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

LDN to LAX beauty hunt continues..

For those of you that aren't aware.. I will be spending the next few months in LA.. There will be lots to share with all you devoted readers.. New brands to review, New products to test, New work to show you all.. I promise to spill the beans on all beauty related adventures, press events, beauty stores, american pharmacy's.. and will of course post any Red carpet events along the way ")

Bye for now.. 

Photo above is what my last day in London looked like... RAIN. Those british readers will agree the summer has been hiding.. till recently so I hear? That would be right.. Just as I leave! My daily Skincare, Haircare and Makeup regime will change drastically (actually already has and only one week in) as the weather differs SOOOO much in each cities.. hence new products, new brands etc..

New home for next few months.

Now I am still living out of suitcases but dug these beautes below to get me through the week and to share with you. My skin has not seen real sun since my Sydney days quite a few years back.. SUNCARE is so important in any city.. But noticing here in LA you can not leave home without an SPF on and also need one in your bag for regular top ups. Below some of my favs..

Left to Right.. I like a selection for different days and different events.

Melvita ProSun SPF20  £22.00
(very thick consistency, best for days on the beach for FULL protection, great for nose, face, moles.

Dermalogica Super Sensitive faceblock SPF30
Product names and types do alter country to country. This is a great high protection and lightweight suncream. best for daily use.. I pop this in my bag as is so mini it is perfect.

Kiehls UV Protect SPF30
This is a good one for kids, mums, families.. easy to apply and spread (spray bottle)! My hubby loves the ease of this one.. Smells great too. Great for super sensitive skin.


Perfect for summer.. I am getting through bottles of moisturisers and body butters etc.. I must admit I was definately lazier in London.. The colder weathers are so easy to cover up.. Left to right..

Burts BeesNourishing Milk and Body Lotion normal to dry skin $7.99 US
Great price. Melts on your skin.. Smells sweet and comforting. made with lots of oils (Seed, Coconut) and honey..

Aesop Petitgrain Hydrating Body Gel (dont quote me on this price.. near $40.00)
A little more pricy. Aussie brand selling around the globe recently opened up shop in Soho London. Can be a little sticky but the gel is so cooling and so great for after days in the sun or even after shaving or waxing I must have this on hand.. I tend to use only on legs as the citrus scent is quite strong so I keep away from my upper body. Contains great Aloe Vera for natural healing. A real treat.

Dermalogica Ultracalming Serum Concentrate $53.00 US
Citrus scents aren't my favourite.. I have a very strong nose. But have been using and loving this product to calm and restore my skin after waxing or shaving. This is made for the face though I love and prefer this for my body or bikini line.. Made with Oil of Evening Primrose, sunflower seed and avacado extracts.

Face Moisturisers.. Left to right.. LOving right now!

Erno Laszlo Velvet Night Cream $175.00 US
American brand that I fell in love with earlier in the year. Quite high end but worth the indulgence if you can afford or wanting to find a great gift for someone who deserves it.. This is a wonderful night repair.. I place this on areas on my face/neck that need the extra nourishment.. helps heal overnight. S thick and moisturisng! Feels like silk.

Avene Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream SPF20 roughly $30.00 US
I have found Avene products to be brilliant in hot climate countries! they are so light and refreshing. This is perfect for Sensitive skin or a gentle skincare regime. Men love this product too! I start the day with this then buil on top..and affordable.

Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum for sensitive skin roughly $30.00 US
If I skip my Erno Laszlo or skin is feeling a little dry from the sunshine form the day before I apply this to my skin prior to my Light Hydrating Cream above. So refreshing after a day out on the beach. Not sure if the product would be affected.. But this would feel amazing if kept in the fridge.. so applied cold on a hot morning to give your skin that shock and fresh feel.

Nothing has replaced my ever favourite PAW PAW Ointment! Kiehls Lip Balm comes with me everyday. Paw paw is on my dresser ALL THE TIME. Can not live without this magic red tube! Also great for mossie bites (that I never had to worry about in London). Looking to find a great lip balm with spf that can protect and doesnt taste like suncream.. If anyone has recommendations let me know. x

These two luxury products.. Both very affordable!!!

Avene Thermal Spring water.. great for everyone! Smaller size recommended for flights.. Works a treat on sunburnt face or body.. refreshing and cooling.. Pop this in your beach bag!

Melvita Massage Oil came in handy from 10 hour flight over.. tight muscles from no sleep and horrible seats.. Smells very relaxing and does the job!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE LA BEAUTY NEWS.. xxx

WINNER FOR RIMMEL BEAUTY GIVEAWAY......

CONGRATULATIONS...... 'TOKKI and OLIVER' you are the random winner for my recent beauty giveaway.. 10 Rimmel products will be posted to you as soon as you reply to email with your full name and postal details. Enjoy your goodies. Xx

Caggie Dunlop + Impulse Body Spray

I went along with another Makeup Buddy.. Laura to the premiere of Made In Chelsea's Caggie Dunlops new fragrance for Impulse! The fragrance was created by 'the nose' of Dior and Calvin Klein so as you would expect smells a treat! Caggie I have worked on before for a magazine spread some time ago.. and was just as captivating this time round. She hung with us at the swanky W Hotel in Leicester Square hotel and was there to answer any questions about the fragrance.. take snaps and eat popcorn with us while we watch the silent film which they made to promote the wonderful fragrance. Just another Thursday night on the town.. :)

 RRP £1.99 (Totally affordable) 

Check out the silent film Caggie stars in.. Love the London backdrop.. Sweet scent, sweet gal.. x

http://youtu.be/DVAoxLfZdco

xx

RIMMEL BEAUTY GIVEAWAY..

ENTER NOW.. ends this SundayJuly 7th

ONE WEEK ONLY.. Just follow this blog.

10 Rimmel Products to WIN!!!!

All you need to do is be a FOLLOWER of  this blog for the chance to win the RIMMEL London products..

I will pick a random winner on Sunday July 8th and let you all know who the lucky one is! So you have just under a week.. EASY to apply! On the right side of my blog just leave your email address under the 'Follow By Email' and you will go in the draw to WIN all products below.

All countries welcome! All my current followers will automatically go in the draw..

Colours are a little distorted in pic.. bad lighting. :)

 WORLDWIDE GIVEAWAY 

ENTER BY BECOMING A FOLLOWER

STARTS NOW!

ENDS SUNDAY 7TH JULY

xxx

Products Included in Rimmel London Bag..

 Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour Foundation 200 Soft Beige

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss 330 Snog

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick 264 Coffee Shimmer

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick 058 Drop Of Sherry

Glam Eyes Trio Eyeshadow 720 Dreamy

Glam Eyes Quad Eyeshadow 003 Smokey Purple

Rimmel Full Colour Lip Liner Definer 024 Eed Diva

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil 001 Dark Brown

Rimmel Special Eyes Precision Eye Liner Pencil 114 Rich Brown

Rimmel Exaggerate waterproof Eye Definer 261 Noir

Have fun reading my beauty blog.. and remember all you need to do is follow my blog! 

xx