For the last month, I have been road testing the SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator and I think it is ahhhhhmazing! It is simply too good not to share so I thought I would fill you all in on my experience using the latest addition of the SkinCeuticals family.

In one easy step, this multi-tasking serum hydrates and exfoliates your skin. The serum itself is clear in colour and lightweight to apply. It doesn’t irritate or sting my sensitive skin at all, unlike other harsh treatments tend to do. I only use 4 drops (a little goes a long way), then massage into my face and décolletage, it absorbs instantly with no sticky or greasy residue. I have oily skin and since I have been using this treatment I have noticed that my oil production has moderated, leaving my skin far less shiny during the day. Nor have I experienced any dryness; instead, it offers enough hydration to keep it conditioned and well balanced.

To begin with, I used the serum twice daily (am and pm) and even after the first application, I noticed how soft my skin felt. By day 3, I was nursing some minor shedding, not that it was obviously noticeable to the naked eye, but I could definitely feel the flaking when I rubbed my fingers over my face. To me this is a good thing, I feel it is a sign that the product is performing by sloughing off all those yucky old skin cells once and for all. Previously, I had used retinol and glycolic products in my skincare regime and even over a period of months, I did not see results that this activator has provided within just days. Towards the end of week 2, the flaking had elapsed and in its place was smoother, softer skin that was beginning to glow with radiance. After the second week, I trimmed back the treatment to just one application every night and have continued with this ever since. Now over a month down the track, the results speak for themselves! Overall, the texture of my skin is smoother, with a more even complexion and most of the redness has subsided. My pores are smaller, vanquishing congestion that would normally cause breakouts. It has also efficiently treated the blackheads around my nose. I am impressed, I don’t believe I have ever seen my skin look this good, even as a teen I always suffered from troubled skin. This anti-aging product is amongst the best of the best; it does turn back the clock. I love the healthy glow I now possess, although I have to keep feeling my soft skin just to make sure it is mine!

If you want an effective solution to slough away the rough outer layer of your skin, revealing fresh new skin underneath then you have to try this phenomenal product. I can honestly say that your new skin will be plumper, firmer, smoother and less congested. Your pores will become tighter, you will have fewer blemishes, including blackheads, any pigmentation will begin to fade, and you will be sporting a new radiant glow. If this sounds like a product that you would be interested in then get started on the SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator and you won’t be disappointed. As I mentioned earlier, there is only one word I use to sum it up and that is ahhhhhmazing.


SkinCeuticals = SkinBeautiful!

For more information and to order click here.

Mel

Finding time to get ready for work in the morning can be a challenge for us all.  That little extra snooze in the morning always leaves me strapped for time and rushing around to get out the door.  Thankfully, getting your face ready for the day does not have to take much time.  Here are some quick and easy steps to achieve a professional makeup look in just 5 minutes.

1. Ditch your foundation for an SPF Tinted Moisturiser, these multi-tasking delights act as a moisturiser, sunblock and skin corrector in one.  They are so easy to apply, just smooth it on like your normal moisturiser and you will be instantly sporting a smooth, even complexion.  A good tinted moisturiser is a shortcut to looking rested and radiant by masking imperfections and creating an even skin tone.

I like:
ASAP Daily Sheer Tint Moisturiser SPF15
Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture SPF15

2. Wake up your look by dotting concealer on any dark circles or blemishes and blend well.  Concealer is the quickest way to fake a good night’s sleep.  I remember reading that concealer is the beauty equivalent of a power nap.  It sounds spot on to me.

I like:
GloMinerals Brightener Highlight Concealer
Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer

3. Bronzer is a must for a healthy glow and a remedy that works instantly if you look tired.  Using a circular motion dust the bronzer where the light would hit your face.  First, to the highest points of your face, your forehead, your cheekbones, your nose, and your chin and then you blend in from there.  Remember that you do not need very much.

I like:
Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Compact Bronzer
Glo Minerals Bronze Powders

4. Now is the time when an all-in-one tinted makeup product will come in extremely useful.  It spreads easily over cheeks and lips and even adds a touch of colour to highlight your eyes. 

I like:
Invisible Zinc Tinted Lip & Cheek Balm SPF30+
Napoleon Perdis China Doll Color Veil

5. Make your eyes pop by applying long-wearing mascara generously to your top lashes only.  This will make you look refreshed and awake (even if you aren’t)

I like:
BareMinerals Magic Wand Brushless Mascara – Black
Napoleon Perdis Peep Show Mascara - Madame Curl Curl

6. A quick swipe of a coloured lip-gloss is perfect to complete this simple look and to create that shiny appearance.

I like:
BareMinerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss
Napoleon Perdis Gloss Patrol

Tip! Keep a powder compact in your handbag to stay shine free and for touch-ups during the day.  I like gloMinerals Perfecting Powder

There you have it, in less than five minutes you are ready to go.  Ideal tips for beauties that need to get out the door, without sacrificing their appearance.

What are your best time-saving beauty tips?

Cameron Diaz always looks gorgeous on the red carpet, so I can always predict that her look for the Oscar’s will be a winner. This year she had a smooth, classic Hollywood look with a modern yet glamorous twist. 

She rocked a red-orange lipstick that is right on trend this year.  To complement her bold lip colour, she kept her eye makeup simple and went for an overall bronze glow and rosy cheeks.  With a few key tips, you too can recreate her makeup look from home. 

Instructions:

Step 1 - Make sure your face is clean and dry.  Apply one pump of bareMinerals prime time foundation primer for an even layer all over your face to ensure a nice smooth surface for your makeup application.  Allow to dry before following with your foundation.

Step 2 - Using the makeup sponge provided apply napoleon perdis camera finish foundation evenly on your face blending carefully for a just airbrushed-like look.   Apply some warm, rich rosy cream blush such as gloMinerals glotint for cheeks and lips on the apples of your cheeks and blend down using a clean dry sponge.

Step 3 - Gently pat some powder bronzer all over your face for a sheer veil of shimmer using napoleon perdis mosaic powder & puff - bronzing to create the highlight of this look.  Alternatively, use the napoleon perdis sable powder brush s25 for a gorgeous blend of colour.

Step 4 - A nude eye is the perfect accompaniment to a bright red lip.  Swipe some gloMinerals eye shadow – sand pebble in the crease of the lids then line your entire eye with a black gloMinerals precision eye pencil on the lid and waterline.

Step 5 - Apply napoleon perdis long black mascara extending from the root of the lash and curling out to the tip.  Next, hold the applicator upright and run along the top and bottom lashes lightly to fan them out.

Step 6 - Use napoleon perdis sable lip brush 3h to apply the napoleon perdis devine goddess lipstick - Hara and then add another layer if the colour isn't solid enough.

Tip!
To give your natural sun-kissed glow an extra bit of oomph, try a treatment of xen-tan face tanner prior to your makeup application.

Your look is now complete.  Did you have any favourites on the red carpet this year?

It was until a few years ago that I discovered the benefits of using a makeup primer prior to my cosmetic routine.  Now I wonder how I ever managed without one.  A makeup primer evens and smooths out the surface of your face, filling in pores and fine lines as well as balancing the amount of oil produced by your skin.  This results in a flawless canvas that prepares your face ready for makeup.  It helps the foundation to glide across your skin with ease while keeping it in tact all day long.  The primer produces a protective barrier between the makeup and your skin, allowing it to breathe, without contributing to congested pores.  Primers normally consist of various ingredients such as waxes, polymers and silicones.  These substances form a bond with your makeup, allowing the cosmetics to have more durability than they would otherwise.

A primer is simple to use just apply it to a fresh, clean face after your regular moisturiser.  You can use it over your whole face or just the areas that are required.   It is vital to give it a few minutes to thoroughly dry before proceeding with your foundation and the rest of your makeup.  Not only will your makeup stay in place longer, abolishing the need for frequent touch ups during the day; it will also keep its initial colour and condition.  If you have dry or oily patches on your skin, uneven texture, large pores or fine lines this will ensure your foundation blends easily to fake the perfect flawless complexion.  It will also be a major benefit if you have makeup that smears or smudges.  Using a primer is an essential step in everyone’s makeup application and is one-step you will not regret.

Here is a selection of some of the best primers available to keep your makeup fresh all day.

gloMinerals Face Primer	bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer	Napoleon Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Primer
This clear gel glides on giving you a smooth, more uniform surface by filling in fine lines and imperfections, to create a flawless appearance before application of your foundation.	A preservative-free primer, to combat flaky dryness, fine lines, excess oil, and enlarged pores. This mineral-infused formula glides on with no tacky feel to provide a skin-smoothing complexion.	This primer helps to prime and soothe the complexion for that flawless finish and helps makeup last even longer. Chamomile, Yarrow extract and Vitamin E deliver complexion perfection and instant hydration for all skin types.

bye, Mel

With the Easter Long Weekend, approaching many of us spend time with our family.  Along with the usual Easter eggs, Easter bunny, special Easter Sunday church services, and of course an overload of chocolate, there are many reasons to celebrate Easter but I have noticed that it is fast becoming an Australian tradition to go away over the long weekend. Whether it is a road trip, camping, resort get-away, beach holiday or a fun filled adventure you will still want to make sure you have your beauty roundup to keep you looking good.  If you are anything like me, you normally end up packing far more than you need. So rather than lugging a huge load, here are some egg-cellent suggestions to help you travel light without compromising your look.

Get a sun kissed look by topping up with a layer or two of asap sunless self tanner before you leave home so you don’t feel the need to fry yourself in the damaging sun to get a tan.

Pack a napoleon perdis mesmer-eyes black mascara in waterproof because you want something that is going to withstand humidity, heat and sweat while swimming, dancing and having fun without running, clumping or smudging.

Take a multi-tasking SPF tinted moisturiser instead of foundation.  Invisible zinc tinted daywear spf30+ provides moisturiser, sun protection and sheer coverage all in the one product.

Opt for a tinted lip treatment instead of lipstick, gloss and balm.  Shizen lip conditioner chockie, while fitting into the theme of chocolate for Easter it will also leave your lips soft and subtle with a splash of colour and loads of shine. This all natural lip tint can also be used on cheeks for a flush of colour, expelling the need for yet another product.

Usually you will not have access to hairdryers or straighteners, and often you are swimming or participating in activities that may risk ruining your hair-do.  Why not try spritzing a sea salt spray on damp hair, then scrunch it and air-dry to recreate a simple carefree style. 

A facial spritz such as esthederm cellular water spray is handy to spray on your face throughout the day to keep your skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

Include a simple roll on deodorant instead of heavy perfumes or sprays.  Dermalogica environmental control deodorant is ideal because as well as offering natural odour control it is unisex making it suitable for the whole family.

Monoderma vitamin e capsules are beneficial for keeping your skin looking its best.  

Other Basic Beauty Essentials:

Mirror – you can't fix what you can't see
Tweezers – multiple uses
Sun Protection - invisible zinc 4hr water resistant spf30+ 50ml
Hand cream - simplicite nourishing hand and nail creme
Eye cream - ultraceuticals ultra moisturiser eye cream
Cleansing Wipes - dermalogica medibac skin purifying wipes

Happy Easter everyone! Hope you all have an egg-citing weekend that eggs-eeds your eggs-pectations