tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80729636438964161892024-03-14T14:01:03.815+10:00Bec's Beauty BuzzOne girl's adventures into a world unknown, facing danger and eyelash curlers head on.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-73490677695525879882016-04-07T10:59:00.003+10:002016-04-07T10:59:45.485+10:00Is buying fake makeup really so bad?<div class="MsoNormal">
In short, yes. It really is. </div>
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I know that we all want the new Urban Decay palette, but who
can justify the price tag these days? We have bills to pay, groceries to buy
and hey look! The site from China has the EXACT same pallet for $10. Bargain!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDb_IgH9RtUnH6GjkNint1f7mnDiJsQm0Q90Y7QKb3F77X9uzzfUP7IlTl5UNi7O-4cfUySlqhMVAgWpwKKhxkVjjMgLkTJNIybhPpZupyvcBfEouummtJwjURhp0NJ__6SMLbSLCPCLJ/s1600/counterfeit-cosmetics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDb_IgH9RtUnH6GjkNint1f7mnDiJsQm0Q90Y7QKb3F77X9uzzfUP7IlTl5UNi7O-4cfUySlqhMVAgWpwKKhxkVjjMgLkTJNIybhPpZupyvcBfEouummtJwjURhp0NJ__6SMLbSLCPCLJ/s320/counterfeit-cosmetics.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hahaha nice try guys...</td></tr>
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But is it? What’s the real difference between a real UD
Naked palette and the cheap one on Ebay? Well, the main difference is quality.
Some may be straight up rubbish with minimal colour pay off, but we have seen
those “amazing” dupes people find that are insanely pigmented, so they are ok
right? Sorry, nope. </div>
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When I say quality, what I actually mean is quality of the
manufacturer. UD and all other “proper” brands face really strict rules and
regulations imposed by each government in each country they distribute in. This
covers using ingredients that are deemed safe to be used on the skin, being
created in environments that are sanitary and after jumping through all those
hoops, once they have finalised the product itself, they then have to have the batches
of product tested again. This is why you know when you buy an authentic brand
that you can trust it won’t give you an eye infection, that it won’t lead to
blindness, that it won’t cause so many of the issues you can face when buying
fakes. </div>
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Still shaking your head thinking, “Yeah, yeah, whatever you
reckon. It’s not that bad – I’VE never had a problem with anything I’ve purchased.”
Then consider yourself lucky. Every time you purchased from these factories
pumping out “duplicate” palettes you’ve played roulette with your health. Go
right ahead and google what has happened to people who haven’t been as lucky.
No really, go now. I’ll wait.</div>
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Yep. Pretty gruesome stuff hey? Is it really worth the
gamble? <i>Would you pick up a lipstick from a trashcan and put it straight on
your lips? </i>Didn’t think so. And why? Because you don’t know where it came from
and who has been touching it? <b>BINGO!</b> The moral of the story here is just don’t.
<b><i>Don’t play with your health, don’t risk your eyesight and don’t feel like you
are a lesser person because you can’t afford the real palette right now. </i></b>There
are plenty of other options on the market that won’t give you pinkeye. </div>
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And while we are at it, let’s talk more about the conditions
that they make these duplicate palettes in and what you’re actually getting for
your bargain price. Well, when you expect more bang for your buck, did you mean
46 times the permitted level of copper in a fake MAC eyeliner? Just think about
that for a second – it’s going near your eyeball. <i>Your eyeball!</i> The Daily Mail
in the UK purchased 10 items of designer makeup online. <b><i>8 of them were found to
be fake and when they had it tested using the same methods that cosmetic
companies normally need to have their products tested through in order to have
it deemed safe, it was found to contain ingredients including lead, copper,
mercury, arsenic and cadmium (which is extremely dangerous!). </i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmQpD3ym7UiarftHl-yXFyQE_IY60cJMu2F_ABQlO0f0j4SAiGBZBs9BuCXdDedgORHnMbrkzydPUmzwxUZBuFRPupft7-C7c2FxRTS2OOhX_vQqY4HRDfJiSgtLmyKw5-IGl5PWW6T_y/s1600/Fake.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmQpD3ym7UiarftHl-yXFyQE_IY60cJMu2F_ABQlO0f0j4SAiGBZBs9BuCXdDedgORHnMbrkzydPUmzwxUZBuFRPupft7-C7c2FxRTS2OOhX_vQqY4HRDfJiSgtLmyKw5-IGl5PWW6T_y/s640/Fake.PNG" width="398" /></a></div>
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Dermatologists are reporting a rise in skin conditions
triggered from using these fake products, anything from acne to swelling to
psoriasis. </div>
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Don’t even get me started on the unsanitary conditions these
products are made in. Many tests have shown the human urine and rat droppings
are common ingredients for these fakes. Let that sink in. <b><i>The least
harmful thing in these cheap products is someone’s wee and rat poo. </i></b>And quality
control? What quality control! The colours are rarely exact, the pigmentation rarely
passable and honestly, you’re much better off just buying what’s in your price
range from a reputable store. </div>
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These products are also often made by criminal gangs, with
your money supporting what they do, so that’s something else to think about. </div>
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I know that many people only care about the price, but
please do consider your health, consider the implications of what you are
doing. Just think before you buy, ok? <i>And if you are a professional makeup artist who does this (and I know you're out there!)? You should be so ashamed of yourself - you're not just putting yourself at risk but your clients who have absolutely no idea that you're putting that stuff on them. It's not on. And you should never call yourself a pro - you're a disgrace.</i></div>
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Now, I bet some of you have agreed with what I’ve written
but are still thinking that buying fake brushes etc are totally fine because
you can clean them. How bad can it be? Stay tuned, because I’ll tell you in the next post. </div>
Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-23358796460685671602015-11-23T19:56:00.001+10:002015-11-23T19:56:02.782+10:00Dupe of the Day - Lime Crime Velvetines vs. Le Femme Colour Lip Stains<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">I know you guys love a good dupe, and with the US dollar as high as it is, we Aussies are feeling the pinch when it comes to buying our favourite products!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzKKkUaXe2qUGii3RoL1WfvUJpinLkObMiTA6-bMSuA51lov_TcPkuQZcFDdt4Hu-kURxXBfmB82kkFwT7-7sZHM7uLYKVYqpSKblmKxZyIP3H61s6fk4c-V18YdpLuTMikdhQ8EMjZGD/s1600/Stnd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; display: inline-block; margin: 0px 1em; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzKKkUaXe2qUGii3RoL1WfvUJpinLkObMiTA6-bMSuA51lov_TcPkuQZcFDdt4Hu-kURxXBfmB82kkFwT7-7sZHM7uLYKVYqpSKblmKxZyIP3H61s6fk4c-V18YdpLuTMikdhQ8EMjZGD/s320/Stnd2.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">I love my Velvetines. Lime Crime scandal (after scandal, after scandal) aside, they were the first to create a product that I love and and I am genuinely heart broken when I either run out, or lose one while I'm on set.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrcu4Esg4yHj_g-qytaSzpO_bo_S37iW758HVEBqrPr6Z1UmNoNzy5xRNx96sNzcQwXkILYodfBRFRccKKr3Hm7_g-BoXRA156AAJbup3J7AvZdITXZQQuGObaHTDoVeT7hvts7f9_Evh/s1600/Stand3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; display: inline-block; margin: 0px 1em; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrcu4Esg4yHj_g-qytaSzpO_bo_S37iW758HVEBqrPr6Z1UmNoNzy5xRNx96sNzcQwXkILYodfBRFRccKKr3Hm7_g-BoXRA156AAJbup3J7AvZdITXZQQuGObaHTDoVeT7hvts7f9_Evh/s320/Stand3.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="274" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">So I've done a bit of research (ok, ok, I've done some shopping, sheesh) and I've found a product that I think is easily comparable. And the best bit? They are $14.95 (cheaper if you have access to pro discount)!!!! So you can get heaps, or all. There's no judgement here. I'm getting them all. No one can stop me!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSHlyYjZXLYShGxPZDSIWd0ygocN38A7hxMdbmvRCIFtIQ9Xhjt3oGn-8aU8QvqWrcAPTJBwungA9m9zfN_piROXK-SCIoubiWWH1yBs3g2NvbuY2BUDM5EAbVqSm1OpcaBM4yYJRnA5I/s1600/Flat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; display: inline-block; margin: 0px 1em; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSHlyYjZXLYShGxPZDSIWd0ygocN38A7hxMdbmvRCIFtIQ9Xhjt3oGn-8aU8QvqWrcAPTJBwungA9m9zfN_piROXK-SCIoubiWWH1yBs3g2NvbuY2BUDM5EAbVqSm1OpcaBM4yYJRnA5I/s640/Flat1.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU13zEbmKmt5S6w73SxrW7MHN1ZZAg_QAcCQt56Q-WJjif0GkEDdmGo4liCmZ7A-ZXsrrWFRfMoe_Oc7JICT20ZsDuF1nW0L1IqvfqpB8AQWOrOXBrprOmNu-B1CxcHLe8yFDdn6Qh6uP8/s1600/Swatch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; margin: 0px auto; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU13zEbmKmt5S6w73SxrW7MHN1ZZAg_QAcCQt56Q-WJjif0GkEDdmGo4liCmZ7A-ZXsrrWFRfMoe_Oc7JICT20ZsDuF1nW0L1IqvfqpB8AQWOrOXBrprOmNu-B1CxcHLe8yFDdn6Qh6uP8/s640/Swatch2.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td class="tr-caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 11.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">L-R: Choco Lover, Blood, Berry Awesome, Spicy Orange, Pandora Violet, Vamp Purple </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQ8uRelUAHSVrHF02ku4uTxbC2gWJUB1svEZNHFNOgWuDYqkp1FY9ncYHGsjDdiru7h-ZpmmC2mhyphenhyphenvh58n0o60j6sU1MW8P8RCyewhcOiP7cRjTdMjpf4DwwoN6d9gaDLMigfZaDneR2A/s1600/Lineup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; display: inline-block; margin: 0px 1em; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQ8uRelUAHSVrHF02ku4uTxbC2gWJUB1svEZNHFNOgWuDYqkp1FY9ncYHGsjDdiru7h-ZpmmC2mhyphenhyphenvh58n0o60j6sU1MW8P8RCyewhcOiP7cRjTdMjpf4DwwoN6d9gaDLMigfZaDneR2A/s640/Lineup.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSwggCodEL83Y9sShh2hmsJHrIK9ayrzM2_oAltGU0NMzXAx4gWw2JnukSL5Y3BIbdgsHO0ibRuaC2yVL8WH-pcc2bVnAWDWhFi6Faov6vHedBw4iE5Nod7qER_biqMxDCXc8Rv7GJPlG/s1600/Swatch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; margin: 0px auto; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSwggCodEL83Y9sShh2hmsJHrIK9ayrzM2_oAltGU0NMzXAx4gWw2JnukSL5Y3BIbdgsHO0ibRuaC2yVL8WH-pcc2bVnAWDWhFi6Faov6vHedBw4iE5Nod7qER_biqMxDCXc8Rv7GJPlG/s640/Swatch1.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td class="tr-caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 11.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">L-R: Vital Red, X Red, Paper Moon, Sunset Orange, Tomato, Fusia Fusion, Pastel Fushia, Pale Pink (Sorry this swatch is a little blurry - it was the best of a blurry bunch)</td></tr>
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Pigmentation is top shelf and these dry completely. The best example of this is the top swatch. I applied these and took the photo about 10 seconds later. This is one single swipe of product too, believe it or not. One thing I can assure you of is their pigmentation and staying power. When I tried to wipe the batch with Pandora Violet and Vamp Purple off, I used an oil based remover and still had an arm the looked like it belonged to Barney the Purple Dinosaur for two days. So it is safe to say that they are an excellent lip stain.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I've found a few others in my "research" that didn't entirely dry, which means they can transfer, start travelling to other parts of your face without your realising... Anyway, it's bad. Trust me on that. </div>
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The colours are great, very rich and creamy. And as an added bonus, not as drying as the LC ones, which makes me a happy camper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmHHTUFe-qMaY-qyzpW3MxXBzaYy2wRJxFd0CoRmT_MT4A03NzUwUZeDtTnrdSo8PlqvUFSjLZo6C8d5kzVvCRYdhnStNRyuNQ-suF1amoRxw-sJ4U68xECGwSTUZPXquu7eL8qZkZB59/s1600/lafemmefinalmg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmHHTUFe-qMaY-qyzpW3MxXBzaYy2wRJxFd0CoRmT_MT4A03NzUwUZeDtTnrdSo8PlqvUFSjLZo6C8d5kzVvCRYdhnStNRyuNQ-suF1amoRxw-sJ4U68xECGwSTUZPXquu7eL8qZkZB59/s640/lafemmefinalmg.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So what are you waiting for? Run! Don't walk! You need these. All of them. And you can get them here - <a href="https://www.makeupandglow.com.au/La-Femme-Lip-Stains.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Makeup and Glow</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">In case you're wondering, nope, not a sponsored post - I honestly just love them! </b></i></div>
<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-65968821852341034202015-11-11T18:30:00.000+10:002015-11-11T19:20:34.620+10:00Battle of the Blenders! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeTyffoiuYgl3dKkOwMxfb1s5w2JhpUZOkdIGmvpQEDt8_4dvFbLBnBZB5U49YB_Y-_7p8qwFNHwBbmihFtK-F90cb41ZcJ9XPZRpIjLlBuhOebw4i51IPiRtLz3hUX43rPAFpkqfune7/s1600/Blender+Battle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeTyffoiuYgl3dKkOwMxfb1s5w2JhpUZOkdIGmvpQEDt8_4dvFbLBnBZB5U49YB_Y-_7p8qwFNHwBbmihFtK-F90cb41ZcJ9XPZRpIjLlBuhOebw4i51IPiRtLz3hUX43rPAFpkqfune7/s400/Blender+Battle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lets get ready to ruuuuuuuuuuuumble!!!!!<br />
<br />
Today we are going to see the greatest showdown in history* when we put the most popular beauty sponges on the market to the test. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>*Well, in the history of makeup blending sponges!</b></span><br />
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How will they stack up? Who will win? Only time will tell.<br />
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Lets meet the competitors:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAH1jORTh1h7Rs87jceP5u_MrqtIIfZDe0pDlYirkYgYZkSHECsCFeOrxiI4GyEcFTFzQQOajVxCv9_9NSzs6pDnXbIMznUUK-KvayvMjh6NKE_nmYP77uxpXCGp1JEZn_u2P0ZuiZXML/s1600/Beauty+Blender+PKG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAH1jORTh1h7Rs87jceP5u_MrqtIIfZDe0pDlYirkYgYZkSHECsCFeOrxiI4GyEcFTFzQQOajVxCv9_9NSzs6pDnXbIMznUUK-KvayvMjh6NKE_nmYP77uxpXCGp1JEZn_u2P0ZuiZXML/s320/Beauty+Blender+PKG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
In the pink corner weighing in at 0.2oz, we have the original sponge powerhouse - the Beauty Blender!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw496A4C1gUQfPtI_jaXxIrYL31tsXyV9vIlQARX0GF-eSXN8yt32l2CAmhXsbkQH42OlV9yE-EaK2IdXpU3AyBaNb7b5nt473QcEQGOjjndbxABgz2l6QbwXbTPiO9ZoBqlOgMwU1agf/s1600/Real+Techniques+Sponge+PKG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw496A4C1gUQfPtI_jaXxIrYL31tsXyV9vIlQARX0GF-eSXN8yt32l2CAmhXsbkQH42OlV9yE-EaK2IdXpU3AyBaNb7b5nt473QcEQGOjjndbxABgz2l6QbwXbTPiO9ZoBqlOgMwU1agf/s320/Real+Techniques+Sponge+PKG.png" width="320" /></a></div>
In the orange corner, at a slightly portlier 0.3oz, the sneaky up and comer - the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPDwI1K9pqpS6hs8SZW_PK0ccyK1MXznwyXPtkYx4ELELitN2vTx4xvxYS5rKZmgIH4LH0LzeCbf9Qkf_twEl1kCB8i3HjWc4AOo56bBUieOyb4mXWgNNsDKBt0pSp0OCQz-qvOo4M4X8/s1600/beautypod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPDwI1K9pqpS6hs8SZW_PK0ccyK1MXznwyXPtkYx4ELELitN2vTx4xvxYS5rKZmgIH4LH0LzeCbf9Qkf_twEl1kCB8i3HjWc4AOo56bBUieOyb4mXWgNNsDKBt0pSp0OCQz-qvOo4M4X8/s1600/beautypod.jpg" /></a></div>
In the purple corner, qualifying for an unknown weight category, the quiet achiever - the Beauty Pod!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxjHAAYHNlvkx7m2kMLxMsjEX7QAdSb4qCnC-N8QQ9Vn1aZ8LqncZv7h2zGUy1VixYfLCNZbf5crN4UFsogsiEsWtuvcK5tB53PxeuoJ-NKKy45sX2BvRCvrVTcc_rTXcndXwm0yJs5Ci/s1600/FFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxjHAAYHNlvkx7m2kMLxMsjEX7QAdSb4qCnC-N8QQ9Vn1aZ8LqncZv7h2zGUy1VixYfLCNZbf5crN4UFsogsiEsWtuvcK5tB53PxeuoJ-NKKy45sX2BvRCvrVTcc_rTXcndXwm0yJs5Ci/s1600/FFB.jpg" /></a></div>
And in another pink corner also weighing in at 0.3oz, the new kid on the block - the Crown Brush Flawless Face Blender!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxheE71IazHfEbViqdztT5uxMM9glW2jVGrey6lubZZh-mLJwjpY9YM6bfAIpRUH2b4mKJ7KY9gfBrnDB5_n_4TvQFlWR05KHv1MfHpQvAKWO8m35k_W_IuXMoIibOH2WB3CvptgnGjD8A/s1600/All.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxheE71IazHfEbViqdztT5uxMM9glW2jVGrey6lubZZh-mLJwjpY9YM6bfAIpRUH2b4mKJ7KY9gfBrnDB5_n_4TvQFlWR05KHv1MfHpQvAKWO8m35k_W_IuXMoIibOH2WB3CvptgnGjD8A/s640/All.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R - Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, Original Beauty Blender, New Beauty Blender, Beauty Pod and the Flawless Face Blender</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibzEJUOrmzoKWuLlqPC2eNoZAysd2DRqmQ4K25swcVnFY_hDl7Fguo0DfXCiOqFeCh3lSiN63ycAdg7VU7eiz7kqatJvCWTnkpz902fOB5Ifcvdxlqui44TH0vzw7EQ78UihPGCI6PzZD/s1600/Texture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibzEJUOrmzoKWuLlqPC2eNoZAysd2DRqmQ4K25swcVnFY_hDl7Fguo0DfXCiOqFeCh3lSiN63ycAdg7VU7eiz7kqatJvCWTnkpz902fOB5Ifcvdxlqui44TH0vzw7EQ78UihPGCI6PzZD/s320/Texture.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texture of sponges top to bottom: Flawless Face Blender, Beauty Pod, RT Miracle Complexion Sponge, "new" Beauty Blender, "original" Beauty Blender.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And now, for a breakdown of their vital stats, along with the strengths and weaknesses:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b>The Beauty Blender</b></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpleVTbwoUq79vI0RPY1IwJt6rZw6QQ_JJQPQjtRTbnpPxx3kN5kvNST2-bL34WVXeaw6fvq6C5TTaXGv-6wisDStoe7HIAGhcMPIy7_gMD4iHAJ7dqV0h4LTcC81p4wPBiI6o9P6TPD8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpleVTbwoUq79vI0RPY1IwJt6rZw6QQ_JJQPQjtRTbnpPxx3kN5kvNST2-bL34WVXeaw6fvq6C5TTaXGv-6wisDStoe7HIAGhcMPIy7_gMD4iHAJ7dqV0h4LTcC81p4wPBiI6o9P6TPD8/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "new" BB (Black) (around 1 year old) and the "original" (pink) (around 4 years old)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Price -</b> $27-$30AUD each<br />
<b>Texture - </b>This one really seems to depend on which batch you get. Original pink BBs that were purchased about 4 years ago have a fantastic smooth texture that means even application, the outstanding ability to use them either damp or dry depending on the finish you are after, or product you are using. They didn't suck up any product and were my go-to tool in my kit for application and blending of any cream or liquid product. My newer black BBs I got about a year ago are extremely porous and that shows in the application. I rarely reach for these and that is a real disappointment considering what this product is actually capable of.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ5eG3klfl4-grFiX4NpzwRynEfgZvV0mX44pSsaQqtHROwFazy3_rlejOuEYKPII4XrYkQpwncDv_pEsYOhkIDRJA52tLq-Dmza2XkZL4VOIjJfqKxaX-dFqkkRYypWPXTsX7MuXWsCg/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ5eG3klfl4-grFiX4NpzwRynEfgZvV0mX44pSsaQqtHROwFazy3_rlejOuEYKPII4XrYkQpwncDv_pEsYOhkIDRJA52tLq-Dmza2XkZL4VOIjJfqKxaX-dFqkkRYypWPXTsX7MuXWsCg/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original BB. I love this one, it is fragile, as witnessed by the rips and tears due to use, but I love it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Durability -</b> I still have my first couple of pink Beauty Blenders which are perfectly intact except where my talons of nails have punctured them accidentally while working! And then I have 3 black blenders that seem to disintegrate as they age. I've had these ones for about a year and they are not used nearly as often as my original pink ones. Another major problem with the newer ones that are seemingly made from inferior products is that the pointed tip often rips off, and when you're paying $30 for a sponge, that is never acceptable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sZ0qlbAjeedvDQvF0WQBhh8O4XUNhcI1GJUJUKVwH0REtzCc7O7tEshsmb9G9fsrRYxBFou_Nyeqf9vXAecfdfN-deTozmh9H32YodDHNpjcM7bFuwS3LHlMi3WMUZLzgwRZfgncPYWl/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sZ0qlbAjeedvDQvF0WQBhh8O4XUNhcI1GJUJUKVwH0REtzCc7O7tEshsmb9G9fsrRYxBFou_Nyeqf9vXAecfdfN-deTozmh9H32YodDHNpjcM7bFuwS3LHlMi3WMUZLzgwRZfgncPYWl/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New BB's. Both from the same 6 sponge multipack, believe it or not.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Strengths - </b>When you are using the ORIGINAL BBs, they can do no wrong. Multi use product, absolutely worth the outlay. Easy to clean between clients (although I usually have one for each person in my kit for each job).<br />
<b>Weaknesses - </b>New formula is kaka. I am so disappointed that they changed their materials for whatever reason. The new ones suck up expensive product when the whole premise of the BB is that they aren't supposed to do that. The application is inferior, they fall apart, rip or in the case of mine, disintegrate leaving tiny spots of black sponge everywhere. I honestly thought when I first got my black ones that I'd accidentally purchased a fake. But no, I hadn't. I purchased from a reputable supplier and that was actually how they come now.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCNwqqGQou842ZMl6cXPKgi3mi2IGnpuu6Njsp2cl76EWTGwB832KA8U3Rn8gwwfpn60HVRoL0zksKIqWpCBkTc7Wl2ZTv4dG_bBPTq72t_CDNCC26kjMNvhJEXLnHuaZd4rtrGqjmvgO/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCNwqqGQou842ZMl6cXPKgi3mi2IGnpuu6Njsp2cl76EWTGwB832KA8U3Rn8gwwfpn60HVRoL0zksKIqWpCBkTc7Wl2ZTv4dG_bBPTq72t_CDNCC26kjMNvhJEXLnHuaZd4rtrGqjmvgO/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've lightened this picture so you can see just how different the texture is from the original BB to this one, and how much the product has been damaged from semi regular use. As you can see, the base of it has disintegrated in sections.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Overall verdict:<i> </i></b><i>It truly does come down to the batch you get with these. My original BB's I love like it's no one's business, but they just aren't made to the same standard anymore. Based on that, the fact that they've taken their business away from smaller businesses in Oz, and given a BB monopoly to a few stores only (which has caused a substantial price rise), and also that the changed material of the BB means it is now sucking up the very expensive foundations and liquid highlighters that they have always claimed to be the only sponge NOT to, I absolutely would not buy this product again, nor would I recommend them. *I should comment that BB denies any change in formula for their sponge, but putting two different batches next to each other makes it easy to see that someone is telling porkies.*</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQG2qe-JTg0vkl0kRNFWMfdKUTVUNj7KkYc5QhQZbOMZ-p3hb56iTlhK3IgH73UvlK5D0YMb3ATcFa5h7Y91aYTYPY-_NBgL8UVGi8WLjGpYKmFQESWwoj-ZXgEmZ1MtY7WHYe1YHEs-R/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQG2qe-JTg0vkl0kRNFWMfdKUTVUNj7KkYc5QhQZbOMZ-p3hb56iTlhK3IgH73UvlK5D0YMb3ATcFa5h7Y91aYTYPY-_NBgL8UVGi8WLjGpYKmFQESWwoj-ZXgEmZ1MtY7WHYe1YHEs-R/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Price - </b>$17AUD<br />
<b>Texture - </b>Really, really close to the original BB.<br />
<b>Durability -</b> I purchased four about two years ago, used them constantly on both clients, and myself, hand them out to family members. I haven't damaged one yet. No nail rips, no deterioration of the sponge.<br />
<b>Strengths - </b>This is closest I've ever found to a dupe of the original BB, almost half the price, and I actually love the flat side with the edge this design has, because it allows me to get nice and close to the lash line without getting so close to the eye that my client starts flinching and freaking out.<br />
<b>Weaknesses - </b>The orange does stain a wee bit with foundations, but the pink BB also does this, I guess it's just the curse of light coloured sponges. Also, and this is a personal gripe because I don't love orange - could it come in other colours? Pretty please?<br />
<b>Overall verdict:<i> </i></b><i>Winner. Hands down. End of story.</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Beauty Pod</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI7QiQtSIrguT6xXhdG08CcyLEt5jHsG6oIpMuGpLmAwy-iJ6gl7ffD7ujpXCbj3A39o-c6nrbXxxTLS-RHmfdmYVqaZvH4UxIsYiZjIW9HM-p0GB5GW2PnMtn1r14AcFItA1hZ9IYVhe/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI7QiQtSIrguT6xXhdG08CcyLEt5jHsG6oIpMuGpLmAwy-iJ6gl7ffD7ujpXCbj3A39o-c6nrbXxxTLS-RHmfdmYVqaZvH4UxIsYiZjIW9HM-p0GB5GW2PnMtn1r14AcFItA1hZ9IYVhe/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Price -</b> $10-13AUD<br />
<b>Texture - </b>This sponge seems to have a harder core than the first two, you can really feel resistance when you squeeze this one. The outside feels smooth though, similar to the original BB.<br />
<b>Durability -</b> Good, I think the harder core means this one can take a bit of a beating. No signs of wear after extensive and rigorous use.<br />
<b>Strengths - </b>I really like the shape of this one. I like that there is a pointed end for getting into corners, but I still have access to a flat side. It's easy to get a good grip on this sponge and it's nice to not have to be so careful about ripping it with my nails.<br />
<b>Weaknesses - </b>The harder core means that this sponge is not as good to work with as the RT and BB. It's harder on the client's face and can be a little uncomfortable. It does withhold some liquid and using it damp seems to make no difference to using it dry, which is disappointment. I also found it harder to get a smooth and even application of product and I had to go over it again with a buffing brush, so it defeated the purpose of using a sponge at all really.<br />
<b>Overall verdict: </b><i>Great shape, but needs a bit more work on the material. I think it is great how durable it is, but it has sacrificed some of the things that make the BB and RT great to get that. I wouldn't use it on clients, nor on myself unfortunately. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Crown Brush Flawless Face Blender</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJeckFJlajhJa-bV6-kVbouuSiCY2mW1HGk7tg9ehqDl5CLOFHnC9zQ_5GkwPC1IjMp_z49A1IHulEOSZiPPq358m8oDaVdVWpfU5bC-tPcZwnCAxXijuNoQN3spEV0TaUep2u7epPLKg/s1600/12226912_10153089908151619_2014794902_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJeckFJlajhJa-bV6-kVbouuSiCY2mW1HGk7tg9ehqDl5CLOFHnC9zQ_5GkwPC1IjMp_z49A1IHulEOSZiPPq358m8oDaVdVWpfU5bC-tPcZwnCAxXijuNoQN3spEV0TaUep2u7epPLKg/s400/12226912_10153089908151619_2014794902_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Price -</b> $10AUD<br />
<b>Texture - </b>A little more dense than the first two and slightly softer than the BP. Slightly more porous, more in line with the "newer" BB and the BP. I'm not a huge fan of this one in all honestly. I find the shape super awkward to work with. If I want flat surface, I have to hold it sideways and it's just not shaped well enough to get a decent grip so you can do that. I find I'm digging my nails into it and damaging the sponge just to try get a good grip. The density makes it harder on the clients face if you want to use it in a bouncing motion to get and even layer and finish, I don't think it's ideal for client work because it feels like you are being a bit rough with them.<br />
<b>Durability -</b> It's strong which I guess comes with the density of it. Digging my nails into it has left indents, but not ripped into it, so that's good.<br />
<b>Strengths - </b>Strong, will last a long time, relatively good with the amount of product that you lose to the sponge, but there is more used than the RT or BB.<br />
<b>Weaknesses - </b>It's hard on the face, the shape is awkward and hard to hold to use it the way I want to.<br />
<b>Overall verdict: </b><i>For a budget option it's fine, but probably more suited to personal use than on a client. </i><br />
<br />
So there you have it, they came, they saw, they blended. Some crumbled under the pressure, and some rose to the challenge magnificently. At the end of the day, there can only be one winner and that is the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. <i><b>*The crowd goes wild*</b></i><br />
<br />
Thank you and good night!Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-57777721756590448792014-02-25T11:54:00.000+10:002014-02-25T11:54:27.245+10:00Why you need a little perspective when hiring a makeup artist for your wedding dayA little while ago, a friend of mine and extremely talented makeup artist Nikita Pere, <a href="http://nikitaperemakeup.com/is-the-makeup-artist-for-my-wedding-ripping-me-off/" target="_blank">wrote an article called "Is the makeup artist for my wedding ripping me off?". </a>If you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do, whether you are planning your wedding, or know someone who is, it gives you a comprehensive look at what we do, and why we charge what we do.<br />
<br />
I don't need to recap on what Nikita wrote, but I do want to take it a little further and extend on the point. Working within the bridal industry, it never ceases to amaze me that kind of money that people put into their wedding, which is fine and now totally normal - it's your day so go as big or as small as you like. What I notice the most is that these same brides are lacking perspective when it comes to what they should and shouldn't spend their money on.<br />
<br />
Do you know how often I get asked to lower my prices because a client has spent a little too much on their dress, their shoes, dinner, their lolly buffet, etc? ALL THE TIME. And you know what? It's insulting. It's insulting to every single makeup artist, nail tech and hairdresser that you ask, right after you've finished telling us that you spent $10k on a wedding dress, $500 on a pair of shoes no one is even going to see under you dress, $3k on a lolly buffet that is there for decoration. Oh, and let's not forget your $15k honeymoon. I get it, you've spent heaps of money on your wedding, you might have gotten a little carried away. You'll complain that your photographer is costing you an arm and a leg, and you can't believe that someone could charge $100+ just for bridal makeup, because "It's just for one day!".<br />
<br />
Let me tell you why we charge so much for your makeup for one day, and why you should pay it. In addition to all of the things Nikita listed in her article - <br />
<ul>
<li>Because we are the very best at what we do; </li>
<li>Because in the months leading up to your wedding, you, your bridesmaids and probably your mother will call and email me at all hours of the day to ask questions you could have Googled yourself. But I will smile and answer politely, because that is what we do; </li>
<li>Because on your wedding day, you're going to be stressed and so is everyone in your bridal party. Do you know who is normally on the receiving end of that? Makeup artists and hairdressers. </li>
</ul>
And the most important reason that you shouldn't try to haggle us down?<br />
<ul>
<li>Because long after your guests are gone, your lolly buffet has been eaten, your honeymoon is over and your expensive shoes that you kicked off as soon as you got to the reception because they hurt your feet are gathering dust in the corner, what you have left is your photos and your memories. </li>
</ul>
We are there to make you look good, to make sure your makeup stays put all day through extreme heat and cold, tears and laughter, and anything else that may get thrown your way. We know exactly how to enhance your best features and make your makeup look natural and elegant, but still show up in photos and make you look flawless. We are the ones who cover the dark circles under your eyes because you haven't slept for a few days, the stress pimples that are breaking out, acne scarring, tattoos that you're not so proud of anymore. All of these things and so much more.<br />
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You can spend all the money in the world on a cake, venue and dress, but would you really show up without makeup on or worse, in makeup that you will look back and hate? Because sometimes when you do it yourself and let your friend do it for you that's exactly how it looks. I'm certainly not saying that your makeup looks bad all the time, not at all, what I'm saying is that wedding makeup is very different to everyday makeup.<br />
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As makeup artists, we are well trained, we spend years finding the best products from all over the world, we spend a fortune on those products, as well as regularly attending classes to update our skills by working with renowned artists. We go to trade shows, listen to lectures, research, put in hours of unpaid practice - just to make sure that on your big day we have done our absolute best to make you feel like the queen you are supposed to be. <br />
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It's an industry where you get what you pay for. Want to look like Kim K or Kate Middleton? No problem, but someone offering $30 makeups is going to make you look more Lindsay L after a big night than Kim or Kate at their regal best.<br />
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So good luck, it's not an easy industry to navigate, I know. There are so many options, so many price points - where do you even start? My suggestion would be to <b>get some trials done</b>. <b>Listen to recommendations of friends.</b> <b>Book in advance</b> - I cannot stress this one enough. Great makeup artists are booked months and months in advance, they're in high demand for a reason. Don't leave your makeup to the last minute or you will have to get your friends neighbour's cousin who once worked in a chemist to do it. <br />
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Most importantly, <u><i><b>pay your artist what they are worth and don't insult them by trying to negotiate or haggle.</b></i></u> We've worked hard to get to where we are. You wouldn't ask a plumber to cut his costs because you spent too much on your table setting, would you? Your mechanic to lower his because petrol is so expensive? It's the same thing. <br />
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So there you go, a look at why a little perspective goes a long way when budgeting for your wedding. Hope this has been helpful, and feel free to weigh in below. If you disagree, tell me. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic. <br />
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<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-83086862464222635202014-02-20T08:00:00.000+10:002014-02-20T08:00:04.112+10:00Luxe for Less - Face of Australia Glossy Lip CrayonI don't know about you guys, but more often than not, I want a lip product that applied smoothly, applies a subtle pop of colour that enhances natural lip colour and is easy to top up during the day. Low maintenance, cheap and cheerful and of course, super cute. I don't think I'm asking too much.<br />
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I'm a little late to the party on this one, but I'm sure many of you have noticed by now that glossy lip crayons are taking over the makeup sections in your nearby stores. So many brands, so many colours. So where does one start? You swatch them ALLLLLLLLL! All over your arm. And then forget about the line of colours up your arm and walk out of the store. Then about half an hour later you look down and realise your white top has turned into some kind of abstract coloured masterpiece. A smear of hot pink here, coral there, apple red a little bit further over. Yep, that happened. More than once. Just call me Becasso. <br />
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So, what did I find during my extensive research other than soaking said top in vinegar is the only way to get the colour (mostly) out? That my favourite ones were not the expensive high end pencils, rather the cheaper Glossy Lip Crayon by Face of Australia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAeOb2CorkAOvWE8JBh2ys4KayLMn-t22F72OEn46ztl69CNwXjLG04aw8rpQL1aWtYz3mcK5-NQXH7HNKklgUzCT8JriebKJJ3vCdqt-SqO-vKJIrAqKna7nmpwpkobHp2YcbrA-RatP/s1600/IMG_4631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAeOb2CorkAOvWE8JBh2ys4KayLMn-t22F72OEn46ztl69CNwXjLG04aw8rpQL1aWtYz3mcK5-NQXH7HNKklgUzCT8JriebKJJ3vCdqt-SqO-vKJIrAqKna7nmpwpkobHp2YcbrA-RatP/s1600/IMG_4631.JPG" height="320" width="299" /></a></div>
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They all have similar wear time, slightly different textures and some have higher levels of pigmentation, I guess it really depends on what you are after personally. It's much of a muchness with these products, so don't feel like you have to splurge on a Clinique Chubby Stick when you can get one that works the same for $5. Yep. $5.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry Coulis, Jam Fancy and Apple Crumble</td></tr>
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The FOA ones all have super cute names, which I love. And make me hungry. The ones I picked out - Apple Crumble, Raspberry Coulis and Jam Fancy (please excuse me while I take a sec to wipe the drool of my keyboard) are all totally wearable and appropriately pigmented to make them a must have handbag item. They apply smoothly, feel very moisturising and don't tend to highlight and lip nasties like dryness or chapped lips. One thing I will mention is that these do have a vanilla scent, so that is something to keep in mind if you react to things like that, or just plain don't like it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R - Raspberry Coulis, Jam Fancy, Apple Crumble</td></tr>
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I've been giving these a workout in my kit lately, giving them as a present to the flower girls of bridal parties I've been working on. Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't agree with children wearing makeup beyond a bit of gloss, and I'll also lightly apply blush to flower girls so they don't feel left out. And can I just say how much the kids and their parents are appreciating the gift? It makes the kids feel grown up, and they then seen to mimic the lead of the grown ups behaviour wise. Pretty great deal for $5 I say. So if you are looking for a way to start introducing a teen to makeup, this definitely could be the way to go. <br />
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These can be found at <a href="http://www.priceline.com.au/cosmetics/lips/lip-glossstain/limited-edition-glossy-lip-crayon-3.8-g" target="_blank">Priceline</a>, Big W and Kmart for $4.99 each and the collection currently has 7 colours. <br />
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So, who has tried these? Or a similar one? What are your thoughts? Love it or leave it?<br />
Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-41447179766837682252014-02-17T08:00:00.000+10:002014-02-17T08:00:05.393+10:00Review - Lime Crime Velvetines (You're going to want/need all of these)We all want to be rocking luscious lips, all the time, but any girl who has ever flaunted a bold lip can tell you that wearing a statement colour over any period of time takes work, and good, reliable friends will tell you if your lipstick has travelled into no-mans land. <br />
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What if I told you that I have a product that is so pigmented and bright, and stays put for hours and hours. You can rub your face, change and try on clothes, drink and (still carefully) eat without having to worry about it wearing off? No way? Let me blow your mind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4YB7lSoCY0HIRBcKBp90L_LalEyaMAh2NqHplegGYbCbqwy_4gtsrOjLJ7NFQyIMUPRnXT0ruSs9_8XTmhTX8Lz1aMkzxbnDtCbkyB5DpnAJ8VLpU1IXRbPRpqE3fEnMfa6YcFjJOjeK/s1600/IMG_4644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4YB7lSoCY0HIRBcKBp90L_LalEyaMAh2NqHplegGYbCbqwy_4gtsrOjLJ7NFQyIMUPRnXT0ruSs9_8XTmhTX8Lz1aMkzxbnDtCbkyB5DpnAJ8VLpU1IXRbPRpqE3fEnMfa6YcFjJOjeK/s1600/IMG_4644.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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These beauties are Lime Crime Velvetines. If you know your makeup, you would know this cult brand, and would absolutely know about their love for the bright and daring. You may have even heard about these bad boys. Velvetines. Ah, why have you taken so long to be in my life? <br />
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These apply like a gloss, but be careful not to use too much, and then dry to a spectacular matte finish. We all know how drying and unforgiving matte lip products can be, but these ones don't feel drying at all. It's like paint, for your lips. Once it's on - it's on!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKb1eO8TJSc99BiEm6HOVbQ14L1AGEhxCnlUXH9t4PJK_gCOvWUB85lRBY_y__Ssr9MXtQK4ACNtMI41D1Xbl6OdZCglDuqVCKAn8ODSd0YAbi5EN6FNwNAmcZCgNkf3ZDFSB7iMTT9lJ/s1600/IMG_4648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKb1eO8TJSc99BiEm6HOVbQ14L1AGEhxCnlUXH9t4PJK_gCOvWUB85lRBY_y__Ssr9MXtQK4ACNtMI41D1Xbl6OdZCglDuqVCKAn8ODSd0YAbi5EN6FNwNAmcZCgNkf3ZDFSB7iMTT9lJ/s1600/IMG_4648.JPG" height="143" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Velvet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dHuaXdG82t1oT-EizGU9rt1va9gbL0CeVt6MlMeYQGEOvUO6BqpgnygRnrFr1fkDvQB9-QqQa1aFIP5AJFpDRac0wn-KN53-G3rfPHF-vIpiB0Jvis_iqqIVeNWushlgXLit9CMj8Bqg/s1600/IMG_4651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dHuaXdG82t1oT-EizGU9rt1va9gbL0CeVt6MlMeYQGEOvUO6BqpgnygRnrFr1fkDvQB9-QqQa1aFIP5AJFpDRac0wn-KN53-G3rfPHF-vIpiB0Jvis_iqqIVeNWushlgXLit9CMj8Bqg/s1600/IMG_4651.JPG" height="170" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Velvet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQR6wDExe_wrkaVlt8ORl-W3xnSEauW9wkW9ThtwGjtecd9ZxFfPZO06KNgHgI-Or5loKUeIkDB0BqKpmoX-BwpkA84A_iIMzqyZA1blKCuRGuf2QuT5eAeLgY6L_1fdZgEayQhY1tLfE/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQR6wDExe_wrkaVlt8ORl-W3xnSEauW9wkW9ThtwGjtecd9ZxFfPZO06KNgHgI-Or5loKUeIkDB0BqKpmoX-BwpkA84A_iIMzqyZA1blKCuRGuf2QuT5eAeLgY6L_1fdZgEayQhY1tLfE/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suedeberry</td></tr>
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These are super opaque, you don't need a lot, and best of all - no touch-ups required! If you're like me, you'll keep checking the mirror the first time you wear these because you just can't quite bring yourself to trust a product this bright to just stay where it is supposed to go. Stinking hot day? No worries - still there at the end of the day. Going out for a few drinks with friends? Still there. Enthusiastic making out with a spunky boy - Ha! It's not magic, if you're doing this you're still going to need to check and touch up the colour. And maybe provide some makeup remover for the lucky lad - unless you're into the clown look, there's no judgement here. <br />
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Want to see how they look on the lips? Of course you do! (Lips pics aren't mine - taken from the <a href="https://www.makeupandglow.com.au/Lime-Crime-Velvetines-Matte-Lipstick-p-17788.html" target="_blank">Makeup and Glow site</a> - but I can assure you that the colours are spot on!)<br />
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So, now that you've decided you need these in all the colours - you can get them either directly through <a href="http://limecrime.com/lips/velvetines-37.html" target="_blank">Lime Crime</a> if you are in the US, or through the faboosh ladies at <a href="http://makeupandglow.com.au/product.php?productid=17788&cat=0&page=1&featured" target="_blank">Makeup and Glow</a> if you're here in Oz. Of course there are other retailers but I got mine from M&G, but go for what's closest to you.<br />
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Lime Crime have been teasing us devotees with three new colours - a deep red, a black and chocolate brown - due out next month. They've cutely names these Goth-a-tines.<br />
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So, who wants them? Or already has them? What do you think - do you love them as much as I do?Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-32574055654218628052013-10-07T07:30:00.000+10:002013-10-07T07:30:01.367+10:00Luxe Lips for Less - Ulta3 LipsticksYou guys seem to like it when I show you products on a budget that work as well as their pricier counterparts, so I think you are going to like what I have in store for you today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBDgEZs5264jux7o9eS-oBTwx8K3jsqfmWtAEDfd4KEZKX6-tsmlyXQLqt_AuXHCwwu-VsolpRmKppTIDARUiylxhqXfikFlGrmJyP-jVDT_mVpFcbDPtJBdaIxywI4iaQUHeZGHFFoAk/s1600/Ulta3.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBDgEZs5264jux7o9eS-oBTwx8K3jsqfmWtAEDfd4KEZKX6-tsmlyXQLqt_AuXHCwwu-VsolpRmKppTIDARUiylxhqXfikFlGrmJyP-jVDT_mVpFcbDPtJBdaIxywI4iaQUHeZGHFFoAk/s320/Ulta3.3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've spoken before about a brand called Ulta3 and how much I love their nail polishes and how surprised I was by the quality of them. They have recently revamped their makeup line and the first thing that caught my eye when walking past the new stands were the new lipstick containers. Gone are the cheap-looking plastic tubes and they are replaced with a sophisticated tubes with colour panels on the bottom which is what draws they eye.<br />
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You know what else is great about these? The price. $2.99 for the standard colours and $3.99 for the mattes. Yep, that's right, they have a range of matte colours. In a budget line. Awesome, right?<br />
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So you want to know how they look right? For the most part - they are terrific. A couple of them need a little work, but overall I was really impressed with the quality, opacity and the wear of them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Vixen, Harem Pink(m), Lilac Glow, Orange Crush(m), Pure Chic, Pink Pout(m), Coral Reef</td></tr>
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015 - Vixen<br />
Terrific work appropriate colour if you like a little shimmer. Smooth, opaque and easy to work with.<br />
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030 - Harem Pink (matte)<br />
This is the first of the three mattes and my favourite of them. While not a true matte lipstick, this can be forgiven because it also does not have the drying qualities most matte lipsticks do. Opacity is fantastic and it's a smooth cream finish.<br />
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007 - Lilac Glow<br />
A blue based pink/purple, this one surprised me with it's wear-ability. Definitely not a colour for everyone but still a keeper.<br />
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029 - Orange Crush (matte)<br />
Not a fan of this one. I can't say I expected a matte orange to be terrific or flattering but I was intrigued to see what the formula was like. The answer is terrible. Clumpy, a little drying, not opaque at all and building up the colour makes it look worse. There is nothing redeeming about this, and like Harem Pink, it's not actually a matte at all.<br />
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051 - Pure Chic<br />
Again, another great work colour to add to the collection. No faults with this one, great application, opacity and wear.<br />
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033 - Pink Pout (matte)<br />
This one is just ok, it's a little drying, not actually matte, great colour though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij94cFaIVcrt-u23XdkfCGzT807qFoaIZ81sGUT-BDfT7wPVUzzPJ4dEjoC8btKw3aPavccVQHqmFQ9R05YN46S5o0r6ZCT2ULX-fa8ZTecidZM4u0k9DAYP9t2tF281sX_CIKUnzPb0tf/s1600/Ulta3.10+Coral+Reef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij94cFaIVcrt-u23XdkfCGzT807qFoaIZ81sGUT-BDfT7wPVUzzPJ4dEjoC8btKw3aPavccVQHqmFQ9R05YN46S5o0r6ZCT2ULX-fa8ZTecidZM4u0k9DAYP9t2tF281sX_CIKUnzPb0tf/s320/Ulta3.10+Coral+Reef.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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040 - Coral Reef<br />
I was so disappointed with this one. I was so excited about the colour and was so disappointed with the lack of colour payoff, the texture and the overall finish of the lipstick. Avoid this one. <br />
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I want to try a few more of these, definitely some reds, but I highly recommend these as a luxe option for less. <br />
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That's it from me today, I was thinking about putting together a post on contouring - is that something you would be interested in getting some insider tips on?Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-61283490617965920692013-07-11T08:00:00.000+10:002015-07-10T09:44:49.955+10:00The Ultimate Guide to Makeup Brushes - The FaceOk, so here we are with part two of my guide to the best brushes you can get for the best price. <br />
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Today we are talking about the face. So let's start with the base. The base is the most important part of a makeup. If you don't have amazing looking skin, then no matter how much colour you apply on top, it's not going to look as good as it could be - so it's important that you are using the right tools to ensure you are getting the best out of the products you use. <br />
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You'll need a great foundation brush. You'll use it to apply moisturiser, primer, foundation, blend concealer, pretty much anything you like. <br />
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I have lots of these, because my needs change depending on my client, but the one I love the most is the Angle Synthetic Foundation Brush from Crown ($14). I particularly love that the angle of the bristles allows you to get right into the all curves of the face like the nose and around the ears. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpwJTMM1Xbn21k4L1W74TQKpTUBote-PY72APzgd35MG0fpfQdXPi2FTIenCo0V3VEVxNZApqd5sj2stD8s-L7-lwdkGe1ax3lNcfPJ-U8bRWhRr9vBiQZ6WVxnPhi3dLAtyrQn4NbOhr/s1600/foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpwJTMM1Xbn21k4L1W74TQKpTUBote-PY72APzgd35MG0fpfQdXPi2FTIenCo0V3VEVxNZApqd5sj2stD8s-L7-lwdkGe1ax3lNcfPJ-U8bRWhRr9vBiQZ6WVxnPhi3dLAtyrQn4NbOhr/s320/foundation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A great concealer brush is is also vital. I tend to favour my Sedona Lace Flat Synthetic Brush ($8.95). It's the perfect density to work around the nose, chin and forehead. Around the eyes, I actually use the fluffy blending brush from Gorgeous Cosmetics that I mentioned in the last post. I do love a multipurpose brush, and I find the fluffiness of this one is great for softly blending in cream concealers without highlighting any fine lines. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvS7WG24d1RMVPLIzorW4B6oQLyEVP6WgvK3Ruw1ACIv_ijqKFI4yioyLMpZE80EGXENw-Um8Aho805BD4stA5gjIJVgH0YJ-qU4wQxO9VpCt140cSwWtdH0fEjHu-IauRjiZmLo7KScL/s1600/Concealer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvS7WG24d1RMVPLIzorW4B6oQLyEVP6WgvK3Ruw1ACIv_ijqKFI4yioyLMpZE80EGXENw-Um8Aho805BD4stA5gjIJVgH0YJ-qU4wQxO9VpCt140cSwWtdH0fEjHu-IauRjiZmLo7KScL/s320/Concealer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you like contouring with creams like I do, you're going to need an amazing buffing brush, and trust me when I say I searched high and low to find this one - the Sedona Lace FB07 ($14.95). The soft, yet extremely dense brush makes buffing and blending a breeze. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDjhyphenhyphenNESfNpoWZNmLsKsSjn1yM-0BPahLUYI6SCXEavkJNLMgPsH_zEo2vbIXbtnXeOygmet8GztiOhi8YxlO3HTcIMu5MGt_7pnFi2dwKQ4wqHZpJIWycn77AIP-wx7XAAym1bn1LSLF/s1600/FB07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDjhyphenhyphenNESfNpoWZNmLsKsSjn1yM-0BPahLUYI6SCXEavkJNLMgPsH_zEo2vbIXbtnXeOygmet8GztiOhi8YxlO3HTcIMu5MGt_7pnFi2dwKQ4wqHZpJIWycn77AIP-wx7XAAym1bn1LSLF/s320/FB07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A big fluffy brush is always important for powdering down a look, I have two which I love, the Gorgeous Cosmetics Powder Brush ($63) and the Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Powder Brush ($10). Both work just as well as each other, I prefer the Gorgeous one, because I just like the way it sits in my hand. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYgbsIhyphenhyphenoOHL_jgjgesW6gwHxtbCxF1ixsnhkv4udHmF021XEIi78u4ObnxboUu_OaaofdGrWnbs8GilTb-9Yb0_IizU1Ke2W5MJPD6YjVq1R0QHNF0hWqVQPM10uC6si21JeKCzTil5g/s1600/powder_brush_4d6049b4919cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYgbsIhyphenhyphenoOHL_jgjgesW6gwHxtbCxF1ixsnhkv4udHmF021XEIi78u4ObnxboUu_OaaofdGrWnbs8GilTb-9Yb0_IizU1Ke2W5MJPD6YjVq1R0QHNF0hWqVQPM10uC6si21JeKCzTil5g/s320/powder_brush_4d6049b4919cb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of my favourite brushes is my blush brush which I use for blush, highlight, dusting powder - anything really. It's the Pro Blush 330 from Makeup and Glow ($25.90). It's so soft and fluffy and my my clients always comment on how gentle it feels on their face.<br />
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For brows, I always come back to my Royal and Langnickel Silk Brow Brush ($5.99). It's perfect for filling in brows with powder and blending out harsh pencil lines. <br />
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Lastly, lips. I use a combination of brushes depending on what I need, but what I'll show you is the one I use the most. The Royal and Langnickel Silk Lip C601-S ($4.99) is a medium sized bullet tipped synthetic brush that holds a great amount of product and provides solid even coverage. <br />
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So that's it. All the brushes you need to be a makeup superstar. You may not even need all of them - if you don't like to apply your lipstick with a brush, then don't. I do for hygiene reasons, but if it's just you using your tube of lipstick, then you don't need that one. <br />
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That's it for today. Next up I have the last few tools you should have for a flawless face. Once again, the links are below for the brushes discussed. <br />
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<a href="http://www.crownbrush.com.au/products/syntho-series/syntho-series-deluxe-angle-foundation" target="_blank">Angled Foundation Brush</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetic-Brushes/67/Flat-Synthetic-EB-11.aspx" target="_blank">Concealer Brush</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetic-Brushes/65/Flat-Top-Buffer-FB-07.aspx" target="_blank">Buffing Brush</a><br />
<a href="http://makeupandglow.com.au/Makeup-and-Glow-Pro-Blush-Brush-330-p-16959.html" target="_blank">Pro Blush</a><br />
<a href="http://gorgeouscosmetics.com.au/store/product.php?productid=18050&cat=544&page=1" target="_blank">Powder Brush (Gorgeous Cosmetics)</a><br />
<a href="http://realtechniques.com/shop-collection/your-base-flawless/powder-brush" target="_blank">Powder Brush (Real Techniques)</a><br />
<a href="http://host0111.csmhosting.com/IW_Products.m4p.pvx?;MULTI_ITEM_SUBMIT" target="_blank">Brow Brush</a><br />
<a href="http://host0111.csmhosting.com/IW_Products.m4p.pvx?;MULTI_ITEM_SUBMIT" target="_blank">Lip Brush</a><br />
<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-78319928066521798272013-07-08T08:00:00.000+10:002013-07-14T15:40:58.757+10:00The Ultimate Guide to Makeup Brushes - The EyesOne of the things I get asked a lot about as a makeup artist is what tools I use, where I get them and why I pay so much for them.<br />
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The simple answer is - because you get what you pay for. Being a makeup artist, I can use the best makeup on the market on a client, but if it's applied with brushes and sponges that aren't soft enough, or that shed, or bleed colour, then what's the point? <br />
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Like anything in life, if you want quality and durability, you have to pay for it. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule which I am going to share them with you, but if you are wondering why that set of 40 brushes covered in MAC branding that you bought off eBay for $40 aren't doing as well as you hoped, it probably because (a) they're fake, (b) they're made from the cheapest, harshest materials possible, and (c) you know you've been ripped off, even if it's only deep down.<br />
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Let me clear something up for you, if you see a brush set from a professional brand like MAC or Bobbi Brown on eBay like that, walk away. It's fake, substandard and it's going to be a pain in the ass picking off all the hair that will shed like crazy the very first time (and every time after that) that you use them. <br />
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While we are at it, let me let you in a on little secret - as a regular consumer, you don't need 40 different brushes. I have hundreds, but I have 5 of the same brush, because I know from plenty of experience that you only need a few brushes to make your makeup look amazing, and I'm going to tell you which ones.<br />
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I'm gonna break this down into sections for you guys, so lets start with eyes today. <br />
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<h3>
Eye Brushes</h3>
You need to have a stiff flat brush to pack eyeshadow onto the lid - my personal favourite is the C208 Chisel Deluxe Fluff from Crown Brush ($5.45) - cheap and cheerful. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13xT9mDgakI0Hc2U3gRxTTQI2QMww4ksWrMqELDoeSY3MqJa8jvGYFxLje16DpRTjx0Zu-KJKZfKK548PCuhoiQE77ZCyP-I7W64s22OjRPpGef0DMAWbDI_Dgs4_8RoUshfWfiEEMxBF/s1600/Flat+es.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13xT9mDgakI0Hc2U3gRxTTQI2QMww4ksWrMqELDoeSY3MqJa8jvGYFxLje16DpRTjx0Zu-KJKZfKK548PCuhoiQE77ZCyP-I7W64s22OjRPpGef0DMAWbDI_Dgs4_8RoUshfWfiEEMxBF/s320/Flat+es.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then you need a brush to blend colour into the corner of the eye and the crease. I use the Pro Pencil Blender 149 ($5.99) from Royal and Langnickel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8-QwDgIhX629crSD5WsIFHjARqD3hcd2saTfioPbWRQrsXe5BojjlndG-ot2TkyajOaA2hcmj9j1ynsyoOf5x7EX2w0dZwtzlRadQk2dJihfXlsXAD4YmJCYsiKNGezHPFv1OVnLtqu9/s1600/Pro+Pencil+Blender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8-QwDgIhX629crSD5WsIFHjARqD3hcd2saTfioPbWRQrsXe5BojjlndG-ot2TkyajOaA2hcmj9j1ynsyoOf5x7EX2w0dZwtzlRadQk2dJihfXlsXAD4YmJCYsiKNGezHPFv1OVnLtqu9/s320/Pro+Pencil+Blender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You also need something soft and fluffy for blending a soft highlight under the brow bone. I have the B112 Shadow Blended from Gorgeous Cosmetics, but to be honest, that one retails for $41, and I don't love it enough to spend that much on it. I got mine as part of my brush role when I started training. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFHkQkUTDKB8TZhrLxkq8AKsGOAbL85m1yj7ELqo6lGsKfoDTuudAqMuQyQgywQhN4Hm4IZXTRaymPSqLilIw-1VqovhrfHa22v4XX9Ob23gwD0NZGw3W2rlESOE8zy6VB1_DAyNA8MwU/s1600/Brush_B112-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="28" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFHkQkUTDKB8TZhrLxkq8AKsGOAbL85m1yj7ELqo6lGsKfoDTuudAqMuQyQgywQhN4Hm4IZXTRaymPSqLilIw-1VqovhrfHa22v4XX9Ob23gwD0NZGw3W2rlESOE8zy6VB1_DAyNA8MwU/s320/Brush_B112-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If I was having to buy another, I would probably go for the Master Pro Tapered Blender from Royal and Langnickel ($9.99)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa2SS7JY8D4ZO5U3QryKRRFamq_jUSFdsTkYF-FfLKo5Ss4ndKHnJUApuktmKVKUeZVe7FkuyORPxMt5MOu0V8QqnOCmo6B4iOLGYt6IMced7XhrdK2cN_TTqfA8GXzLdweMpLgoSf4M4/s1600/Tapered+Blender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa2SS7JY8D4ZO5U3QryKRRFamq_jUSFdsTkYF-FfLKo5Ss4ndKHnJUApuktmKVKUeZVe7FkuyORPxMt5MOu0V8QqnOCmo6B4iOLGYt6IMced7XhrdK2cN_TTqfA8GXzLdweMpLgoSf4M4/s320/Tapered+Blender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So you've got all your shadows in place, and now you just need blend it all out right? I love, love, love my Sedona Lace Blender EB13 ($8.95) I know others swear by the MAC 217 ($37) but I've used them both and always go back to the EB13. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BbYZdFEs0I2uhravAzEcK8UwaSV6SPW0ukKHJFIwh3nFHGn6q6YtePO96jak7YQl8JDFxfOVWX6hN9QqJB3oftOupflVkLwY3yVuvr4IqBeCJjt38hzuuXEx8PaGsxEyAmzP7VNp2bCr/s1600/EB13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BbYZdFEs0I2uhravAzEcK8UwaSV6SPW0ukKHJFIwh3nFHGn6q6YtePO96jak7YQl8JDFxfOVWX6hN9QqJB3oftOupflVkLwY3yVuvr4IqBeCJjt38hzuuXEx8PaGsxEyAmzP7VNp2bCr/s320/EB13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To finish off the look, you're going to need liner, but there are so many types of liner brushes out there...<br />
Bent Liner (Sedona Lace EB19 $8.95)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IWZaegX9CcmxPrj13CU8Cj3GwaYIJsPViPSci4C4LLNRDgVLRPnujG7B9oyjOSw6GMi0ettBaa8mrLgmBFr5dOJpUk6PIAhmc4THWAd0MYSinmf5Dpzci5gemp75wqCkvphKXGZp33XR/s1600/Bent+Liner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IWZaegX9CcmxPrj13CU8Cj3GwaYIJsPViPSci4C4LLNRDgVLRPnujG7B9oyjOSw6GMi0ettBaa8mrLgmBFr5dOJpUk6PIAhmc4THWAd0MYSinmf5Dpzci5gemp75wqCkvphKXGZp33XR/s320/Bent+Liner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Flat Liner (Crown Italian Badger $4.15)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez4aqOSYiG2xJ7G_RKJ8WHgh0YF5kbSYiuJlz5VysnZA3nxjFe7zJDAGU7BQVFHQ60DNKh1_2mbV3LXe7sagtRlkzW_w4HP92OeCWN1yGWqf_LKmVze6ew9zKEV2cmq7vtAQrDck8ZrHQ/s1600/Flat+Liner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez4aqOSYiG2xJ7G_RKJ8WHgh0YF5kbSYiuJlz5VysnZA3nxjFe7zJDAGU7BQVFHQ60DNKh1_2mbV3LXe7sagtRlkzW_w4HP92OeCWN1yGWqf_LKmVze6ew9zKEV2cmq7vtAQrDck8ZrHQ/s320/Flat+Liner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Angle Liner (Crown Brush Italian Badger $4.35)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLSEisg5WHvPQtGEAJstG9Rr-rS5tjeO5cPKlHCJHpQf_zytoWRyYKvm-ucFwNZONs9vPCzlA0bh252r25wqLkZPxxfSBDnFngHQbr6ftaPYe3bLfHlk7Q-JdQVYd01luJgBN9MFccWGq/s1600/Angle+Liner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLSEisg5WHvPQtGEAJstG9Rr-rS5tjeO5cPKlHCJHpQf_zytoWRyYKvm-ucFwNZONs9vPCzlA0bh252r25wqLkZPxxfSBDnFngHQbr6ftaPYe3bLfHlk7Q-JdQVYd01luJgBN9MFccWGq/s320/Angle+Liner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So which is the right one? I can't actually tell you that. This one really comes down to personal preference and what you are more comfortable with, I personally will usually fluctuate on what I prefer to use, so I have all three. <br />
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So that's it for eyes. 6 brushes, and they don't have to break the budget if you know where to look. If you were to pick up similar brushes from somewhere like, say MAC, you'd be looking at around $48 for the 239, $54 for the 224, $45 for the 219, $37 for the 217, $37 for 263, a total of $221. If you follow my guide, $39.33. That's right, less than $40 for the brushes that will make your life so much easier. <br />
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So I hope this has helped out, and I will put links to each brush below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.crownbrush.com.au/products/italian-badger-series/angle-liner-1" target="_blank">Angle Liner</a><br />
<a href="http://www.crownbrush.com.au/products/italian-badger-series/flat-linercamouflage-1" target="_blank">Flat Liner</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetic-Brushes/72/Bent-Liner-EB-19.aspx" target="_blank">Bent Liner</a><br />
<a href="http://www.crownbrush.com.au/products/studio-series/chisel-deluxe-fluff" target="_blank">Chisel Deluxe Fluff</a><br />
<a href="http://host0111.csmhosting.com/IW_Products.m4p.pvx?;MULTI_ITEM_SUBMIT" target="_blank">Pro Pencil Blender</a><br />
<a href="http://host0111.csmhosting.com/IW_Products.m4p.pvx?;MULTI_ITEM_SUBMIT" target="_blank">Pro Tapered Blender</a><br />
<a href="http://gorgeouscosmetics.com.au/store/product.php?productid=18055&cat=544&page=1" target="_blank">B112 Shadow Blender</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetic-Brushes/68/Synthetic-Blender-EB-13.aspx" target="_blank">Blender EB13</a>Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-12888527880808512662013-04-08T08:00:00.000+10:002013-04-08T08:00:09.645+10:00Some of my work...Are you guys interested in seeing some of my work? Here is some of my really early stuff - a Disney Princess themed burlesque shoot (with a group of insanely talented burlesque dancers!). I'm pretty happy with how this one worked out. I love Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. And I love that they are all easily identifiable as their characters, depite the lack of costume. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-2vCbAsZfyh-INT7REvofNyRdozMMs-vS0ffZ-RuAN6J4QeDUcI9lgbLkdpaoI4g5H-RMPwDH1P9Qu8PtLpZDGKSOVrwSutEo9xxTNY5XJTpEnUUrlYp91gXhGI7aEY4QaPeluJQCUxm/s1600/Sleeping+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-2vCbAsZfyh-INT7REvofNyRdozMMs-vS0ffZ-RuAN6J4QeDUcI9lgbLkdpaoI4g5H-RMPwDH1P9Qu8PtLpZDGKSOVrwSutEo9xxTNY5XJTpEnUUrlYp91gXhGI7aEY4QaPeluJQCUxm/s320/Sleeping+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV4LW6Nd2aBTToED-QcAjFlSgYpkTAw0WiJ-ByEeRYI0ZomACjf40P9PzQ4y3yeE691AWLQetz7UMHbXZ_jUW8X6gPR2Ov7CdAgbIvDJqG522t94G08q8TLWRy50kFua4W3PWy70dZfW5/s1600/Sleeping+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV4LW6Nd2aBTToED-QcAjFlSgYpkTAw0WiJ-ByEeRYI0ZomACjf40P9PzQ4y3yeE691AWLQetz7UMHbXZ_jUW8X6gPR2Ov7CdAgbIvDJqG522t94G08q8TLWRy50kFua4W3PWy70dZfW5/s320/Sleeping+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ1g1sO4ZRQITjw_ZTlGo1YxJyymWXPI1wfMsi1md2m7z8OyHB9ajxGgnQmSC1jp1QIcO3Un2bcDqaalp4gLlj3PFfkDGBgNZ7KVm-TpHV5Wx9_VlU4Bn_MbW65bQtWF7j_6Te7UDubcH/s1600/Jasmine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ1g1sO4ZRQITjw_ZTlGo1YxJyymWXPI1wfMsi1md2m7z8OyHB9ajxGgnQmSC1jp1QIcO3Un2bcDqaalp4gLlj3PFfkDGBgNZ7KVm-TpHV5Wx9_VlU4Bn_MbW65bQtWF7j_6Te7UDubcH/s320/Jasmine2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEybWsLWa6XXmKLMYHbwZp0VsFWjztzyaMiIDEwNrxDdqbqvNF5wKxPnTngrBIO8mCMp7twUaMGAoK3in1Y2xpBnndUiENI5anoLzL7UnoYE0D2Vkegu1yL6eSPYFO3qZ4cEMXWzxWArl/s1600/Jasmine+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEybWsLWa6XXmKLMYHbwZp0VsFWjztzyaMiIDEwNrxDdqbqvNF5wKxPnTngrBIO8mCMp7twUaMGAoK3in1Y2xpBnndUiENI5anoLzL7UnoYE0D2Vkegu1yL6eSPYFO3qZ4cEMXWzxWArl/s320/Jasmine+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWQB1vfc-N47adkNwGIY1mY1wU98u-ocu1XG-FCYGUW7-Uq475t0rWNC1gOs5Do5aFi91FwltNbswI7PLhid6BfJ4X_F4n4SS7MTEedL4WIoDRtVo6ywK4-P6gl-lgZ8TGL1YHiIK47kE/s1600/Belle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWQB1vfc-N47adkNwGIY1mY1wU98u-ocu1XG-FCYGUW7-Uq475t0rWNC1gOs5Do5aFi91FwltNbswI7PLhid6BfJ4X_F4n4SS7MTEedL4WIoDRtVo6ywK4-P6gl-lgZ8TGL1YHiIK47kE/s320/Belle+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N1XoMRvywFf_gxBVOs91r7f53CVAonw4OVjLhyMmRxvVwjXz4G5tFGFYhfxwhyphenhyphen4-JLwoPekJfUlGZIrbXUIZej3gN__irSwgpQL1V4fVpkgKEisK2XDzlCabPAlId5-8_MzlhFOXh-nQ/s1600/Snow+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N1XoMRvywFf_gxBVOs91r7f53CVAonw4OVjLhyMmRxvVwjXz4G5tFGFYhfxwhyphenhyphen4-JLwoPekJfUlGZIrbXUIZej3gN__irSwgpQL1V4fVpkgKEisK2XDzlCabPAlId5-8_MzlhFOXh-nQ/s320/Snow+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlGwG9YZslGqrr1z8JMV2r7yTizmRUp_1vPXu6aCjQb4JaGFe4vImFPEYJjs6A_qmEKhsEOrP6d1fWdfOx-W9pl21Bn4nt_iIMkrtxehyphenhyphenACVyB_vY7tnGwkPjIegbbdCQlN9D3OrGO_Yr/s1600/Snow+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlGwG9YZslGqrr1z8JMV2r7yTizmRUp_1vPXu6aCjQb4JaGFe4vImFPEYJjs6A_qmEKhsEOrP6d1fWdfOx-W9pl21Bn4nt_iIMkrtxehyphenhyphenACVyB_vY7tnGwkPjIegbbdCQlN9D3OrGO_Yr/s320/Snow+4.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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So what do you guys think? Let me know if you want to see more of my stuff and I'll keep posting it!Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-86895206636109465912013-04-03T08:00:00.000+10:002013-04-07T12:42:24.446+10:00Swatch-a-palooza - OCC Lip Tars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q_cIJ4gp9_1_tzqTIx6VyHCXFE1t0ZAQdl-crYYxiFSf8QPpMoRfRowtkAGw9xS3m6lCbG0lCetTP6t_-FG_j5yTsGOya52k_hQTT_lnmYq4OIuhKFLV5qZAZ-5pJF8nI78CTxm60cJo/s1600/Tars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q_cIJ4gp9_1_tzqTIx6VyHCXFE1t0ZAQdl-crYYxiFSf8QPpMoRfRowtkAGw9xS3m6lCbG0lCetTP6t_-FG_j5yTsGOya52k_hQTT_lnmYq4OIuhKFLV5qZAZ-5pJF8nI78CTxm60cJo/s320/Tars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Continuing on with Swatch-a-palooza, here is a glimpse into my pro kit. I have 25 OCC Lip Tars. I had more but they inevitably get stolen on shoots by models and assistants once they realise how awesome they are, the most recent casualty - my black one - Tarred. Very annoying. <br />
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I'm not saying you need all these colours, hell you only really need primary colours, a black and white and you can mix any shade you like. I just like having premixed colours so that I don't have to spend as much time mixing, since I can grab something close to the shade I'm after and just add a little to change it depending on my needs. <br />
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So lets jump straight into the pictures. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UgnrIYZ5cWCAauFrjoCCBVohV_S4Xg3g3zEFOegYV3boVU5p20X457LXDCoJ3m0BCH1q-WV74kDwbaTbAe_igS1hu7q4emyv_HbpOHfsm8XHsjd4qhyphenhyphenP0dPaBNg7k2OKj16f64EuhdrF/s1600/LT+Primary_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UgnrIYZ5cWCAauFrjoCCBVohV_S4Xg3g3zEFOegYV3boVU5p20X457LXDCoJ3m0BCH1q-WV74kDwbaTbAe_igS1hu7q4emyv_HbpOHfsm8XHsjd4qhyphenhyphenP0dPaBNg7k2OKj16f64EuhdrF/s320/LT+Primary_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R - Feathered, Butch, Chlorophyll, NSFW<br />
As you can see, Feathered is not opaque in comparison to the others and is prone to the mixture separating. I use it only in mixing colours so it's not an issue for me, but if you are looking for a solid white lip colour, this is not the one you are looking for. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd-78CsZ-DDjva_-uD934iPyB_T8G1oyPEXsB4jGGdpjcro77tMG470nfJAa6KOVPtTtk8n1PSjbYj7_gEOVITInCno4X_OnoYIldd7QrSsIwOVNO07774pLzig2LypB4qSO-LI3A-Nj_/s1600/LT+red+stain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd-78CsZ-DDjva_-uD934iPyB_T8G1oyPEXsB4jGGdpjcro77tMG470nfJAa6KOVPtTtk8n1PSjbYj7_gEOVITInCno4X_OnoYIldd7QrSsIwOVNO07774pLzig2LypB4qSO-LI3A-Nj_/s320/LT+red+stain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heads up - these stain. Particularly the red NSFW which great for your lips, not so much your arm. I maybe had this one for 3 mins max to get this level of stain. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bffOFtz98WmZNfqe49MuuxXJXhYRspIEd8is0FBDe5D8GVA8nbH-DmxkcT7WkBPXFfDcAy1pVegY2XFVR4hjzq7TiC3bPiIkT_p4JUwgrVR1mi5CicfEhBl8KN2rTbVMEj7F4w-Vz_wf/s1600/LT+Browns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bffOFtz98WmZNfqe49MuuxXJXhYRspIEd8is0FBDe5D8GVA8nbH-DmxkcT7WkBPXFfDcAy1pVegY2XFVR4hjzq7TiC3bPiIkT_p4JUwgrVR1mi5CicfEhBl8KN2rTbVMEj7F4w-Vz_wf/s320/LT+Browns.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tone, Hush, Trick, Uber, Pennyroyal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdRYqmV35PorQq_6xX1WsKKcsKRXkhGYyqIhFFEmgp_qZ7lXz23YZkthafbfZOrAvF33vDEE5o1ighfdml4cOzv-927C7abMAHWs8wbwn6Pco8FC9niVJF4I11ZaH1Vwjj-zZovom6U5J/s1600/LT+Oranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdRYqmV35PorQq_6xX1WsKKcsKRXkhGYyqIhFFEmgp_qZ7lXz23YZkthafbfZOrAvF33vDEE5o1ighfdml4cOzv-927C7abMAHWs8wbwn6Pco8FC9niVJF4I11ZaH1Vwjj-zZovom6U5J/s320/LT+Oranges.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devine, Grandma, Kava Kava</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-YTgMZSi0ZUXVG-Efn9-I8g5VeUipGOzXmeHpkQV4KW0vnhr-QcP3OZNFlxjV3W5Irf45byVr9G80eULXLk3dKaKcjO49ZndDFC7gbwaKXcGPdbhjZPOJyO9ptkL40Prta8ISGNr09Yu/s1600/LT+Pinks_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-YTgMZSi0ZUXVG-Efn9-I8g5VeUipGOzXmeHpkQV4KW0vnhr-QcP3OZNFlxjV3W5Irf45byVr9G80eULXLk3dKaKcjO49ZndDFC7gbwaKXcGPdbhjZPOJyO9ptkL40Prta8ISGNr09Yu/s320/LT+Pinks_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memento, Narcissus, Pretty Boy, Anime</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xQF0wjFPx9uoAkdPXjhVHUyz5girqjgSgQxtEEvn89MZGTlfvKEzZkKIUuByYmdLb3Xrwmj1P_gjm9G6FD2UL22YgdCw5bBHCHaqkGcVjreMnBq4wzSwQ90SnL6O-IASU7AKXmjNLdEf/s1600/LT+Purples_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xQF0wjFPx9uoAkdPXjhVHUyz5girqjgSgQxtEEvn89MZGTlfvKEzZkKIUuByYmdLb3Xrwmj1P_gjm9G6FD2UL22YgdCw5bBHCHaqkGcVjreMnBq4wzSwQ90SnL6O-IASU7AKXmjNLdEf/s320/LT+Purples_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digitalis, Pageant, Demure, Katricia, Belladonna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNBD0ues_fwLKqSer9NZ26zuQegDW1IaeBKlvfJsYT1Kmz13l64Y7uIagjXbqWgjNzzE3uLGX_EFpqdcJdJAqB1ii9mRqKVt_hWaVuo4pR7K6XkyALYw3aVnIEO8oLvLvWU3ORPAWQfwS/s1600/LT+Purple+Stain_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNBD0ues_fwLKqSer9NZ26zuQegDW1IaeBKlvfJsYT1Kmz13l64Y7uIagjXbqWgjNzzE3uLGX_EFpqdcJdJAqB1ii9mRqKVt_hWaVuo4pR7K6XkyALYw3aVnIEO8oLvLvWU3ORPAWQfwS/s320/LT+Purple+Stain_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The purples also stain and quickly. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvb6Q2omdm3HZk5UoJsMLbOIXCYBkHIbC5QjhiMC_kjywdPn-O5DenN45o0j9T66zhIPLleqF-667PR18FVNMC9zXdS7HjdWGfXejlECFi5dF5qyZL0_0BKuuwxKtwhBFxjAuiw-3cjXn/s1600/LT+Metallics_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvb6Q2omdm3HZk5UoJsMLbOIXCYBkHIbC5QjhiMC_kjywdPn-O5DenN45o0j9T66zhIPLleqF-667PR18FVNMC9zXdS7HjdWGfXejlECFi5dF5qyZL0_0BKuuwxKtwhBFxjAuiw-3cjXn/s320/LT+Metallics_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new-ish metallic Lip Tars - Triptych, Electric Grandma, Super NSFW, Authentic. Love these!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One thing I find about OCC Lip Tars is that they can be incredibly drying on lips. I always prime with something really heavy duty like Paw Paw ointment and scrub the lips to remove any dead skin before applying these as they will emphasise dryness. I love that they dry to a matte finish and that once dry, they aren't going anywhere. The downside to this is that some of them stain pretty badly, namely the reds and purples. <br />
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A lip liner with these is an absolute must, as is being so careful that you don't use too much. I know some people think I'm exaggerating when I say that I use a pinhead sized drop of product for the whole lip area. I'm not. If you use anymore then that, the product will run and feather and will be a nasty mess. I've found that the people who dislike using Lip Tars and claim they can't see what the fuss is about are the ones who use a little too much.<br />
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This is a superb product but one you have to know how to use properly to achieve an amazing look. You need to have prepared your lips, exfoliated, primed and lined, before application.<br />
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These are phenomenal value for money at $18 each here and cheaper in the US. These will last a really long time and you can't fault the colour payoff, as you can see above.<br />
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My one gripe is that the packaging has a tendency to randomly explode leaving you will a sticky, highly pigmented mess to clean up. Luckily this has never happened to me (touch wood) but I have plenty of makeup artist friends who have lost a tube or two to a colour explosion in their kit. It's a devastating thing. I never leave mine in my main kit for that reason, only packing them when I know I need them. And always in a separate snap lock bag - just in case. <br />
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Do you have Lip Tars? Do you love them? Any tips you want to share? <br />
<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-19867612937882347602013-04-01T20:08:00.002+10:002015-07-10T09:45:18.269+10:00Swatch-a-palooz - OPI Part 1Welcome to Swatch A Palooza 2013! This is were we are going to celebrate all things bright and colourful. I'll be swatching my entire polish collection by brand, as well as all of the makeup - and yes that includes my entire pro kit as well. <br />
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If you guys see something you like, speak up. Let me know if you want more info, a proper review, a comparison with similar brands or shades. I'm here for you guys, so you get to say what you want to see. <br />
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Let's kick it off with some OPI shall we?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde9nk0w49oQX4_jlETg2iWOnUH0fgpvFc2YIl0vWYItAaz2lGqpLliPa7vIM0Wu-Bcjsi6mn9JvSSg-isC5yXiP8XSlW47494c2ssIMY44nASbo1uEMTQc9eIscr3wtfhBuYhaC5klcHx/s1600/Into+the+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde9nk0w49oQX4_jlETg2iWOnUH0fgpvFc2YIl0vWYItAaz2lGqpLliPa7vIM0Wu-Bcjsi6mn9JvSSg-isC5yXiP8XSlW47494c2ssIMY44nASbo1uEMTQc9eIscr3wtfhBuYhaC5klcHx/s320/Into+the+night.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the Night<br />
The Amazing Spiderman Collection - 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTiM1Z_VSqDd5SbY7sdcVfIvwra5Mcc6adu1bGnF6jvb78X-wk4fOLuYSmwT3yyGAYR4uSz0tIsw6ops6TDGVyrUU6p5yB6wSEmKi-Jk4y1hhcHoJ7J3EgrLhF_Cg5wi3gbYMqEyHYbaB/s1600/Glitzerland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTiM1Z_VSqDd5SbY7sdcVfIvwra5Mcc6adu1bGnF6jvb78X-wk4fOLuYSmwT3yyGAYR4uSz0tIsw6ops6TDGVyrUU6p5yB6wSEmKi-Jk4y1hhcHoJ7J3EgrLhF_Cg5wi3gbYMqEyHYbaB/s320/Glitzerland.jpg" width="121" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glizterland<br />
Swiss Collection - 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNPBr838yVWwQbqBtcF1updrloEtThgiWz-2GadHSXOd-AEzH9Veu9APGHJTw1rRUF3YWaa5PADkAWRizG2ne0Xfw3nozSCDuDPLMhYGm9JppEaEY8eQlup3tSHk5QQSckBdUoe5OTs8W/s1600/Skull+&+Glossbones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNPBr838yVWwQbqBtcF1updrloEtThgiWz-2GadHSXOd-AEzH9Veu9APGHJTw1rRUF3YWaa5PADkAWRizG2ne0Xfw3nozSCDuDPLMhYGm9JppEaEY8eQlup3tSHk5QQSckBdUoe5OTs8W/s320/Skull+&+Glossbones.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skull & Glossbones<br />
Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides Collection - 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_PaH2VpAeWji5glCNcTNfKtEax-xwOM1_XODJPx8QE2o5K0xV3VlpIzfdz0n6jTVMegPSx4Aqln1k_7c0uqzWYErkSeYdI2yAzREQp-d-XSn2XoyoERmG3WtRKXJGujRbS9GvEAdPmsu/s1600/Grape+Set+&+Match.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_PaH2VpAeWji5glCNcTNfKtEax-xwOM1_XODJPx8QE2o5K0xV3VlpIzfdz0n6jTVMegPSx4Aqln1k_7c0uqzWYErkSeYdI2yAzREQp-d-XSn2XoyoERmG3WtRKXJGujRbS9GvEAdPmsu/s320/Grape+Set+&+Match.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grape... Set... Match!<br />
Serena Williams Grand Slam England Collection - 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FxQisyK6Prxc4tvr-0y2U5Lr_SggQYAipRm8rpQnwwIhWKVeQ9emIM15oVNvD8dWs7SMk09mhIcQu1F7sUKHFQY1NFS-7zGO3Ol8M-rtHItl3x4jnfl1vyRmzphzlpTOZFVlh2MLm8uS/s1600/Flower+to+Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FxQisyK6Prxc4tvr-0y2U5Lr_SggQYAipRm8rpQnwwIhWKVeQ9emIM15oVNvD8dWs7SMk09mhIcQu1F7sUKHFQY1NFS-7zGO3Ol8M-rtHItl3x4jnfl1vyRmzphzlpTOZFVlh2MLm8uS/s320/Flower+to+Flower.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower to Flower<br />
Summer Flutter Collection - 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOM_v3FqlaNZ3-Wb-VuZulMCOGeaKpyh5PlLw4XAgCLtPlsijJx08iTg4Stt6t_f6XQyyXy7EKwkqvB-OECk5r86i3VvJx4uFyAbg7l92XfJRVM-u5ggtByRzA-i1M3N___uCRnlf8GBd/s1600/Flower+to+Flower+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOM_v3FqlaNZ3-Wb-VuZulMCOGeaKpyh5PlLw4XAgCLtPlsijJx08iTg4Stt6t_f6XQyyXy7EKwkqvB-OECk5r86i3VvJx4uFyAbg7l92XfJRVM-u5ggtByRzA-i1M3N___uCRnlf8GBd/s320/Flower+to+Flower+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another of Flower to Flower to really see that shimmer through it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok, so that's part one of OPI done. Only a billion more to go! <br />
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I'll be back later this week with more OPI swatches and also swatches of all of my OCC Lip Tars, so stay tuned. Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-48903033150638566312013-03-16T08:19:00.001+10:002013-03-16T08:19:27.777+10:00Sneak Peek - M&G Blazing PaletteJust thought I'd give you guys a sneaky look at what I'm working on today...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFFSE3-pP0hL7N-DXyMCScFhxjYiq09OXOr0o8v1jM4QcrIuirJzi4HubqnbJoAjmvb4R_-NpU-2MJFYoIlWdQOySG0y-36k9iMP2jU3DNy61cEbk3230zOoIdFh5iWW6OsYjZ16Fx5J3/s1600/Blazing+9_edited-1_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFFSE3-pP0hL7N-DXyMCScFhxjYiq09OXOr0o8v1jM4QcrIuirJzi4HubqnbJoAjmvb4R_-NpU-2MJFYoIlWdQOySG0y-36k9iMP2jU3DNy61cEbk3230zOoIdFh5iWW6OsYjZ16Fx5J3/s320/Blazing+9_edited-1_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are you as excited about this as I am???Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-70059726743381235872013-03-10T19:58:00.000+10:002013-03-12T20:14:50.457+10:00Luxe Lips for Less - Makeup & Glow Lipstick PansSo you guys seemed to like my first post on quality lipsticks for less so I thought I'd follow it up with a brand you probably haven't heard of because it's a Brisbane based makeup supply store who started their own line of products. And they are simply AMAZING. <br />
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The store and brand is called <a href="http://makeupandglow.com.au/" target="_blank">Makeup & Glow</a> and is the brainchild of one of the best bridal makeup artists I have ever come across, Rachael Parnell. She noticed that there was a huge gap in the market for pro brands to be brought into Australia and made available to professional makeup artists. <br />
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So lets talk about the lipsticks. I have ten of them. 5 of the best sellers were provided for review and 5 I bought myself. I can honestly say that the quality of these blow my mind. I'm sure you guys want to know how much these are, and I would still pay for them if they were double or even triple the price. They are $5.95 each. Yes, really. If you don't believe me, <a href="http://makeupandglow.com.au/Makeup-and-Glow-Lipstick-Pans-p-17733.html" target="_blank">go look for yourself</a>.<br />
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You get a huge 37mm pan which is about the size of an actual lube of lipstick melted down. I know this because I do it all the time. <br />
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So first things first, lets start with the popular shades - <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9c9Mz5VFVepXmyVhZxPq-4a6x7738S4pfQtbkm3CFA0d7HORwBTejCPIj4gNvEbPgDyK6gmAyQ7SQp_VHpgmVAJKZbDo6gME6qaNu_D2SZ6P42C9Ci1ZFeV05GKrAsTOYLdc2XexL6Sj/s1600/Swatch_edited-1_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9c9Mz5VFVepXmyVhZxPq-4a6x7738S4pfQtbkm3CFA0d7HORwBTejCPIj4gNvEbPgDyK6gmAyQ7SQp_VHpgmVAJKZbDo6gME6qaNu_D2SZ6P42C9Ci1ZFeV05GKrAsTOYLdc2XexL6Sj/s320/Swatch_edited-1_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>L-R - Bride to Be, Tango Pink, Salmon, Love Heart, Mother of the Bride, Red Brick</strong></span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<strong><em>Bride to Be</em></strong> is an amazing dusty deep pink, which not surprisingly is a great bridal colour. I love using this colour for weddings because it's so easy to grab a backup pan and give it to the bride along with a disposable lip brush for touch ups during her big day. Opacity is amazing, it's super smooth, super creamy and really quite moisturising. <br />
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<strong><em>Salmon</em></strong> is exactly as it is named. A creamy, opaque salmon colour which is more flattering then you would think. I would call this almost a coral shade, but a lot more wearable for more people. <br />
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<strong><em>Tango Pink</em></strong> is a brighter version of Bride to Be. Still really wearable and work appropriate. Again, really creamy and opaque. <br />
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<strong><em>Love Heart</em></strong> is one of my favourites because I do love a hot pink lippie. It's a seriously fun colour and I love it. <br />
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<strong><em>Mother of the Bride</em></strong> is another really popular colour. It's a plum colour and it looks amazing on mature ladies as well as younger women.<br />
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<strong><em>Mulbury</em></strong> looks much deeper in the pan then it actually comes out in real life. This one has an almost glossy finish to it and I love using it to mix in to make a red lipstick a little more vampy without going for a solid purple lip. Also, I may have gotten a little excited and used this colour before I took a photo. <br />
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<strong><em>Brick Red</em></strong> is a really great colour. It's a deep, almost tomato red, but deeper. Think Campbell's Tomato Soup, that's what it reminds me of. <br />
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Now we are getting to the mixing colours. <br />
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<em>L-R - White Orchid, Aztec Gold, Little Black Dress</em></h4>
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<strong><em>White Orchid</em></strong> is creamy and a solid colour but it does require a little more product then the others to build up opacity, but that is to be expected and really, who wants to wear stark white lipstick? I use this to lighten custom mixed lipsticks all the time, making it one of the most used shades in my kit. <br />
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Same goes for <strong><em>Little Black Dress</em></strong>. Great mixing colour, needs a little more product for a solid lip coverage but when darkening a lip colour, a little goes a long way. <br />
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My absolute favourite of the collection is surprisingly <strong><em>Aztec Gold</em></strong>. I really didn't expect to love this the way I do. It applies like butter, BUTTER I say! A tiny bit for opacity, so creamy. LOVE!!!<br />
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Must haves? Well, I want the whole collection but from what I have here - Bride to be for the everyday look. Mulbery as a vampy colour and . Brick Red because everyone needs a red. Probably you don't NEED Aztec Gold, but you're going to want it really, really badly. And I think everyone should own a black and white lipstick for mixing purposes. It means that the lipsticks you already have can always be customised for your outfit or mood. <br />
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The colour longevity on all of these is amazing. I did a shoot this afternoon where I mixed about seven of the colours together to create the perfect shade and it lasted through 4 and a half hours of shooting and I didn't have to touch it up once. It applies evenly and well. <br />
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I really cannot say enough good things about these lipsticks other then I NEED ALL OF THEM!!!! <br />
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If you feel like you also need some (or all, hey I'm certainly not judging you for it!), <a href="http://makeupandglow.com.au/Makeup-and-Glow-Lipstick-Pans-p-17733.html" target="_blank">the store is open to the public on Saturday mornings and 24/7 online at their website.</a> <br />
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I've got pictures of these on the lips coming up shortly. Just as soon as I get some time and some sunlight to actually do it. More product reviews coming up soon as well! <br />
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Enjoy what's left of your weekend and be awesome to each other. Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-21332666520767426202013-03-06T19:41:00.000+10:002013-03-12T20:15:33.770+10:00NOTD - OPI Black Onyx & OPI Polka.comHey guys, <br />
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Just a quick post today to show you my current mani which I am loving! <br />
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It's one coat of OPI Black Onyx with one coat of OPI Polka.com over the top. <br />
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Polka.com didn't impress me too much in the bottle but on the nail - wowzers. Love it's layering qualities but I'm not sure I'd be a fan of trying to get this opaque just from glitter. <br />
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It was released earlier this year as part of the Euro Central collection and it's a purple-blue, teal and fuchsia glitter in a clear base. <br />
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To sum it up? You need this polish. It's amazing. One coat, even glitter distribution. I'm sure getting it off will be a massive pain in the ass but hey, it's what we do for an amazing polish right?<br />
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So what do you guys think? Yes? No? Want to see it in another combo?Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-24186482863061118592013-03-02T17:12:00.000+10:002013-03-12T20:18:04.135+10:00What to do on a dreary grey rainy day?It's pouring here. Bucketing down. So what's a girl to do when it's a dark, wet and depressing? Organise her nail polish of course! <br />
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My collection is fairly large, but I know there is much bigger out there. <br />
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Pulling out the bottles and seeing all those colours and finishes makes me happy. You forget that you have some truly amazing polishes when they are tucked away in drawers all the time and you just grab the same colours over and over. <br />
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So here's what I'm going to do - swatch them all! Every single one. I think I will do them in brands as opposed to shades if that's ok with you guys, that way you won't be seeing pages of red, matte red, sparkly red, shimmer red, holo red. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but lets break it up a little shall we? <br />
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Now where do you want me to start?Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-26201855205790402052013-03-02T10:09:00.000+10:002013-03-12T20:19:12.853+10:00The Perfect Pout - Tips and Tricks for Fabulous Lips!The reason you read a blog by a makeup artist is because you want the tips and tricks right? Well, here you go...<br />
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You want to know what the big secret to an amazing pout is? Lip prep and care. Do you really think that lips like, oh I don't know, Rosie Huntington Whiteley's, don't take constant work? Not hard work mind you, but constantly exfoliating and using a moisturising balm. <br />
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I love Lucas Pawpaw Ointment. Not only is it an amazing product that is used by makeup artists and consumers worldwide, it was created and continues to be made a few suburbs away from where I live here in Brisbane which makes it a true local success story. I use this on shoots and for weddings when I come across a client with extremely dry and flakey lips. You can also easily do this at home. I apply it liberally before I do anything else so it has time to work it's magic. It's thick, very thick. I also always carry soft disposable toothbrushes in my kit, however a clean mascara wand will also do in a pinch. Once I've let the lips soften (usually around half an hour), I will wipe the ointment off and gently scrub the flakey bits of skin away. Ta-da! Baby soft lips. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC6MduiZkn4ktc7QtkbAIZpiScbkIn6rLh5Av628eZM7pDCK7yuq_qBYq4U_2jvbxLwYZ77n8TPIFLHh3ZWRWTaqfPbMwawDrpfty5_5xfj6L5yv2EtyM9JwEuo5PUw5f-JzQjKrQBhdz/s1600/Rosebud.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC6MduiZkn4ktc7QtkbAIZpiScbkIn6rLh5Av628eZM7pDCK7yuq_qBYq4U_2jvbxLwYZ77n8TPIFLHh3ZWRWTaqfPbMwawDrpfty5_5xfj6L5yv2EtyM9JwEuo5PUw5f-JzQjKrQBhdz/s1600/Rosebud.png" /></a></div>
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I also love Rosebud Perfume Co's Smith's Rosebud Salve. This is my holy grail lip product. I use it on myself, I am known for carrying around additional tubes and tins and giving them away to people to convert them. It's an amazing, magic product. It's also not that easy to get a hold of here in Australia unless you want to pay $30 a tin. Unless you have connections like I do. Want to know where I buy mine? <a href="http://makeupandglow.com.au/Rosebud-Salve-Tin-p-16886.html" target="_blank">Right here</a>. Want the tube? <a href="http://makeupandglow.com.au/Rosebud-Salve-Tube-p-17011.html" target="_blank">Try this one instead</a>. And for $10! Bargain. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WPgTpy_175XFwZ2Pr2h8qNl6af7XOX4FniNndP2NUDKWn5lqYK6N9l842PDh1mHlsfsBLQFQ-8ch6cdZozEH1wL2wKfFed1PKVlm7RZ09a6U8o6txXtMQrKIqF_wW0HrHu3hB4zmrZyA/s1600/mac_tourdefabulouspencils001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWqR5TBHad6ufOALPQvJYagbYj_BMwZxUFi2kpcQcxlQYRtuhDSQQk60gaSvX8i5Xr1-yVQCBlCBIZrTDXwZ6cwOlG6LRi-eLHgGLAVvblHO4mC-6TNE-AxXs-1H_X9Go6xSYuw_rYZaP/s1600/IMG_3544_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWqR5TBHad6ufOALPQvJYagbYj_BMwZxUFi2kpcQcxlQYRtuhDSQQk60gaSvX8i5Xr1-yVQCBlCBIZrTDXwZ6cwOlG6LRi-eLHgGLAVvblHO4mC-6TNE-AxXs-1H_X9Go6xSYuw_rYZaP/s320/IMG_3544_1024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what comes after lip prep? Liner. Looks great under lipstick or just a gloss, it adds a touch of colour to your lip and adds to the longevity of your lip product. Another thing that I love about liners is that you have have one lipstick and 4 different coloured liners - layer those bad boys and it's like having 4 more shades which is super helpful where you find that elusive PERFECT lipstick shade! It means that it might be a medium plum colour but layered over a deeper red liner, you've added depth to the colour and created the perfect nighttime vampy colour. Want to make that same colour work appropriate? Pair it with a nude liner or a light pink. Want to make it bright? Try it over a hot pink. Experiment! That's the exciting part of makeup - it washes off, so you can go nuts!<br />
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Another liner tip I have is a method that I find works really well for me. When I first started to use liner I would painstakingly try to colour in the whole lip. Not anymore. I line the lips (fairly roughly unless it's a red or hot pink because then it's noticeable), colour in the middle section then use my ring finger to blend out the colour. You get even distribution, and the heat from your finger softens the wax in the liner and makes it easier to move around. You don't get strong, harsh lip lines either which I find can often really harden an overall makeup look. Have a cotton tip dipped in remover on standby for any times you get a little too enthusiastic and go outside the lip line, but accuracy will come with practice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-pz8-ZOl7Pc-geK-8RJPFY92EsNxjZNMHEgUUX6sFIdpgI9I11T3EZJ_mZzMS-cCqxpBvivo75NfNvsAxjKHGM-KdVgyL0U7XvgKryWKtAFuRTXLKqAySfTyG4FsltHvTGsPDos44E9b/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-pz8-ZOl7Pc-geK-8RJPFY92EsNxjZNMHEgUUX6sFIdpgI9I11T3EZJ_mZzMS-cCqxpBvivo75NfNvsAxjKHGM-KdVgyL0U7XvgKryWKtAFuRTXLKqAySfTyG4FsltHvTGsPDos44E9b/s320/IMG_3591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then apply your lip colour of choice. You may like to apply it from the tube, you may like to use a brush. Sometimes I use my fingers to pat it on. Don't worry, I use HEAPS of hand sanitiser while I'm working! Always have that cotton tip dipped in remover nearby to remove any excess product. Don't stress if you lips look uneven. Every ones lips actually <strong><em>are</em></strong> uneven. You just need to play until you learn what corrective method works better for you. <br />
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So there you have it, my tips and tricks to the perfect pout. I'm sure there's more and I'll add them as I think of them. Do you guys have any to share?<br />
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That's it from me today. I'm so excited to share some new products with you from one of my favourite stores over the next few weeks. It took all my restraint to not stick my brushes straight into the eye shadows before I photographed them!<br />
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Be awesome to each other. Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-32500128854994915732013-02-23T08:58:00.000+10:002013-02-23T09:09:06.552+10:00Luxe Lips for Less - Essence Lip LinersSlightly delayed, but as promised, here is the follow up to the Essence lipstick post - Essence lip liners. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm8f_Pnm-DX26Ku5IJP1MVBn1sBEnwZjdocKVX7MSq5MQx2-yIp16J_3X2KU-s8AdTulGaF5B9Wp8V4t0KuCSp03o-NDllyA8M9zL206r4QLCmVlV3fI65Wp4kT1njWap8s9UHyT6F0gv/s1600/Essence+2_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm8f_Pnm-DX26Ku5IJP1MVBn1sBEnwZjdocKVX7MSq5MQx2-yIp16J_3X2KU-s8AdTulGaF5B9Wp8V4t0KuCSp03o-NDllyA8M9zL206r4QLCmVlV3fI65Wp4kT1njWap8s9UHyT6F0gv/s320/Essence+2_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before I became a makeup artist, I confess that I never saw the use in liners. They seemed like a completely unnecessary product. How wrong I was. Lip liners are truly the secret to long lasting lip colour. It doesn't matter how long wearing your lipstick is, the liner is what you really want. Plus really long wear lipsticks are usually quite drying which is not overly attractive. You want to draw attention to your lips and you want them to look (and be!) soft and supple, not dry and a little flakey looking which is how some of these products can look.<br />
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So what do they do? <br />
<ul>
<li>It creates a barrier between your lips in the colour - which anyone who has ever used a darker OCC Lip Tar can tell you is important otherwise you end up with green lips for a few days. I may know this from experience. </li>
<li>They help stop the lipstick from spreading into those fine lines around your lips, also known as bleeding. They also can change the shade of a lipstick slightly so it's more flattering. </li>
<li>But the biggest plus to liners is that you can be at an event or even work for hours without the chance to touch up your lips so eventually your lipstick will wear off but by having liner underneath, you are ensuring that there is always, always colour on your lips. It also makes the fact that your lipstick has worn off much less noticeable. </li>
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So now that you know why you need liners in your life, lets check out the offerings Essence have. These are $2.95 each so I went out and grabbed another couple in addition to what was sent to me for review. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTRQknRucvkH5Nou4u3v8bFbbp13xWAo6qqk5P2hwpf0FC3NsGAIHKHlf-9A-_S1wSfik1e-TeV7-tRm9QiqB1p5bOybw9PwhMuZ8LZyg5X0-lJ_Ooy6Fb_KOQF-DCbkPl2jSJWoQxy7f/s1600/IMG_3545_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTRQknRucvkH5Nou4u3v8bFbbp13xWAo6qqk5P2hwpf0FC3NsGAIHKHlf-9A-_S1wSfik1e-TeV7-tRm9QiqB1p5bOybw9PwhMuZ8LZyg5X0-lJ_Ooy6Fb_KOQF-DCbkPl2jSJWoQxy7f/s320/IMG_3545_1024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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L-R Honey Bun, Soft Berry, Satin Mauve, Cute Pink, Red Blush, Femme Fatale</div>
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I like the texture on all of these but the reds. The reds were horrendous to work with. Let's take a close look at how they work on the lips shall we?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMN_iRSdYt5y2d89l2cuOJp7LjFb7uheqTNQqG2FYXpYpz-ZbMp5kPyr0c7hqyfVj1EGtABPYyUINTBFamrhYET1lHuU_QQpj-EvvscNJp9w-NqhVLcxV7cLmxXSitCB2I18TkuMJZk7J/s1600/Honey+Bun+Liner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMN_iRSdYt5y2d89l2cuOJp7LjFb7uheqTNQqG2FYXpYpz-ZbMp5kPyr0c7hqyfVj1EGtABPYyUINTBFamrhYET1lHuU_QQpj-EvvscNJp9w-NqhVLcxV7cLmxXSitCB2I18TkuMJZk7J/s320/Honey+Bun+Liner.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em>Honey Bun</em></strong> is a really great nude liner colour, it won't change your lip colour too much beyond evening it out. So it's a great base for a lipstick you already love the colour of. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQzb7DNtF-v1tEEmLtFpK31o-8MCafm_1BNSsOYY6oHq2vfyRn-L0aZdR0cZQvvV8HPY1dbuxBRzJW8n5zq19Sl0NlaUpCAXJ9dBuTZ28YoCtPsnSF9nJipIHYEXGF5fyAp3jZMhWWmdn/s1600/Soft+Berry+Liner_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQzb7DNtF-v1tEEmLtFpK31o-8MCafm_1BNSsOYY6oHq2vfyRn-L0aZdR0cZQvvV8HPY1dbuxBRzJW8n5zq19Sl0NlaUpCAXJ9dBuTZ28YoCtPsnSF9nJipIHYEXGF5fyAp3jZMhWWmdn/s320/Soft+Berry+Liner_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em>Soft Berry</em></strong> is again a great colour. It adds some depth to the lip, a great colour if you are looking to match to a vampy lip colour or it can be used underneath something a little softer to add some "pop". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmqTsxmCpBfFMqPMVJPavhJAdRkbVBxLjDxhIrqGk3A-mtU0V8sNdFSRg5GkAuA3rTUeN2ipy1nFM-53X9HHtrXaRZLhQz6EvuUfWaUtbBgKRGoB_6RRBOuNBdxWth4p4_1jvWLUwudGd/s1600/Satin+Mauve+Liner_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmqTsxmCpBfFMqPMVJPavhJAdRkbVBxLjDxhIrqGk3A-mtU0V8sNdFSRg5GkAuA3rTUeN2ipy1nFM-53X9HHtrXaRZLhQz6EvuUfWaUtbBgKRGoB_6RRBOuNBdxWth4p4_1jvWLUwudGd/s320/Satin+Mauve+Liner_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em>Satin Mauve</em></strong> is a great bridal lip liner. It will go with any softer tone and shade and it's a solid colour on it's own so it's really, really good for when you have those times where you don't always have time to touch up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8BuJhMcZ12_uHG9YsTvenXpsnpvgp949OYMY9GxdCljG0WHbMMarQafORINZwb7JLYiaryNEuduOiYU92aZBEmfgudKIfds0nbjS6CDAi7r7vMfnyvbbK6Kr137-I1LPRTmhTdeLNvj3/s1600/Cute+Pink+Liner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8BuJhMcZ12_uHG9YsTvenXpsnpvgp949OYMY9GxdCljG0WHbMMarQafORINZwb7JLYiaryNEuduOiYU92aZBEmfgudKIfds0nbjS6CDAi7r7vMfnyvbbK6Kr137-I1LPRTmhTdeLNvj3/s320/Cute+Pink+Liner.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em>Cute Pink</em></strong> is a girly light pink and another solid go-to colour like Honey Bun. It mostly even out the lip tone and adds a tint of pink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH6jAUNL5BVgupwsyN3lUFhxiIuMAOgPQqZeUiD-qbSsNFQByp6VsWznx6OfkEYjoalvH9GgowWGPYWfXBbILbrDaKeL2_R9FIR9VC6Sdg2_CJcxfiPxNA0UgJofBD4cXuZX3xXIkZnnY/s1600/Red+Blush+Liner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH6jAUNL5BVgupwsyN3lUFhxiIuMAOgPQqZeUiD-qbSsNFQByp6VsWznx6OfkEYjoalvH9GgowWGPYWfXBbILbrDaKeL2_R9FIR9VC6Sdg2_CJcxfiPxNA0UgJofBD4cXuZX3xXIkZnnY/s320/Red+Blush+Liner.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em>Red Blush</em></strong> has a really slight red tint to it and as far as I'm concerned is not worth the effort. If it applied more easily, I could love this colour but it's also the most drying of them. The texture was really waxy and really hard to even out. I don't know how many times I went over the top lip on the right to try and even it out and it still horrendously patchy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhA6wixYc2J3iO89dw0FRvwefdYgb2ZDPkB63A9weMnJy9rUue2zrxvJLDBSnyYSWNaGgynxmAUgt5drQhZj99_aefQucj4G3WXndwPsHU2okV90IhcoREX6VOtad6Ww-PDLmdxCeu5Pa/s1600/Femme+Fatale+Liner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhA6wixYc2J3iO89dw0FRvwefdYgb2ZDPkB63A9weMnJy9rUue2zrxvJLDBSnyYSWNaGgynxmAUgt5drQhZj99_aefQucj4G3WXndwPsHU2okV90IhcoREX6VOtad6Ww-PDLmdxCeu5Pa/s320/Femme+Fatale+Liner.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em>Femme Fatale.</em></strong> Failure. That's pretty much all there is to it. Too waxy, uneven pigmentation throughout the pencil, horrific to apply. I hated it. This picture fills me with rage. Almost as much as I was feeling when I was applying it.</div>
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So there you go. Mostly a good bunch, crappy reds = lots of rage. Want to see how they look with the Essence Lipsticks over the top? Of course you do. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcVsZBKG5TEB126EIwPOPvr4hgqy8lQfjG6BQeZNBkuxpAtGfDzJXuhWLr8_YU_v3VhG6TSsS8zXGQTZ91UCK6rq3-eIUUNXab_b_vQFh9FflhIMcTCKqulfU59pPCgh8UDQuuZopjzF1/s1600/Honey+Bun+++Creamy+Nude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcVsZBKG5TEB126EIwPOPvr4hgqy8lQfjG6BQeZNBkuxpAtGfDzJXuhWLr8_YU_v3VhG6TSsS8zXGQTZ91UCK6rq3-eIUUNXab_b_vQFh9FflhIMcTCKqulfU59pPCgh8UDQuuZopjzF1/s320/Honey+Bun+++Creamy+Nude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Honey Bun with Creamy Nude</div>
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<img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzw-2yLC41Eu__lJj3hP88Dx1FwvUEJeICi6tavxCdPtMv3FTqENIPPmnvV3J1TbpojnbjMzYprH-EwK2F2eTDyXqAMs2VQ7tkpI_tzk0VvT5yFitS-Qc3X9q6bwxMnQtpIaby95_hp31F/s320/Honey+Bun+-+Look+at+Me.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Honey Bun with Look at Me</div>
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Soft Berry with Funky Funky</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKurnVTRNaFMCNCvMDRJIMybuedupsIoq6wTv7eINXvcUuOXy60yLFs4JVeIL33wg7VX7l1LYsqy_6BkyPcfR_2ID8rEEK7i8Utyk6Lfdt6z7E_-3BXPgGEyPFkq-HEZmo7eml0mXs_pm/s1600/Satin+Mauve+-+Sparkling+Miracle_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKurnVTRNaFMCNCvMDRJIMybuedupsIoq6wTv7eINXvcUuOXy60yLFs4JVeIL33wg7VX7l1LYsqy_6BkyPcfR_2ID8rEEK7i8Utyk6Lfdt6z7E_-3BXPgGEyPFkq-HEZmo7eml0mXs_pm/s320/Satin+Mauve+-+Sparkling+Miracle_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Satin Mauve with Sparkling Miracle</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2kFE-g4dPnU1JwZirdiV-xbYVxEDH6g2_3wk8jNozqzCeELYHkHE4R3NqSQfZbygPDfl-nUvIW2wKhbRrRkizdlWpEFDP4VBe_tJVpfMPfm6a0JIq_cEUDFxXM-vUj7uA3bdAqPe2bmc/s1600/Cute+Pink+-+Cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2kFE-g4dPnU1JwZirdiV-xbYVxEDH6g2_3wk8jNozqzCeELYHkHE4R3NqSQfZbygPDfl-nUvIW2wKhbRrRkizdlWpEFDP4VBe_tJVpfMPfm6a0JIq_cEUDFxXM-vUj7uA3bdAqPe2bmc/s320/Cute+Pink+-+Cupcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cute Pink with All About Cupcake</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGnQESJUAKtCUMS-hxYTzZqxNBShDNb3qtxihq9wragtTqdCfbASEpcza4xchde6u_E3WmawRJ2xwUsoAmD3_b6s6j0dFAyFuDr9RM8-rIzDK-03DQ_P-iu-Fq1tVpMcYZPyUbemNClA8/s1600/Red+Blush+-+More+to+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGnQESJUAKtCUMS-hxYTzZqxNBShDNb3qtxihq9wragtTqdCfbASEpcza4xchde6u_E3WmawRJ2xwUsoAmD3_b6s6j0dFAyFuDr9RM8-rIzDK-03DQ_P-iu-Fq1tVpMcYZPyUbemNClA8/s320/Red+Blush+-+More+to+Love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Red Blush with More to Love</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuKtbf-l-P6v5v5jmw7jkGBIs2wBWn8pYwjTkCTWGINR3v5ep3gzo_O7pXXA1bfPla_42UtE3abc4Hs4LbqtlB7UdCaXUinZ_Bm1QHbaQjH4neS2Oe3vJhxcJ5qw0KBc4jm4-VkirvINK/s1600/Femme+Fatale+-+More+to+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuKtbf-l-P6v5v5jmw7jkGBIs2wBWn8pYwjTkCTWGINR3v5ep3gzo_O7pXXA1bfPla_42UtE3abc4Hs4LbqtlB7UdCaXUinZ_Bm1QHbaQjH4neS2Oe3vJhxcJ5qw0KBc4jm4-VkirvINK/s320/Femme+Fatale+-+More+to+Love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Femme Fatale with More to Love</div>
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I threw some duplicates of liners with different lipsticks and the same lipstick with different liners in there so you can see the difference it can make. <br />
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I'm going to attempt to back this up tomorrow with my favourite tips and tricks for luscious lips. Do you have anything you want to ask me about lipsticks or liners? Lip care in general? What are your thoughts on the Essence lip range? Favourites and not so much? Have you tried them yourself?<br />
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That's it from me today, be awesome to each other. <br />
<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-43556189049636542072013-02-18T11:14:00.003+10:002013-02-18T11:17:54.374+10:00Luxe Lips for Less - Essence Lipsticks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wanted to write about some products that you guys, the everyday public, have access to. I know that a lot of brands I use as a makeup artist are not ones that you are familiar with and probably most of you would have no idea where to even start looking when it came to it. So while I will still absolutely share my favourite pro products, I thought perhaps a common topic would be talking about "drugstore brands". <br />
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Lets start with Essence, shall we? I had a few products sent to me for review and I purchased a few myself so that I could get a really good, comprehensive feel for the products. Today we are going to focus on the lipsticks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_Z1_YMDmvggkeu6KgtlFXW9r5BYgW2Ssxm3GdpnUtl_3u_BenGfHYiKNroYx6svWijDyZGfwBpMjf1IH0t5e557qy6xO69m6zit3m7qfufgE16lAlRGBs5CsHfq0tTrWZwkOEq3WGxfr/s1600/Essence+1_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_Z1_YMDmvggkeu6KgtlFXW9r5BYgW2Ssxm3GdpnUtl_3u_BenGfHYiKNroYx6svWijDyZGfwBpMjf1IH0t5e557qy6xO69m6zit3m7qfufgE16lAlRGBs5CsHfq0tTrWZwkOEq3WGxfr/s320/Essence+1_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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First things first, the packaging. I actually really like it. Considering the price point of about $3.95 for the product, I'll admit that I expected shoddy packaging. The tubes are actually really well constructed. They are lightweight yet not cheap feeling. They don't lose their lid in your handbag and I dropped these so many times on my tile floor and not even a crack. I love that the colour of the tube is actually an accurate reflection of the colour of the product in the stick, as you can see for yourself with the clear window in the middle which I also think is a great touch and breaks up what would be a solid block of colour otherwise. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6afQVgf3CCTzBWOx9kOeXuDEP04W9h_pINLcxu2CY38ZKXS56uJ1W5JpliBotGvdpAgZDrdE5g7bXoJiOt_ktcr3OaXKpzToxyezwbm1mP-xp5UyOwfrsCFzgolGp1O_vg1wRar4aPa5_/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6afQVgf3CCTzBWOx9kOeXuDEP04W9h_pINLcxu2CY38ZKXS56uJ1W5JpliBotGvdpAgZDrdE5g7bXoJiOt_ktcr3OaXKpzToxyezwbm1mP-xp5UyOwfrsCFzgolGp1O_vg1wRar4aPa5_/s320/IMG_3591.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Look At Me, Sparkling Miracle, More to Love, All About Cupcake, Funky Funky, Creamy Nude</td></tr>
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The colours. In the tubes they look amazing but often the colour payoff is not what I wanted from the product. That said, in the interest of fairness, this brand is clearly marketing at teenagers and an opaque lipstick for a young teen is overwhelming so I think the choice to make the majority of these lipsticks sheer was for that reason, which makes compete sense. I personally want a lipstick that has maximum colour payoff and opacity for minimum amount of product. That's a sign of a great lipstick - a little goes a long way. That said, I do have a favourite from this collection that I will be adding to my kit. Can you guess which one?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpId1D2hYxfvOPrh0ExnRWcuBV5hljJUlwfnEIxf9Mdq1Cqb1SNp0cTZgQwqNgpBN4y4I9t3bqV0iYTps83aWghgcShtnmnZv6ndFx728zfr5nUtBDtfjMaJJnxxI-ty_3-rHR31-X3kb/s1600/Essence+3_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpId1D2hYxfvOPrh0ExnRWcuBV5hljJUlwfnEIxf9Mdq1Cqb1SNp0cTZgQwqNgpBN4y4I9t3bqV0iYTps83aWghgcShtnmnZv6ndFx728zfr5nUtBDtfjMaJJnxxI-ty_3-rHR31-X3kb/s320/Essence+3_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did a quick swatch up my arm just to check out the vibrancy and I had to use a fair bit of product to get this kind of colour build up. Let's just jump straight into the individual breakdowns of each one shall we?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeq7lYe9wLvPz9knazFbgCtpSPeDjhaOiV0wefXE88mcR4PUQjL3W-SiyuviiHMW8OExGiwiPF5itRU9xi3EWWURwIw-ZWyx3XAZGgrhyBRLnEZOTuv8dmzvRc0lK4z_V6QsVkOz9gaAIX/s1600/IMG_3414_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeq7lYe9wLvPz9knazFbgCtpSPeDjhaOiV0wefXE88mcR4PUQjL3W-SiyuviiHMW8OExGiwiPF5itRU9xi3EWWURwIw-ZWyx3XAZGgrhyBRLnEZOTuv8dmzvRc0lK4z_V6QsVkOz9gaAIX/s320/IMG_3414_1024.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI7eWLKos6hBZ0jDEaLfUtv7Ksl2hyIf_Ycjz1w5-ofWhrKdHT1HZm3RGLF3rHCrGZqfxOBVSBuWZjCPe48hyBHft2e2n2Ku1NoRHVrQ5tagpuCa12QQFJNn-NBxawdJJPgl4nvNrLJpQ/s1600/All+About+Cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI7eWLKos6hBZ0jDEaLfUtv7Ksl2hyIf_Ycjz1w5-ofWhrKdHT1HZm3RGLF3rHCrGZqfxOBVSBuWZjCPe48hyBHft2e2n2Ku1NoRHVrQ5tagpuCa12QQFJNn-NBxawdJJPgl4nvNrLJpQ/s320/All+About+Cupcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is All About Cupcake. One of the things that I loved about all of the lipsticks they apply so smoothly and this one along with Creamy Nude have a creamy, almost glossy finish which is really nice. This one in particular is extremely moisturising and not overly pigmented which actually means that it's a colour that's really wearable for everyday use and most occasions. A really solid, go-to shade.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZS3xjGpnTeth8w-BNsYTG2yyg3aOzdweGziGCR0A4OZKX42wLi1AOiE4nS2QO8M2ZCeYvwB48QwWvMJVfyO_lMBH74QFB26ESbJnEeU1chelPvxL5bJ-Moc9GaCBO_N_VLs1XoXxTIKE7/s1600/IMG_3418_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZS3xjGpnTeth8w-BNsYTG2yyg3aOzdweGziGCR0A4OZKX42wLi1AOiE4nS2QO8M2ZCeYvwB48QwWvMJVfyO_lMBH74QFB26ESbJnEeU1chelPvxL5bJ-Moc9GaCBO_N_VLs1XoXxTIKE7/s320/IMG_3418_1024.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRyD9LxaVFw8ipfVSTF3T38Kec5OqcDsbJqo5tGJ7ktF9VK0SKZH16nw76njAH4myPsiPCBiJTy2PhF1sLMPbdDZvvQWSjkF6HT3vMKZXvZp_zJm8Q_iaBgfiVPW1LLzljZFxxv88Pa-I/s1600/More+to+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRyD9LxaVFw8ipfVSTF3T38Kec5OqcDsbJqo5tGJ7ktF9VK0SKZH16nw76njAH4myPsiPCBiJTy2PhF1sLMPbdDZvvQWSjkF6HT3vMKZXvZp_zJm8Q_iaBgfiVPW1LLzljZFxxv88Pa-I/s320/More+to+Love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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More to Love is really sheer with micro glitter throughout. Again, a really moisturising product, but to me the complete lack of opacity makes me compare this more to a lip tint then a lipstick. That said, once you take into consideration the intended audience of this product and the price point, it's still a solid product and adds a touch of colour while not being overwhelming. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQDlP4piK6FDTIvZwpPQLvB_N6iwwHpXavb5C9Kx45WgP9Pg3KuhyphenhyphenLP-ki2yRJdda-yO5tuRoZcTNkpJrVl8acNTCIk5m7B_KtoDLoReXVr740KY4vCIJ9k-rmUlHZdFbX1wFL55P817k/s1600/IMG_3432_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQDlP4piK6FDTIvZwpPQLvB_N6iwwHpXavb5C9Kx45WgP9Pg3KuhyphenhyphenLP-ki2yRJdda-yO5tuRoZcTNkpJrVl8acNTCIk5m7B_KtoDLoReXVr740KY4vCIJ9k-rmUlHZdFbX1wFL55P817k/s320/IMG_3432_1024.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHI04TGOM0u73Cy2catPdU1QxjqmwWpKu7wRh0pXDyfLfGGHZbPrX3qeN_Hgfp1HNiq5Q0VjPqGitFXkxzk6nCp6TaB-XjC1OQ56p9meIJ03bhi5CDPg2j2lk2DdM-9tIQS_qJtF04aqj/s1600/Sparkling+Miracle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHI04TGOM0u73Cy2catPdU1QxjqmwWpKu7wRh0pXDyfLfGGHZbPrX3qeN_Hgfp1HNiq5Q0VjPqGitFXkxzk6nCp6TaB-XjC1OQ56p9meIJ03bhi5CDPg2j2lk2DdM-9tIQS_qJtF04aqj/s320/Sparkling+Miracle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sparkling Miracle sits between the previous two in opacity. As you can see, it's a little more then a tint but certainly not something that could be considered a solid colour by any means. I love the way this one looks in the tube the gold micro glitter looks amazing but when on the lips, translates in a really subtle, yet flattering way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BM1k_VsUsPvXXG4l5RpbUvkYeSy53bRa41YgYbtm9ym7StgFqt3tY0W1rpSgtO-znHfF_DH-YClWoDZDBMQYVc3SLxgNjYpp3QamTrNVH4FGOLVDoMzh7RFl0gppnDZuMVZk4Ad-URQ1/s1600/IMG_3420_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BM1k_VsUsPvXXG4l5RpbUvkYeSy53bRa41YgYbtm9ym7StgFqt3tY0W1rpSgtO-znHfF_DH-YClWoDZDBMQYVc3SLxgNjYpp3QamTrNVH4FGOLVDoMzh7RFl0gppnDZuMVZk4Ad-URQ1/s320/IMG_3420_1024.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSJCE3xZSOs-sBudOlN5ydcvRIZ4q_99IQu_tPbCViW0cJyReddWxV9H3nVPHzLSqQu3aNCalG26Y-p3r8jKmp5fYeVULAlDiusMbvLUPHEhOA-En5Ljk_ycPJ9MIsO6oR9c59H-Uf1MX/s1600/Funky+Funky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSJCE3xZSOs-sBudOlN5ydcvRIZ4q_99IQu_tPbCViW0cJyReddWxV9H3nVPHzLSqQu3aNCalG26Y-p3r8jKmp5fYeVULAlDiusMbvLUPHEhOA-En5Ljk_ycPJ9MIsO6oR9c59H-Uf1MX/s320/Funky+Funky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think I was most disappointed with Funky Funky. I really wanted it to be a fun colour without being crazy. But I think they perhaps erred on the side of caution a little too much here. The grape tone with the dense glitter packed into it that you can see really does not come across on the lips at all. At most, it's a sheerest balm look with a slight purple tint. The glitter is mostly what you get here, which to be honest seems a little childish. I think they've really missed the mark on this one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEaH8o6IJmfyH9u2VwQbWnEyC_LsMvTdzSGZXKC5PWwRJ5vw4WSoXmRmkD3oeTyGt0aBJ8t8VYzJsUTcIRNCKZO7mCkqIebQgnHc208asjZ6X58cJhip-Ni2FP1kYkv_hLGmH-DK2BqL6/s1600/IMG_3425_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEaH8o6IJmfyH9u2VwQbWnEyC_LsMvTdzSGZXKC5PWwRJ5vw4WSoXmRmkD3oeTyGt0aBJ8t8VYzJsUTcIRNCKZO7mCkqIebQgnHc208asjZ6X58cJhip-Ni2FP1kYkv_hLGmH-DK2BqL6/s320/IMG_3425_1024.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9tXo5yCzMIiJF3qxyjMrBFl5Z2UsUJb0Rvh_fKCUVmRlxebO0mT8aDecW6K1vPclagsRT7IyLMwaKitn4kVQP7iIFQykimsaMF2CmZXuipA76Tw3bN9d4qDfFzOqDyLR8EQmlEY-ryEF/s1600/Creamy+Nude_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9tXo5yCzMIiJF3qxyjMrBFl5Z2UsUJb0Rvh_fKCUVmRlxebO0mT8aDecW6K1vPclagsRT7IyLMwaKitn4kVQP7iIFQykimsaMF2CmZXuipA76Tw3bN9d4qDfFzOqDyLR8EQmlEY-ryEF/s320/Creamy+Nude_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one. This one I love. It's Creamy Nude and by far the superstar of the products I have. I mentioned earlier that as a pro, I look for lipsticks who have intense pigmentation and colour payoff which minimal product used. This is what you get from this. I've been searching for a great nude lipstick for a while now and I find that they actually are either a touch too cool or too warm. This one is interesting. It's complimentary on my skin tone which is pale and also extremely flattering on my best friend who has a Korean heritage so it's actually quite universal which is another thing that I want from a product - why carry more then one if you don't have to? I love the opacity, the creaminess, the moisturising feeling it gives. It's not a product that will dry out on your lips leaving them a yucky mess. I know we've all seen people with drying lipsticks where it's obvious that their lips are dry and a little flaky and it's really not attractive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltqQt0laBbcuZcRNtaemXsvbzgaNLmG3VD4LHAhyphenhyphenGHgRjqZKsref3oJjcDfpvNjbfYZbaVnmTftIt-Pv6ive1Hm0acLP-OrFBlPFjW4g7kHT2ao7qkg32lxaIYnITXD6BvccCWaKs3LY7/s1600/IMG_3428_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltqQt0laBbcuZcRNtaemXsvbzgaNLmG3VD4LHAhyphenhyphenGHgRjqZKsref3oJjcDfpvNjbfYZbaVnmTftIt-Pv6ive1Hm0acLP-OrFBlPFjW4g7kHT2ao7qkg32lxaIYnITXD6BvccCWaKs3LY7/s320/IMG_3428_1024.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9mzFWAYvf0SGAts469D0m8ivyadbkMpT9Ers35xwT_mHkOcQSiu98IFIED2zh8Uxw1uR9ekU-7_Zs2z5-NXcZqCFwZIMw4IWIzxL_ZVy8Djkh4xxx7JHn0LaROHfi6bvoDgoqo1shIQD/s1600/Look+at+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9mzFWAYvf0SGAts469D0m8ivyadbkMpT9Ers35xwT_mHkOcQSiu98IFIED2zh8Uxw1uR9ekU-7_Zs2z5-NXcZqCFwZIMw4IWIzxL_ZVy8Djkh4xxx7JHn0LaROHfi6bvoDgoqo1shIQD/s320/Look+at+Me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is another one that left me wondering what they were thinking with Look At Me. I can't really fathom a time when a frosty bronze lipstick that would not seem out of place in a soapie alongside some big hair and terrible acting would be a popular colour choice for a teenager. I understand purple, pink, red, glitter but not brown. And certainly not frosty, 90s tragic brown. I mean, it translates from the tube to the lips, there's mid level opacity but the frost, the colour. I just don't understand. </div>
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So to sum it up - a mostly solid collection (that I've seen) a couple of duds but that happens in most collections really. Really, really impressed by Creamy Nude and I quite like All About Cupcake. Probably that's personal preference because I'm not huge on glitter on lips, never really had been. I do see that More to Love and Sparkling Miracle will be popular with their intended audience. Funky Funky will be embraced by those not bold enough for too much colour on their lips but wanting to move from a sparkly gloss to a lipstick. I really, honestly do not see that Look At Me is going to have to many takers beyond some older ladies who think daytime tv glam is all the rage - all the time. </div>
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Price point on these are great. You can't go too wrong with a $4 lipstick, really. An excellent way to introduce the next generation of makeup lovers to lipstick without throwing them in headfirst and causing traumatic repercussions later on down the track. </div>
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Essence lipsticks are available at Priceline and I believe Target here in Australia. Like I said earlier, some of these were sent for review and some I picked up myself in the interest of a fair and honest review. </div>
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Next up, I'll be reviewing their lipliners and we will see how much of a difference it makes to how the lipsticks look. </div>
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Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-82152606961876476162013-02-14T20:49:00.000+10:002013-02-14T20:52:04.246+10:00My Favourite Product - Brow Edition- with Elise Kate Makeup Artist!<br />
Elise is a fellow MUA and a good friend of mine - you can check out her work and find out more about her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elise-Kate-Makeup/356052667741069" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://elisekatemakeupartist.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>. She's kindly offered to take the reins and give you guys the downlow on her favourite brow products. Take it away Elise...<br />
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My brows have to be my favourite facial feature. I was gifted with pretty much perfect brows. Obviously I have to maintain them like everyone else but keeping them shaped and groomed has become like an obsession to me. I just can’t live with untidy brows. <br />
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When going out, filling in my brows is a must. For this I have two go to products, the first being Benefit’s Instant Brow Pencil in Medium. This dual ended pencil is amazing. The product literally glides right on and the pigmentation pay out it great. All I have to do is simply apply the pencil in small flicks to keep it looking natural and then run the brow comb through to blend any harsh looking lines. The only down side to this product is the price. While I love this product, forking out $39 for a brow pencil is slightly insane.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDAeATHM7dXmfadzo8sECFRImNM5aB9TBLhACZ03hRT6bBwqbcvD_2f84RW9WqtwaaqxCvraa9KugKNWNfU0tJYhD7aVdsGii5fLJyEDWba4FIGDHwzoBQa8hTP4sdTaywyIAclXdj_CH/s1600/BenefitBrowPencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDAeATHM7dXmfadzo8sECFRImNM5aB9TBLhACZ03hRT6bBwqbcvD_2f84RW9WqtwaaqxCvraa9KugKNWNfU0tJYhD7aVdsGii5fLJyEDWba4FIGDHwzoBQa8hTP4sdTaywyIAclXdj_CH/s1600/BenefitBrowPencil.jpg" /></a></div>
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My second go to product is a fraction cheaper but has multiple uses. If I’m going for a softer look with my brows I tend to fill them in with eyeshadow. My go-to shadow is MAC’s Embark. This shadow is a beautiful dark matte brown. I simply apply it by running a small amount of the product through my brows with an angled brush. If I find that the product isn’t blending as well as I’d like it to, I run a brow comb through a couple of times.<br />
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At $32 the MAC eyeshadow is better value for money, especially as Embark is a great crease colour.<br />
When buying a brow product remember that it is better to match the colour to your eyebrows than your hair colour. This will give your brows a more natural look. And remember if in doubt there is always someone at the counter willing to assist you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JQ26vywEpbHRDgD-1q9ERGyG4HTEh0jXE-hH05LS-29U_sb9YK0DOIuMvve2L6Kj2XdEcvuevSkkps4KIoSarss_fUdsuajFs4PfNufIOyv6cudvtR_Zsg-S6MeIMP5w0uw8KmN_okqR/s1600/embark%252520%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JQ26vywEpbHRDgD-1q9ERGyG4HTEh0jXE-hH05LS-29U_sb9YK0DOIuMvve2L6Kj2XdEcvuevSkkps4KIoSarss_fUdsuajFs4PfNufIOyv6cudvtR_Zsg-S6MeIMP5w0uw8KmN_okqR/s320/embark%252520%25282%2529.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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Here are some before and after pictures. I'm sure we all agree that a bit of colour and definition goes a long way and makes a big difference right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iYOxUptpLlI0Zt3IvFyHbJUyck8NKM21OnAwSxBdj4IjNMlwGhCl5dI8t0eWnQvadTsayn7wKYaeJ-zCIOus6aUWJMn2djZgucEOjaRNzbKvQymdTVqb2E29c_7d-dLLqS0bnScuNe4O/s1600/brow+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iYOxUptpLlI0Zt3IvFyHbJUyck8NKM21OnAwSxBdj4IjNMlwGhCl5dI8t0eWnQvadTsayn7wKYaeJ-zCIOus6aUWJMn2djZgucEOjaRNzbKvQymdTVqb2E29c_7d-dLLqS0bnScuNe4O/s320/brow+before.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadFiGDtoBfHU0OegcK_ciDmfjQR1zGRz6FxzYZsZK8HYi8RV6EkGb0y6XQvB_NaK289RUTuLuA9kPbBBbkWg9KMwdKtfLGoT9v83Ajnp1PaOXxpnXqCMUbEBaddqQhH5sGmkL0ihXyW6M/s1600/Brow+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadFiGDtoBfHU0OegcK_ciDmfjQR1zGRz6FxzYZsZK8HYi8RV6EkGb0y6XQvB_NaK289RUTuLuA9kPbBBbkWg9KMwdKtfLGoT9v83Ajnp1PaOXxpnXqCMUbEBaddqQhH5sGmkL0ihXyW6M/s320/Brow+after.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks Elise! I think we'll wrap up "Brow Week" with a in depth how to? Is that something you guys want to see?Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-25188166027652517832013-02-10T17:18:00.000+10:002013-02-10T20:11:28.392+10:00The Importance of EyebrowsI get asked a lot what I think is the most important part of the face. I'm sure every makeup artist has a different opinion on this, but personally I think it's eyebrows and that seems to surprise a lot of people. <br />
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You see, you can do a fabulous face of makeup but if you neglect your eyebrows, it's left looking unfinished and unpolished. <br />
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Eyebrow trends come and go. For example, currently bold brows are all the rage (which is fabulous for those of us who sometimes look a little yeti-esque if we go too long between threading or waxing appointments), but one thing is always consistent - they need to be defined. <br />
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Let me clarify, when I say defined I mean groomed and filled in to look nice, not defined so that they are the focus of your face. A mono brow is never a good thing - I'm looking at you Frida Kahlo. Your eyes are the part of your face that really sets you apart from everyone else and the brows play a major part in highlighting that. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggepx4p9H-wZU58gaAU1pIR9nSYhcdtfnaqmX2MvIM9Nlt9CZSnSy8ezWT2AngqUTotnuvZ-lWH1TIWRwbWCji-Pvpew3K_nUTL5nZEGW0EJ073ms-caVeEBogjvPyLNaYJrzHnSzcXgZQ/s1600/frida-kahlo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggepx4p9H-wZU58gaAU1pIR9nSYhcdtfnaqmX2MvIM9Nlt9CZSnSy8ezWT2AngqUTotnuvZ-lWH1TIWRwbWCji-Pvpew3K_nUTL5nZEGW0EJ073ms-caVeEBogjvPyLNaYJrzHnSzcXgZQ/s320/frida-kahlo.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>Never, ever aspire to this.</em> </div>
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Finding the right balance isn't always easy. You have the people who have taken a little too much hair and have teeny tiny thin brows a la Pamela Anderson. If people can tell that you've had to draw in the brow then it's too much. That said, as I mentioned earlier with brow trends coming and going, had Pamela been around back in the era of the 1920s and '30s, she would have fit right in. With her brows that is, not so much anything else. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyz3-aiyFpPX3KqITx053Q34m5ClLNoOit6nBwkbEbQ3i-9Kmd-Pp-QLvTBXfvPkqNp3iqIgrRl8vinn61sWalOxsCRe8OdOv4bf7wrpAaB1b3VxyCJE39VMt7faqK2hfTU0YR_lneEPX/s1600/pamela-anderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyz3-aiyFpPX3KqITx053Q34m5ClLNoOit6nBwkbEbQ3i-9Kmd-Pp-QLvTBXfvPkqNp3iqIgrRl8vinn61sWalOxsCRe8OdOv4bf7wrpAaB1b3VxyCJE39VMt7faqK2hfTU0YR_lneEPX/s320/pamela-anderson.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFGAed0HrnK8-lRC6-h2-6jqcBDTWz8my7d9OWCTTwOZBBXvCrt9iTDVv43wr_eG2BsuSK_xDmmUELcqo2RYIETzzg8_I8wytFmg8KhGDqH_hmBqtwWGFqyFY5QyLE-s1Zm9XlFUDr1jE/s1600/imagesCAWLKAGR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFGAed0HrnK8-lRC6-h2-6jqcBDTWz8my7d9OWCTTwOZBBXvCrt9iTDVv43wr_eG2BsuSK_xDmmUELcqo2RYIETzzg8_I8wytFmg8KhGDqH_hmBqtwWGFqyFY5QyLE-s1Zm9XlFUDr1jE/s1600/imagesCAWLKAGR.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em>Pamela Anderson and Greta Garbo - almost exactly the same.</em> </div>
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Believe it or not, eyebrows have the ability to channel emotion. One bad waxing experience can leave you looking permanently angry, confused or even amused.<br />
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So what should you be aiming for? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06E-WFj6cO4ip1B4WsCzkGbDrLgM42ImQfAapVBTLyAHdxr2VzrNcFbInjOSUUhsf6vIZAGvwESqBLTlv1nMP8gxwHJxGa8mNjqb_a_yVc9abh18qus_QUubmxTDPlFnmQmMw54ONdqu_/s1600/Rachel-Bilson-Ombre-Hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06E-WFj6cO4ip1B4WsCzkGbDrLgM42ImQfAapVBTLyAHdxr2VzrNcFbInjOSUUhsf6vIZAGvwESqBLTlv1nMP8gxwHJxGa8mNjqb_a_yVc9abh18qus_QUubmxTDPlFnmQmMw54ONdqu_/s320/Rachel-Bilson-Ombre-Hair.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div>
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<strong>A great arch.</strong> It softens the face and instantly adds femininity. A celeb who has fabulous arches is Rachel Bilson. I love her eyebrows. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1ocv8aLQJBGjj_p_DCiKSDYZkNtms2LuZNDXM8th1s93uFfw_fs5MPgu8vS2NR1WwmveiygzJ_Zkdzu1rJ7mr83Na1P1iucOpnrfWVQIGAhP_eeWy5L0_8zvuQvim92FEgkMBxxWnkXO/s1600/audrey-hepburn-style-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1ocv8aLQJBGjj_p_DCiKSDYZkNtms2LuZNDXM8th1s93uFfw_fs5MPgu8vS2NR1WwmveiygzJ_Zkdzu1rJ7mr83Na1P1iucOpnrfWVQIGAhP_eeWy5L0_8zvuQvim92FEgkMBxxWnkXO/s320/audrey-hepburn-style-3.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
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<strong>Keep them bold, but beautiful.</strong> Looking like Bert from Sesame Street is certainly not something to aspire to, but having bold brows can also become a statement. Look at Audrey Hepburn, a style icon who keep those brows bold but they accentuated her eyes and softened her expression, adding to her femininity. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI80h44Gnc-jFycH6YbrJTlfXI8doEqkjWu1i7OwioHjLV5lnLmUxhS79KVEJV7lX9oXmjfQRHBadWM0YK1QA3ClYE-lvS36oXGuXnF1np_3mHehP_ocbsc7npBuYfkSJPUW_P08mtq580/s1600/Taylor+Swift+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI80h44Gnc-jFycH6YbrJTlfXI8doEqkjWu1i7OwioHjLV5lnLmUxhS79KVEJV7lX9oXmjfQRHBadWM0YK1QA3ClYE-lvS36oXGuXnF1np_3mHehP_ocbsc7npBuYfkSJPUW_P08mtq580/s320/Taylor+Swift+red.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<strong>Know how to match your brow colour.</strong> Whether you fill the brows in with pencil, powder or gel, it's important you get the colour right. I once used a brow powder that looked like a great match for a dark brunette, however once applied it threw a red undertone which made the brows look ridiculously unnatural. You want avoid doing this. <br />
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<strong>Lastly, if you want to have amazing brows, pay a professional to do it.</strong> And I'm not talking the local hairdresser. That's the work they give their apprentices. Go to a Brow Bar with people who specialise in it. Threading salons are amazing, I love threading. Anyone can slap some wax on your face or pluck some hair with tweezers but very, very few can actually shape the way a pro can. Do yourself a massive favour and do it. Even if it's only to get them professionally shaped. If you can handle the maintenance, that's great but please, PLEASE, get them shaped professionally at least once in your life. <br />
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If you're still not convinced what an effect they eyebrows have on these faces, take a look at the following pictures and tell me they don't make you want to curl into the foetal position and cry. And all because they no longer have eyebrows. <br />
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You'll notice I haven't actually showed you how to best emphasise your brows, but that's because I thought I would hand you over to special guest blogger later this week, another makeup artist who will give you the tips and tricks you need to know for beautiful brows. <br />
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So what I want to know today, <em>when have you had a brow disaster?</em> I've got a good one. When I was a teenager, I went to the local hair salon to have my eyebrows waxed. Clearly because I did not know better, if I ever got a chance to go back and talk to my teenage self, this would be at the top of my list - seriously. The girl had been there for a week and waxed my eyebrows but was a little concerned with how far in they grew in the morning (which I now know was not abnormal, she was just an idiot) so she got a disposable razor and <em>shaved</em> the inside of my left eyebrow. It never grew back properly, grows in the opposite direction to the rest of my eyebrow and is now the bane of my brow existence. Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-42854536949256319802013-02-03T20:26:00.003+10:002013-02-03T20:26:26.185+10:00I haven't forgotten you!Hi guys,<br />
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Just thought I'd drop a quick post to let you know that I haven't forgotten you! After such a warm welcome back by so many of you, how could I? <br />
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It's been chaos here with Brisbane flooding yet again but thank goodness it was nowhere near as bad as it was two years ago. I lost power here for a few days. That and managing to drop my camera on my foot and waiting on my replacement lens is why I haven't started posting again yet. And also the craziness of starting a brand new job where it's both overwhelming and exhilarating because you are doing something you love.<br />
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I have posts written which I am so excited to share with you and get your feedback but I think I do need pictures to illustrate my topics. And really, some of us are just here for the pictures right? I know that's what I do sometimes!<br />
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Hopefully I'll have my lens this week which means posts and soon! <br />
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Have an awesome week!<br />
BBechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-48923774775959955652013-01-17T12:05:00.001+10:002013-01-17T12:06:20.230+10:00Back to the beginning...It's been such a long time since I last posted that it feels like my world has turned upside down, and to be totally honest, in a way, it actually has. <br />
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I started this blog in April 2010, a government desk worker stuck in a job that was slowly destroying me as a way to share my love of all things nail polish, then it evolved into sharing makeup products I had come across, then plucking up the courage to show you eye looks and now because of this, because of you guys all around the world who encouraged me, I am now a fully qualified makeup artist. <br />
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I studied at a reputable academy, learned from amazing teachers and peers and have made incredible contacts within the makeup industry that I continue to learn from every single day. <br />
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So I thought that maybe it was time to come back here, where it all started and and share what I have learned, maybe even encourage one of you to take that step that I took. I love what I do and I still can't believe people will pay me to do it. It is truly amazing and I am so incredibly grateful.<br />
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So I will answer questions, post pictures of my work and break down how I did it. Let you in on secrets I wish I had known and now do, introduce you to products what will change your life the way they did mine and hopefully you will come to love this industry like I do. <br />
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I don't know how many of you actually stuck around and will still read this, but if you are - thank you. If you are new - welcome. Together I think this is going to be a lot of fun. <br />
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Let me know if you are out there - say hi, tell me a joke or even just tell me what your favourite colour is. If you have any questions, anything you want to see or know - ask away - I'm here to help.<br />
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B.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-7119706028545770492011-09-01T07:30:00.002+10:002011-09-01T09:34:56.094+10:00OPI Shatter - BlueI got an awesome package from the ridiculously awesome Jess of <a href="http://jesserka.blogspot.com/">Polished Lyrics</a> fame on the weekend. So excited. Full of makeup and polishes and all things oh so fabulous. Total squee moment.<br />
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I have the whole collection of OPI Shatters now. This is the blue one over Chine Glaze Papaya Punch which is another new one for me. Love it! Have gotten so many compliments today and the girls in my makeup class as well as my teacher went nuts over it. <br />
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One coat of Papaya Punch, let it dry. Then a thin coat of Blue Shatter. It looks really transparent, which worried me, but then I realised that when it shifts when it shatters, it groups together and forms solid chunks of colour so take that into consideration. The thinner the coat of shatter you can apply, the better it is going to crack and ultimately look.<br />
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Ok, that's it from me today. My Bloom Giveaway is going up tomorrow morning, so make sure you enter that, it's a ripper. (Which means awesome for you non Aussies)<br />
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Be awesome to each other.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072963643896416189.post-25554962787894492492011-08-05T22:25:00.000+10:002011-08-05T22:25:23.821+10:00OPI Ski Teal We Drop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_3NRZvDKADh5eSC65pnswU-cK0gaWZv-ycU7fXjgbYfIYORfMqOZA6OqWEWhLaGJzkGsBQklgGJAb-YQDt2u8uGIJNPzCESHPmLEgqgdiUL9xMAU_MLYx2oEp8MOxaf8usO0AXqw5lTj/s1600/STWD+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_3NRZvDKADh5eSC65pnswU-cK0gaWZv-ycU7fXjgbYfIYORfMqOZA6OqWEWhLaGJzkGsBQklgGJAb-YQDt2u8uGIJNPzCESHPmLEgqgdiUL9xMAU_MLYx2oEp8MOxaf8usO0AXqw5lTj/s320/STWD+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Ok, so this is the mani I am currently rocking and I am loving it. It's gotten me a lot of comments from total strangers in the last few days and it's quite interesting to me because it's not a bright colour or a complicated pattern. I think it has more to do with the contrast of colour then anything else. <br />
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Ski Teal We Drop was released as part of OPIs Switzerland collection and while I didn't pick this one up first time round, I ended up buying it when I was killing time at the airport before we flew out to Thailand. I have no idea why I didn't get it initially. It's an AMAZING colour. <br />
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It's a dark teal creme that is good to go in two coats. As for dupes, it's very close to RBL Teal, but it's slightly lighter. I find it to be a really flattering shade that doesn't seem out of place in a corporate environment for some reason (not that that has ever stopped me before!)<br />
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I'll try post my new giveaway this weekend. I am giving away 2 Bloom polishes and 2 Bloom mineral shadows in the coolest shades of emerald and turquoise, so stay tuned.<br />
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To all you fabulous people who leave comments on my blog - I love you! I do read them and want to reply, but Blogger is crap and won't let me log in to do it. Very annoying. Might just be time to get my own domain sorted. Any recs from Aussies for some good people who build websites? I'm gonna need to get some professional help to get this up and running. And by help I mean, pay someone to do it for me.<br />
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That's it from me today.<br />
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Be awesome to each other.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605760730314936818noreply@blogger.com7