True Blood

Oxblood is having a more than a moment. Despite slaughterhouse connotations, it is biggest thing currently for fashion and face. Dip your toes (or fingers) in the trend with high gloss enamel on short, squoval nails. Take a plunge with a luxe-looking lippy if you dare. Yves Saint Laurent, MAC and Nars boast the most lustworthy shades- choose a densely pigmented, satin-look formula for a statement look that screams both lady, and vamp.

Mineral Love

I have been dipping my fingers in the mineral powder pot of late after getting fed up with the streaks and shine that go hand in hand with my skin and liquid foundation.

Cue two wonder prods from those superstars of the mineral world - ID Bare Minerals and Jane Iredale, which deliver deliciously sheer and shine free coverage that has me well and truly converted.

ID Bare Minerals SP 15 Foundation was my very first foray into mineral makeup and while I love it for its soft, natural and glowing finish, the mess of loose powders is less than ideal. It also seems to be disappearing of the shelves at all of my favorite beauty stockists ( I smell a relaunch- watch this space) which means I've had to look further afield to find my holy grail.

Jane Iredale Pressed Powder was recommended to me by one of the editors at work and after a few false starts,(your skin has to be very hydrated to make the most of this one,) the glamorous, gold compact and I have well and truly formed a meaningful relationship. Best bits? It gives you a gleaming, screen siren finish and lasts all day without a hint of slipping south.

MOROCCAN MAGIC

I had heard plenty of praise about this wonder product and was dragging my heels over buying it due to a perpetually wandering eye and a mounting credit card bill.

After several very polite (but increasingly firm) suggestions from my amazing hairdresser, the lovely Katrina (of Katrina Dwyre Hair Design) I finally bit the bullet and purchased it.

In my pre-Morrocan Oil life I had to block out an hour in my day just to perform the necessary (wash, blow dry, straighten) steps that would see me leaving the house looking semi-sane and polished and less like a wild woman from the forests of Borneo.

This sweet smelling potion not only cuts blow dry time at least by half, it also nourishes and conditions my balayaged to death ends and leaves everything in general looking lovely, shiny and bouncy.

Such are its wonderous abilities that I have been known to towel dry hair, rub some oil through my top layers and GO....with a wavy, beachy, lightly perfumed and (lean closer ladies) frizz free do to call my own.

Its only downfall is that it does boast a fairly large price tag for its diminutive size (NZ $29-34 for 25mls and NZ $60+ for 100mls) but you only need a tiny drop each time so you get reasonable bang for your buck.

Definitely a MUST HAVE if you are after silky soft hair this summer or your mop is more Side Show Bob than sexy Sue (or Sally).

THE DIVINE MISS STEW

Those that are regulars to my blog know I tend to wax lyrical about the imperfect perfection that is Kristen Stewart.

Call it a girl crush or an unhealthily obsession but I just can't get enough of Kstew, her casually cool styling, natural beauty (and smoking hot boyfriend).

The photos of Kristen at the NYC Eclipse Premiere blew me away...that hair, those eyes, the perfect porcelain skin!!!





If your eyes are starting to glaze at my Twihard ranting, sit tight- I have two very important beauty tips to impart.....

Firstly- Pink eyeshadow, a must for green eyes. Go pastel for day and rose/bronze for night..it will make emerald peepers pop.

Secondly- Red hair.....So hot right now (think Mad Men's Christina Hendricks and Florence Welch) and a sexy alternative to going dark for winter.

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

Soothing my moisture parched skin this winter are the lovely, nourishing and eco friendly range of skin products by Trilogy. I am currently using the Cream Cleanser to remove all traces of makeup (including stubborn waterproof mascara) and massaging the Certified Organic Rosehip Oil in under my moisturiser.

The change in my extremely dehydrated skin has been dramatic to say the least...it looks plumper and 'glowier', fine lines are much less noticable, blemish scars have faded and my nose is miraculously free of pesky blackheads. All this in just over a week. Result? I think so!

GOING OVER TO THE DARK SIDE

In what I'm ashamed to admit, may be a subconscious homage to Kristin Stewart (that girl is so cool it hurts) and all things vampiric, I have recently become obsessed with dark nailpolish.

All shades of navy, purple, burgundy and charcoal are tickling my fancy and earning me a series of charming nicknames from my other half such as emo, goth and twihard.

Theres no accounting for taste (his) but personally I find dark nails look vamp-tastic with winter's deeper toned fashion or work well as a witty contrast with a pretty, pastel and feminine outfit. Slick on some black liner to finish off and you'll be ready to bitch-face with the best of them.

On a side note...I was lying in bed with a certain bf this morning discussing my choice of manicure colour (a deliciously deep, dark, chocolate brown) when he suggested grey nails could be a "sweet" look. I then informed him that grey nails were currently the 'IT' thing....and he now thinks he is New Zealand's heterosexual answer to Gok Wan. MEN.

FRESH FACED BEAUTY

I am currently having a lady love moment over the divine Miss Biel at last week's MTV Movie Awards.

Often she slips under the radar at big events with her wholesome good looks and understated style but she definitely hit the red carpet jackpot this time with a casually perfect blow dry and natural but defined makeup. Girl crushing...big time.

THIS WEEK I AM ALL ABOUT....

Fringes and eyelash extensions....
both of which I'm booked in to get on Tuesday.
I'm going for a Nicole Richie style makeover to match my new chocolate brown locks...she is my ultimate yummy mummy muse.

Picture of the results to follow...let me know your current beauty muses!

TEN OF THE BEST TIPS FOR WEDDING BEAUTY

1. Set up a good skincare routine you can trust well in advance. I always recommend Dermalogica to brides because it delivers results and generally doesn't cause reactions.

2. Get your eyebrows shaped and subtley tinted a couple of days out from your wedding but MAKE SURE it's with a beauty therapist you have used before and trust. Beautiful brows will add definition to your face.

3. Choose classic colour palattes such as warm browns or smokey eyes and a soft pink lip....you want something flattering that doesn't date.

4. Carry eye drops in your clutch for fresh faced photos

5.NEVER EVER wear a foundation with SPF...it will ghost you out in the photos...your make up artist should know this..if she doesn't..... find one who does.

6. You may be a natural beauty who "never wears more than a bit of mascara" but for your day I advise you wear at least foundation, blusher, a neutral eyeshadow, brown pencil and mascara...otherwise you won't stand out in photos and will look extremely ordinary next to everyone else in their sunday best.

7. It may sound obvious but waterproof mascara is non-negotiable. You never know when the tear might threaten to take over.

8. A thin slick of liquid liner will highlight eyes without looking too harsh or overdone.

9.Allow plenty of time of the day for everyone to get their makeup done...you don't want a rushed job because you are racing to get to the altar.

10.Eyelash extensions mean you don't have to worry about racoon eyes if you tear up on the day or falsies falling off at a critical moment. These last up to six weeks and will leave you looking lovely all through your honeymoon.

Above all remember to SMILE and enjoy your big day...the most beautiful woman is a lady in love

TEN OF THE BEST BEAUTY MOMENTS IN MOVIES

These are my favorite and most memorable beauty moments on film....and the ones I turn to for makeup inspiration, time and time again.

Reese Witherspoon in Walk the Line
They say blondes have more fun but Reese as a brunette with flawless sixties makeup and those beautiful vintage dresses....unbeatable.


Kristen Stewart in New Moon- The Twilight Saga
Understated and ethereally stunning...That creamy complexion, those rosey red lips, eyes you could lose yourself in and tumbling fairytale locks....no wonder she stole the heart of the world's sexiest vampire.

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys
Her perfectly groomed brows teamed with a perfectly precise cats eye and fleshy nude lip sum up sophistication. Classy, timeless..the ultimate Park Avenue Princess.


Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra
An oldy but ever so goody..Elizabeth's flawless complexion, statement eyes painted in every colour of the rainbow and blue black bob embellished in gold..movie magic at its finest.


Sienna Miller in Alfie
Sienna IS the definition of sex in this movie.
Bee stung lips...smokey come hither eyes...hair that suggests she just tumbled out of bed..I think I can feel a girl crush coming on....


Scarlett Johanssen in Vicki Cristina Barcelona
She embodies and yet updates the archetypal Hollywood screen siren in this movie...her platinum blonde curls, strong brows, pouty lips and flawless skin scream seduction but in a totally unstudied and modern way.

Claire Danes in Romeo and Juliet
Her makeup is so natural and yet so blissfully romantic that I had to include in this list. A flawless base and perfectly groomed brows are integral to this deceptively simple look.


Kristen Dunst- The Virgin Suicides
This dream-like movie provides makeup and wardrobe inspiration in abundance..those prettily pink lips, flushed cheeks and long flaxen locks teamed with floaty floral dresses...what's not to like?

Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction
Because her character Mia Wallace puts the noir in Rouge Noir and her sharp black bob, cherry red lips and THAT iconic nail polish make her edgy, sexy, quirky and cool in a way only Uma can pull off.

Diane Kruger in Troy
The face that launched a thousand ships was suitably flawless on film. Her lightly bronzed skin, khol lined eyes and tumbling grecian curls enhanced her classically beautiful features and added more than a hint of sensuality.

What are your favourite makeup moments on film? Leave a comment and let me know!!

FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

For those of us who aren't blessed with makeup artists, plastic surgeons and airbrushers on tap....here are the best little tips and tricks for masking those little imperfections and maximising your favourite features.

Follow these easy steps to get you looking celebrity gorgeous in no time.

1.Want lips to appear fuller? Wear light coloured lip colours and pop a dab of irridescant gloss of highlighter on the middle of your top lip to create a perfect pout.

2.For flawless skin... mix tinted moisturiser with a small amount of highlighter and blend into skin then spot apply a creamy matt concealer with a small stiff bristled brush for a precision finish.

3.To make eyes ...

Bigger- only line the outer third of the upper and lower lashlines, use shimmery, lighter colour shadows and curls those lashes ladies.

Smaller - Line the upper and lower lashes with black liner and use dark brown and charcoal shadows.

4.For a St Tropez worthy glow...mix a little bit of your fake tan with your facial moisturiser before bed time and wake up looking like you just got back from the French Riviera.


5.For a flirty just been kissed flush- apply a pop of rose coloured blush to the high apples of cheeks and then blend a gold highlighter along the tops of cheek bones. Look at you glow!


6.To make your nose positively Giselle-esqe...Blend bronzer or brown blush down the sides and brush a pearl hued highlighter or eyeshadow down the bridge. Stop short of the tip of your nose otherwise it'll look less sparkle-tacular and more like you are in the midst of an oil slick.

7.For baby soft skin mix a table spoon of baking soda with your normal cleanser or scrub...it'll gently cleanse away dirt and dead skin cells and is friendly on your face and your funds!

8.To fake ten hours sleep..line the inner rim of eyes with a white or pale yellow eye pencil and curl lashes before applying mascara. Finish off with pop of pink blush and a dab of clear gloss and you'll be left looking fresh as a daisy.


9.Want freshly washed hair on the third day?... Grab a dry shampoo from your local chemist (or talcum powder for blondes), clip up the top layer of your hair and then liberally shake or spray along your part. Unclip the top layer and brush hair thoroughly before running a little shine serum through the ends. A little spritz of your fave EDP won't go amiss either!

A RECENT MAKEOVER

I just had to share my gorgeous client Kate with you......this was after a Special Occasion Makeup using MAC products....how ridiculously good looking is she!

THIS WEEK I'M WEARING............................

MAC Strobe Lotion and Lancome Aqua Fusion Teinte-(a deliciously, dewy tinted moisturiser) mixed together and applied with a MAC #187 Stippling Brush to create the most flawless, airbrushed, my skin only better base, ever! Talk about wonder lotions and potions.....

TO PRIME OR NOT TO PRIME?

I have never been a big priming advocate..I figure there are enough steps in make up application as it is (cutting corners? moi?) but have noticed recently that my makeup is just not lasting the 6am to 6pm distance and really who can be bothered sneaking off to the bathroom for boring old touch ups with everything else life throws at you?

So lovely readers...I need your recommendations on the primers out there with best staying power!!! I look forward to hearing your tips!
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BLUSHING BEAUTY

For glowy blushing goodness that stays put through just about anything (as Ms Johanssen would know...minx that she is!), try applying a cream blush to apples of cheeks and then brushing a dusting of powder blush in a similar shade over the top.

I love Bloom Sheer Colour Cream in Coy and Nars Blush in Orgasm.

SIMPLY RED

I have blogged about MAC's little pocket rockets, the fantabulous Slimshine lipstick/glosses on previous occasions and I had to share my latest colour find with you. As a general rule I steer clear of red lipstick -too high maintainence, too risky, just too damn scary for a girl who revels in her neutral shades... but this time I couldn't resist.

MAC Slimshine in Urgent (a glossy rasberry red) is infinitely more wearable than your usual fire engine red and gives you come hither, wanton sexiness minus the freakout factor. Its glossy texture renders worries about dryness or colour bleeding obselete and its packaging is as sleek as its finish.

Definitely my new beauty essential! I'm wearing it with a light but flawless base, a touch of bronzer and lashings of DiorShow Mascara
.

DOUBLE THE FUN

We all know two is better than one, so for your lushest lashes ever, invest in both a lengthening and volumising mascara and get to work....

After curling lashes, apply a couple of coats of a volumizing formulation such as Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara. Make sure you wiggle the brush from root to tip to ensure even application and avoid clumping.

To finish off, swap the wand for a lengthening mascara (Loreal Longitude Mascara is a sure bet) and focus on the tips of lashes to make them really stand out....then find a cute boy and start batting!

A FAN OF LE TAN

By my own product whoring admission I have previously overlooked the Le Tan line of tanning and suncare products in favour of more expensive and celeb endorsed brands (sucker).

After several recommendations from beautiful and sunkissed friends of mine I decided to take the leap and boy oh boy am I eating my words now.

A trip to the supermarket later, I was more than a little apprehensive after purchasing this little gem for a piddly ten dollars.....in my previous fake tan experience a diminutive price tag generally preceded a Day-Glo orange tan.

Cue morning, when I woke with a natural golden brown tan and a new outlook on life.

My pick of the tanning products is the Le Tan Fast Tan Self Tanning Mousse but the whole range is pretty fantastic. The mousse wins top marks because it comes out tinted which makes application super easy, pretty much guarantees a streak free finish, can be used on your face without fear of pimples or oil slicks and earned several compliments on its first outing.

I am now a month into twice weekly applications and the bottle is still half full.. GENIUS!!!! and better value for money than a certain little hot pink tan in a can number..you know who you are.

SUMMER LOVIN'

Huge apologies for my notable absence over the last few months..this is a result of general upheaval up home, my son being at a particularly interesting (read trying) age and my blatant inability to stay away from the beach while the sun is shining....but I'm back and dedicated to making this year your best beauty year ever. To kick back into 2010 with a bang, I thought I'd share the products I'm loving this summer.

They are......
Clean and Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser- An oldie but a goodie...the smell of this takes me back to the days of Impulse and the Backstreet Boys. Mops up oil and keeps pimples at bay. It's what you want your skin to be :)

Mac Cream Colour Base in Hush..a dewy glowy wonder product...wear on cheek and brow bones for supermodel bone structure and a lit from within radiance.

Mac Fibre Lash in Black gives you seductive spidery lashes that look great with a tan and slash of hot pink lippy.

Stella EDP...just the right amount of sexy without being overpowering on those long hot summer days.

Clinique Even Better Foundation...Gives sheer, radiant, EVEN coverage that subtley covers blemishes and suits every skin tone.

LAST CHANCE SALOON

Just a reminder to all my readers in the United States- The MD Perricone giveaway will be drawn this Friday, the 23rd of October so for your last chance to be in to win the amazing Advanced Face Firming Activator(rrp $120 US), become a follower of Not Just A Pretty Face and leave me a comment telling me your favourite beauty product to date and why you want to try this product!