Sunday, August 4, 2013

Product Review - Estee Lauder Day Wear Sheer Tint Release Advance Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF 15


A favourite product of mine at the moment is the Estee Lauder Day Wear Sheer Tint Release.  I had been looking for a product like this for sometime; something designed to achieve a healthy and even complexion, that could also be worn during the day, with or without foundation.  I heard about this product from a fellow makeup artist and decided to try it out.

To the touch it has a light grey-ish colour with a grainy texture, but once applied it blends well and you quickly notice improvement in your skin tone.  It has a slight tint to it but doesn't give you full coverage; if 'full coverage' is something your looking for, then this product is best used under your foundation.  It also has a fresh pleasant mild scent, reminiscent of cucumber; if that is not your thing you may want to do a sniff test before purchasing.

What I love about this product is you can use it all year round. In summer you can wear it with a slick of mascara, a little cream blush and a touch of pretty gloss on your lips. Or during winter, when you want to liven up your complexion with a hint of colour, you can simply apply it as a base, under your foundation.

The only downside, if anything, is it only offers SPF 15 protection - given my usage I would have preferred a factor of  at least SPF 30. Saying that however, this product is a must have in my makeup bag. I'd be interested to know if you have tried it and what you think.


                                     
                                       


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

My Exclusive Interview with Kate Ritchie


I recently had the pleasure of interviewing my friend, the beautiful Kate Ritchie. I have known Kate for a number of years, having worked together on 'Home & Away', and I can wholeheartedly say this young lady absolutely radiates elegant style and beauty.  

Kate Ritchie is well loved for her iconic role as Sally on' Home and Away'. A two-time Gold Logie award winning Actress, TV presenter and Radio personality, she has also starred in numerous acclaimed TV dramas, including 'Underbelly - A Tale Of Two Cities', where she was praised for her standout performance as Judi Kane. 

Beyond being gorgeous and multi talented, Kate absolutely nails it in the style department, having topped many of the best-dressed Hair/Makeup lists. Kate graciously took the time to share some of her treasured beauty tips with me and our readers.

Laura: Describe your makeup style?
Kate: I would say it is classic if not a little conservative! Meaning I need to be pushed to try the latest looks. I have only just succumbed to a vibrant lip and even then sometimes wipe it off before leaving the house! I think applying makeup should be about complimenting your best features and bringing them to the forefront rather than having something to hide behind or swamp you. The more natural you can be. The better!

Laura: If you are going out for the day what would be your makeup routine?
Kate: I never leave the house without applying a sunscreen and right now it's a lather of Dermalogica Pure Light SPF30. I try to wear as little makeup as possible on my non-working days and find a combed strong brow, lashings of mascara, a peachy cheek with a cream blush (nothing sparkly!) and a lip balm (try Vaseline Lip Therapy) does me just fine. On my bad days I'll be needing some concealer too!

Laura: What is your night time skin care routine?
Kate: On my face I am currently using the Rationale line of skin care. I love it because it has done wonders for my skin but they also number the tubs and bottles so I know in which order to apply everything and when I am usually hopeless with remembering those things this is a life/time saver! Morning and night, once I jump out of the shower I always moisturise the skin all over my body. It is part of my routine. Like brushing my teeth. At night though, I love to use Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow. The smell is delicious! And the feel is luxurious.

Laura: What is your favourite nail polish colour?
Kate: My oldest most favourite would be OPI 'Lincoln Park After Dark'. My new faves are Mecca Cosmetica in 'Timandra', Chanel in 'Frenzy' and Tom Ford in 'Dominatrix'!

Laura: What are some of your favourite makeup brands? 
Kate: Ooh. I have so many. A makeup store is like a lolly shop to me! I love Tom Ford. They have the most amazing foundation sticks and powders and the hottest lipsticks. All the packaging is so sexy too! NARS do the most beautiful Velvet Matte Lip Crayons. I always renew this product in my own kit and recently had one in my makeup bag on the set of Home and Away. Bobbi Brown, MAC Cosmetics, Estee Lauder etc.

Laura: What top 5 makeup products do you need in your makeup bag? 
Kate:- 
* A foundation that you've had matched to your skin tone by a professional. For example, the gorgeous Ms Vazquez!
* A mascara that you change regularly. Right now, I am using Estee Lauder Sumptuous Two Tone.
* YSL Touché Éclat is perfection
* ModelCo's Liquid Buds. Quite possibly the best invention ever! I always pop one in my clutch before a night out and can clean up any dropped eye shadow or liner in a flash.
AND
* Clean brushes and sponges. To avoid all those nasty breakouts and stop them hanging around!

Laura: What is your no 1 beauty secret/tip?
Kate: I doubt it is a secret but I suggest every girl (or boy!) should invest in a high end foundation in a perfectly matched shade to your skin tone. If you can buy two.. Do it! One darker shade and one lighter so you can mix accordingly depending on the time of year and your natural tan. If you can master the perfect base you can never go wrong! My other tip is to fuel your body well and your skin will reward you.

Kate thank you so much for giving us insight into your beauty routine as well as sharing your beauty tips here at Bgirl Makeup.

About the author: Laura Vazquez, the owner of Beautiful Girl Makeup (Bgirl Makeup), is a successful actress/presenter, professional makeup artist, spokesperson and beauty blogger.  For more information, contact Beautiful Girl Makeup here.






Monday, March 4, 2013

My Exclusive Interview with: Rachael Beck

I recently had the pleasure of working with the lovely Rachael Beck, creating a number of makeup looks for her publicity shots. 


                                                  
Well respected and incredibly talented, Rachael Beck is one of Australia's most in demand stage and screen performers. With leading roles in numerous television productions including Hey Dad, City Homicide & Home & Away, Rachael is also recognized for her standout performances in major stage productions; The Sound of Music, Beauty & The Beast and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in which she is currently starring as Truly Scrumptious.

Aside from her formidable talent and impressive resume, Rachael is an effortlessly beautiful girl. Here she shares with Bgirl what keeps her looking so gorgeous and glowing.
  


                                                                  
Laura: Describe your makeup style?
Rachael: Minimalistic, fresh.

Laura: If you are going out for the day what would be your makeup routine?
Rachael: Sunscreen first, then a light foundation or concealer followed by mascara and a little smear of creme blush.

Laura: What is your night time skin care routine?
Rachael: Creme cleanser, toner and Jan Marini cream or rose hip oil for moisture.

Laura: What is your must have makeup product?
Rachael: A good concealer and a good mascara.

Laura: What top 5 makeup products do you need in your makeup bag?
Rachael: Sunscreen, foundation, mascara, eye-liner and cream blush.

Laura: What is your no 1 beauty secret/tip?
Rachael: You actually glow from inside, so the happier/ more peaceful you are the more beautiful you will seem.

Thank you Rachael, for sharing your beauty tips and secrets with Bgirl.

About the author: Laura Vazquez, the owner of Beautiful Girl Makeup, is a successful actress/presenter, spokesperson and beauty & style blogger.  For more information, contact Beautiful Girl Make Up here.