Best BB for Summer and natural goodies

BB Cremes are the latest thing in beauty, and while I am not really fussed about the names beauty companies come up with each season for foundations, I am still always interested in the new product itself, no matter if it's a tinted moisturizer, foundation, bb creme, or another fancy marketing word. To me as a professional makeup artist and sensitive skin every day makeup wearer it's all about the quality of a product that determines if it will secure a spot in my private makeup bag or professional makeup kit.

Today I wanted to introduce another addition to my own skincare/makeup bag. The BB Creme from La Mav, is my go to staple on days off, when walking the puppy and on holiday or to protect my own face on destination photo shoots and weddings. It's also good for early starts, as it's super easy to apply, just a couple of pumps straight applied to my skin with fingers after my moisturizer takes way less than a minute. The BB Creme is mattifying, has natural sunscreen, anti-ageing skincare benefits, provides long lasting moisturisation, evens my complexion and the colour adapts really well to my skin. Flawless in 30 seconds, that deserves a special mention. Like all La Mav products it's also certified organic, vegan, cruelty free, and certified toxin free, which makes it perfect for personal every day use. This is a light coverage BB Creme, that evens out little imperfections.

It's my go to for the no makeup makeup days, and when my skin is good. For the easy healthy holiday makeup, it comes as a makeup set in a package with a pretty lip gloss which is a real lip treatment in "Berry" , a mineral bronzer in "Sunkissed" (a tad too dark for myself) and a kabuki makeup brush, perfect to buff mineral powders into the skin. If you are a mineral makeup wearer, this is worth checking out.

If you are having problematic skin and are looking for a full cover BB Creme, check out my previous post about the Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Creme.

My Bali Boho Summer Makeup

Image via Lou, Boos And Shoes

I packed my own makeup bag for my upcoming Bali trip. The natural mineral products by Ere Perez are especially good for humid weather and the natural mascara is waterproof so I can dip into the pool as well. Here is my go to, beachy boho makeup look for hot summer days with Ere Perez makeup:

Start by using a BB Cream or tinted moisturizer with sun protection as a base on freshly moisturised skin, see one of my favourites here.

Next I use Sun Halo it's a versatile highlighting cream bronzer, (or should I say bronzing cream highlighter?) with the most delicious vanilla smell. Apply on the high points of the face with fingers or stippling brush to get an instant glow and sunkissed touch. Use it on the bridge of the nose, cupids bow on the cheek bone and brow bone. It looks great on the eye lid too. On the cheeks I use Bondi Blush the perfect blush for sunkissed skin. (although it suits pretty much everyone) Just a hint on the apple of the cheek applied with a blush brush or small powder brush. A hydrating lipstick Moisturising Macadamia Lip Colour "Me" is the perfect natural lip colour in a caramel brown, which makes my teeth look very white. WIN! If you have a fair complexion try the colour "YOU". It also protects my lips from the harsh UV rays. I use a hint of Sun Halo on the lid and apply volumising waterproof mascara in Black

Done! There you have it a super quick and easy summer holiday look. I hope you enjoyed it.

That golden glow & a smooth affair

I have lately been thoroughly reviewing Jane Iredale's Glow Time Full Coverage BB Creme.

Due to moving house and other stressors my skin has not been at it's best lately and I was in the market for more coverage in an every day foundation. I found a good colour match for myself in the line, however there are limited colours available. I wear BB7, a very yellow toned medium skin colour.

When I used it for the first time people commenting on how great my skin looks and if I was wearing anything and also asking what it was. I was really surprised that people noticed. So I guess this has a really great finish. Another big plus is that this product stays on all day, no matter how humid or long the day, it's perfect for Summer and the beach due to it's sunprotection and water resistance.

The packaging is just amazing, a practical squuuueze tube in gold, with is great for travel and every day use while still locking beautiful. When it comes to application be prepared to only use the smallest possible amount and follow the instruction: Place little dots in different areas of the face before you warm and work the product with fingers into the skin from the center outwards. It takes some getting used to and if you use too much product it won't work. This product is VERY high coverage so you really only need a tiny amount, really great as one tube will last you a long long time.

I tried many different ways of using it and I found it was important to moisturize my skin well before and it works best with the Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Primer (which smells delicious by the way), it makes my skin feel very smooth and supple yet it's light and quickly absorbed, it also enhances the radiance.

Being a lover of a very dewy finish, I was a little scared how matte the BB Creme went on, how ever it sets very quickly on my skin and transforms into a radiant finish. On days that I feel dehydrated I was setting it with Pommisst Which seals it in and gives instantly more glow.

Glow Time covers my breakouts and scarring without the need of additional concealer and I have also worn it here and here, so you can see how it photographs in daylight.

I recommend this for:

Sensitive skin Oily/Normal/Combination skin types Summer Beach Everyday wear Acne

Copycat

Did you ever have anyone in your life that seemed to copy everything you did? We all know one or two of those I bet, and it's important to see it as a compliment.

Inspired by all the copycats out there my recent fashion Editorial for Tantalum Magazine has just been published. I hope you enjoy! ;)

For more of my published work see my makeup artist portfolio here. Credits of the fab Team:

Levon Baird (Photographer): Website: http://www.levonbaird.com/ Instagram: @levonbaird

Blake Sutherland (Stylist): Website: http://www.blakesutherland.com/ Instagram: @blakeislively

Liv Lundelius (Hair and Makeup): Website: http://makeup.livlundelius.com/ Instagram: @liv_lundelius Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivLundeliusMakeup

Eugen Tim (Model): Agency Website: http://www.viviensmodels.com.au Agency Instagram: @viviensmodelmgmt Personal Instagram: @eugenzeugen

Charli Hayes (Model): Agency Website: http://www.viviensmodels.com.au Agency Instagram: @viviensmodelmgmt Personal Instagram: @charlihayes

Kiaya Daniels (Designer): Website: http://www.kiayadaniels.com/ Instagram:@kiayadaniels

Tantalum Magazine (Publication): Instagram: @tantalummag

Giveaway: Say thank you in style with pen and paper

The last week was just the best week ever. All my clients and brides were bombarding me with sweet thank you letters, cards and emails, the sun was shining all week and we got back into a great fitness routine to keep healthy and balanced when at the end of the week my wonderful man proposed to me. Read the whole story here. But back to the topic, receiving that handwritten card in the post, totally made my day! It's such a sweet thing to do.

I just realized what a great gesture it is to say thank you in style and write a personal thank you note. In the digital age it truly makes all difference.

Inspired by my wonderful clients, I took pen and paper and wrote my Grandma a lovely card. And stocked up my desk with quite a few cute designs, so I am prepared to write more.

Really there is nothing like a handwritten note. If you really want to thank someone, go and get a card now. To make it really easy for you I am hosting a little giveaway from the lovely 3D Cards! They are very well made pretty little cards in lovely designs.

GIVEAWAY: Prize: A lovely package with a selection of beautifully designed pop up cards by 3D Cards will be sent to the lucky winner! To Enter: Simply comment below before the 30th of October 2014, telling me who you want to thank, or what you are grateful for today. The winner will be chosen at random on the 30th of October 2014, and announced here on the blog. Good Luck!