Get Your Game Plan On & Win!

Ok folks, the weather is warming up & we are only 7 weeks away from summer here in our fair land. That means for some, including myself, time to get into better shape inside & out. Having also had a baby three months ago I know there are plenty of fitness & health goals I am wanting to reach.

For some it definitely helps to have a personal guide to turn to for healthy eating tips & tools to help inspire you on your healthy body journey. Since you're here reading this blog I'm sure you can appreciate how useful online resources are & so thompsonsgameplan.com.au may be the site for you.

I have already embarked on my "better eating" & I am going for walks with the bub where a car ride may have normally sufficed. But I needed focus, & a proper plan, so it was great to get a heads up from Prickly Pear about this website. (Note: Hold those skipping ropes, I'd like to point out that I am in no way affiliated with Thompson's Nutrition or getting anything to promote their "game on" site, well except getting healthier & fitter that is!)

For me, my personal game plan is focusing on "energy & stress management" & "fatigue". Having a bouncing 3 month old & going back to work full-time shortly, this sounded like what I need! Although I had to tweak it a bit to optimally suit my current lifestyle.

Image courtesy of Thompson's Nutrition

You can then tailor your "game plan" by the type of targeted eating style you want & I chose "optimal health". The plan also provides meal options & I am finding the nutritional recipe ideas very helpful. It even suggests exercise programs, which is great as one of my aims is to shift some kilos, so it's no surprise that I've picked the exercise regiment "loosing weight".

Try the resources to learn your target heart rate & even track your "health age" as opposed to your actual age. You can do this via the handy interactive tools from the online diary & best of all, it's free. Yes beauties not cent to join so go find your game plan & register for your personal diary!

ENTER NOW TO WIN! Hey some of you are doing sit ups already & pointing out that there is "win!" in the blog heading. That's right beauties, how does a $10,000 wellness package sound? Now that's some inspiration! So quick smart, head over to the healthy living website & register for the competition running until the 23rd October 2011.

The wellness package includes a personal trainer, massages (oh yeah!), naturopathy session, spa treatments & a life coach for a WHOLE YEAR! Plus there are 60 Women's or Men's Health subscriptions to be won weekly until the 23rd October all thanks to Thompson's nutrition.

Simply pick up your favourite Thompson's product & use the barcode to enter, maybe even try the new Green Coffee Complex (pictured above). If you don't win you can still ask a naturopath for advice, & there is an online forum for discussing any health queries you might have.

Also check out Robbie Deans, a coach of Australia's International Union team the Wallabies, who has inspirational Youtube videos offering tips to help motivate & achieve your goals to get healthy. So "don't roll your eyes go, exercise" get those finger tips a clicking!

Robbie Deans:

1. Set realistic goals and identify what changes you need to make

2. Get into habit of having a healthy lifestyle

3. Stay motivated and redouble your efforts to reach your prize

4.Celebrating even those little "wins"

5. Short-term focus and a long-term outlook

6. Keep your eye on the prize

7. Positive thinking to help make positive choices

Haul: IMATS Sydney 2011

Hi Ho here we go an IMATS A-hauling

Now what beauty blog would be complete without a bit of "hauling" & yes I back that up by the fact I'll be reviewing most, if not all of the stuff I bought (well that's what we tell our partners right?). Check out the footage I took of IMATS Sydney 2011.

I have to say I made sure that this year I went with a very restrained, "think every purchase over" mind-set. Ok it helps to go to a major event where there is a smorgasbord of beauty products to purchase with a budget, but some of you still might be surprised by the limited number of things I came out of IMATS with in comparison to my frenzied hauling from the vlogs I did last year...watch IMATS 2010.

Anyway on to the "beauty booty"!

Brushes from Royal & Langnickel

Last year I got so many brushes from Royal & Langnickel I did a giveaway & also shared some out in several swaps . However, I just had to get back ups of my favourite eye brushes - Super Eye Fluff C448 (I actually use for highlight & setting powder under the eye area), the Angled Shader BC501-S, the LG Smudger C445 which reminds me a lot of my Sigma Tapered Blending E40 brush that I love so much & two metal lash combs (that I am addicted to smoothing out layers of mascara on my lashes).

But I also wanted to try some of the super soft Synthetic Kabuki brushes, that were all priced at $10AU each. (Pictured left):I've already used all the kabuki brushes & so far my favourites are the large as well as the small pointed dome #27 (far left) #25 (right).

The large #27 pointed kabuki I use for bronzer/contour & the small #25, I prefer for highlight & blush application. I will do an overview & review post on all the R&L brushes I own on my Youtube channel as I think they are a great buy & I love the quality.

It was also Illamasqua's first year at IMATS Sydney, & as pictured below (far left), I picked up a Cream Foundation in #133 from Illamasqua for only $20AU, (normally $55AU). So far enjoying the creamy silky feeling & I just wish I had gotten to the stand earlier to pick up more goodies.

Below - nope it's not a lipgloss but a blush! It's a Mirage Blush in "abricot" from Serge Louis Alvarez. The ABBW'ers were lucky enough to get a "lucky dip" at the SLA booth & I was fortunate to pick up this doe foot applicator blush, which provides a lovely apricot & golden shimmer to the cheeks & gives a velvety finish.

After seeing so many positive reviews on the Embroylisse range I decided to pick up the Cream Concentrate (right) at Scotty's Makeup & Beauty stand (show price $15AU & normally $20AU for 30ml). It is a wonderful thick cream texture that melts into the skin & I can already notice a difference in my stubborn dry patches.

I look forward to getting near the end of the tube before I give a proper review. However, I already feel it will be an October favourite for me so stay tuned on that one!

(left) From Beauty & Spa Solutions got a light up double travel mirror that I have actually been using as my everyday "face of the day" mirror for $15AU. I no longer have the luxury of taking my time to make up my face in front of a vanity, or even in the bathroom, so I need a compact mirror that I can walk around using, so having one that lights up with a magnified end is great.

At the same stand I got the Lingmei Liner in black (as above) & for $10AU I have been very happy with the long lasting & precise line I can get from the felt tip-like applicator.

Last, but by no means least, I got Smashbox Soft Lights Brighten (above) from PM Studio & have used it almost everyday as either as highlight or glowing blush. This was my most expensive purchase at $20AU (normally $36.95AU).

See I told you I was trying to be restrained in my spending, although in the weeks since, I have watched a ton of haul posts & regret not getting some INGLOT or some more goodies that I haven't tried before. Oh well, I'll start another wish list as there's always next year's IMATS!

If you go to IMATS Sydney, what was your favourite purchase?

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.