Upcoming event - IMATS Sydney 2011 & Napoleon Perdis

It's Almost here - Sydney IMATS 2011!

Well, I had planned to have this post up last week in anticipation of the final weeks before IMATS Sydney. However, a stint in hospital put a stop to that, but definitely not to my excitement (or my determination) to go to the International Make up Artist Trade Show this coming weekend.

It is now only four sleeps away before I rock up to the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour along with tons of other beauty bloggers & Youtubers descending from all across the country for the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend, ABBW, all thanks again to Jacie (You've Got Nail) & Kimmi (The Plastic Diaries).

As I mentioned in my last post there are a slew of presentations I am looking forward to over the coming beauty weekend. One keynote speaker that I am particularly fascinated to see in action is the MUA powerhouse Napoleon Perdis whom I was lucky enough to meet him at his book singing for Forever Flawless in 2010.

I was also fortunate to get to ask Napoleon Perdis a few questions before he heads over to Sydney for his presentation on Saturday 24th September. (Thanks again to Hannah from Polkadot PR).

Napoleon Perdis

I enjoyed your book Forever Flawless, but for those who haven't yet picked it up, please try & sum up the best beauty tip that you can pass on to the everyday woman or man.

Napoleon: Not to prime is a crime! I've been saying it for years and it's my #1 beauty tip. In Forever Flawless, I referenced Brooke Shields saying "You know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing." And I have the same thinking on my primer - it's the only thing that comes between me and my makeup.

What beauty insights do you want to bring us at IMATS?

Napoleon: IMATS is like Christmas for professional makeup artists and it's such an honour to be a part of it. I will be sharing my intel on the art of face sculpting (there's a science to getting those perfectly carved-out cheekbones!), bridal and runway makeup, and how to stay inspired as an artist.

What is it that you love most about the world of beauty & makeup & why it is so important to you?

Napoleon: I love working within the realms of runway and reality. When I'm directing the makeup for shows at New York and Australian Fashion Weeks, I'm working with top designers to create and communicate the trends of the season. I like to stay fashion fit and runway relevant.

The real fun is in taking those trends and making it practical for everyday women to wear - even if it's a two-toned fuchsia and coral orange lip look! I've always been passionate about translating the directional into the doable.

However, if you cannot make it to IMATS this coming Saturday for his Get Inspired, Stay Inspired demonstration but are keen to see Napoleon Perdis in action check out his next MUA events here

Tickets are on pre-sale online until 22nd September otherwise you can purchase them at the door (unless sold out). Saturday 24th September 8:30am - 5pm & Sunday 25th September 10am - 5pm.

Upcoming event - IMATS Sydney 2011

IMATS Sydney 2011

The Countdown Begins...

Yes fellow-beauty-loving-folks, it's finally the month where IMATS the International Make-up Artist Trade Show is coming to Australia! It will be the third time the illustrious beauty event will be housed at the Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour on September 24 & 25th.

It will be the second year I will be attending but this time I will be part of the amazing ABBW - Australian Beauty Blogger Weekend - organised by Kimmi of The Plastic Diaries & Jacie You've Got Nail. I am looking forward to meeting a whole smorgasbord of bloggers & enjoying a weekend of exciting things in & around IMATS. Gee, can you tell I've been amped to go since last years?

Now if you haven't been before or want to see what you can expect at Sydney IMATS please check out my walkthrough of the 2010 Sydney IMATS show.

Also to give you an idea of the talent that is showcased at IMATS I also posted some snippets of the fantastic presentations that they had on offer at the 2010 event. I have to admit that this years line up look to be just as good!

One of the speakers I am looking forward to meeting is Elessa Jade of Pursebuzz.com. She is a popular beauty guru, better known on Youtube as Purzebuzz, who will be speaking on both mornings . Even though I'm sure she is flat out with her site as well as preparing for IMATS, Elessa was kind enough to answer a few questions I had. (Special thanks to the lovely Hannah at Polkadot PR for letting this happen)

Elessa Jade aka Purzebuzz

What got you started on Youtube?

Elessa: Sea otter video on youtube. I watched the video realized you could upload videos online and so I showed a friend how to do her makeup. Then I realized my dream of an online magazine came to lifeWhat is the most inspirational thing you have learnt so far from your experience as a Beauty Guru?

What is the most inspirational thing you have learnt so far from your experience as a Beauty Guru?

Elessa: That it's true that knowledge is power. If you can teach others how to do things themselves it gives them confidence. Instead of paying someone to be your stylist you can do it yourself. I always heard my mom tell me this but I didn't really understand it till I started pursebuzz

What is it that you love about IMATS & why is it so important for anyone interested in the world of beauty & makeup to attend?

Elessa: I love IMATS because it brings creative minds together for one love. Make Up! I think its important because it opens your eyes to new ideas, new makeup and just a whole new love and appreciation for beauty.

If you are heading out to IMATS Elessa will be appearing over both mornings of Sept 24 & 25th. Nude Cosmetics presents Ella on the Saturday, "The Beauty of Getting Naked", which focuses on the bare & best kit essentials to have.

On Sunday she is presented by Crown Brush, "Brush Essential Confidential", showcasing the ideal brushes to have & application techniques.

Stay bloggingating to check out my upcoming IMATS posts featuring interviews with two other amazing makeup artists that are also speaking over the IMATS weekend - the powerhouse that is Napoleon Perdis & the gorgeously talented Donna Mee.

Comment question: Are you going to IMATS this year? if so what are you looking forward to the most?

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day Gift Ideas

If you're like me every year is a struggle to find that great little present that will show my dad how much he means to me. Of course my dad literally doesn't expect anything more than a phone call from me & if I insist on getting him something all he wants is a lottery ticket.

Now as touching as that is, I do want to give him something different each year. In my little search I have come up with some ideas thanks to my subscriptions that I have to just about every offer there is going, so here are my top picks for that special father figure...

For those of you that love online shopping as much as I do head to Dad Shop. There is a great selection of gifts but I love the search ranges featured on the site. You can search by "personality", eg "rev head", " sports freak", "really blokey" & even the straight laced "family man" to name just a few of the personalities on offer.

OK for those of you that love Ebay but want something a bit more "unique" with that hand-made quality why not check out Etsy? I have become addicted to perusing the mix of crafted offerings & have made many a purchase.

How about a Father's Day card that can actually grow? Yes you read right...check out GrowMe where you can get a card that is made not only with recycled paper for that "environmentally friendly" conscious dad, but the paper pulp contains herbs that can sprout once you plant the card! Now that is certainly a card with that something extra!

Also don't fret if you can't decide on something in time to give him on the day - what a sweet surprise he will get when a parcel is delivered to him shortly after he had given up!

How about a lovely pamper pack for your hard working dad from Pure & Green Organics founded & developed by Grace Culhuci? You can choose from a variety of Gift Packs by size, price & skin type starting from AU$24.95. Or for those dads that like a nice soak after a long day there are Bath Packs scented in Lavender, Citrus or even unscented at AU$24.95.

There are a smorgasbord of natural based goodies on the site, (thanks to Prickly Pear PR for the heads up on the range), & below are just a selection of them that just might please your dads skin...

If your dad loves a good cup of coffee, or even if he doesn't drink the stuff he can now cleanse with it! The Coffee & Citrus Exfoliant (100ml) contains certified organic coffee beans from Byron Bay which help unclog pores and polish & is AU$24.95.

Your dad can just rub the scrub into the skin & the coffee granules act as an exfoliant as well as a stimulant that can help minimise facial flushing by "constricting visible blood vessels". If you know your mum would also try it she just needs to apply it as a "gel" to her more "delicate female skin" *

Hydrate moisture lotion (100ml): Contains the healing properties of aloe vera juice & jojoba oil to hydrate skin and diminish appearance of fine lines but can be used to "desensitize razor burned skin" on your dads face. This is priced at AU$39.95.

Pure & Green Moisture Bar (110g): Keep it simple with three cleansing ingredients...olive oil & coconut oil to moisturise skin and lemongrass which is a natural antiseptic. It also gives a good lather so it can be used as a shaving bar for men & is AU$9.95.

Pure & Green Toner (100ml): It has certified organic lemon tea tree with antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can refresh & tone for AU$21.95.

However, if you prefer to buy them all as one gift pack, as in the picture above, you can get the newly developed Father's Day Pack in eco-packaging for AU$96.95, just contact Pure & Green Organics to put it together.

Keeping with the goodness of organic how about an organic grape based wine? You can't go past a bottle of wine to add that touch of sophistication. If your father is into the odd glass or even if he is a fine connoisseur definitely check out www.mywinery.com. Tamburlaine is Australia's largest maker of Certified Organic wines & why not try a bottle of sparkling for the Father's Day occasion?

There is the Tamburlaine sparkling Blanc de Blanc (white wine from white grapes) using "hand picked" organic Chardonnay grapes & employs the use of the "crown seal". This seal locks in the wines "fruit flavours & fine bubbles" as well as avoiding any "cork taint" that would spoil the wine.

Sparkling wine is actually my favourite kind of wine & I don't need a special event to savour it at. I haven't tried this particular sparkling but reading about it has made my palate tingle**. It is also affordable at AU$25.00 a bottle but if you feel like buying wines by the dozen to share there is an increasing discount the more lots you order!

As much as I enjoy online shopping, I am normally one that finds any excuse to go department store shopping (since there is a major centre near me) & of course I can save on shipping costs. Now, what if department stores offered the same great shopping online as in the store & no delivery expenses? Well, that I say has gotten me interested.

Myer has recently started offering "free delivery" & I am happy to report this is without the usual "insert amount" that you have to reach before it is actually free. (Ok ok there are certain conditions ie not on vouchers or large/bulky items). But it will do the deal for those father's day gifts, so get browsing here Myer Father's Day Gifts

For those of you that just cannot decide for all the variety of choice I have given you & would typically give a gift card when you're stuck, why not get a voucher for a great experience? There are plenty to choose from at Red Balloon from the more sedate cruises & a range of food indulgences to the more adrenalin based V8 racing & helicopter flights.

The choice is yours, or otherwise if you still can't decide which fun experience voucher to book you can always go the safe bet & go for a gift voucher! Yep a voucher for a voucher & why not? Your father can have as much fun selecting what he can do & maybe you can even share that fun day with him.

Whew, I think that does it for the ideas I have come up with or been given as recommendations...but it makes me wonder what does your dad normally ask for? have there been any gifts you think he has loved, or ones you think didn't go down so well? Please leave them in the comments below as well as the gifts you end up getting your dad.

I have NOT been sponsored by ANY of the brands or sites I mentioned I simply thought they were worth checking out as a gift idea

*Media release supplied by Prickly Pear PR, be assured I was not endorsed to recommend this range but I just love organic skincare!

**I was drooling over the site & media release* of the Blanc de Blanc wine & want to add it to my wish list of sparkling wines to try before I do my separate YT channel on my journey trying different sparkling wines & Champagnes (hey don't laugh I'm serious!)

Review: Manicare Precision Blending Sponge vs Beauty Pod

Manicare Precision Blending Sponge vs Beauty Pod Airbrush FX Sponge

Over the last few months I have enjoyed both the Manicares Precision Blending Sponge & the Beauty Pod's sponge to apply my liquid foundations.

I purchased these both in Australia but I am not sure on the availability of these internationally although both do look very similar in shape & size to the Sonia Kashuk beauty sponge I see so often in v/posts.

Before I get to the nitty gritty of my findings lets look at the stats for each:

First Opponent

Manicare Precision Blending Sponge

This is available where most Manicare beauty items are available, eg Priceline, Big W, K Mart & selected pharmacies in Australia.

It retails for around $8AU & is made of latex. It is about 70mm long when dry & comes in a dark purple colour. Manicare claims that the sponge will deliver a "flawless foundation application" & can also be used for concealer & blush.

How it works

It directs that the pointed end is to be used to camouflage areas with concealer or foundation & the rounded end is for applying foundation in a blending motion around the face & neck. For powder it needs to be dusted on the end.

Opponent two

Beauty Pod Airbrush FX Sponge

This is available at selected beauty supply stores (I purchased mine at www.makeupandglow.com.au) but I have not yet seen it available in mainstream department stores or pharmacies (please if someone has please let me know!).

It retails around $12-$13AU & it typically comes in a purple magenta but I did pick up the two special edition colours - pink & black. All it states on the packaging is that it is made of 'non-latex sponge" & it is also 70mm long when dry. It claims it will give a "professional finish..airbrush fx" & "makeup artist results". It only mentions use for foundations & concealers & to be used damp.

How it works

The same applies for foundation & concealer (pointed & wide end of sponge). However it states to "dampen" the sponge before use & that it will swell. There is no mention of use with powder or for blush (although I did test it with both powder, cream & liquid blushes as with the Manicare sponge for a comparison).

Performance Tests

Admittedly I am happily obsessed with trying makeup brushes & have had very little "experience" with the use of sponges with my foundations but I was very impressed with how both sponges applied my foundations & how surprisingly quick I could do my face.

I used each sponge daily for a month each & tried all my liquid & cream foundations & concealers as well as blushes. I also tried to apply my compact powder foundations when the sponges were wet. Although the Beauty Pod states to "dampen" the sponge I also tried using it when dry in order to compare it to the Manicare sponge.

How well they performed

When dry:

Liquid & cream foundations, concealers & blush: I preferred the feel & finish of the liquid foundations & concealers when the sponges were wet. I felt the sponges "pulled" a bit on my face as I applied the makeup but they still gave a decent finish if I buffed the foundation/concealer in. Although both performed similarly to apply the concealer with the pointed end, I still found myself reaching for a brush or smoothing the makeup with my fingers.

Powders: I did think the Manicare gave a better finish with powder blush & powder foundation possibly because of the "rougher" texture the latex sponge had in comparison with the Beauty Pod which is much softer & "velvety".

However both sponges appeared to crumble slightly by the fourth application when using when dry as in the photo below. Tiny pieces of the latex sponge on the Manicare applicator seemed to have fallen out & made the surface on the rounded end a little bit rougher in texture & feel. Whereas the non-latex sponge in the Beauty Pod suffered less damage, but small pockets appeared to have opened in the material in the centre of the rounded end.

Round result winner: Manicare Precision Beauty Sponge

Above: (L-R) Beauty Pod Airbrush FX Sponge & Manicare Precision Blender Sponge rounded ends

When wet:

Liquid & cream foundations & concealers: Using both sponges wet did feel much easier on the skin to blend & buff (not so much "dragging" sensation). However the texture of the non-latex sponge of the Beauty Pod was hands down so much more softer & gentler on the skin than the Manicare one.

Also the Beauty Pods swells up much more when wet & gives slightly more surface area to apply makeup as demonstrated in the picture below. The pod is also easier to blend & buffs quicker & more effectively than the Manicare sponge.

I did like how the Beauty Pod gave me almost an "airbrushed" look to the application, although in part the tool is only as good as the makeup & how well the applier blends. But it was definitely much easier & more pleasant to use than the Manicare sponge when wet.

Over time both sponges became slightly more pock marked in the rounded end which got the most use, but the Manicare sponge got more "damaged in battle"

Powders: I was not particularly impressed with using either of the sponges on my compact powders or even trying to use them with my blushes. I didn't feel I was getting anywhere near "MUA results" or that "professional finish" but that may have been in part to years of using brushes & I didn't like the "dabbing" motion I had to employ in order not to get a streaky look to my makeup or ruining any of the foundation application underneath.

Round result winner: Beauty Pod Airbrush FX Sponge

Above: (L-R) Beauty Pod Airbrush FX Sponge & Manicare Precision Blender Sponge when wet

Care/Maintenance:

With both I washed them 3-4 times a week with a gentle cleanser (baby shampoo) or an actual brush cleanser. I also tried the "anti-bacterial liquid" soap that is recommended for the Manicare sponge as well as "gentle soap" as is directed for the Beauty Pod for both sponges.

No matter how long I cleaned them though both were "stainted" with the tint of my foundation (not so much blush as they are red based colours). So during the last week of each trial I even resorted to "spot cleaning" them - spraying them lightly with my brush cleaner sprays & dabbing them onto a towel. (This did not help but at least I felt the sponges were "refreshed" in between washes.)

Overtime with the sponges becoming more pocketed in the rounded ends it is possible that more makeup would build up in these areas. Neither of the sponges appeared visibly affected by the cleansing routine & there was no dye running or fading of the colours.

However as the Beauty Pod swelled up more than the Manicare sponge it did take longer to clean out the soap as it seemed to absorb more liquid. But I believed that since it was more absorbent it would also be easier to wash more thoroughly & therefore rinse any makeup product out better than its opponent sponge.

Once dry the Beauty Pod also felt lighter after a good cleanse than the Manicare sponge even though both are of similar proportions when dry.

Round result winner: Beauty Pod Airbrush FX Sponge

Final Round

Overall I preferred the Beauty Pod to apply my liquid/cream foundations & blushes & even like it better than my brushes (for now).

I didn't want to reach for the Manicare sponge (dry or damp) to apply powder foundation or blush but still like it to use for liquid foundation only if my Beauty Pod & stippling brushes are out of action.

Even though the price point & accessibility is better for the Manicare Precision Sponge I would happily pay the few dollars more to get another Beauty Pod.

Winner "sponges down" for me is the Beauty Pod Airbrush FX Sponge

Review: Bahar Skincare

Natural/Organic Based Skincare Series

Over the recent months I have been enjoying a variety of natural based skin products. I will be doing a spotlight on my favourite product from a brand on my blog, as well as getting an insight into the brand from its creators. I will also feature a more indepth review on my Youtube channel.

Bahar Skincare

The first one in this organic skincare series will be Bahar Skincare of which I was kindly sent 5 products (plus a fan brush). Thanks to Joanne for giving me the opportunity to try the range as well as to nwa112 for requesting the review!

Inspiration Behind the Bahar Skincare Brand

The director Joanne Mananis was kind enough to give me an insight into the creation of the brand. When she developed the brand she was working as a Geologist & Environmental Scientist who became fascinated by the fact that so many natural clays & plant extracts absorbed vital minerals over thousands of years, in the "nutrient rich waters of the sea".

So appropriately the word Bahar is an arabic word meaning "the sea". The range of products contain Certified Organic ingredients, plant extracts, natural clays, botanical oils all of which are sourced from all over Australia. The ingredients are also from "renewable plant resources" which make the products "environmentally sustainable".

Bahar Skincare strives to present the products in their most natural form, such as in the dry clay face masks, but also do away with synthetic preservatives. They use natural preservatives that are not only the most costly but are also the most "gentle & effective" with a long shelf live of 2 years per product (prior to opening). After opening the products are viable for up to 6 months.

Bahar tries to show that you can use "purified earth minerals" to take out impurities but also protect & nourish the skin to maintain its health. "We try to educate our customers by explaining that skincare doesn't need to be complicated & that looking after your skin is about going back to nature & not moving further away from it".

So even in this age of using a range of serums & lotions in multiple step processes that seem so popular out on the beauty market, Bahar maintain that "our philosophy is about trying to convey the message that less is more".

Bahar Skincare Review & Product Highlight

(L-R): Bahar Skincare brochure, Soothing Chamomile Toner(100ml) $21.95AU/For normal to oily skin,

Soothing Cleansing Gel (100ml) $21.95AU/For normal to oily skin, Hydrating Face Cream (30ml) $29.95AU/For all skin types,

Antioxidant Eye Cream (20ml) $34.95AU/For all skin types, Go Green Mask (60g) $29.95AU/For Oily or blemished skin & Fan Brush $9.95AU

I tried the products pictured above for a full month in combination to see how they would react with my skin type (combination to oily) & you can watch the full review on my Youtube channel here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arKBi3Ach4k

However my favourite product among them & my "product to highlight" is the Bahar Hydrating Face Cream (30ml). It retails for $29.95AU, is for all skin types & is enriched with marine extracts & green tea. There is no denying that I love using face creams & had high hopes before trying the Bahar one.

As you can see in the picture below it is a pump bottle which dispenses a small amount of face cream that I found more than sufficient to cover my face & neck area. I used it morning & night after I cleansed my face with the Soothing Cleansing Gel & the Soothing Chamomile Toner.

I am happy to say that I truly enjoyed the smooth, non-greasy face cream & indeed found it to be hydrating. It left my skin feeling silky & soft especially when used in combination with the toner before hand. (Which I found interesting because I am generally not one to use toners regularly but I admit I am still using it since finishing the "testing month" & am using it with the face cream as well as throughout the day even when I am just hanging out at home with my no-makeup face!)

I like the light "green tea" scent (well I am not entirely sure that is what the fragrance is as it is so gentle but it smells like yummy green tea to my nose). In fact, none of the products I tried are heavily scented which would be good for those sensitive to strong fragrances that some other botanical oil & plant extract based products out on the market may have.

Above: close up of ingredient list on Bahar Hydrating Face Cream

As I mention in my Youtube review, I love the glass packaging & as the pump top unscrews I will gladly reuse the bottle. All the products are contained in these lovely glass bottles which would make a luxuriously looking gift without that "luxury" price tag.

Although a whole routine of these products together might make for a heavier makeup bag when travelling you can simply repackage. Since the caps/lids/pumps are removable you can easily take what you need in a lighter travel bottle instead. Also as I said in my video post, the glass bottles do not appear to break easily either as my bottle of the Hydrating Face Cream & my tiled bathroom floor demonstrated one day!

My only negative on this product was that I wish there was more of it since I am almost finished it. But as I find the $29.95AU a reasonable price for a handmade, Certified Organic, plant derived product that has the bonus of being from an Australian owned & cruelty free company, it is definitely on my purchase list.

Please let me know any products you have tried from the Bahar Skincare range, or even any products on your natural skincare wish list.