Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I'll have what she's having

For future reference on make-an-effort-Mondays and gloomy Wednesdays. Some entirely covetable looks.



Fendi 2011 Spring  Elle.com


Alex Spencer Australian model and blogger 4th and bleeker


Blake and her impressively plaited rats nest PRIMPED


A bun at the beach? Genius! Oracle Fox


Christine Centenera Now With Guns



Ohhh Abbey Circa Now


The stunning Minka from Friday Night Lights check out those locks! PRIMPED

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Illamasqua is the bombdiggity

1.       Bombdiggity
{adj} - A description of something that is better than excellent, great, good, amazing, et cetera.
A few weeks ago now I had the absolutely pleasure of trotting along to Illamasqua’s first Brisbane Beauty Bloggers event.
Deets were:
  • What: Illamasqua Brisbane Beauty Bloggers Event
  • Where: Illamasqua Counter at Myer, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
  • When: Friday June 03, 2011
  • Time: 6:30-8:30pm


On arrival we were warmly welcomed by Illamasqua’s Australian PR chick Christabel Draffin, who did a stellar job of introducing us to the brand’s ethos of self expression and the alter ego. She also made sure I had champagne flute of sparkling apple juice and a delightful mini cupcake firmly placed in my hot little hands within five minutes of being there – a sure fire way to leave a pleasant impression at a pre-dinner-time event.
For those of you unacquainted with the brand, Illamasqua made a huge splash on the beauty scene due to their high impact, other worldly advertising campaigns and emphasis on women and men alike embracing their "unique selves".
Illamasqua describes itself as:
Self-expression through make-up is an idea that is spreading outside alternative cultures. Illamasqua’s mission is to provide high-performance, professional make-up to anyone who wants to self-express and accentuate their look beyond the norm.
Developed by leading chemists, manufacturers of stage and screen make-up and make-up artists, Illamasqua brings truly professional make-up to the high street for the first time.
Designed to be colour-intense, colour-true and long lasting, Illamasqua offers an unprecedented range – giving you a huge palette with which to express yourself, whoever you are and whatever look you want to achieve.
Illamasqua brings its rich heritage to life by providing make-up lessons rather than ‘makeovers’. Illamasqua’s make-up artists spend time getting to know individuals, helping them explore their alter ego and create the look they want to achieve. This is self-expression at its most creative, allowing women and men who dare to be different to create a look that can be achieved confidently at home and flaunted at night.
We're also a brand with a conscience, and are proud of the fact that none of our products, from blushers to brushes, are tested on animals.
From my experience with the brand so far this description is spot on. You need only to take a glance at the gorgeous creatures makeup artists who work behind the counter to be enticed into a world where highly pigmented bright orange lipstick is not only ok but PREFERABLE and purple eye brows are the norm.
At the event we were lucky enough to be treated to a demonstration by Illamasqua MUA Tiarah who showed us a look from the Toxic Nature collection. Here are some fabulously shitty pics taken on my iPhone.




As these images show, the really cool thing about this brand is that it stresses that makeup is not just about looking pretty or covering up self perceived “flaws”. It’s about self expression and celebrating one’s individuality, all the while using a product of the highest quality to do so.
If you haven’t already caught on by my super subtle writing style, this makeup is, "FULLY SICK MATEEEEE." No but for reals, all Illamasqua's makeup is HIGHLY pigmented with  impressive durability, my kind of prod!
I feel very lucky to have been given the following products to trial and play with.


Powder Eye Shadow in Bronx
This coppery shade is just gorg! The warm undertones in it really wakes up the eye area as unlike most metallic shadows it maintains its depth of colour whilst still giving some pretty gal sparkle.



Sheer Lipgloss in Torture
A warm, coral peach. I like to pop this over a matte orange lippy like Innoxa’s Tangerine  - I guarantee you’ll get an inquiry and/or compliment every time you wear these two together.


Powder Blusher in Nymph
Now this was a surprise for me! Barbie doll pink blush is something I normally shy away from but to my surprise I found this colour added a youthful rosy hint of colour when applied with a light touch to the apples of my cheeks. Very feminine and pretty when paired with lashings of mascara and some well placed bronzer.
Ok wow so this post is getting a little OC in length (that stands for outta control, not The Real Housewives of Orange County – I know how you think you scallywag!) so I’ll stop and let you get back to watching The Kardashians and petting your cat.
But first, pleaseeeee tell me if you’ve tried any Illamasqua products and if so do you like them as much as me? What's your favourite?
Until next time, wishing you a full and defined brow and blemish-free week.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

I really like what y’all had going on at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards

The annual MTV Movie Awards is a night usually reserved for pounds of fake tanned flesh on display, inappropriate use of blush and eye-poppin’ cleavage (AKA Britney’s green-bra-wearing, snake toting performance in 2001). But alas, this year the starlets somewhat surprisingly decided to underplay their chosen beauty “looks” and I for one really, really, really dug it. For the most part, Hollywood’s A/B/C List went with decidedly understated makeup and hairstyles and this was the end result ...


Brooklyn Decker


Brooklyn Decker looking all windswept and carefree with her new-ish chop and minimal makeup. Way less Sports Illustrated model and a whole lot more stylish!


Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon rocking some super-duper flattering coppery/bronze eyeshadow that makes her baby blues positively POP. Want to emulate this look? Try M.A.C’s Pigment in Copper Sparkle.


Blake Lively


Blake Lively looking extremely babelish. I’m sorry but that’s the best adjective to describe this kind of perfectly bronzed, peach-lipped hotness. Also, I love that she slicked her hair back in this ultra chic pony, I adore a good pony.



Mila Kunis – that hair!!! Sooo shiny I gotta put some sunglasses on in my room and look like one of those creeps that skulk around nightclubs, because it is just too sparkly and blinding. Ok dramatics aside, she is perfection to me. LOVE the embellished Balmain mini paired with a simple black top. She got it going on (cue finger snap) AND she got to grab JT’s junk.
And then there are the people who didn't get it right ....

Amanda Bynes Actress Amanda Bynes arrives at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards at Universal Studios' Gibson Amphitheatre on June 5, 2011 in Universal City, California.

Come on Amanda Bynes, what were you thinking gal? The dry-looking blonde ropey extensions and tight dress combo went out a while back, even P. Hilton’s over that look these days.


jessica

Jessica Szohr ... Hmmm at least she hasn’t gone OTT on the makeup. I think this may not have looked quite so bad if she had done a cute, sleek high pony with a bright lip to make it more fresh and youthful – see I’m nothing if not constructive haha.


Leighton Meester – now technically there is nothing wrong with this. While the makeup looks quite heavy in comparison to the other fresh faced looks floating around, I actually rather enjoy the dark eye/nude lip combo on Blaire, sorry, Leighton. It’s the hair that’s bothering me, yes I like me some balayage but it just looks a bit straggly and not in a cool Erin Wasson way, but in a needs-a-mask-and-trim way. Ekkk.

What are your thoughts beauties?

Who had your favourite beauty look this year?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The other way to be chubby ...

While on my lunch break the other day I somehow managed to stumble in to PRICELINE, which is a HUGE no-no as I have this stooo-pid blind spot when it comes to the big P and always manage to convince myself it’s totally O.K to buy beauty products from there ‘cause it’s, “cheap as chips man”.
Wrong, soooo wrong!
I usually end up leaving with: a Rimmel lipstick (just to see if I can pull off a blue based red), an Australis polish (because they do great on trend hues), a Natio concealer (it gets really expensive buying the Laura Mercier and YSL ones all the time!), a Revlon gloss (love their punchy bright colours) and some Klorane dry shampoo (this stuff is soooo dope – much better then Batiste). As you can imagine the total bill winds up being around 80 clams. Good one Tess!
But not this time, joy! THIS time I wandered into my local P and quickly made a beeline for something looking suspiciously like Clinique’s famed Chubby Stick which is basically a short, stubby looking lip “pencil” that applies like a gloss but looks like a sheer lipstick.


Models Prefer Ultra Lipgloss Pencil in Cocktail Hour RRP: Approx $6-$7
This copycat specimen I had spied (with my liquid linered eye HA!) was actually the Models Prefer Ultra Lipgloss Pencil. Now they don’t seem to have a website, well they do but it redirects you to a new website that’s called something different entirely (WTF?) so I can’t confirm the price as I lost my receipt but I believe it retailed at $6.95ish uhh score. I went for a deep plummy shade called Cocktail Hour and let me say, don’t let the cheap price fool you. This nifty little buy comes in five shades – all quite pretty, but Cocktail Hour really did it for me. The colour is rich and vibrant yet sheer enough to wear to work without worrying about getting it on your teeth. Definitely a cheap and fabulous alternative to the Chubby Stick. Minor downside was that it doesn’t having amazing staying power (approx 1-2 hours) but hey at about $7 a pop I ain’t sweating it as my lips looked just delightful during those two hours.


My smackers all dolled up
I also ended up getting the 6-sided nail file to: 1) shorten, 2) file, 3) even out, 4) smooth, 5) buff, 6) shine and some blotting tissues (which made my day since The Body Shop has stopped making theirs which I loved for years). And I got all three products for under $20 pretty impressive I’d say.


My Models Prefer loot!



 See! Cheryl did a plummy/red pout at Cannes just last week

What do you say Parlour and Loot readers, do you get sucked in by Priceline’s wily ways?
Have you tried any other imitation Chubby Sticks?

Sunday, May 15, 2011

New research shows girls who wear coral lipstick become 63% more dazzling to the human (and animal) race

O.K. you got me you sneaky rascals, I made that statistic up but I swear it is TRUE Parlour and Looters, I swear it on my favourite gold mens-style Michael Kors watch, which means I’m really serious.
While I haven't ever hid the fact that I like to think of myself as Queen of the Coral Club, I can’t believe I haven’t dedicated a post to this topic until now.
Unlike a violent slash of red across the lips which can be A) tricky to apply B) messy if you plan on eating, drinking or kissing your boyf or C) ageing and 90s looking if you’re not careful, a coral lip WILL: brightening your complexion, awaken tired looking eyes and undoubtedly reassure onlookers of your pretty-come-understated feminine allure.
When it comes to joining the Bright Lip Brigade, coral would be the recommended shade for new members as it is soooo easy to wear (work to bar? cinch!) and it instantly updates your overall look.

M.A.C Tinted Lipglass in Pink Lemonade RRP: $35.00
My love affair with coral began when my dad (under my older sister’s leadership) brought me back M.A.C’s Tinted Lipglass in Pink Lemonade from Canada (Pink Lemonade is a flamingo pinkish shade with bright orange undertones). I was fifteen at the time and literally thought I was, “THE SHIT” pulling that baby out of my pocket at lunchtime in the canteen line. While I’ve moved on to more grownup coral-based prods like a matte lippy, this trusty gloss will always be a permanent fixture in my makeup box
Quick fact: M.A.C was founded in Toronto, Canada and therefore is stupidly cheap when bought in the land of maple syrup and ice hockey so stock up if you are ever there.
*Yes I have recently purchased a black and clear plastic makeup box with five slidey draws (is actually meant to function as office paper filing system) it’s working out really well so far, I feel all efficient and organised!
Soooo moving on, here are some coral lip prods I am currently hoarding like a bowerbird looking for sparkle.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Melonade RRP: $21.95
Can you say sexpot? This bright mouth decorator is a pinky/orange hue that suits both blondes and brunettes and looks fabulous during the day with a little gloss or applied heavily at night. This is NOT a matte formula which makes it a favourite for me during winter when my pout needs some extra hydration. While having a pretty impressive shiney-finish for a lippy, it still delivers on colour – not quite opaque but half way between a gloss and highly pigment matte lippy.




NARS Limited Edition Lipstick in Love Devotion RRP: approx $60.00


Next to join the Coral Appreciation Society list is NARS’ ultra-sheer, creamy, guava coloured lipstick called Love Devotion. I cannot tell you how much I adore this little star of a product. Bought last year, it was a limited edition prod so I’m not 100% sure of its availability from MECCA (where I got mine) however I’m sure with some clever online scouring you could come up trumps. Perfect for those who are just a wee bit intimidated by the thought of slapping on a bright lip, this may be your most beloved soft coral friend  ever.

Like you needed a better reason to give orangey hues a go, it’s also BANG on trend this season - here’s one of the models being made-up backstage at the Yeojin Bae show at last week’s RAFW. Stunning right? They paired a bright lip with luminous cheeks and minimal mascara (skip your bottom lashes if you can bare it) for a gorgeous modelesque approach.









Budget babes try out these little winners:


Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lip Gloss in “Disco” RRP: $11.95


FACE OF AUSTRALIA Lip Quench Moisturising Lipstick SPF 30+
in “Coral Bay” RRP: $9.49


Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in “Coral in Gold” RRP: $9.95


Do you like a bold, coral lip?


Are you going to run out and buy something pinky-orange for your lips in time for the weekend?


I would... Just sayin'!


NOTE: The second image in this post of the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Melonade was nicked borrowed from the beautiful Sarah, author of Hip & Haute  http://hipnhaute.wordpress.com/ as my pics were coming up totally shithouse! XXX


Sunday, May 1, 2011

Polish junkies beware! There’s a new prod in town that will have you coming back for your fix again and again.

Ok so what I’m about to talk about isn’t exactly brand spankin’ new but heck, it’s new to me! By now I’m sure most of you have at least heard of Shellac, an extremely innovative product launched by CND late last year that gives you a perfect looking manicure. Shocking no? Ahh but you see the catch is that it lasts up to fourteen days without chipping and stays ultra shiny and glossy looking – like acrylic but without the tacky plastic extensions.

If we’re going to get all explanatory about it I would describe it as a crossbred species between nail polish and gel. It looks just like a regular polish however boasts impressive durability, it’s also super shiny, making it look like the nails of really organised girls who actually apply top coat every second day.




Shellac has a base coat, colour and top coat but is cured in a UV light so there is zero dry time. (Tip: Some manicurists will try get away with using a different brand for the clear base and top coat as it’s probably cheaper. RUN. This is dodgy! Your Shellac will last longer and have a better finish using the correct three-step system). Removal is quick and easy with remover wraps that limit finger and skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on just one nail.

Make sure you have your talons shaped short and squarish as this always makes a manicure look neat and ultra chic. CND’s Shellac comes in a wide range of dazzling colours with everything from the perfect nude, to jewel coloured plum to richest of blacks so there is something to suit all tastes.



I decided to go with one of the new shades “Masquerade”. This colour is to die for, a rich maroon in the nicest shimmery-without-being-glittery way possible. So I put this innovative prod through my own little test to see just what kind of staying power it really had and these were the results ....


Day 1


Day 6 (looking like fat, white slug fingers in this light eww)


Day 11


Overall I was super impressed. Beautifully coloured, shiny perfect looking claws for a good week and a half. At about day 12 I noticed that the edges were lifting a little on one or two nails and it took ALL my will power not to peel the Shellac off – yes it even comes off that easy at the end but I don’t advise doing this as it certainly isn’t recommended for optimum nail health.

One of the most significant benefits of this professional nail service for me was that it left it me with 'perfect girl', “I just stepped out of the salon” nails for pretty much two weeks!

Price varies depending on nail salon. You can visit the CND website HERE to find your nearest nail salon offering Shellac.

Have you ever tried CND Shellac? What did you think?

And ... here's a little cheeky floral nail inspo just for fun!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

KINDA/MAJORLY NEWSWORTHY Lauren Conrad update

Lauren Conrad will soon be launching a new website called ‘The Beauty Department’. If you haven’t already guessed I’m quite a fan of hers. Not because she’s the most daring of celebs when it comes to taking beauty/hair risks but because she never looks bad, like, ever. That’s quite a triumph for someone who has starred in “reality” TV for five years and been photographed about trillion and seven times.

Here is a sneak peek at a few photos from Lauren's new website 'The Beauty Department' that “LC” will be launching along with her make-up artist Amy Nadine and hair stylist Kristin Ess.


 




This is how Lauren described the site to Allure.com: "The site will offer beauty tips: how to do the hottest runway tricks. How to wear purple eyeliner. How to do beach curls.” And best of all? Lauren will be starring in some of the video tutorials! I’m guessing the idea is to eventually roll out a cosmetics and hair line and you can bet your last coral coloured lip gloss I would line up to buy it.

I can't wait to see it! You?
Until then ... here are a few of Miss Conrads looks over the years since gracing our screens on Laguna Beach.

Um ... She has come a long way since this ^

Ultra tan and still friends with freak-face



I love this up do'



Tortoiseshell reading specs - keen!



Nice to see her hair pulled back for once, works brill with the jet black, flicked liquid eyeliner



The deep side part of 2005 haha



Getting into "signature hair" looks here



Ahhh the twist, one of my favs for her and pretty natural-ish makeup



Mixing it up a little with some curl



All American Girl



"The higher the hair, the closer to God y'all." (LOL)




As she is in 2011. Beautiful. Good brows too!