The Makeup Case

I have to admit I am not a great traveller. I get nervous, my hands get sweaty on take off and I can’t settle until the seatbelt sign gets turned off. In saying that, I love travelling and have had the opportunity to visit many amazing places. Along the way I have found my must have plane items that manage to calm me down and make my skin less hideous on arrival.

An essential on any long haul flight is a great lip balm. At the moment I am loving Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, it is actually amazing! Packed with essential rose wax and Shea butter it makes your lips feel divine and healthy. When you apply the balm it feels like it is melting on your lips and I don’t mean that in a bad way, it just that you can actually feel it working to hydrate your smackers. What I also love about this lip balm is that it has a slight hint of pink to it, just enough to make your lips look delicious. This little baby is defiantly hoping into my clear plastic bag on my next overseas plane journey.

RRP: $30 for 15mls. Available from Myers and David Jones.

* This product was sent to The Makeup Case for editorial consideration – please see our disclosure policy.

Hydration cream is a must have! I love to apply my Trilogy Ultra Hydrating face cream every 2 hours on a long flight. What I love about this cream aside from the fact that it hydrates is that it has Lavender in it. All the time I apply the cream I get a wif of Lavender and it calms me down straight away. The cream is also very light weight so it won’t clog my pores. With the harsh air conditioning on planes it is so beneficial to your skin to have a hydrating cream on hand.

RRP: $49 for 75mls. Available from Priceline. * Image coutesy of Trilogy

It goes without saying that water is a MAJOR must on a flight. It hydrates your body, takes away the bad toxins and makes your skin look fresh. On a recent trip fiancé and I both bought a 1lt bottle and they were gone before we even left Australia. I find that I get so thirsty on planes, I just can’t get enough of it.

Finally, the last must have for any long flight is good company. Time fly’s on long flights when you have someone to banter with, even if it’s only over the mundane food and bossy air hostesses. Sadly, on my next overseas journey I will be all alone on the flight there and back. I have never flown solo before and I have to say, I am extremely nervous. I keep telling myself that it will be good for me. Ha, I guess all will be revealed shortly…

How good is Maybelline?

Us girls here at The Makeup Case can’t get enough of Maybelline, they have been one of our makeup staples for years. So you can imagine our excitement when we were lucky enough to try out 3 new limited edition lip shades developed for fashions biggest event of the year…Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

This year, Maybelline have collaborated with Aussie fashion label We Are Handsome to create the Color Sensational Vivid Lip Color range.  The range is made up of 3 radiant and bold colors, Shocking Coral (910), Vivid Rose (904) and Hot Plum (906).

From left to right: Shocking Coral, Vivid Rose, Hot Plum

Each color is so bold, playful and energetic that I still can’t decide which one I like the best. I know they are all going to be on high rotation in my makeup routine over the next few months.

If you love these colors then you need to get in quick, they are only available for a limited time (8 weeks)! Trust us when we say, these colors are amazing!

RRP: $16.95 available from Coles and Woolworths.

Check out Maybelline on Instagram to see some amazing pictures from this years Fashion Week.

PS: Have you checked our the new beauty counters at Woolworths Town Hall? Its epic!

* These products were sent to The Makeup Case for editorial consideration – please see our disclosure policy.

Okay, so I know deodorant is not the most glamorous thing to talk about. But, lets face it, we all wear it (at least I hope we do).

Dove recently sent us over the new addition to their deodorant family, Dove Pure. A fragrance free 48hr antiperspirant that contains no colours, alcohol or parabens.

If you are anything like me and have sensitive skin then you should get your mitts on this deodorant. Dove Pure is fragrance free so you don’t get that irritating itch that you can commonly get from using harsh deodorants.

I have not shaved under my arms for ages! Not in a gross way or anything I just prefer to wax and lately I have been getting laser. But if I was a shaver then this deodorant would work a treat, it contains 1/4 moisturising cream and skin natural lipids which replenishes the skin after shaving and strengthens the natural moisture barrier. Plus!

RRP: $5.25 for aerosol and $3.89 for roll on. Available from Woolworths, Coles and pharmacies.

* This product was sent to The Makeup Case for editorial consideration – please see our disclosure policy.

I was inspired to write about my perfume journey after reading this post at Styling You.

My adventure began about the time I was 16 or 17. I had no job so no money, my fragrance came in the form of a sample spray from Grace Bros (we call it Myer now) or from one of my mums magazines. I remember I commented once that I liked my friends perfume, so next birthday she bought me a gift pack of the same one, Charlie Silver by Revlon. And so it began.

That Charlie gift pack lasted me till almost forever. It was in the days when my prized possessions were kept in the box and only came out for special occasions. I sprayed until there was no more left to spray and kept the bottle on my shelf to remember the good times.

Along the road a bit further, my next fragrance was a bit more sophisticated (I thought). It was Noa by Cacharel. I chose it because the smell was’nt really overpowering and it was sort of floral and sweet all at the same time. I loved it! I also got the moisturising gel. I recently read in one description of this perfume that it is recommended for romantic wear. Huh? But I suppose it suits.

From then on, I was hooked. I was also influenced a little by a good friend who was, and still is, a little obsessed with perfume. The first stop whenever we went near shops was to spray. We tried and bought heaps of different ones.

Next I think was Dolce & Gabbana Red. I knew a few people who wore this one and I loved it, I was also a little suckered by the packeging. But sadly, it was not for me. I tried, but the smell was so over powering on me that I gave it away before I used even a quarter of the bottle. I tried, I really did. It is a blendof basil, tangerine, orange flowers, carnation, marigold and vanilla. I think it was the marigold that really hit out with me. The thought of it to this day makes me feel ill and I can’t be around anyone wearing it. Shame really that I spoiled it for myself.

I moved on quickly to Ralph, by Ralph Lauren. a fresh, colorful floral fragrance reflecting the energy, spirit, and personality of an empowered, confident young woman. That description fit me just right at the time. I also had the body wash and sparkly body lotion.

Now here is where it gets a bit crazy. I remember I had probably about 5 perfumes on the go at  once. I know I know, but my life at that time must have been a bit up and down so I needed one to match every occasion and mood, dare I say.

I had Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani. It is a blend of warm, transparent flowers touched by an ocean breeze. (why wouldn’t you wear it) but I think I loved the Jasmine and fresh floral smell. I got heaps of comments when I wore this one.

Paris Hilton (the original and the best) I loved this at a time when you either hated or loved Paris Hilton (the person) I loved her, and still do, but haters told me I shouldn’t support her and I was too old for it. That made me love the fruity, floral sophistication even more. I used to carry a small heart shaped spray everywhere. So na!

FCUK her perfume, I got this one by default. My sister bought it, changed her mind and gave it to me. Score! I also had a shimmer perfume stick, cause it was on sale. Described as described as modern, provocative and sexy, totally me. *insert sarcastic tone*  

Calvin Klein One. I loved how fresh and clean this one smells. I also had a version of One called Summer, I think. It reminded my of cut grass on a sunny day, hence the name I suppose. The Summer version wasnt my favourite and really was only for summer time.

And Pleasures by Estee Lauder. This one is really floral and refreshing. Some of my friends were surprised I liked this was because it was girly. I loved it. I still am tempted to spray the tester when I see it, but my littlest lady doesnt appreciate a face full. I also kept the bottle from Pleasures because it is so pretty and sophisticated, don’t ya think?

These days I have a few half empty bottles on my shelf that have been almost pushed right the way back out of view, and reach. I cannot remember the last time I wore perfume. It must be around the first time I found out I was pregnant, about 4 years ago now! I have, however, been inspired by writing this, so I may slowly slide my bottles forward a few places. Or perhaps pick up new one. Mothers day is getting close!

What is your perfume story? We would love you to share it.

*images courtesy of Jasmine Cosmetics check them out for all your beauty needs.

We get asked all the time “what is primer?” and “should I use it.” We answer….if you want flawless makeup then use it. If you can’t be bothered with the extra step in the morning….then don’t worry about it. But what is it? Read on……all will be revealed.

Primer is designed to smooth and conceal fine lines and uneven skin texture, it gives a smooth, even surface to apply your makeup and it helps it stay on all day. They are usually made from things like waxes, polymers, and silicone, and often contain SPF to block the sun.

There are different types of primers for different types of skin. There is light weight, silicon based for oily or acne prone skin, it will be labelled ‘oil free’, and for dry or aging skin try a more creamy one which will contain waxes, lotions or emollients.

Primers can also be transparent or coloured. Depending on the colour, they can help hide dark circles, redness, age spots and un-even skin tone.

Now you know what it is and what’s in it, how and when do you apply it. Good question.

You should apply it after moisturiser, but before foundation or concealer. Wait a few minutes after moisturising, so it sinks in, then apple your primer of choice. Wait a few more minutes, then put your face on. We generally use a brush or sponge to apply it, but at home, if you want to use your fingers, thats ok too. Just make sure your hands are clean!

There are heaps of different primers on the market, so start with your favourite brand and go from there.

Here are some that one of our fav bloggers has reviewed. The Plastic Diaries. Click through and see what she thinks.

*image courtesy of The Plastic Diaries

You can also get primers for lips, eyeshadow and mascara. They basically do the same thing but we will save them for another day.

Let us know if there is any other products that you are not sure about and we will do our darndest to help.

*thanks for the info Wise Geek and The Plastic Diaries

Catching the train again after such a long break can be painful, but a must cause I need to go back to work. It doesnt help seeing all the other people looking fresh and ready when I need a second coffee just to make the train ride! But some things will never change. We have said it before, and we will say it again BLEND people!!!

The ladies may look good from the front, but turn a little to the side and there it is. That unblended foundation line along the jaw. Aahhh! It’s like a car accident, I just can’t look away! Ha.

Below is a bit of an exaggerated version of what I am talking about, but you get the idea.

http://juliakingsley.blogspot.com.au

We wrote about how much this line annoys us here  and the tools we use, so this doesnt happen here but basically apply your foundation then with a stippling brush or sponge, work the foundation down your neck and under your chin. Also don’t forget to soften the edges around your ears!  You should end up with smooth base that just blends in to match your skin colour. No lines!

End rant. Thanks for listening. Pass this on to anyone you think may benefit. hehehe!

*image courtesy Julia Kingsley. Check out her blog, lots of good makeup stuff there

I was just having a quick browse of the internet and came across this post by Lady Fabuloux. It is a really simple way to determine your skin tone so thought you may like to read it too.

Determining your skin tone can help you choose the right colours to suit you, with not only makeup but with clothes and jewellery too. If you have ever used a lipstick or foundation that just doesn’t look right, it could be because it doesn’t match your skin tone. So read all about it.

Lady fabuloux: What’s my skin tone ?.

Here are the basics;

 

As you may, or may not know, Rebecca is getting married later in the year. There is lots of planning and booking and deciding going on so I thought I might help out with a bit of inspitration for hairstyles.

We have done quite a few wedding hairstyles in our time but Becs hair is THICK and there is HEAPS of it so may be difficult to find something that is different to normal and that will hold all day.

The first place I stopped at for hair inspiration is Hair Romance. If you need to know something about hair, you will find it here. If you haven’t been to Hair Romance before you should definitely take a look. She turns everyday hair into great hair everyday.

Thanks to Google, I also came across Girls Mehndi Designs which had some really nice hairstyles. Some may not be wedding appropriate but I thought they were awesome.

So this is just a start. If you have any ideas we would love to hear them (and see them) you can post them on our Facebook page or just email us themakeupcase@hotmail.com

You can also check out some of our work here and here.

What hairstyle did you have for your wedding? We would love to see some photos.

Thats right! We would love to be invited to your next party or hens and give everyone some basic makeup and hair styling to kick start your night out!

Some of our favourites are;

• Era 60′s, 70′s, 80′s and don’t forget the naughty 90′s.
• Colour themes (pink, gold, B&W etc).
• Glamorous and Hollywood

We are only limited by your imagination!

Makeup *                            $40 pp

Makeup* and Hair **     $80 pp

Groups of 10 or more    $35 pp (makeup)* or $70 pp (makeup and hair)* **

We come to you and bring everything we could possible need. All you need to do is crack open the bubbly and enjoy.

Click here for more details and the fine print

To book or just ask a question please email themakeupcase@hotmail.com

Finally…….! I did this makeup and hairstyle for a year 10 formal back in December! and I have only just got around to showing you.

Disaster struck! The photos were on a camera I don’t usually use and when I tried to get them off the camera, something happened and they dissappeared. Vanished. Gone for good!

These are the only photos I have and were taken on my phone. So please excuse the bad lighting, blurring, and just the overall quality of the photos.

This is Nina. She wanted a messy low side bun with a braid across the top. I really loved the hairstyle and it was really easy to do. She wasn’t sure what she wanted on her face (because she doesn’t usually wear makeup) so we went for a not too dark smokey-ish eye and natural lips. She wore a pretty bright dress that was coral and silver, so it went well.

This photo does not do her justice, she was a complete knockout! She kept looking in the mirror and saying “it doesn’t look like me” She looked fabulous and I hope she had a great night.

PS it looks like her foundation wasn’t right but I promise you it was a perfect match. The light coming through the window was really harsh and I was using my phone to take the photos.