Tag Archives: KMS California

5 ways to combat the “blahs”

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I’ve had a rough week. I’ve had a ghastly flu and been burderned with what my doctor referred to as “nuclear strength antibiotics”. You know those days when you just feel blah? Most mornings I walk out of the house feeling confident and amazing, but some days seem dull and drab before they’ve even begun. Luckily, I’ve developed a system for combatting blah, dull and drab. Here are my top 5 ways to pull yourself out of a blah day.

1. Wash and blow-dry (or straighten or curl) your hair. It will look fresh and shiny and smell amazing. Most of the time I am a dry shampoo addict and boy howdy it’s good stuff, but sometimes you just need supermodel hair. Favourite products: Moroccanoil Treatment Light $27.50 / 25ml, KMS California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray $31.95 / 200ml.


2. Fake bake it. There is nothing quite like a tan to make you feel glamorous, slim and sexy. But as we all know, real ones are terribly bad for us and so (hopefully) you’ve discovered the beauty of a faux glow. I’m a dedicated tanner in summer: I do a full scrub and application once a week, and a top-up application after a few days. In winter I’m lazier about it, but a gorgeous golden glow is sure to perk me up any day. Favourite products: Le Tan Fast Tan Mousse in Deep Bronze $12.99, Vani T Liquid Sunshine $28.95 and for those days where you can’t be bothered doing a full scrub and tan… Le Tan Flawless Legs Body Makeup is a lifesaver $17.99.


3. Be illuminating! An illuminator or highlighter is makeup’s answer to flat, dull and blah. It’s kind of like having your own personal lighting specialist follow you around every. single. second. Sweep a little across the high points of your face (that is: the bridge of your nose, tops of your cheekbones near the temple, on your forehead just above your brows and if you really feel super blah, dot a little in the inner corner of each eye – it makes your eyes look brighter -  and in your cupid’s bow, which is the hollow above your top lip.) Sneaky secret? Mix a liquid illuminator into your foundation for an all-over heavenly glow. Favourite products: Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminator in Angel Mist $14.95 and M.A.C Mineralise Skin Finish in Lightscapade $47.00.

4. Wear a bright(er) lipstick. One thing that’s bound to put you in a good mood and put some colour in your face is a great bright lipstick. I’m pretty obsessed with some of the great corals out there at the moment. The great thing about coral is it’s like pink and orange had a baby together, which means it suits both warm and cool skintones! Coral is the perfect pick-me-up for mid-week. But if you’re after something a little more wow for the weekend, go for a deep fiery red or a boom-smash orange. Favourite products: Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipcolour in Coral Fire $16.95, Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Besotted $39.00 and Shop M.A.C Lipstick in Watch Me Simmer $36.00.

5. Give yourself a statement mani. There’s nothing quite like having fabulous nails. It gives you that extra bit of wow factor, it’s a conversation starter and it’s likely to get you noticed. I always get compliments when I choose a bright or unique nail colour. Plus, there’s something about having hands that look great that’s a real confidence booster. Neon yellow, bright orange, pretty pink with a glitter feature nail (like the one here) or a parade of pastel colours on your fingers (like here). Statement nails are a big blah-buster! Favourite products: Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel in Electric and Pink Lingerie $15.95, OPI Nail Polishes in Pamplona Purple and Jade is the New Black $19.95, Sportsgirl Nail It! in Ginger $7.95, Face of Australia ProNail Enamel in Cool Cotton $6.95 and Barbados Nail Enamel in Another Daquiri Please $4.95.
Do you have a system or a great way to combat the “blahs”? Any parts of your beauty routine that instantly perk you up? Will you be trying any of my tips? Let me know!

Happy Friday!
Love,
Rosie xox

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Note: all images used above are PR shots. Layouts are my own.

MBFWA: Backstage at toi et moi (and How To Hair)

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One of my favourite catwalk looks from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was created by KMS California and the Makeup Store for toi et moi. Two hair looks alternated on the catwalk: soft, carefree, beachy and sexy waves, and a chic, slightly messy high top knot. Makeup was focused on the eyes. I was so excited to see gorgeous black winged liner (after a few shows left out liner altogether).

Makeup Director Maria Gabriel of the Makeup Store explained that the look was inspired by the toi et moi collection. “The black winged eyeliner and white shadow was the key feature of the look. The toi et moi collection really focuses on black and white, so the makeup is a reflection of that.”

Maria and her team managed to capture the essence of francophile beauty with a clean white eye shadow on the lids, white liner on the inner corners of the eyes and gorgeously dark winged liner that both elongated and widened the model’s eyes. “The eye look is sort of Twiggy meets Cleopatra,” she said. Eyes were widened even further with masses of mascara to create gorgeously lush jet black lashes.

Hair Director Stephen Seago and his team from KMS California created two amazingly wearable hair looks for the show. (And I scored details on how to get the look yourself…)

How To Get Look 1: The Top Knot
1. Prep your hair with KMS Free Shape hot flex creme (which if you don’t own, you should. I am addicted to this stuff) and Free Shape quick blow dry lotion before you start blow drying for a beautiful smooth, glossy finish.
2. Using a soft paddle brush, section out two separate pony tails, one on the crown of your head and one just in front.
3. Back comb both pony tails to create texture and apply Hair Play dry wax for hold and definition.
4. Lightly brush each pony tail to create a smooth finish.
5. Join the ponytails together, bnringing them forward towards your face and then in a clockwise motion, begin wrapping your hair around the base to create the bun.
6. Secure the bun with bobby pins and Hair Stay maximum hold hairspray.

How To Get Look 2: Sexy Tousled Waves
1. Prep your hair with KMS California Add Volume volumising spray, being sure to apply it evenly.
2. Apply Add Volume root and body lift spray for extra va-va-voom!
3. Take large vertical sections and apply Free Shape hot flex spray (soooo addicted) to the mid-lengths and ends and then use hot tongs, ensuring you tong away from your face. (Don’t forget to tong both sides of your hair in the same direction, especially at the front.)
4. Continue around to the back of your hair (mix up the direction of tonging as you go for a more natural looking finish.)
5. Lightly brush out the sections, apply Hair Play sea salt spray to finish the beachy curl look and power dry for a sexy tousled finish.

In between model makeovers, I managed to steal Hair Director Stephen Seago (of Roar Hairdressing in Melbourne) away for a quick chat about his favourite products and a few sneaky expert tips. “I love KMS California Hair Play Dry Wax. It does absolutely everything. It’s a super easy to use spray that gives a gorgeous matte finish, great hold and that beautifully ‘undone’ look that so many people crave. Spray it into towel dried hair then blow dry for a gorgeous tousled ‘I’m not even trying’ style with a great second day hair feel (without the ick factor), or even use it in dry hair to add hold and definition. It helps create texture as too!”

As the temperature drops, hair can start to look dry and flat, so I just had to ask… what’s a girl to do in winter to keep her hair looking great?

“Every six weeks, get your hair trimmed!” he said emphatically. (And yes, that means YOU too long haired people.) “You need to keep it moisturised so make sure you get regular treatments from your hair stylist as well.” For balayaged babes like me? “KMS Colour Vitality Blonde Treatment is perfect for brightening balayaged ends and all shades of blonde, while all hair colours and types can benefit from a KMS Colour Vitality Shine & Shield treatment to lock in moisture and shine. Don’t over-dry your hair, you can still blow dry, but don’t let it over-heat and don’t stretch out the length with a brush too much while you’re drying. Let it dry naturally every once in a while too. Keep it super hydrated with Silk Sheen leave in conditioner.”

Have a great weekend!
Love,
Rosie x

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MBFWA: The Final Countdown

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All across Australia tickets are being delivered, planes boarded, backstage passes distributed and face charts finalised. The air of excitement, the smell of hairspray, the sheer strain of choosing an outfit and the overwhelming anticipation at seeing the first runway is permeating the atmosphere.

I’m lucky enough to be going backstage at Aurelio Costarella and ELLERY, to witness the incredible talents of the Goldwell and KMS California teams respectively.

Above: Facebook fans of Aurelio Costarella were treated to a sneaky photo and post from the designer yesterday, saying “Excited to be unveiling the Aurelio Costarella Spring Summer 12|13 collection at MBFWA next Monday…” I am positively swooning in anticipation!

Above: the Goldwell team hard at work at the Madison Bridal Event 21 March 2012, led by hair director Doreen Gatt.

This year, Goldwell is partnering with a selection of Australia’s most iconic fashion designers including Zimmermann, Camilla, Aurelio Costarella, along with emerging designers (and Project Runway Australia Season 3 contestants) Dylan Cooper and by johnny. “As a leading salon only professional hair care brand, Goldwell is proud to support Australia’s fashion designers with strong teams of talented and creative stylists to bring their show to life.”

I was lucky enough to work with the incredibly talented Sharon Blain (who’ll be backstage as Hair Director for Camilla and Zimmermann) on my magazine Modern Hair+Beauty. Her creativity and breathtaking artistry are truly something to behold. And every Goldwell Hair Director is just as amazing to watch.

Above: The KMS California team are busy prepping for Fashion Week.

The KMS California teams will be working on ELLERY, Gary Bigeni, toi et moi, Marnie Skillings, Saxony and Rebecca Vallance. ”Reinforcing the KMS California focus on individuality, freedom of style, self expression and the right to create without limits, KMS California have selected these designers to support at this year’s premier fashion event as they feel the brands encapsulate the creativity and style that is KMS California.”

I love the feeling of being backstage, amongst all the buzz and excitement, watching the best of the best work at creating looks most of us could scarcely imagine. And it’s no exaggeration to say I’m excited.

Which show are you most excited about? What hair and makeup looks would you like to see on the runways?

Images from top: Rosemary Slade, Aurelio Costarella, Goldwell, Rosemary Slade, KMS California courtesy of Culture magazine. Read the full Culture article here.

Rose xox

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A Glossy Box of Goodies

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Imagine if you got a goodie bag once a month. Guaranteed. And delivered to your doorstep. That’s how I see beauty boxes. As a swoon-worthy, beautifully wrapped box of goodies! There’s some debate in beauty blogging circles as to their usefulness and value. But I personally love them! And if you’re not a beauty blogger and you don’t work for one of the big glossy magazines (and are therefore not accustomed to goodie bags on a regular basis), I honestly think you’ll love them too. So when the gorgeous ladies at Glossybox asked if I’d like to try their March box, I jumped at the chance.

I adore mail. Even more, I adore pretty mail! And you can’t get much prettier than Glossybox. Not only is it pretty, it’s really big! I actually let out a squeal of delight when the somber postal worker handed me my mail on the weekend. The ‘unboxing’ is a task to be relished. Savour the box, the ribbon and the perfectly packaged tissue paper.

This box is destined for my gift-wrapping cupboard, to be bestowed upon someone special with a lovely surprise inside.

The box comes with a handy little guide, offering additional information on the products enclosed.

And you’ll also find extra information (and even the occasional special offer) from some of the beauty brands involved. Who doesn’t love a discount?

First impression? Wowzers! It’s absolutely packed! And all the products are good sizes too! I know bigger doesn’t necessarily equal better, but it feels like there’s a lot in here. My first product sample was a full-sized (100g) Dencorub Extra Strength Heat Gel.

Not necessarily technically a beauty product, but in my house this went straight into regular rotation. I’m an exercise junkie. I cycle and lift weights at least three times a week and I’ve been using Tiger Balm to sooth my tired biceps and deadline induced neck pain. This is SO much better. It works faster and it smells much nicer too. Mmmm menthol-y!

Next up, a 150g Proactiv Cleansing Bar. I’m pretty picky about what products go near my face, but I decided to give this a try anyway. Salicylic Acid is a key ingredient and it’s great for clearing blocked pores and gently exfoliating. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t dry my skin too much and left my face feeling refreshed and clean, without that ghastly tight feeling.

On my schedule, I practically worship dry shampoo. This one is an extra-gentle spray, which is handy for super quick application. Spray, brush and go. It actually left my hair quite glossy and deliciously voluminous. Dry shampoo is also super-handy for dirtying up freshly washed hair and adding a big of va-va-voom. This will definitely get used quickly.

KMS California is one of my favourite brands for hair products. Free Shape is a heat protector spray and heat styling aid. (Brownie points for doing double duty.) This little baby is ah-may-zing! My straightener just glided through my hair, which has never looked so glossy, felt so soft or looked so smooth and shiny after an at-home straightening. This gem is now sitting proudly among my regular hair care products (some of which have been benched thanks to its awesomeness.) I will be buying myself a full sized version ASAP.

I go through toner like nobody’s business. This one is formulated for dry and very dry sensitive skin, whereas my skin type is more combination to oily. But it’s refreshing, it smells wonderfully clean and slightly fruity and it does a great job of removing the last remnants of my long-lasting foundation and freshening up my skin in preparation for moisturiser.

Lovely and light, my skin just soaks this up. It smells fresh and creamy and doesn’t leave an oily residue. Definitely an ideal day cream or light body moisturiser. It’s currently being carried around in my handbag because this cold weather is drying my skin like crazy and I hate the feeling of having to wash my hands after applying moisturiser. It’s a keeper.

Last up is a cute pink ‘power balancing’ bracelet that supposedly helps to support strength and flexibility. Hmmm. I don’t know about that. But I’m willing to give it a try! Besides which, it’s pink, it looks super-cute on my arm and it goes well with my current arm party fetish. Any additional strength, balancing, energy or radioactive super-powers are just a bonus! (Call me an optimist, but hey, if it gives me a little boost or makes me think that I’ll have a bit of extra energy for the day, then where’s the downside?)

Ultimately, I’m impressed. Glossybox is certainly worth a try. It’s pretty, big and jam-packed. If you feel like getting a guaranteed goodie bag delivered to your doorstep once a month, I say go right ahead!

Each box can be tailored to suit your unique beauty personality, just update your beauty profile, choose the types of products you’d like to receive and they’ll send you a different selection based on your needs.

Glossybox is available for just $14.95 a month (with free delivery) from www.glossybox.com.au, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Have you tried a beauty box? What did you think? What’s the BEST beauty box product you’ve ever received?

Rose xox

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p.s. Per my disclosure policy, the March Glossybox was sent to me for editorial review. The fact that I didn’t pay for it with my own cash has not affected my opinion.