Back to ABBW: September 25th

Gather yourself for Round two of

The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend

Day two of the ABBW couldn't come quick enough, so I could head back to Sydney Novotel & meet up with the 83 beauty bloggers again for another jam packed day of beauty information sessions. We started off with a breakfast event with Alpha-H a "corrective & preventative" skincare range, that contain active ingredients to renew & revitalise the complexion.

Karen Ledbury, a Australian TV presenter, spoke to us about her experience with Alph-H & her "desert island product" - Liquid Gold. She uses Alpha-H Liquid Gold as her "sole skincare system", & as she is also a mother of three, it's a product she can easily use at home.

Michelle Doherty, the director of Alpha-H, spoke to us about the Liquid Gold Skin Perfection System which we all got given to try. The three-stage course at night is to "amplify" your current routine to help give dynamic & long-term results.

I'll be starting with the Liquid Gold Prep & Prime to prepare the outer layers of the skin. This is supposed to create a "platform of acceptance" for the active & stimulating ingredients that will be following in the later products Liquid Gold Original & Liquid Gold Radiance, that target the deeper epidermal layers. I'll have to report back in 3 months to let you know how I've gone with this "90 day fix" treatment. (RRP $99AU)

Afterwards we had a chance to mingle & nibble before we headed into the Face of Australia Masterclass where I got a chance to hang out with Ria from LemonTartTree. The director of FOA, Tina Henry, talked about some of the products while the MUA Kirsty Dolores demonstrated some of the makeup in action from the FOA Look Book (this will be coming soon to the FOA site so stay tuned!).

We all were able to follow along at our tables playing with a goody bag of the products & I had an awesome time. I admit the Lip Quench SPF 30+ in Silver Rose is now one of my favourite lipsticks! It's so creamy & I love the slight frosty pink/plum colour. I will be doing an overview & review of the FOA range on my Youtube channel in the near future.

FOA Lip Quench SPF 30+ Silver Rose

Following this we had a chance to go for lunch with Ria & I had a chance to hang out with some gorgeous bloggers: Rachal of fashion fantabulous, Karen from mssparklearkle, Desiree of madame rouge & Emma from Emma Bovary Beauty. How could I have forgotten to get a group photo?! But for a beauticious dose of the ABBW check out the photo gallery.

The last event of the day was hosted by Proctor & Gamble (Beauty & Grooming) that brought to us the fascinating Bahar Etminan of RESCU who detailed her personal experience with creating RESCU & making it in the beauty industry.

Bahar Etminan of RESCU. Photo courtesy of The ABBW Official Gallery

Bahar then lead into speaking about "brand you" - how to get into the beauty business & how to make your blog truly noteworthy. I'd recommend checking out Bahar's keynote presentation at the ABBW site if you are interested in moving from a "hobby blog" to more professional blogging. I picked up some great tips that I will be working on in the next few weeks to jazz up my humble blog.

P&G Beauty & Grooming were also kind enough to leave us some lovely hair products to try from some of the brands - Pantene Pro V & Herbal Essences which I will update on later (as pictured right). Although I have already tried the Herbal Essences Set Me Up Max Hold Hairspray & so far I am enjoying the non-sticky hold as well as the lovely "lily bliss" fragrance it is leaving on my hair!

The day wrapped up & there were beauty bloggers galore saying their goodbyes & their appreciation to all the hard work that Kimmi & Jacie had put in to bringing so many sponsors & events together. Check out the ABBW media release.

I even had a chance to nip back over to IMATS Sydney at the Sydney Convention Centre & meet up with Pearl from pearlbeauty1020 who is just as lovely in person!

If attended the ABBW, what was your favourite part of the weekend? What is your take on hobby vs professional blogging?

Other links: Day 1 of The ABBW & IMATS

IMATS Sydney 2011 Footage

Please note: All products, not otherwise stipulated, are for review purposes & there is no sponsorship or monetary gain from any such reviews. All photos included in this blog are taken & owned by Penumbra Doll Beauty blog & are not to be reproduced unless permission has been sort from the owner. If photos are not taken or owned by Penumbra Doll Beauty the source of the photos will be mentioned. Any brand/company, beauty industry/media or blog sites that are credited for (further or detailed) information, all appropriate links will be provided.

Event: Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend & IMATS Extravaganza

Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend

& IMATS Extravaganza

Well folks ABBW & IMATS wrapped up a week ago but I am still reeling from the absolute fabulousness of that weekend! In my recent posts you would have realised how giddy I was with anticipation in spending the 24th & 25th of September with (at least) 83 other beauty bloggers & revealing in the makeup, informative MUA presentations & shopping madness that is the International Make-up Artist Trade Show. As well as the beauty events that the powerhouses of organisation, Kimmi from The Plastic Diaries & Jacie of You've Got Nail, brought together with the ABBW sponsors! So here's the long-winded beauty-tale...

After we registered for ABBW at Novotel & received a lovely little welcome gift box from Garnier, (as above), we all headed over to IMATS at the Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour. We had a good chance to check out the goodies on show & I managed to do a bit of hauling, blogger mingling & presentation watching.

Assembling at the Sydney Convention centre before all pilling

into the make-up madness of IMATS

There was even a bit of pampering hosted by Royal & Langnickel brush just for us ABBW'ers - manicures, make up, delectable bites & even a wonderful gift. I got the R&L Silk GreenLine makeup brush set which I am already using & hope to get the review up after a month of testing.

(Top Right & left): At the Mani's & Makeup pamper session hosted by Royal & Langnickel

Play spot the beauty blogger & beauty gurus...to start - that's the lovely Kimmi

from theplasticdiaries getting glammed up! (top left)

(L): The Royal & Langickel Silk Greenline brush set

That afternoon we rendezvous back at Novotel for the Beauty Directory Event. Jackie Maxted, the Managing Director of beautydirectory.com.au kicked it off & introduced us to some powerhouses behind some exciting brands - Lapurete, The Pure Therapy by Purist & TriShave.

Peter Vranes of Lapurete went over some of the benefits of the products & the wonder ingredient Okuru which is claimed to be "natures alternative to botox".

As pictured above, I picked up the Resurrection Night Cream which purports to "combat the ageing effects of dryness". As the products also target "sagging skin" & "expression lines", I am sharing the lotion with a friend with more "mature & drier skin" in order to review later.

I also was intrigued to try the recently launched Pure Therapy range by Purist after hearing about how it helps dry & sensitive skin conditions such as Eczema, Dermatitis & Psoriasis.

After my recent stint in hospital, & how sensitive some of my skin had become, I am very keen to try this range. I am certainly in need of these "natural products that have a theraputic effect". Purist are also responsible for other great skin & hair care brands such as A'kin & Al'chemy which are also chock full of natural ingredients.

Pure Therapy range (L-R): Repair Gel, Moisture Replenish Conditioner, Moisture Intense Body Cleanser, Body Moisturiser Intense & Extra Gentle Shampoo

Larissa of TriShave walked us through the development & benefits of the range & shared with us four of the "3 in 1" shave cremes & post shave moisturising products to try. My wonderful hubby is happily testing out the "men" targeted items & I hope to bring you his insight, along with my own, on the "women" formulated range.

TriShave: (L-R) Shave Creme for Women, UV Body Defense Post Shave Moisturiser for Women, Post Shave Moisturising Lotion for Men & the Anti-Rash Shave Creme for Men

We also had the opportunity to learn tips for building relationships between bloggers, PR companies & beauty brands from Jackie Maxted. Followed by a Q&A panel discussion with the ABBW organising queen Kimmi from ThePlasticDiaries.com & the editor of InStyle magazine Eleanor Pendleton.

We even had mini thought provoking discussions groups at our tables on different areas in blogging & working with PR companies. Our table's topic was the "do's & don'ts of working with us as bloggers". We also had a chance to introduce our blogs & contact details. It was here that I swore silently to myself to get some business cards (yep, about "bloggin' time) Seriously folks, this was an action packed 2 hours!

Thankfully we could relax & mingle afterwards, champers in hand, with the wonder-minds presented to us. I joined Bini from beeneelicious.com in chatting to Jackie Maxted & was overwhelmed at so many beauty bloggers mingling in one place!

Now, I have to say that, the rest of the "beauty booty" that was given by the wonderful sponsors was phenomenal. I sweetly swear, that my arms where going to break off under the sheer weight of the goody bags of products to try. I think I may be testing & reviewing the products for the next year - but what a year it will be! Check out my upcoming reviews in the ABBW Goody Bag Overview.

Unfortunately that's where day one ended for me. We were to assemble back after going to "glam & bling" ourselves up for the Maxted Thomas event & gala dinner at the Establishment. However due to some issues that presented themselves at my arrival home, in the form of one cranky little baby, I had to pull out. But I admit I have since lived vicarioulsy through the tweets & tales of others - yes I am so envious. It seemed like an amazing time was had by all...drool & double drool!

Luckily determination won out & I made it back for the second day of the ABBW. Join me for part two! & check out my IMATS post & haul.

Did you go to the ABBW &/or to IMATS Sydney? What was your favourite stand/event or presentation & which guru/MUA did you meet there?

The ABBW, IMATS Sydney & Pursebuzz (Elessa Jade)

Sydney IMATS & The ABBW

Only Two Beauty Sleeps to go!

Recently my blog has been taken over by my increasing anticipation for the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend at Sydney IMATS - the International Make up Artist Trade Show - that will be taking the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour over this weekend, 24 & 25th of September.

I interviewed two of the guest speakers Elessa Jade of Pursebuzz & the MUA extrodinare & brand Napoleon Perdis. I was hoping to get a chance to call Donna Mee, the gorgeously talented MUA & educator, to interview her. Unfortunately, I missed out but hope to catch up with her at Sydney IMATS where Royal & Langnickel brush are presenting her on both afternoons.

Donna Mee

You can see Donna Mee at Sydney IMATS on Saturday 24th 2:30 - 3:30pm Mastering Beauty for Close-up Print Work & Sunday 25th 1:45 - 2:45pm, Mastering Eye Make up for Close-up Print Work.

However if you cannot make it to Sydney IMATS see Donna in action, I have some footage of her at Sydney IMATS 2010 check out 6:55 to 13:02 min for her Mastering Contour & Highlight. She has also organised a bevy of Masterclasses around Australia were you can experience Make up artistry techniques so get in quick!

I am also keen to see Rae Morris again & check out her new brush set that will be launched at Sydney IMATS where a limited number of sets will be available. Crown brush is presenting her over both days & I am particularly looking forward to catching her Smokey Eye Secrets on Sunday 3:30 - 4:30pm.

I caught some of her presentation at last years Sydney IMATS - check out time range 13:3 to 13:30 min for a snippet of her talk.

You can still get in quick to pick up your tickets online for the pre-sale. Otherwise tickets will be available at the door, Saturday 24th 8:30am - 5pm & Sunday 25th 10am - 5pm.

What are you looking forward to the most at IMATS? What is on your wish list? Let me know in the comments.

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!)