I’ve fallen for Jane Iredale mineral makeup…

I’ve fallen for Jane Iredale mineral makeup…

And I think I’m in love. It was a quick courting period, I’m usually not that… well, easy.

Having been contacted by the lovely PR folk for Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, I rather shamefully admitted that I had not yet tried mineral makeup. Cue gasps.

I’ve always wanted to, it just seemed a little daunting to step out of my snuggly comfort zone and try something new… it turns out I wish I had sooner!

♥ ♥ ♥

Yesterday afternoon I found myself down at Skin Resus in Floreat, having my mineral makeup done by the loveliest of all girls. I went from wearing no makeup and feeling a little self conscious (not even concealer!) to having a HEAP of people complimenting the makeup on how it looked when it was finished. Very happy!

The best thing about the Jane Iredale makeup (and mineral makeup in general) that I’ve discovered so far, is the number of different powder shades available. As someone who has skin that is incredibly hard to find a match for, this is pretty exciting for me.

I will share a bit more about my favourites at a later date, but will end on this note…

If you haven’t tried mineral makeup yet, DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR!

There’s a reason that everyone bangs on about it so much!

Have you tried mineral makeup yet? I would love to hear your thoughts on your favourite brands and experiences.

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Sushi from Le Blog de Sushi, Fashion Blogger, Graphic Designer, Web Darling.

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Sushi from Le Blog de Sushi, Fashion Blogger, Graphic Designer, Web Darling.

First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I grew up and went to school in a country town in South Australia. I was never much of a country girl though and couldn’t wait to move to the city when I started university. At uni, I met my fiance and grew even more interested in fashion, so I began blogging as Le Blog de Sushi. After finishing my degree in Graphic Design, I moved to Melbourne with my fiance last year. I’m currently working at a clothing store, freelancing as a Graphic Designer and blogging to my heart’s content.

Cellnique Derma Whitening Essence (price unknown)

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

In the mornings I just quickly cleanse my face and use Cellnique Derma Whitening Essence (which I’m currently trialling) before applying Avon tinted moisturiser, Inglot primer and daily makeup. In the evenings I cleanse with water and a microfibre cloth and use:

Nivea Visage Purifying Toner
Cellnique Derma Whitening Essence
Mayaltha Naturopthic Better Eyes Cream

Currently I’m also trialling Cellnique’s Advanced Bio Renewal Masque, which I use 2-3 times a week.

What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I’m really loving the Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Masque. It leaves my skin really, really soft and does a great job of exfoliating from the comfort of my own home.

Who do you trust with your hair in Melbourne, and why?

After several traumatising visits to different hairdressers in the past, the only person I trust with my hair is myself. I trim and colour it at home. My favourite ammonia-free hair dye is Naturestyle 4N Natural Chestnut.

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

My practical favourite would be Nair’s Cream Hair Bleach. I use this every 4 months or so to bleach my arm hair. I have very pale skin but dark hair so being able to camouflage it makes me happy!

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Number one is Softlips lipbalm in Vanilla. I get very dry lips (currently made worse by my braces) and I always carry a tube of this lipbalm with me – it’s a life saver!

The second product, which I use every day and would hate to go without is the Avon tinted moisturiser (ideal for very fair skin like mine as it contains SPF).

And thirdly, Sally Hansen’s Triple Strong clear nail laquer, which keeps my nails strong and protected from splitting.

Semi-Matte Base – $12 USD

Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Everyday Minerals mineral makeup has made a huge difference to my everyday routine. I love the Semi-Matte Base because it literally only takes a minute to apply and it gives my skin a lovely, airbrushed glow. I also recommend their blushes (Apple gives a gorgeous flushed glow) and the Flat Top Kabuki brush for even, full coverage.

What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I would like to get a facial (I’ve never had one!). The reason for this is that I’ve always suffered from acne prone skin so I’ve felt too embarrassed to go anywhere without makeup on. Thanks to going on the pill last year and switching makeup brands (I was using MAC but am now devoted to Everyday Minerals and will never go back!), my skin has cleared up really well so it’s something I’d like to try soon.

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

My breakfasts are very predictable; I always have a cup of coffee and a slice of rye toast. The rest of the day varies greatly, I usually just eat whatever I feel like. If possible, one of my meals will be Sushi, as this is my number one favourite food! For snacks I usually have a banana or muesli bar, and a few nights a week dinner will be grilled fish or chicken with roast potato and salad.

Describe your fitness routine.

Before I moved to Melbourne, I had a gym membership and would go to the gym 2-3 times per week. At the moment I’m not exercising at all except for walking/being on my feet all day when working. I really want to find a good gym to join soon though as exercising always make me feel better.

Sunshine in a bottle.

Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

At the moment I’m not taking anything. During the winter months I like to take Vitamin D tablets to make up for the lack of sunlight. The Blue Bonnet Chewable Vitamin D3 tablets taste great for those like me who don’t like swallowing pills!

How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
My favourite way to relax and de-stress is to curl up in bed with a good book and just forget about everything for a while.

Sushi is my web & graphic designer, even though she’s not from Perth she is a mega cutie and worthwhile interviewee, hope you enjoyed!

Be well,

xoxo

Win Win Win: Alison Jade Cosmetics Prize Packs, Valued at $260 each.

Win Win Win: Alison Jade Cosmetics Prize Packs, Valued at $260 each.

Two lucky duck winners will be receiving this enviable kit of high quality mineral make-up from Alison Jade Cosmetics, RRP $260! (Colours / shades may vary slightly to those shown above).

‘For years, Alison has devoted herself to building a formidable reputation as an attentive, creative make-up artist and as a talented eyebrow specialist. Working with a living, breathing canvas requires sensitivity, attention to detail and great care, and Alison prides herself on creating the best look for every customer.

With this strong commitment to beauty, artistry and quality in mind, Alison has launched a new mineral make-up range designed to bring out the best in every skin type, giving every individual a clean, fresh look and feel. Sourced from nature and fused with science to protect, correct and beautify skin without irritation, Alison Jade Cosmetics provide a natural, chemical-free beauty solution.’

And we are here to let two of you win the following from the sure-to-be-a-cult range:

Lipgloss
Eyeshadow
Bronzer
Eyeliner
Mascara
Primer

Models wearing Alison Jade make-up.

The prize will be a mix of all the most popular sellers and the competition is open Australia wide this time, so that everyone has the opportunity to experience this new Western Australian brand!

To enter, leave a comment telling us why you’d like to win. Simple as that!

Our favourite two answers will be chosen in two weeks time… good luck! xo

Be well,

Annette & Alison Jade

xoxo

Product Review: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics.

Product Review: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics.

I was tired, I had been out in the sun and was feeling mad at my skin. The festive season had taken its toll with blotchy skin, a couple of spots and ever-increasing sun damage. The glowing package I’d received from Youngblood gave me a little hope and I lunged at it.

I’d converted to mineral foundation after I found the perfect colour match in Inika’s Unity. I’ve found mineral cosmetics have a lighter feel and a natural look that suits me.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was started by medical aesthetician Pauline Youngblood-Soli who was in daily contact with patients with severely traumatised skin from harsh laser treatments, cosmetic surgeries, acne and rosacea. Pauline’s aim was to create a natural-looking make up that concealed and soothed problematic skin.

The before shot.

So with a shining face and grumpy attitude, I almost felt sorry for these poor wee products – they were going to have to work hard on this mug. Clean, moisturised face ready I put on the Mineral Rice Setting Powder (primer) then set about buffing on the neutral shade of the Natural Mineral Foundation. The finishing touch was a little Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder and a touch of Crushed Mineral Blush to the apples of my cheeks.

And after!

Flipping heck… I was stunned with the results as virtually every imperfection was covered with this stuff. My sunspots all but faded into oblivion and only one cheeky spot was left visible. The shade matched my skin very nicely and looked natural while concealing any sins. The blush colour looked extreme in the pot (my shade was sherbet and looked like it packed some punch) but with just a small amount on the kabuki brush it gave a pretty pink glow to my cheeks.

My husband came home soon after the product trial and wiggled his eyebrows at me suggestively. “Wow, you look nice – you look like you’re going to a wedding or something,” were his appraising words directed at my skin (my singlet, shorts and thongs get up were definitely not wedding-worthy).

As I sit here writing this review eight hours later, my skin still looks good although could do with a minor touch up. I’m not used to a light, mineral foundation having such oomph and I can’t stop peeking at myself in the mirror to check if my skin still looks perfect. I may have even winked at myself during one shameless glance… this stuff is confidence in a jar and I highly recommend.

Where can you geddit?

Try the company’s website http://www.youngbloodmineralcosmetics.com.au and you’ll find a long list of WA retailers that sell the brand. The four complexion products I tried come in one kit for $69.95.

Have you tried mineral makeup yet? We’d love to hear about your favourites!

Review by Lisa O’Neill, a freelance journalist and part-time triathlete who loves to squeeze in as much pampering as possible in her free time.

Be well,

xoxo