothe my skin. This product is the perfect cleanser for anyone with sensitive skin like me. 

Another product in the Redness Therapy line is..

Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum (tongue twister)

Also helps calm red and sensitive skin. Best used after cleansing to lock in moisture for thirsty skin.Improves hydration and contains Arnica (which I love) and Chamomile for suppleness.

There are some other great products in the range to suit your skin needs..whether it be age concerns, body, acne and a men's line too.
x

Illuminare Cosmetics

How cute is this printed puff!! Loving this combo right now.. The Illuminare Moisturising Mineral Foundation leaves a gorgeous dewy finish with great coverage. It also has an SPF 20 and is oil free! I doubled this product up and used not only as a foundation but as a concealer too. £21.95

The printed puff.. 'Fast Appliction Pad' is so soft and is a fun makeup tool. This was designed to spread the Illuminare Moisturising mineral foundation on with ease and leave you with an even application. It has an antibacterial mesh centre which does NOT absorb or waste the product. Just chuck in the machine for a good wash when needed. LOVE

£7.95 for the Application Pad.

Just dab a small amount of foundation on to the beige side and blend over face.. That easy.. The leapord print side is just for show.. But I suggest for personal use just double up and use as a powder puff and set your foundation for makeup that needs to sta put.

Check out there other products..Vegan friendly and great on sensitive skin!!

www.cocktailcosmetics.co.uk introduces Illuminare cosmetics.

Japonesque

Japonesque are the top brand for manufacturing tools for professionals.. Some Artists favourites are the empty palettes, brushes and eyelash curlers... Some new products from the brand I absolutely love are below.. 

Japonesque 9 Pocket Brush Case

Great for personal use, varying sizes of pockets. Little zipper pouch on the side, great for holding say a set of tweezers.. Is a really stylish envelope with Velcro for easy use.. looks slick and keeps your brushes protected. I always carry two brush rolls in my kit. One smaller and one larger.. this is perfect for my fav brushes, or bigger brushes like blusher brushes, powder brushes etc

Great buy for $25.

Japonesque Dual Sided Brush

The coolest makeup tool I have seen in a while! More commonly you get a dual ended brush (which I am not a fan of) because both ends become covered in makeup and then can not put back in to my brush roll when packing up.. But I suppose great personal use. This Japonesque Brush is dual sided!! They have basically mashed two completely different brushes on to one brush. Hard to explain.. pictures below.

For such a gimmicky brush.. it's quality is remarkable.

Profile.. Half synthetic, half natural. One side for creams and liquids (foundations etc) and the other for blending, powders etc.. Only thing I would say is that I am not a fan of thick handles.. means less squeeze in my brush roll.

One side.. Natural Hair, so soft, great for blending on face and neck. Great size for  face.

The other side is synthetic. Great for foundations, creams , liquids.. Switch over if need to smooth or blend any  of this.. love the concept. Definately unique and sells for only $25 I believe.

x

September Issues

September Issues hit the shelves last week.. Here is some of my work I did back in London in print now.. x

I had the pleasure of working with a bunch of celeb stylists, fashion editors. They were all swimming in the most amazing wardrobes!

Easy Living UK

Today is the first grey sky I have seen since landing in LA.. Come back summer.. A rail from behind the scenes with Top Sante Magazine Feature.. UK

Easy Living.. Trendy mums on there school runs.

Thank you Lancome! x

Leica Advertorial (sorry for pad quality)

Leica Advertorial

Have been lucky enough to be invited to a few private pre screenings in LA..  Usually before films are out for the public.. Most recent at the LINWOOD DUNN THEATRE! with the gorgeous hubby.

YUM.

xxx

Mac Illustrated Collection

By... Julie Verhoeven

http://www.julieverhoeven.com/product1a.htm

Gorgeous!!

Perhaps I have been living under a rock.. though I was unaware of Julie Verhoeven and her amazing artwork. Thank you Mac for introducing me to such talent.

I never usually am too fond of Limited Edition products but these are so great. And colourful. And Creative!

Some other work of Julie Verhoevens I love...

xx

Hair Chalking

Creative Director Katie Mulcahy at Lisa Shepherd Salons predict a new Season trend.. 

HAIR CHALKING!

Back in Feb shows and celeb stylists were chalking and now for some fun at home the trend is hitting the streets. Temporary shades on light or dark hair that anyone can do at home and for cheap. Much more of a contrast on lighter hair but all in good fun. Twist or scrunch hair for more pigment payoff.

Pastels for Autumn Winter 2012.. Or any colour you wish.. 

Some celebs already chalking..

KATIE'S TOP CHALKING TIPS

Step 1: Choose good quality wax chalk available in art supply and craft shop. Every colour and shade of the rainbow is available, so get creative!

Step 2: This technique works on any length or depth of base hair colour. If applying the chalk to darker shades then spray the hair down with a little water first as this will allow the colour to show through with greater intensity. For light base shades the chalk can be applied to dry hair. Use your imagination...deeper colours on the mid lengths fading to lighter ends creates a VERY cool result.

Step 3: Once the hair is completely dry seal the colour in with a curling iron, straighteners, or hold hair momentarily in the diffuser cup of your hairdryer.

xx

Internet is finally connected here in the US of A in my apartment! Posts are coming full steam ahead.

A few pics from the last few weeks..

Aug Issue of Easy Living Magazine.. I loved this woman!  Zoe Williams is a well respected writer.. Actually had the pleasure also making up other talented writers for this particular story who were all so interesting and had amazing stories to tell..Miranda Sawyer and the ever gorgeous or Dita lookalike.. Hannah Betts

PR gurus I worked on also for Easy Living! Cant give out address but this house location that was rented out for this shoot was by far the nicest and quirkiest I have ever come across..

Cute little fluffball on set. Wanted to squeeze him in my makeup case and be on my way. Do you thinkj anyone would have noticed?

Unpacking a bit of Sisley, Paul Mitchell, Chanel, Argan Oil, Clinique.. what else can you see? Estee..

There's always one upside down..

Full Face of Hair and Makeup in steaming bathtub! Melting Makeup challenge.. Quick shoot! Lots of towels. Lots of touch ups.

A little pressie from the Mac Press team here in LA.. Thank you. Making good use of these.. Blog to follow.

Cetaphil shelf in CVS!! Too excited for words! Even found a cheaper copy of Cetaphil.. Sitting right next to these.. yet to try. I have been using Cetaphil for years and have never had such access like this before. x

Touch of Hollywood for all you readers.. Shirley Temple is a star.. S. T. A. R.. Pretty amazing stone from '35'!!!!! Love to you all.

Art Deco Spotting.. Cant get enough of these.. 

Some Hair and Makeup I worked on out in print all over the world very soon! Wait till you see the outfits.. Team from across the world worked on this one.. Long few days away but oh so fun. x

September issue of Top Sante.. Behind the scenes pic.. I have not seen the image yet in this months mag but apart from having a few spreads I worked on I am actually featured in it too.. Blush'

Adios for now. xxx

NEW NUXE RANGE coming soon...

NUXE are famous for there amazing skincare - Hero product is there Multi Use Dry Oil

They will be launching some more gorgeous products come September 1st! 

In just a few weeks hit SpaceNK and hunt down these gems!

'Creme Fraiche for Autumn'

Works to give you 24 hour hydration!

Includes Aloe Vera (one of my favourite natural plant ingredients.. so cooling and refreshing)

I believe there are 5 products in the range hitting the shops.. My 2 fav picks are..

Serum Creme Fraiche De Beaute £26

Perfect for very dry skin conditions.. Hydrates and nourishes without leaving oil.. A concentrated serum with the wonder hero ingredient Hyaluronic Acid.

Masque Creme Fraiche De Beaute £18.50

For all skin types.. A treat for soothing skin left supple and hydrated! 

xx