NEW YEARS EVE MAKEUP!!

Its only 1 day away!!

Hope you enjoy and have a very safe and happy new years x

Product Review - Mascara!

Ive said it before and Ill say it again I am a mascara junkie! I love what it does to our eyes and when you find that magical one its like you've reached the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow....yes that good!!

The ones featured in this video are all tried and tested! When looking for a good mascara I need it to do a few things:

Last throughout the day nicely (obviously!!).
Not to flake.
Not to smudge.
Not to irritate the eye.
Ensure it has a nice black creamy formular.
The brush needs to separate, curl and lengthen the lash.


The ones featured in my video are below and in Australian dollars (generally $millions more than anywhere else!!!!).

MAC False Lashes $42
YSL Shocking Mascara $52
Benefit They're Real $38
Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara $100
Christian Dior Diorshow Iconic $38
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara $15.95 
Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer $42
Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara $40
Kevyn Aucoin Curling Mascara $40

Professional Interview Makeup!

Job interviews are absolutely nerve racking and you want to feel absolutely comfortable in every aspect. Just like preparing what you want to say I also think the makeup you wear on the day plays a huge part. No potential employer wants to see caked on makeup, massive false lashes or bright pink lipstick........unless its a particular job you're going for *wink *wink!!

Hopefully this may prepare you in the makeup  department. Keep your nails neat, clean with a soft coloured polish and dont go overboard with the jewellery!!!

xx

HOLIDAY FUN!!!

I recently had the pleasure of making my way to Bali for a short holiday! It was gorgeous and the weather was perfect.
Im not one to wear a lot of makeup, if any, on holidays as its a time to relax and let your skin breath. Having said that I  do enjoy a simple lip or eye on a night out. Below is my holiday makeup before a lovely dinner.

Hope you enjoy!!! xxx

How to apply false lashes - strip & individual!

TIPS
1. Choose natural hair lashes
2. If possible select a lash with an invisible backing
3. The glue that comes with the lashes is not the best :( Try Duo glue and when you apply it to the lash ensure you wait a little so the glue goes tacky
4. Feel free to use your fingers or tweezers to apply them
5. Complete your eye makeup and then pop the lashes on. If you need to add a little more liner to conceal anything.......go for it!!!

Leave a comment if you have any questions!

Shu Uemura, Aesop & MAC Product Review!

Ive decided to do at least (I'll try!!!) one product review a a week so every third video. Let me know if thats too much!

Products reviewed:

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Subline Beauty Cleansing Oil - Ive been using this for the last 3 weeks and love it. I was a little sceptical to begin with so I was thrilled when they gave me some samples to try. Instantly my skin felt soft and clean and the fact you can remove your eye makeup with it says a lot! The one I purchased has 8 exquisite oils from botanical origin for ultimate solution to 8 skin benefits powerful yet gentle botanical origin removal system for superb cleansing. Rest assured there are several oils for different skin types.

"shu uemura cleansing oil was developed from the knowledge that mr. uemura gained while working as a foremost hollywood makeup artist in the 1950s. the secret to shu uemura cleansing oil is protecting the skin's delicate balance while removing make-up and impurities in a single step."

Aesop Rosehip Seed Lip Cream - As mentioned in my review I was sick of reapplying lip balm all day long and was in the look out for a moisturising lip cream when I came across this. The lip cream soothes and softens which is ideal in any climate. Valued at $15 you dont need to keep applying and it certainly delivers!!

MAC On The Hunt - As part of the 'Styleseeker' release this duo eye palette is beautiful. I love the colours so much and can be blended effortless. I was able to locate the names of them individually which was great  - the bronzy one is called Star Myth and the red bronze is Raving Mand.

Hope you guys enjoyed it and let me know if you have any feed back xo

Simple Summer Makeup!

Yay summer's just around the corner.......well for us Australians it is!

The look was a request and one that I loved doing. Summer makeup should be kept simple and really shouldn't take long to do. Tinted moisturiser is an ideal base for the summer season as it is light in texture, often build-able and allows you to bronze up nicely.

Also when considering your summer makeup it is essentil that you use a sunscreen!!

Products featured:

FACE
Dermalogica Extra Rich Faceblock
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free - Almond
Bourjois Concealer Stick #73

EYES
Clinique Touch Tint for Eyes - Nude Sparkle
Bourjois Eyeshadow #54
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara Black
Chanel Brow Pencil #30
Anastasio Brow Gel

CHEEKS
NARS Laguna Bronzer
Stila Convertible - Gerbera

LIPS
Lancome Lipgloss #322

Alexa Chung Inspired Makeup!

This Alexa Chung requested inspired tutorial is simple and very easy to achieve. When researching her look, Alexa's everyday makeup is pretty much identical, her thin long liner and half way liner/shadow on the bottom lash line is evident in almost all her photos. I love her style and look - "preppy meets grandma"! So cute x

Products featured

FACE
Chanel Pro Lumiere #40
MAC Studio Fix NW25
Benefit Erase Paste #2

EYES
MAC Paint Pot Painterly
NARS Voyager
Bourjois #74
MAC Fluideline Blacktrack
Christian Dior Brown Eyeliner
Christian Dior Extase Black
Anastasia Brow Wiz Medium Ash
Anastasia Brow Gel Clear

CHEEKS
MAC Well Dressed

LIPS 
Guerlain #361

Easy Quick Makeup!!

This makeup is sooooo easy and took me less then 10 minutes to do. Its perfect for work and if you use the right products the only thing you'll need to touch up is your lipgloss/lipstick! I appreciate not everyone has every brush under the sun as some (hem,hem, me!) so Ive used minimal brushes for this look.

Products featured

FACE
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 56
Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer 53

EYES
Chanel Illusion D'Ombre 83
MAC Soba
MAC Patina
MAC Omega
Bourjois Waterproof Clubbing Eyeliner Black
MAC False Lashes Mascara

CHEEKS
Stila Convertible Gerbera

LIPS
MAC Lipglass Pink Lemonade

Cat Eye Makeup - Kim K, JLo, Rihanna Inspired!

One of my most requested makeup looks from clients is a cat eye makeup. Not sure what this means?? Think Cleopatra, think Egyptian era, think Middle Eastern, cat eye inspired to elongate the eye and lift them up at the corners.

This looks is often worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian, JLo, Rihanna and Beyonce as it is so flattering and really makes your eyes stand out.

My preference is the leave the lips quite neutral and add a little pink to the cheeks or a nice bronzer depending on your skin tone.

Hope you enjoy x

Kim Kardashian - Glamour

                                                                             ME!!

Rihanna - thestyleandbeautydoctor.com

Jennifer Lopez - bvonbeauty.com

Products featured:

BASE:
Makeup For Ever HD Foundation 127 & 155 mixed
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

EYES:
MAC Paint Bare Canvas
Bobbi Brown Gel Liner Bronze Shimmer
MAC Fluideline Blacktrack
Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Definition Mascara
Red Cherry Lashes #15
Anastasia Brow Wiz Brunette

CHEEKS:
Boujois Blush Rose Ambre 74

LIPS
Bourjois Lèvres Contour Lip Pencil - 10
MAC Lipstick Creme D'nude

www.zoekarlismakeup.com.au

For all enquiries please email:
info@zoekarlismakeup.com.au

How to curl your hair!

I've lived many many many years with the curse.........completely dead straight hair that is!

All my life I have done everything and anything to curl it and keep it curled. I have since discovered both a tool and some products that have finally enabled me to add some sort of texture to it!!

Give it a go.......x

Miranda Kerr Inspired Makeup!

To celebrate Miranda Kerrs arrival for David Jones Spring/Summer Launch (an Australian Department Store) today's look is inspired by her. It is also a request from Sabina who sent the image and Kaleidascope who wanted me to use NARS Exhibit A in a tutorial.

Products featured:

FACE
Foundation: MAC Face & Body C4
Concealer: Benefit Erase Paste #2

EYES:
MAC Woodwinked
MAC Cranberry
MAC Embark
Corner lashes
Duo Glue clear
Diorshow Iconic Mascara Black
Anastasia Brow Pen Universal Light
Anastasia Brow Wiz Medium Ash

CHEEKS
NARS Exhibit A

LIPS
Lancome Intense Rouge 104 liner
Lancome Colour Fever 145

I absolutely love Miranda and hope you guys enjoy the video xxx

Kourtney Kardashian Inspired Makeup

The requested look from Olivia, was screen shot from a Channel E episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashian's. Despite the critics, you cant deny how clever they are to create a brand empire and take every opportunity to further the families name.......although many questionable!


Kourtney Kardashian is the eldest of the Kardashian children and has her own look and style. Her makeup, like all the Kardashian ladies is immaculate thanks to her gorgeous makeup artist Joyce Bonelli.


Anyway, for this look I used beautiful earthy copper tones suitable for most eye shades. These colours particularly look good on green and blue eyes - watch them pop! I tried to limit the amount of products for you but still created the desired look.

Victoria Secret's Candice Swanepoel inspired makeup.

South African born Candice Swanepole is the epitome of a Victoria Secret model. Her healthy bouncy locks, clear blue eyes and features of a goddess are enough to make any living female that bit envious!


The look created in this video was captured from the Angel Fragrance launch. The look is very fresh and will suit most skin tones and eye colours - she's blonde with blue eyes.......I'm brown eyed and brunette!!!

The angel at the Angel Fragrance launch.

Amazing Skin Care!

I'm sure we have all experienced this, winter is truly upon us (well in Australia anyway!!) and our skin is suffering for it - dry, cracked, dehydrated and looking a little worse for wear. This is the time we particularly need to ensure its exfoliated and well moisturised.

Ive been on the look out for products that not only feeds my skin but ensures its protected against the harsh climate. Below are my favourite skin care products to get me through:

CLEANSER - REN ClearCalm 3 Clay Cleanser

REN's ClearCalm 3 system combats the 3 key causes of breakouts and blemishes: excess sebum; build up of dead skin cells; blemish-causing bacteria.......without harshness


MASK - REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask
A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone.


MOISTERISER
Embryolisse Laite-Creme Concentre
Its iconic for a reason. This is an unbelievable all rounder moisturiser. Although it works amazingly on dry skin it also suits oily skin. My skin is generally oily but I find I can still use it without any breakouts. Working backstage overseas this was a staple in every makeup artist kit!


Creme De La Mer Moisturising Creme
The value of Crème de la Mer reflects the highest quality ingredients, the unique craftsmanship and the transformational benefits enjoyed by its many devotees. Its luxurious and you need to savour every bit of it.


EYE CREAM - Darphine Stimulskin Plus Eye Contour Cream
This rich emollient for the delicate eye area helps smooth lines and wrinkles, nourish and uplift the look of the eye contour. It is the ONLY eye cream I have actually seen a difference. I'm not delusional and I'm aware there are no remedies for wrinkles but this cream gives me a little hope!

How to apply bronzer!

Bronzer is the one beauty product when applied incorrectly can looked absolutely horrendous..........no ifs or buts! But when applied correctly will give you that Jennifer Lopez goddess glow.

To simply avoid the horror follow these 3 simple rules:

1. When trying to achieve the tanned/bronzed look go for a matte bronzer preferably 2 shades darker then your natural skin tone.
2. Add a seperate highlighter to the areas you want to basically highlight.
3. Apply the bronzer to the areas the sun would naturally hit and blend away.

Mascara - the good, the bad and the ok!

I'm a complete and utter mascara junky. At any given time I will have over 10 different brands in my kit (or so I use my makeup kit as an excuse!).
I love what mascara does to peoples eyes, the way it just opens them and often finishes off the ultimate makeup look. Cosmetic companies literally spend millions on designing their mascaras and consumers spend millions on purchasing them. I know all of you out there have your favourite and maybe your worse, below are a few of mine at the moment and I say moment as it does change frequently........

THE GOOD
Benefit - They're Real $38
I've recently discovered this little gem and I'm falling a little in love with it. I find the formula rich, coats your lashes well and doesn't smudge or flake. The best thing about this mascara is the wand. As you can see in the image the top of the brush has bristles so it makes it ideal to really coat the tiniest of eyelashes!!


THE BAD
Bourjois - Volume Glamour Max Definition Mascara $28
I'm a massive fan of Bourjois cosmetics and they have some outstanding cosmetics but this mascara isn't one of them. I have truly tested this out and even used it in previous posts. It is not the application that lets it down, it goes on beautifully, adds volume and definition BUT after about 30 minutes panda eyes start to appear, even after I set my eye concealer! Then washing it off is a whole other drama........it flakes, doesn't dissolve and basically is a pain to fully remove.

THE OK
Christian Dior Extase Flash Plumping Mascara $48
This is another brand who continually reinvents their already close to perfect mascara (Original Dior Show!!). This is exactly what the heading states OK. The brush is of "couture design" apparently, that is meant to add volume. Its a nice mascara, not my favourite but a good day time one that has a nice deep formula.

And finally makeup of today.............

Makeup has come so far from the 1900's, a time when Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup improper, vulgar (tsk tsk!) and acceptable only for use by actors and when ingredients were almost deadly.


I'm proud to say times have changed and makeup is not only used to assist us in exploring our creative side but to also make us feel that little bit more beautiful.


Makeup trends are now taken from our history and modernised to fit in with our culture and society. A definite favourite of the decade is the use of bronzer and our mission to perfect the correct application. Loads of mascara and lashes infiltrated the beauty world as did glossy lips (I think I just described Kim Kardashian - really!).

The exciting thing about our era is that there are no boundaries and we are able to express ourselves through our individual taste and preferences. Below are images from my personal folio that represents MY era!!

Makeup History - 1990's The making of Supermodels!

They were the original supermodels who brought glamour and sexiness to the catwalks - Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Karen Mulder (my fav!), Stephanie Seymour, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer & Naomi Campbell. They made the 90's!

It was all about glamour and clever contouring. The overall look was polished and it was the only time you'd see a perfect smokey eye with a red lip on a night out.

Foundation was matt and full coverage - the base needed to be immaculate. Eyes were contoured smokey most often in neutral brown, beige, black and eggplant finished off with a clean liner. Cheeks were contoured with a brown/bronze powder and lips were lined with a soft brown liner then filled with natural colour lipsticks. This type of makeup and tones used worked so well with the black & white images that were so popular.

Makeup History - 1970's PEACE!

Ok, so far you've been taken through 5 decades of what I can only describe as extraordinary changes in makeup, not only in the application but the changes that took place thanks to much research and development!

Jerry Hall on the cover of Vogue 1975

Bridgette Bardot, Blondie, Jerry Hall, Farrah Fawcett, Charlie's Angels and the Bond girls all epitomise what the 1970's represented. 
The tanned, bronzed look was the hit of the decade with lots of shimmer on the eyes in blue, green and brown. To define the eye black liner was applied and smudged out to create a smokey effect and eyebrows were groomed thin in an arch shape. Cheeks were contoured and highlight was used to accentuate the cheekbones. Lips were quite natural in colour but the finish was high gloss.
Flower Power!!

Charlie's Angels

Modern 1970's

Makeup History - 1960's

Twiggy

Not sure what the 1960's beauty represented? Think Twiggy, think doe eyes, think dramatic eyes.

Eyes were the focus with pale, often white, pastel blue or green eyeshadows finished with a dark drawn on socket line and eyeliner. They were then dramatised with heavy false lashes on the top lids, and drawn on individual lashes on the bottom of the eye.
Cheeks were quite contoured and a sculptured blush was applied. To further accentuate the cheekbones a highlighter was used on the top bones of the cheek. 
To compliment the dark contoured eyes, lips were often quite pale and sometimes even shimmery.


Watch a step by step tutorial here!!!

June 1965 Vogue Cover

Modern 60's makeup

Makeup History - 1950's

The iconic late Elizabeth Taylor

And GLAMOUR was born! 


No one can deny makeup was revolutionised during the 50's with starlets such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren leading the way post war era.
Makeup techniques developed and product companies invested more into research & development with the boom of colour films hitting the big screens. Max Factors famous foundation 'Pan Cake' was invented to assist in covering any imperfections shown on the large screens. 
Eyebrows were arched and defined and eyeshadow was either quite contoured (think the stunning Marilyn) or pastel shades were used. Eyeliner was flicked out, very Egyptian looking (Ms Taylor) and false eyelashes were used.
Lips continued the red trend of the 40's, although shades were lighter and often pinks and orange were used. Cheeks bared colours of pink and peaches.


A definite favourite era of mine!

The ever beautiful Marilyn Monroe

Christina Aguilera's modern take of the 50's

Makeup History 1940's.

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake, Betty Grable, Lucielle Ball, Judy Garland and Ginger Rogers all contributed to the 40's beauty revolution and made there mark in makeup history.


The 1940's saw a shift from the heavier looks of the 20's & 30's to a more natural beauty, minimal look, with a warmer base. The blush, or rouge as they once called it, was sculpted on the cheek and of bright pink and rose colour. 
Eyebrows were groomed to an arched shape and defined with pencil. Eyeshadows were quite neutral and tones such as taupe, browns and muted greys were regularly used. Thin eyeliner was often smudged through the lashes, a technique still used today to help create some depth and finished off with a brown or black mascara.
For lips think Dita Von Teese red, fuller lips with a slightly exaggerated top lip.


Hair was the main focus during this era with pin curls, finger waves and heavy tight sets.

Ginger Rogers

The modern version - Dita Von Teese

1930's makeup.

Think Jean Harlow, Claudette Colbert, Dorothy Lamour and you have 1930's beauty!


I could have lived in this era for the fact heavy lashes were a statement! The overall look was quite elegant and sophisticated featuring a soft complexion and often a sculptured pink blush.
The brows were extremely thin, very rounded, even shaved off, then thinly drawn on with a pencil. Eyeshadow was very blended and eye colour played a huge part in the shade selection. In the evenings shimmering shadows were applied from the upper eyelid right up to the eyebrow and daytime saw blues, bright violet, green, brown and orchid. 


For lips the shade of choice was raspberry, reds and oranges and painted on creating a fuller illusion from the bow.

Another Dior modern version......they nail it everytime!

Makeup History - 1920's

I'm so loving right now, rediscovering the history of makeup and realising how far we have come both socially and technologically.

My following posts will take you through the various decades and styles of makeup that have all played a major role in society.

Hope you enjoy!

1920's makeup -

Prior to the 20's, makeup was somewhat taboo and frowned upon. Not only were the ingredients quite dangerous (lead, sulphur & mercury) it was not proper for nice girls to wear makeup. Pale skin was the norm as  the attitude was a lady had no reason to be in the sun. 'Some historians even suspect that the look became popular because of the prevalence of tuberculosis, which made its sufferers look very pale'.


The look from the decade was very distinct. Dark, mysterious, vamp, heavy kohl - rimmed eyes and cupid bow mouth. The eyeshadow was generally of a round shape and the apples of the cheeks were pink.


The lips were often a dark plum-burgundy colour in a very cute cupid bow shape. Eyebrows were thin and rounded.

Dior does the ultimate 1920's remake. Love it!

I not only blog about them but I use them!

Following my previous blogs on gel liners used as eyeshadows and my new favourite Stila Colour Convertibles here are some images using both...........my Easter Saturday prep.

Foundation - Chanel Matt Lumiere
MAC Concealer - NC 25
Bobbi Brown gel liner - Ivy Shimmer Ink
Mascara - Boujoirs Volume Glamour Max Definition Mascara
Cheeks/ Lips - Stila Colour Convertible - Peony

HAIR - Cloud Nine Curling Tong (JUST THE BEST ONE EVER!!!)

The best & worst gel liners!

Im a fan, huge fan actually, of gel liners and I've had the opportunity to work with many different brands.


Those of you who follow my blog know not only do I use the gel liners to line the eye but I often use them as eyeshadows particularly when doing a dark smokey eye. They are perfect for this look as the majority of them are smudge, crease & waterproof and add depth to eyeshadow.


Having said that not all gel liners are the same and Ive even found a huge contrast in liners from the same brand. Some glide on seamlessly and have intense colour while others either look dull or dry up the minute you twist the cap to open it! Below are my favourite and not so favourite liners.

Favourites:


MAC Fluideline in Blacktrack - my absolute favourite black gel liner. This product does exactly what its supposed to. It applies beautifully, gives you a real intense black finish and will not budge or smudge all day! 


Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Bronze Shimmer (not sure if this colour has been replaced with Chocolate Shimmer) - I LOVE THIS LINER!! I frequently use this to create an amazing brown smokey eye but it also makes a nice liner when you want a softer outline. 


Shu Uemura in G Silver- This is a lovely silver shimmer colour which is a nice alternative to a light liner. I like to use this product to highlight the inner eyes near the tear duct - just beautiful.


Not so favourite:

MAC Fluideline in Waveline - Bad, real bad if you thought this was going to give you a lovely blue colour. It applies quite transparent and you need layers to give you an intense colour. So disappointing as I love the colour.


Bobbi Brown and Shu Uemura in Black - my problem with both of these is their longevity. They dry out so quickly and they become unusable in a matter of no time.

A blush & lip colour in one!

Stila was a brand that made its way into my kit many moons ago with their award winning lip glaze. Since then they didn't give me much to sing about, or so I thought, until I rediscovered their convertible colour compacts.

These handy compacts come in 9 creamy dreamy shades and can be used as a cheek or lip colour to give you an unbelievable dewy finish on your cheek or a moisturising lip colour. All the colours are very wearable and compliment multiple skin tones. 

I thought Id be daring and tried the Fuchsia (which looks like a very bright pink), and was surprisingly pleased to see that the colour blended well and left me with what I only can describe as a romantic fun cheek and lip colour. Just beautiful! 

To apply simply use your finger tips and blend. If you're more comfortable using brushes a nice blush brush will do the trick. To keep the dewy look don't powder on top of this product. 

Stila Convertible Colour in Fuchsia. (Instyle)

And, how can you not love a 2 in 1 product? Think about all the room you can make for some more products. In true Zoe style I couldn't stop at one.............

Stockist in Australia: 

www.meccacosmetica.com.au