Cosmetic Cupcake

Hi ladies!! I can't believe it's taken me so terribly long to get my act together to post this but last month I had the pleasure of teaching a beginners nail art class at Work-Shop in Sydney. Work- Shop are based in Broadway, Sydney and run affordable fun short courses in arts and crafts and life skills. They run courses like tea appreciation, yoga, magic and street art! I was so nervous beforehand but once I got into the swing of things it was all good! Seriously I love talking nails ;)


The setup for each person! The nail polishes and remover were very kindly provided by Face of Australia which everyone was so appreciative of! It's always fun playing with someone else's polishes haha. A huge thank you to Camilla for helping me set up beforehand!!


I taught 3 basic nail art techniques on the night - dots, glitter gradient and sponged ombre - and then showed how easy it was to adapt them for more complicated designs.


I don't think I make the best teacher but everyone tried it all out and seemed like they were having loads of fun!


Ladies showing off their fab nail art at the end of the class!! Thank you to everyone that came!


I'm teaching another beginner's nail art class next Monday 23rd September and tickets are still available! If you fancy learing some nail art with me, head to the Work-Shop site for full details and to book.

Hope to see you there! =)

I'm super excited to tell you guys today that I'll be teaching a beginners nail art class next week! The class will be held at The Work-Shop and I'll be teaching some beginners nail art such as glitter gradient nails, polka dots and ombre nails and sharing my nail art tips and tricks.

The awesome folks at The Work-Shop are based in Broadway, Sydney and run affordable fun short courses in arts and crafts and life skills. They are community driven and their aim is to inspire people to put down their technology and to get creative! They have classes on flower crowns, gardening, to tattoo illustration and street art.

For full details about the class, check out the class details on their site here. Nail polishes will be provided thanks to one of my fave Aussie brands Face of Australia and other tools will be provided too! There are limited tickets available so make sure you book soon!

I'm terribly nervous about it all but I hope to see you there ;)

Hi ladies! About a fortnight ago I attended the Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo with 2 of my awesome friends Anita and Angela. I'd heard such fantastic things about the expo but being a trade only event I didn't think I'd get the chance to ever go but I was very fortunate and received a media pass to attend! *happy dance* I was good and only hauled a few things ;)


The expo was held at the Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour and it was massive - 3 huge halls filled with beauty goodness! It was so awesome discovering lots of new brands.


What I got!


nails inc. Sprinkles!!! I've been wanting these for sooooooo long and I succumbed. The deal was just too good to pass up! I got sweets way, topping lane and pudding lane.


I can never go past glitter so I had to pick up Nicole by OPI Let's Get Star-ted! and Honey-Dew You Love Me?.


Some nail art supplies! A 3D acrylic mold, dappen dish, dropper, tweezers and different shaped dazzlings.


I've wanted a nail polish display for ages and I finally got one! I'm using it to display polishes I need to swatch and it looks great on my desk ;) This one is supposed to hold 24 bottles but because some of the bottles are smaller it holds more.


I was hoping Dermalogica would be selling more stuff but alas they only sold a few items. I still managed to pick up one of my HG products the Daily Microfoliant. I love the stuff! It makes my skin as smooth as a baby's bottom LOL.


I'm nearing 30 (OMG!) so I'm getting into anti-ageing products. I came across these Cupron wrinkle reducing products and thought I'd give it a try. I picked up the Clinical Value pack which contains the Clinical Cosmetic Pillow Case, Eye Shades and Gloves.

I hope you've all been well! Posting will continue to be a bit sporadic unfortunately. Thanks for looking as always!

I attended the expo as a guest of the PR company.

Hi ladies! A few weekends ago, a few beauty bloggers and I were invited to have makeovers done by the Revlon team at the iconic Bondi Icebergs using the new Revlon New Complexion foundation. We were told to arrive with no makeup on (I nearly fainted when I read this!) so we could have before and after pics taken. Keep reading below for my review of the foundation and a few pics from the event!


Boy was it a gorgeous day to be at Bondi!! Perfect Sydney weather and the perfect location - if you come to Sydney you definitely need to visit Icebergs! We were treated to yummy brunch which included delicious smoked salmon tarlets and yoghurt before being pampered by the lovely Revlon makeup artists.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Di Muro Photo courtesy of Matthew Di Muro
I've now had a proper chance to road test the New Complexion foundation and I am LOVING IT!

What they say:

"A shiny face can be a problem for all of us – but not any more with new Revlon New Complexion® Oil-Control Makeup, perfect for giving you a fresh look that is shine free! Revlon introduces New Complexion® Oil-Control Makeup with an oil-controlling benefit that addresses the needs of younger women who want to wear a makeup that is suitable for their skins. Oil and clogged pores is one of their top concerns, especially in warmer temperatures.

Containing oil-absorbing spheres that put an end to shine once and for all, Revlon New Complexion® Oil-Control Makeup will leave you feeling confident and shine free, all day long. This advanced oil-free formula won’t clog your pores and will leave your skin with a soft luminous finish so you can say goodbye to shine!"


I was kindly sent the New Complextion foundation in Natural Beige to try out and it matches my NC20 skin very well. The makeup artist actually used Sand Beige on me on the day which is more yellow toned but I like the way Natural Beige looks on me. The formula is very lightweight and quite runny so it blends like an absolute dream. I find it gives medium coverage but is easily buildable and it feels wonderful on the skin. It comes packaged in a round glass bottle and contains SPF 20.


Overall: Revlon New Complexion foundation has become my new everyday foundation and my HG drugstore foundation!! It is hands down a winner in my book and the price point for us Aussie ladies is EXTREMELY reasonable. I can't believe I haven't tried Revlon foundations before.

I am loving the way New Complexion makes my skin look - it's very natural and it feels fantastic on the skin. I hate foundations that feel heavy and this feels like you're wearing nothing at all! I am going to be wearing this a lot in Summer because of this. I love that I can build the coverage up and you don't need to use much at all for a full face. It blends like an absolute dream and lasts a whole day of work for me. I have combination skin and I find it controls my oiliness very well yet doesn't feel drying on my cheeks. I also find it doesn't fade which I'm very impressed about because my more expensive foundations do tend to wear after a long day especially in my dry spots whereas New Complexion doesn't at all.


The only negative is the packaging. I am not a fan of it AT ALL. A glass bottle with a huge opening? Mess galore! Especially if you're as clumsy as I am x) If I'm not concentrating I end up tipping more than I need onto my hand which is waste. Please Revlon - change it to a pump or squeezy bottle!

Will I repurchase? A definite YES.

Details: Revlon New Complexion foundation is available now in 6 shades from leading department stores and pharmacies for $24.95.

You can take a look at my before and after photos (and pics of the other gorgeous bloggers!) on the ninemsn Your Beauty Spot site - I'm blogger number 4!



A bonus shot for you of Lilit, me and Anita after our makeovers!

Photo courtesy of Matthew Di Muro
Have you tried the Revlon New Complexion foundation? What other Revlon foundations would you recommend?

Thanks for looking as always! =)

I was invited to the event as a guest of Revlon. The product featured in this post was sent to me for consideration but this in no way influenced my review in any way. As always, my reviews are my 100% honest opinion. My Disclosure Policy can be viewed here.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Top Speed by Revlon - Lights, Camera, Colour! fashion show for 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty 2011. I was invited along with other bloggers to sit in the front row which was super exciting!! The show was to showcase the gorgeous range of shades in the Top Speed collection that only take 60seconds to dry to go with the season's hottest trend colour blocking.

Now for some shots from the show! Unfortunately these aren't the best shots but I'm sure you'll get the picture ;)


Show stylist Nicole Adolphe with make up artist Elsa Morgan describing the products used for the show and the trends. It's all about colour this season!!







Outfits by Seduce and Dotti, jewellery by Pandora, shoes by Siren and Lipstick, bags by Olga Berg, makeup by REVLON and models from Chic Management.

There are 32 gorgeous shades in the new Revlon Top Speed Quick Dry range and I'll be showing you swatches in the coming days. If you're in Sydney, you can get a super quick Revlon manicure using the new colours in the coming days! The Revlon Top Speed Glam Vans will appear in 4 popular Sydney locations and will be offering free mini manis - as well as giving away full size nail polishes to everyone who ‘checks in’ via Facebook! You can check out the event details here.

The Revlon Glam Vans will be located at:

Customs House Forecourt, Alfred Street - Friday 16 September 4:00- 8:00pm
Bondi Pavilion Forecourt - Sunday 18 September, 12:00- 4:00pm
Cockle Bay Wharf - Friday 23 September, 5:00- 9:00pm
Cockle Bay Wharf - Friday 30 September, 5:00- 9:00pm

Cost is FREE and make sure to turn up early to the Glam Vans and book your appointment. Appointments are approximately 20mins so get in early to avoid disappointment!

Will you be working the colour this season?? I know I'll be trying!! Thanks for looking as always =)

I was very fortunate to attend the launch of the Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless collection last night. As always with Illamasqua, the collection is just stunning! The collection is inspired by 1920s Berlin and the underworld subcultures that filled its nightlife - exotic dancers, actors and performers, nudists and Boot Girls. The tones are dark and sophisticated in a modern interpretation of the era.

Photo courtesy of Illamasqua
What they say:

"Theatre of the Nameless is a heady mixture of opulent hues, decadent pigments and fearless application. A bruised and burnished pallet that gives a sensual slip that bleeds colour into colour, worn through and kissed off" - Alex Box, Illamasqua Creative Director."

The new Theatre of the Nameless collection consists of:

Two new Intense Lipglosses in Facade (grey pink) and Violate (dark green shimmer) as well as two Lipsticks in Verboten (deep claret) and Kontrol (blue violet).


Four new nail polishes inspired by the Wittenberg Platz's Boot Girls colour-coded specialities - Kink (bottle green), Vice (deep cerise), Faux Pas (blue violet) and Taint (stone brown). These have an awesome new waxy "rubber look" finish!


The polishes as modeled on lovely Mandi:


There are two new Cream Pigments in Androgen and Depravity and three new Pure Pigments in Zeitgeist, Beguile and Berber. Also two beautiful Shimmer blushers in Ambition (which I purchased!) and Morale which unfortunately won't be released in Aus is available now!


Lastly, a new Masquara in Raven (midnight black) and Precision Ink in Havoc (aubergine) and two sets of new false eyelashes named Grandeur and Weimar.


Some of the fabulous products used for a look on gorgeous Francis:


I'm not into dark hues all that much so I won't be getting the lip products but I am really loving the cream pigments, shimmer blushers, polishes and pure pigments in this collection!! Such pretty colours and so versatile too as with other Illamasqua products.

The Theatre of the Nameless collection is available from September 8th 2011 for Aussie ladies and available from Myer.

What do you think of the collection? See anything you fancy? Come back tomorrow to see some swatches from the collection!! Hint: A gorgeous blusher and a Kink-y polish ;)

Thanks for looking as always =)

* I attended the launch as a guest of Illamasqua.

Hi ladies! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I am playing catch up blogger again oops! About 2 weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the OPI Touring America collection which was also a sneak peek of the upcoming OPI collections. Boy oh boy was it exciting!!! Prepare to drool at what OPI have in store for us ladies! Need I even mention Muppets??! (Cue squealing..) The release dates for the collections I list will be for Aussie ladies only. For my international readers please contact your friendly OPI stockist for dates ;) WARNING: this post is DROOL PIC HEAVY.

Here we go!

OPI Touring America collection - 12 lacquers inspired by iconic locations across North America such as Hollywood, Memphis, Milwaukee and NYC. The Touring America collection is available now at selected beauty salons, spas and David Jones stores nationally for $19.95.


OPI Lemon Tonic Manicure/Pedicure range and Avojuice Hand & Body Lotion in Hibiscus Blossom. The Lemon Tonic range features three treatment products - Lemon Tonic Scrub & Mask $29.95; Lemon Tonic Massage lotion $23.95 and Lemon Tonic Mask. Each product features the aroma of sparkling lemon and Yuzu and is available now.
Hibiscus Blossom is the newest scent in the Avojuice Hand & Body Lotion range and is a yummy blend of hibiscus blossom and tropical fruit. They will be available for purchase from September 2011 at selected beauty salons and David Jones stores nationally for $19.95.


Miss Universe by OPI collection - a limited edition range featuring four shimmering and sparkling colours fit for a beauty queen! I really want to get my hands on this collection, I am a sucker for beauty pageants lol! These are available now at selected beauty salons and spas only for $19.95.

Hi ladies! How was your weekend? Mine went by FAR too quickly unfortunately. I had to reschedule my plans for Saturday as I needed to rest up but my ankle is feeling so much better now so it was worth the sacrifice x) Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a blogger meet up along with 14 other Sydney beauty bloggers for a spot of High Tea at The Victoria Room in Darlinghurst. I decided to go for some pretty pink nails to fit in with the occasion!


I stuffed up my index finger but you can't really tell in the pics, my mani actually looks better in my pics than it did in real life! What I used for my manicure:


Pinky: 2 coats of China Glaze Something Sweet with full floral image from Konad plate m71 using China Glaze Admire.

Ring finger: 2 coats of OPI Alpine Snow. I then created a rhinestone bow using silver and pink rhinestones.

Middle finger: 2 coats of China Glaze Something Sweet topped with 2 coats of the amazing Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air. The pastel blue base of GITA turned the pink base somewhat lavender-ish which was kinda nice!

Index finger: 2 coats of China Glaze Something Sweet as base. I then stamped lace design from Konad plate m71 using Konad Special Polish in white. I stamped it crooked!! x(

Thumb: 2 coats of China Glaze Something Sweet as a base. I then freehanded a French tip using Eyeko Chi Chi polish and added silver glitter to the smile line using Kiss nail art striper in silver glitter.



I love high tea but I’ve never been to The Victoria Rooms so I was looking forward to trying it out. Unfortunately I didn’t take too many photos because the Victoria Rooms is just SO darned dark which means photos turn out crappy. The lack of light is all part of the ambiance I’m sure but I like to actually see what I’m eating and who I’m talking to! The food was delicious and the company was great though.


We also did a little swap and I picked up a few goodies which was nice!


Big thanks to Sara-May for organising it! Can’t wait for the next meet up =) What did you get up to on the weekend? Also, happy 4th of July to my US readers!!

Thanks for looking as always! =D

On Wednesday I was very lucky to attend the relaunch of the Schwarzkopf Extra Care range and the debut of the Ultimate Repair collection. The concept for the event was to shop the "Schwarzkopf supermarket" and boy was it lots of fun!


They had plenty of baskets and even mini sized trolleys on hand for us to place our products in while we perused the "supermarket"!


Schwarzkopf have introduced the Ultimate Repair range which includes shampoo, conditioner, mask and a repair and gloss treatment. Schwarzkopf are the first to use Liquid Hair Technology with Liquid Keratin and the range contains 3 times the amount of Liquid Keratin in its formula and promises to repair even extreme hair damage. The range will be available in stores at the end of April.


The aisles of the supermarket were lined with hair products from the Extra Care range and tasty canapes, drinks and treats were mixed in for us to snack on while shopping. It was pure hair HEAVEN!!




I went home with so many wonderful products!! My arms ached from carrying them all home x) I now have no excuse whatsoever for not having fabulous hair!


I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend =) Thanks for looking as always and don't forget to enter my Glitter Gal giveaway!