♥

With a self-confessed aptitude for makeup which is somewhere in the negatives, I made my way to Kit Cosmetics located in the CBD Myer in order to test out the newly relaunched range of bareMinerals makeup. I loved how simple it sounded – just swirl a brush into the mineral makeup lid, tap off the excess and buff it into your skin and you’re on your way to gorgeous. How simple is that? Simple enough that my interest was ignited and I pushed my love for liquid makeup and tinted moisturiser aside for the evening.

♥

My gorgeous makeup artist, complete with 50’s style GHD curls to die for, took me through the application process… primer, mineral foundation in ‘Fairly Light’, mineral veil, a scary shade of bronzer (which turned out to be less scary than it looked), blush and some fantastic eye makeup.

The whole process is fairly simple and it really feels like you aren’t wearing any makeup afterwards! I would suggest having the makeover done to anyone who is curious about mineral makeup, personally I’m undecided as I found it didn’t cover my blemishes as much as I would have liked which is a big factor when I purchase makeup. I will still use it for those days that my skin is a little bit happier with me!

If you are lucky enough not to worry about that, get thee to your nearest Kit Cosmetics and put some bareMinerals on your face!

The Starter Kit costs $84.95 and can be purchased online or in store.

What’s your take on mineral makeup?

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

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…

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

Sushi!

♥ 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

♥ We had 2 prize packs worth $260 each from Alison Jade to give away! ♥

Gather round everyone… the two lucky winners have been chosen based upon the answers I loved the most!

Please say congratulations to:

1. Heather – “I would love to win this Alison Jade prize pack as I have never tried mineral makeup before, and it is something that I have been wanting to try for a while. I try to live well by eating organically and I don’t use any products on my body that have chemicals EXCEPT for my makeup, and I feel it is about time that changed! Mineral makeup can be quite pricey, which is why I haven’t tried it yet, so this prize would be a wonderful way for me to experience this beautiful mineral makeup so that I can allow my healthy lifestyle to finally expand to my makeup as well!”.

&

2. Rosemary – How could I be any more deserving than any of these lovely ladies who would love to win amazing Alison Jade products?
I have been sick for the past 2-3 months and am finally getting the energy to live again and would love to feel like a woman again! I think I remember having the energy to wax my legs and put on makeup. 
One of the first things I would do is to get dressed up and go on a date with my husband of 4 months. I would love him to see me as a stunner again. (In his eyes anyway.)

Both you ladies had such lovely answers and I felt you’d both be perfect recipients of the Alison Jade range.

We have a runner up winner, too, from Nicky, who I will be sending a little goodie pack out to as well (not AJ products, but I’m sure you’ll love it too!!)

Thanks for entering everyone, it was a really successful competition and we have LOTS more in store for the rest of the year 🙂

Much love!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

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