Long and Sleek

Most often we try to look just as good as when we left the salon yet struggle to reciprocate the look. We are at a time when technology is so advanced that we have overlooked the simple thing of life like blow-drying hair from start to end. As much as I love the accessibility and effortlessness of having my hair ironed, I still appreciate a natural texture to my hair most days. 

To begin the styling process apply thermal protector from the top to the ends of your hair, using enough to lightly coat your hair without making it weighty.  Rough dry your hair keeping the nozzle of the dryer facing towards the bottom of the hair until it is 80 percent dry.

Part your hair in 3 sections and secure the top layers with a jaw clip. Begin with the back section and work your way to the top, keeping in mind to start with a medium heat and high speed, increase heat to manipulate the hair in stubborn areas.

Keep your sections small and  manageable as you roll your hair around a big round brush from roots progressing to ends with one hand and on the other hand continue to face your dryer downwards close to your hair preventing the nozzle from touching the hair avoiding burn and eliminating frizz.

If you would like a little more of a root lift or volume, elevate your hair  in a 90 degree angle at the nape of the head holding the dryer in an upward motion as you keep rolling the brush, allow a few seconds for the hair to cool and set in between. Continue this process until you reach the top of your head. 

Hair is styled with a little volume

In the front sections it is important to consider if you would like to have the front layers move forward, straight or back. Retain an easy pressure to maximize on sleekness as you pull the hair into the direction that you want depending on your preference,

Once you have completed both sides, use the back of a comb to move your hair into your chosen path.

Use a smaller brush with cool air from mid lengths to ends working from the front of your hair to the back for you gain the benefit of closing the hair follicle and reducing extra volume while setting the hair. 

Use a drop of silicone from mid lengths to ends of hair to reduce flyaways. To finish off wipe the palms of your hand with the remainder of product to the top of your hair to create a glossy finish. 

Studio finish concealer with Kryolan

I had confessed to you all in my previous post how I love a heavy coverage and stressed to you that it is essential to select the foundation and concealer to give you the results that you want instead of using copious amounts of product causing your make up to appear layered.

I have selected my absolute favourite brand when it comes to heavy coverage and achieving those results with little effort. On a day like today, I have been out all day, exhaustion and hay fever are playing against me and it is taking a toll on my eyes.  I have just come home from a long day and hubby has made plans to visit a friend.  Even though it is just a house visit I cannot bear to let anyone see me in this state.

 This requires an emergency make up remedy and it is time to take out my rescue kit. Kryolan is my secret  to covering those horrid eye bags. 

 If you would like to find out more about their range visit(https://global.kryolan.com/aboutus‎)

I have about 5 minutes to apply my make-up before my husband starts rushing me. 

Step 1: Apply a thin layer of foundation on face including eye lids, ensure that you blend your foundation into your hair line and underneath your chin.

As you can see my eyes are tired and have dark circles underneath

Step 2: Apply on camoflage derma colour 

 Lightly pat on derma colour on darker area around  your eyes.

Step 3: Dab on a few dots of concealer underneath your eye, just keep dabbing with a light pressure until area is well covered and neutralized.

Step 4: Add eye pencil, Mascara and comb your eyebrows. Put on lip gloss on the go and you are transformed.

Bobbi's Secret of the Universe

The art of concealing is really most make-up artists secret. It is in the movement, the texture and colour. I am a true believer of using a concealer a half a shade lighter than your foundation colour, I find it illuminates the skin as well as allows for extra concealment to take place. We don’t want the make up to appear caked of plastered on, so technique is important. When we have dark circles, freckles (which I prefer not to cover, although that is a preference), pigmentation, sun spots or acne scars, I understand the need for full coverage, I also know how easy it is to keep applying layers in order to feel more secure, but that is not the right way, and it hides your beauty. Remember that flaws are natural, and you would rather look natural than plastic, or have on such heavy make- up that your friends want to peel it off.

Before you decide on what product to use or how to apply it. Go outside in some bright natural lighting with a mirror in your hand. Look at your skin tone, what you would like to conceal? The ideal place to apply your make up is in white light, no matter where you go with your make up from there; it will only look more fantastic.

 Start with neutralising the skin to create that flawless skin tone. Yellow green eliminates red, orange neutralises blue, pink cancels out brown. Most of us suffering with dark circles under our eyes have blue rings underneath creating darkness and shadows; we would need an orange corrector to counteract the blue. Take the less is more approach when applying a colour corrector to your face so that it conceals and doesn’t show on your application. It is there to camouflage what you would love to hide, not make it look more prominent.

Decide if you want a heavy coverage or a light coverage, choose your foundation and concealer according to the type of look you want to achieve, personally I love a strong cover, but I have tons of friends who prefer an easy light look that is low on maintenance.

Since Bobbi Brown loves to keep the finished look natural I have used their eye make up kit to show you the effect that a corrector has.

Before

The three step system begin with a hydrating lotion
which I lightly patted on my models eyes. The lines immediately
 appeared smoother and the skin was moisturized
and well refreshed

a few dots of corrector was first applied
underneath the eye and left on
 without rubbing it into the skin

Using the warm honey concealer I lightly
 patted on concealer around the eye,
no rubbing had taken place, the entire application was done by dabbing a dot(using minuscule amounts) of product around the entire eye.
The Highlighter(white powder) was thereafter applied with my finger on the top of the eye lid until just below the brow

After
My Models eyes appeared naturally rested

Cleansing with care

There are so many people who need a little assistance when it comes to the upkeep of their hair, the steps are simple if you follow a few guidelines. I repeatedly bring awareness to my clients on how vital shampoo and conditioner is to their hair care regime. I recommend that every individual concentrates on cleansing their hair properly as the fundamental step to attaining healthy hair begins when washing the hair.

I cannot stress enough on ensuring that you have selected the right shampoo for your hair type. Consider if your hair is oily, dry, frizzy, tinted, normal, thin or thick. Are you suffering with hair loss, dandruff, eczema etc…? Address these issues with a corrective shampoo and consider if any of the issues are being aggravated by your current shampoo.  If you are lost and do not know which shampoo is best, approach a salon for free advice.

1.Comb your hair with a wide tooth comb prior to entering the shower to detangle your hair and prevent unnecessary hair falling.

2.Rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove any oils, build up or product. This will also open up the hair follicles and allow the shampoo to be more active.

Many people think that a quick one minute shampoo is sufficient, salons suggest shampooing for 3-5 minutes.

3.Add a 50 cent coin size blob of shampoo onto the palms of your hand and apply it to the scalp of your hair. In circular motions massage your scalp from the front (top of forehead) to the nape of your neck. Tip: purchase a scalp massager for the shower to increase blood circulation. Add a little water to allow the shampoo to foam. Tip: be very sure to concentrate on the back of your head where you rest your head on your pillow.

4.Rinse your hair with warm water once again until your hair is completely clear of any shampoo, Squeeze out all access water twisting your hands around your hair.

5.If you feel that your hair is not squeaky clean as yet, repeat using a little less shampoo this time.

6.Add a teaspoon sized dollop of conditioner from mid lengths to ends of the hair, comb your hair with fingers or wide tooth comb  and allow it to penetrate into the hair strands for 5 minutes while you continue your body wash routine.

Tip: Consider using a treatment to supplement your hair with moisture, hydration and nutrients once a week. This will be used as a substitute to your conditioner for that day.

7.Rinse your hair thoroughly before stepping out of the shower.

8.Lastly allow cool water to run over your hair to close the pores of your hair which will leave your hair looking naturally glossy and shiny.

9.Lightly scrunch the hair with your hair towel or gently dab the towel onto your hair and wrap  it around your hair to let the towel absorb the water. Try not to rub your hair as it is very sensitive at this stage and will get damaged.

10.Once your hair is towel dried comb your hair again to prevent hair breakage.

Remember to use thermal protection before blow drying your hair

La Prairie skin caviar foundation

I often pay attention to people ranting about their foundation choice or considering a different one. Certain brands have won me over more than others. It clearly isn't simple determining which one is right for you. This weekend I had gone on a hunt to find a foundation that is exceptional containing ingredients that offer skin rejuvenation, good coverage,luxury as well as SPF protection.

The Caviar Collection by La Prairie contains potent moisturizers, sea proteins and invigorating elements of Caviar Extract. This creation instantly offers remarkable extravagance to your skin.  I was hypnotized by this product just seeing its superficial effects. The Foundation gave me more coverage than I expected; it is light, long lasting and feels breathable. After applying this foundation I found that my skin appeared photo shopped, significantly more radiant and even.

This range focuses on loss of firmness and elasticity and the results are immediate, giving your skin a firmer appearance in minutes. It is a 2 in 1 with a concealer complimenting the foundation tone. I know this product is insanely costly but it is just beautiful!

Blush with Dior

Dior has introduced a pore minimizer which promises to create a matte finish. Skin Primers are specially formulated for softening the appearance of lines, diminishing pores and providing an even, flawless skin to work with. Once this is achieved foundation appears more refined and mellifluous. The surface that every artist works towards creating is one that literally feels like silk to the touch in order for the rest of the make up to balance effortlessly.

I began testing this product as I would any other primer which left me unsettled. My models skin was tighter, which I am certain is the aim to minimizing pores, however, her foundation appeared dry and inconsistent. I manipulated the foundation onto her skin to get an even texture which is really taboo in application.

I was certain though that this invention had other capabilities. It had not functioned well underneath a foundation, so I tested it over my base and what marvelous results I had found.  I dabbed 3 little dots on my cheek bones as well as my jawline and gently massaged it with small circular motions where I would normally highlight or contour.

Before

After

It polished my skin texture, created an illusion of a radiant light falling on the area which I applied it on and brightened my features.

Couple this with Dior’s Rosy Glow Blush which picks up to your natural pigment in your skin and adjusts to that, creating a fresh and natural glow. Apply this to the apples of the cheeks to bring out your cheekbones.

Model wearing Dior's rosy glow blush on apples of her cheeks keeping tones very natural and fresh

If you want to add a little extra glamour, add Dior’s glow to the outer part of your cheek which is absolutely fabulous.

Le Rouge Lipstick

Le Rouge is the latest collection in the GIVENCHY make up range showcasing itself as a style star must have. Their exhibition is dazzling with mirrors used in almost every component in their displays. With all that glitters there must be gold I thought and allowed the stylishness to draw me towards their impressive counters.

I was instantly welcomed with a warm smile by the artist at the GIVENCHY stand who assisted me in testing the new lipstick range. While sampling this product I was told that it was long lasting, lightweight and soft to the touch.

The Pigments are solid which I as an artist can appreciate, the texture is smooth and moisturizing while still providing precision and just one stroke is necessary in application to achieve the finest shade. The advantage of this lipstick is the semi-mat finish simultaneously upholding a light velvety feel.

I was infatuated with the colour Fuchsia irresistible 205, which lasted several hours on my lips, gave me a mild plumping effect and did not bleed. The lipsticks are attractively packaged in a genuine lambskin case making it even more desirable. 

Sun protection for your hair

Being originally from Gauteng most of my childhood beach memories are from visiting the sea waters in Durban which easily reach temperatures of 26 degrees. The golden sands feels like soft stones on your feet, the waves are rough and the water is welcoming. I would often visit there winter time in my mid-year holiday when everywhere In South Africa was bitterly cold besides for Durban. I could spend my entire day just splashing in the sea.

.

Moving to a new city with a beach was thrilling to me as I had always enjoyed the water. Cape Town’s coastlines are striking with its white soft silky sand and its clear picturesque waters.  A walk on the seaside can take you a million miles away from any stress. I find myself lost in space and allowing thoughts to flow with ease just watching the waters current. It is a place of serenity and pleasure. Expected temperature levels of the Capes waters are around 15 degrees. A dip in the ocean and my toes go numb, I had never imagined that the water could be that icy. I am in awe of those brave enough to bathe in those waters

A typical beach day to me is packing my picnic basket with a few snacks, frozen water, towels, an umbrella, a picnic mat, sunblock, flip-flops, sunglasses and my must have sun hat. Just as sunscreen is important for your body, your hair too needs protection from the harsh UV rays as it can fade out colour, frizz and dehydrate your hair. 

Love your locks by protecting it

Wear your sun hat when you are not swimming to protect your skin and your hair.

Before heading out to the beach or the poolside I suggest applying a leave in conditioner to protect your hair.

Those of you that have blonde hair should take extra precautions to prevent your natural oils from being stripped away and  your hair turning to green. If anything goes wrong play it safe and go to a salon.

Regardless of your hair type carry a little conditioner with you and rub it over your dry hair just before taking that dip into the water to form an additional layer to shield your hair from absorbing salt water or chlorine.

If your hair has gotten a brassy tone from the water apply a little baking soda to your shampoo to neutralize it.

Red Lips

From ever so little I found that red lipstick was intimidating, strong and powerful .It set alive my thoughts of delicious fruits like watermelon, raspberry and strawberries. It was at the experimental phase of my life when I began testing all forms of food to get those perfect red lips. I tried my hand at formulating the finest ingredients of  koolaid, sherbet and ice lollies to stain my lips and make me the ultimate fashion guru.Needless to say, that did not work out well as my Mom would often command me to wash it off immediately. 

It was not too long after that I discovered the actual secret gadget was in my mom's glass cabinet, the place where all things pretty and shiny belong. I would wait until my Mom would leave the room, time her steps until she was in the kitchen, climb onto her draws and reach over to get this magnificent object. It was like having a magical wand in my little fingers, decorating my face with every colour that reflected any red tone.A few minutes later and I was picture perfect, ready to take on my role in the circus.

Growing up I had made it imperative to explore all options of red lipstick to find the one. I know that most people think that red lipstick is wonderful but choosing the right one for your skin tone is often a challenge and a fear. It is a daring step in the make up world and yet when selecting the right one, the feeling is energizing. It gives you the upper hand of not needing to make the boldest statements with your clothing, it leaves room for  the less is more approach by giving you the freedom to dress in neutrals and using your lips as the tool to your allure.

I have tried to break down a few simple steps to support you in setting aside those nerves and taking that plunge to making that purchase.

When it comes to applying any lipstick, eye shadow or blush understanding your skin tone is critical. You may either fall in a warm or a cool category. Try to use the picture above to give you a guideline of which skin type you fall into.Once you understand your skin tone selecting what make up will make your skin look brighter becomes an easier task. 

If  your tone is cool you may choose any red lipstick with a blue undertone. An easy way to understand this is that when you apply the lipstick on the back of your hand  it almost turns to pink. On the other hand if you have a warm undertone you would choose a lipstick that has orange notes, I find this is allot easier to spot.

On the left is a red lipstick for a cool skin tone and on the right for a warm tone. 

Top:Warm skin tone(Orange red)
Bottom: Cool skin tone(appears pink)

 For those that still need that extra assistance I found a trustworthy selection of brands that you would be most familiar with on Karlasugar.net

These are ideal colours of well known brands for warm skin tones.

 A perfect lipstick selection from well known brands for cool skin tones

Application

This is the technique that I use when applying my red lipstick and hope that it will give you the self-assurance that you need to take on this task.

Step 1.Before applying your lipstick exfoliate your lips with a soft face cloth, this should plump them up and remove all dead skin or any left over gloss or lipstick. 

Step 2. Moisturize your lips using a lip balm of your choice and apply a thin layer of foundation or concealer to give it a good base tone to work with.
Step 3.Take a lipstick brush to line just the bows of your lips 
Step 4. Line the inside of your bottom lip parallel to to bows following the curve
            Join the sides of your lips
            fill in the gaps
Step 5. Using your lipstick brush color the inside of your lip
Step 6 .Apply lipstick on the entire lip staying inside the lines
Step 7: Press facial tissue on lips and brush loose powder over to set the lipstick

Repeat if necessary until you have the intensity that you desire.

If you have any smudges use a tad bit of make up remover on a cotton bud and wipe away the smudges.

Add clear gloss to complete your look.