New Contouring Pallettes & Vegan Brushes

Yay, yay, hooray! Jane Iredale just released some sparkling, beautiful new vegan brushes.

They have the usual beautiful wooden handles and a touch of rose gold!
Pro-quality, extra soft & vegan! Love love love these.

They also just released some new contouring kits. And they are the bomb. I am thrilled that they are actually usable and also contain a blush colour.
If you know me and my work at all that you know that I have a "natural" style and nothing makes me cringe more than OTT contour looks.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the skill that goes into Drag Queen Makeup a la Kardashian...it's just not my style.
These contour kids can actually be used and can create subtle wearable contouring.
As a pro-makeup artist, I also need tools like this for editorial & creative looks.

The kit consists of 3 pressed colours: Highlight, Contour and Blush. All are matte and have a very blendable! The contour brush that has been developed to be used with this is awesome!
It makes placement and blending very easy. I actually highly recommend getting one of these.
While I think that you can live without foundation brush and many others, this one is quite essential.
I used it for all 3 colours, starting with the highlight, then blush and then contour before cleaning it and it worked a treat.

The contour kit comes in colours "warm" and "cool" .
I used the "cool" set which is vegan. (yay!)
The cool has a more pinky blush in it, as opposed to the slightly more peachey one in the warm selection. The contour colour in the "cool" set is my favourite. I prefer a contour not to be too warm. The highlights are both subtle, so the cool tone is still pretty and not too frosty or icey at all.

(The "warm" set contains carmine pigment, which is insect-derived and not vegan.
The colour differences are very subtle, so I feel that most people can get away with using the cool kit.)

All up: I am beyond impressed with this palette! It's very usable, great quality and a dream to blend. The new contour brush is a must-have in any brush collection. All new vegan brushes are great quality and very pretty!
 

Summer Skin Series: Natural Sun Protection

The question of all beauty questions....
What is the best natural SPF?

Is definitely a tough one. There is no simple straightforward answer to this topic.
I will tell you what I am using personally and what works for me and why, as well as my take on all the confusing information about sunscreens. I hope this will be a helpful starting point for you.

There are two real types of sun protection a physical protection due to a mineral barrier (Zinc or Titanium Dioxide) or synthetic sun filters based on several different chemical compounds.
Then there are natural oils which can give a low level of protection.
I personally avoid any synthetic sun filters as they aren't toxin-free and contain many nasty ingredients that will be absorbed through your skin. The advantage, however, is that these filters are invisible. Therefore you can wear a light lotion and won't even see or feel that you are wearing sunscreen.
I rather protect my health and don't risk any of these being absorbed into my body.
That's why I am going with natural sun protection.
Another important reason is also the ocean & sealife as all the synthetic sunscreens are actually destroying the reefs and polluting the water & sea life each time you head into the water. We have no Planet B people!!!
So, get over yourselves if that sunscreen feels a little thicker then the toxic version, you are doing the right thing :)

What to look for:
Avoid nano zinc (nanoparticles are too small and can be harmful)
All nasty ingredients like fragrance etc, listed in my guide here.
Only buy products which do list ALL their ingredients.
Some sunscreen brands do not enclose all ingredients, step away from those.
.

Day To Day Protection

No.4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion
(or Vanilla Silk TINTED Hydrating Lotion)

These have natural sun protection due to Black Raspberry Seed Oil. This moisturiser goes on like a normal lotion, as it's not an actual sunscreen. It's super lightweight as well.
It also smells divine.
Combined with all the other clever Australian botanical ingredients, this protects your skin from the elements and keeps it young and healthy. Remember all my readers get a special discount, simply use "LIV15" at checkout!
Founder Anna Mitsios says
"A luxurious lightweight moisturiser with a natural SPF, rich in natural AHAs and antioxidants.Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion is a hydrating, firming cream with a luxurious satin consistency. This lotion has an abundance of wildcrafted Australian extracts which are potent antioxidants. The Australian Rosella Extract, one of the key botanicals in the skin care, is known as the "botox" plant - it is a natural source of AHAs which enhance the skin's natural cell turnover to encourage fresher and younger looking skin."I only wear a natural moisturiser for day to day wear, meaning walking the dog & bub in the park in the morning, mainly being in the shade, running small errands etc.
I have a medium skin tone that tans easily, so if you are extremely fair and sun sensitive this might not work for you. I love wearing hats & sunglasses and I cover up my shoulders on longer walks. This way I still get a healthy and important dose of Vitamin D, without overexposing my skin. If you head for a swim in the evening or early morning only then you can get away with this and won't have to worry about acutal SPF.

Beach/Outdoor Protection

If I am heading to the beach, for a very long walk or other any outdoor activities during the Summer months I do wear sun protection on my face & body. There is no way around it here in Australia. I still don't think there is a perfect product but here some great ones that work well for me.

For The Face
I use Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Cover BB Creme when I go the beach. This is a full coverage foundation! Yes, I would prefer not wearing makeup to the beach and especially not a full coverage... but this protects my skin SO well and is even water resistant. I always get a very sweaty nose too and this is the only stuff that actually stays put on hot summer days.
It's SPF25 PA++, but due to the physical barrier that mineral sunscreens create, I never burnt with this even on the beach in Australian Summer. Pretty Awesome! It doesn't block pores, goes on easily and has some amazing skin care benefits. This product is based on Titanium Dioxide, a natural mineral sunscreen. I believe that Zinc is the safest, but it's hard to find a good Zinc sunscreen for the face that doesn't have lot's of other rubbish in it and that isn't too thick and causes break-outs. It's also suitable for the most sensitive of all skins.
Make sure to double cleanse at night to remove this fully, as it really does stay on all day and takes extra care to wash off. My favourite oil-cleanser that washes this off instantly is Purity&Grace by Max&Me.

For The Body
UV Natural has become my go-to favourite mineral sunscreen for the body.
It's SPF 30 based on Zinc and enriched with lovely clean natural ingredients.
No funny smell, very moisturizing and suitable for babies as well.
We have been using this for the whole fam and have been super happy with it.
For a mineral sunscreen it goes on easily and it absorbs well. All Zinc sunscreen will leave a little white cast, especially if you are very tanned like me. On fair skin, you might not notice it and are more happy with it. I have tried them all. There is not such a thing than a natural sunscreen that isn't at least a little gluggy & white, as the Zinc which is needed in a certain concentration to protect from the sun is thick and white in itself.
I prefer vegan products and a lot of the natural ones do contain beeswax, but not this one, yay!
Another good one for babies but with beeswax is Moogoo SPF40 we got some given and used it on Faye and it's very good for babies. It's a little thicker than the UV Natural one. But again, I prefer no beeswax, if possible so UV natural comes out a winner. I also find it goes on more easily. This one is definitely great for dry skin and VERY moisturising, I heard people finding it too oily but I really like it. I have in an emergency used this on my face on a few occasions and was really surprised how it didn't make me breakout. Dave always uses this on his face when we go to the beach.
The Moogoo one is a little more "dry" if that makes sense so it won't leave the skin oily.

There are many great natural options out there, these are what works for us.
So there you have it! I hope this was helpful!

Natural Holiday & NYE Makeup Tutorial

I somehow managed to record this just before Christmas, but with some technical issues it took days to upload. However, it's up and live now, just in time for NYE.

I hope you enjoy this little tutorial.

A great start to the new year and all the glow & happiness from us to you!
Thank you for reading and following along, I am looking forward to 2018!

Products used:
Verdura Hydrating Mist Lotus via The V-spot
Max&Me I AM THE LIGHT
Edible Beauty Luminous Angel Drops (Highlighter)
Edible Beauty Gold Rush Eye Balm (use LIV15 at checkout for 15%off)
Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals Foundation
Ere Perez Waterproof Mascara
Ere Perez Chamomile Eye Palette in Beautiful
Fra Lippo Lippie in Red Betty
Jane Iredale Great Shape Eyebrow Kit
Jane Iredale Mattifying HD Powder in Translucent

 

Get The Look - Editorial Makeup Goes Natural

When I recently shared images of this shoot on Instagram, a few of you requested if I could share the products used to create this look! Of course, I am always happy to share which organic/natural/cruelty-free products can achieve pro-quality editorial results!
It actually gets me very excited.
I have been teaching makeup workshops on the topic of natural makeup lately again, so if you are interested in learning more and keen to attend an upcoming one, please get in touch, via comments or email and I will make sure you will be the first in the know, once new dates are confirmed! :)

This editorial look was a campaign for Bride La Boheme, the designer was after a very ethereal, natural no-makeup makeup look...

Get The Look:
Below are the products to achieve the look

Skin Prep:
Edible Beauty Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum, press into the skin for extra hydration and instant plumping
Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion, massage into the skin for glow, circulation and to create a smooth base for your foundation.
(remember to use code LIV15 if you want to purchase Edible Beauty Products, for 15% off!)

Base:
Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Creme & Beyond Matte HD Setting Powder, use a flat foundation brush and apply from the centre and blend outwards. Only a tiny amount needed. Use Powder very lightly through the centre/t-zone.
Setting: Jane Iredale D2O Setting Spray, spray generously as the last step to set makeup in place.
Undereye Concealer: Enlighten Concealer

Cheek/Highlight:
Using the Nude&Noir Bijou Palette, via The V-Spot Shade "Diamond" as a highlight on cheekbones, nose & cupid's bow. Shade "Jasper" as a blush on the apple of the cheek.

Lips:
"Wedding Cake" by The Beauty Archive as prep and vegan lip balm
Using "Jasper" from the Nude&Noir Bijou Palette, via The V-Spot

Eyes:
Ere Perez Waterproof Mascara
Nu Evolution Eye Shadow in Versailles
Jane Iredale Jelly Jar Eyeliner in Brown
Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette

There you have it! A great mix of so many great natural products by outstanding companies.
I hope this was helpful!

Jane Irdeale's All New Gloss & Spring Collection

The look above can be achieved with Jane Iredale "Rose" Lip Pencil and "Pink Lady" PureGloss on the lips and new PurePressed Eyeshadow Kit "Naturally Glam" and "Clearly Pink" blush!
Editorial for Hello May Magazine photographed by Steve Baccon

One more month of Winter left, it's time to get ready for Spring! Whooop!
I just received the brand new stunning Jane Iredale Spring collection with newly formulated vegan Lip Gloss and beautiful new shades.

As always, everything is very wearable, beautifully soft and neutral colours, classic red lips "Gwen" and three beautiful glosses. To be honest, I was worried when I heard they changed their gloss, as it's a real favourite product of mine and I thought it was perfect. Well, turns out there was room for minimal improvement and I still love the new PureGloss. Even a tiny bit more.
They have more of a lemony scent but nothing overwhelming or artificial and the texture feels even lighter and less sticky. Other than that they are just as great as usual: Hydrating, super-glossy and very well lasting for a gloss! It comes in three colours which are all great.

I already loved using the new colours and can't wait to play some more with them.
Jane Iredale, you are just sooooo good in making cruelty-free, toxin-free makeup that is professional quality! Thank you!

Most Jane Iredale Products are vegan, even the lip gloss and lipsticks!
(With very few exceptions The Crayons and Lip Plumpers sadly do contain beeswax/lanolin, some products contain Royal Jelly or Carmine. They have a great website though, which clearly states vegan or non-vegan products, so there is no confusion! Again: All products are certified cruelty-free though)

Also: did you ever check out all the One Minute Makeup Looks, I created for them last year?
It was just a great and fun experience, yet bad timing. I just found out I was pregnant and the morning/all day sickness was in full swing. Yet it was still a secret, so I flew over to Noosa, all green in the face filming all these videos. Super long days on my feet and I was feeling soooo squeezy guys. It's funny when I think about it now. I am still wondering if people thought I was a bit weird on set...
Anyhow, there is your fun fact and check out some of the videos for quick makeup inspiration!