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Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Braids for Spring Racing Carnival...a hair how to.




This fun hair style is a great idea for Spring Racing Carnival, especially if it's a windy day. Pantene were kind enough to share their step by step with me. You can see my DIY version and everything I used to create the look at the end of this post.
This look was inspired by the SS14 Moschino show, which marked the 30th Anniversary of the Fashion House and created by Sam McKnight, Global Pantene Stylist Ambassador.
Two hair looks were created for this special show – good girl vs evil girl. The ‘good girl’ hair look was inspired by innocence and youth and comprised of a braid on either side of the head that met in the middle above the nape of the neck and was twisted into a delicate bun.  This ethereal and angelic look juxtaposed the sharp side parting and slick finish of that of the ‘evil girl’.


Get the Good Hair look:

  • Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair using Pantene Ice Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Apply Pantene Styling Treatment Foam Soft Curls through the hair from root to tip and brush through
  • Blow-dry with a round brush if you have curly hair and rough dry if your hair is straight
  • Apply Pantene Intensive Damage Repair Oil to the ends of the hair for a smooth and healthy finish
  • Create a centre parting all the way down the head (I did a zig zag parting) and section off into two pony tails either side of the head
  • Braid the hair at each side of the head from front to back along the sides of the head and join the braids together just above the nape of the neck
  • Tie with elastic and then fold the tail of the braid back up on itself, forming a bun
  • Tease the braids for an imperfect texture and spray with Pantene Stay Smooth Hairspray to keep everything in place




Time for a colour touch up too!







Stay tuned for some more 35+ beauty and make-up posts for Spring.

x Marnie






Disclosure: These products were provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author.

Beauty Favourites August

Well August is drawing to an end this week and Spring is almost here!! I'm looking forward to some sunshine and warmth as Melbourne certainly did it's best to freeze me from top to toe this year.
In Winter, I find my already dry skin cops a beating from the cold and artificial heating and too many hot showers.
Below are a few of my favourite products that I've been using this month.


This is Pantene's NEW Ice Shine, Pantene’s new silicone, dye and paraben-free collection that protects against damage to give you a healthy, natural looking shine with zero weight and zero residue....that's the claim and now that I've been using it for a while, I can tell you that it is fantastic. I don't feel that build up in my hair like I do with a lot of products on the market. My hair seems to hold the style longer since I've been using this too.

 I've been slathering the Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturising Lotion on after a shower. The lightly scented lotion absorbs really well, so I can dress quickly...there's nothing worse that waiting for a body lotion to absorb while you freeze your bits off or dressing while it's still wet and your clothes feel gross on you. I regularly skip body lotion for this reason and wonder why my skin feels so dry. Happy to have found this little gem.
 I was asked by Aveeno if I'd like to try this facial moisturiser, BUT I already had it and have been a fan for many months. 

I like how I get an SPF in this moisturiser but it doesn't smell or feel like I'm wearing a sunscreen. There are natural "light diffusers" to give you a slight glow...and yes it DOES! I normally would think this was a bit of advertising fluff, but it does give your skin a lovely radiance. 

I took this great for travel bottle with me on a recent road trip and used it every day and bonus...no leaking!

Ahh, Jurlique...you know I love you so. 

These 4 products are my dry skin lifesavers. You have probably heard me go on about the Skin Balancing Face Oil in the past and on my Instagram or Twitter. The Herbal Recovery Gel has been a star on my skincare regime this season and is a must under the oil after too many late nights.

If you have dry skin, do yourself a favour and try this out! I wear it under makeup too.


My tweezers are always going walkabout, so I purchased some girly looking ones from my local hairdressing supplier. Very cute and hidden in a secret place......


How many times have you been in the shower with a treatment in your hair....your standing there, reading the instructions on the bottle where it says "gently comb through hair"? Doh! So then you have to get out of the shower, drip everywhere, freeze your bits off (again) to rummage through looking for a comb.....well not anymore!  I picked up this cute comb from Priceline for around $3 and it easily hangs on the shower tap. And it's PINK!! 



So there you have my little list of faves for this month. 


I'll be back tomorrow with some 20 minute meal ideas and maybe a giveaway. 

See you then xx

Marnie

Disclosure: These products (Jurlique and Pantene) were provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author.

Beauty Review: Neutrogena Deep Clean


A deep cleanse is a great way to rid your skin of impurities and start the day fresh-faced. Grease and grime can build up during the day meaning your pores will clog, breakouts and blackheads can develop . 

In fact, oily T-zones and shiny, greasy skin are rated as the third and fourth most common complaints shared by all women aged 18 – 44. My skin is not in this category (I'm very much in the dry/dehydrated group), but I still tested this range out....just so I can tell you all about them.....aren't I just the nicest lil' blogger you ever did meet? Please, no need to thank me...just send cash ;)

If you feel like your skin is all "clogged up" or you tend to get quite oily, then this range could be what you've been looking for.



Like yoga for clogged and oily skin....ahh feel the cleanse.......omm
embrace the freshness........... ommm



The Neutrogena® Deep Clean® range features a formula that gets right inside pores for a true deep cleanse to eliminate oil, dirt and make-up immediately. There’s no residue so your skin stays fresh for longer. When combined with the right moisturiser or primer, your make-up (if you wear it) should last all day with little or no touchups. 



Even with my dry skin, after trying these products, I didn't feel that usual, uncomfortable tightness that comes after using cleansers for normal to oily skin. (By the way, I do have a review coming up for drier and "mature" skin types, so stay tuned for that).



What Neutrogena says:
Neutrogena Deep Clean - Cream Cleanser: The creamy formula dissolves dirt, oil and make-up deep in pores without leaving any residue. Your complexion looks fresh and healthy; feels smooth and soft from a deeper, more thorough cleansing. It also provides a keratolytic effect, removing dead surface skin cells that can dry, roughen and dull the complexion. rrp $13.99

My thoughts:
This is the best version from the range for my dry skin...a cream will always be better for me and I can still use it in the shower to rinse off.  I use this when I've been very, very bad and haven't removed my makeup properly. It has a slight menthol fragrance and left my skin feeling lovely and fresh. My make-up really did go on smoother. Not something I could use everyday for my skin, but perfect for oily types.


What Neutrogena says:
Neutrogena Deep Clean - Foaming Cleanser:This refreshing daily cleanser works in two ways to give the freshest feeling clean, that lasts. Firstly, the rich, creamy foam penetrates deeply to remove oil, dirt and impurities that build up on the skin. The foam also contains extra glycerin to preserve the skin’s natural moisture, leaving the skin feeling refreshed, soft and smooth. Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser also contains an oil-control formula to ensure you’re fresh-faced all day. rrp $13.99

My thoughts:
Nice, light fragrance and a very thick consistency (which makes it perfect for travel as it wouldn't leak everywhere). Pop a little of this into the palm of your hand and add a few drops of water to create a foamy lather, then massage onto a dampened face. I used this to shave my legs as well ...it left them feeling very soft and smooth. I love it when I can get different uses from one product. 10/10 for my travel bag for sure....now where to go...hmmmm...???


What Neutrogena says:
Neutrogena Deep Clean - Gentle Scrub:With a formula containing Beta Hydroxy and gentle microbeads, Neutrogena® Deep Clean gentle Scrub cleans above and deep below the skin’s surface. It exfoliates and dissolves away the dirt and impurities trapped deep inside pores. Now your skin can breathe again, so that it will always look super fresh and alive. rrp $12.99

My thoughts:
Fresh and fruity comes to mind when I use this gentle scrub. It's got enough "scrubby things" to get the job done, but is still nice and creamy and latherly (not a real word) at the same time.
I like to use a scrub before a treatment product, like a masque or serum, I feel the treatment works more efficiently for my skin. If you have oiler skin you could use this nearly every day if you felt the need...just never, ever use a scrub near the delicate eye area. K?


What Neutrogena says:
Neutrogena Deep Clean - Facial Cleanser: This effective face wash contains salicylic acid which penetrates deep into pores, dissolving, dirt, oil and make-up. It also removes dead surface skin cells that can dry, roughen and dull your complexion. rrp $13.99

My thoughts:
I adore the packaging of this cleanser...something about the amber in the clear bottle that gets me in a little cosmetic trance....go on, just stare it it's prettiness for a minute.....
OK, so you want it to perform too? geesh you lot are so picky!...Well it's your lucky day, cos this little gem has good looks and smartitude (another, non real word). The pump is handy for the shower and this liquid gold foams into a beautiful, creamy lather that rinses off for freshness and a deep clean. Normal to oily skins will benefit from this show-off.

My overall thoughts on this range: Tops for oiler skins that need to feel fresh and unclogged or for other skin types who need a little boost now and then. Great value for money methinks, averaging  around $13 for a big, generous bottles or tube, it's kind hard to go wrong.

If you've tried this range, what was your favourite? Are you thrown into a cosmetic trance like I am?

Let me know. xx



Disclosure: These products were provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles and Marnie have no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author.

So you wanna be a Make-Up Artist.... part 2

It's been a while since I started my online make-up course with RPM Online Make-Up Academy. Most people complete their courses fairly quickly.....but, the beauty of this course is that you can take your time and let it fit in with your life and your schedule. Luckily...because I'm still part way through (Mum with 3 pickles don't forget)....I don't know any other course that would let me do this...my way. 

I'm LOVING the classes & it's giving me the chance to refresh my skills and learn some new techniques. I've been nabbing some lovely friends to model for me so I can complete the course and I'm dying to sink my teeth into the special effects lessons!

I thought I'd share some of the looks with you today that I've been creating from the course.


My beautiful friend Natasha modelling a photographic make-up look.


I've had a fair few readers contact me about the course with RPM since I did my first post (you can read about that here) and  I'm very excited to know that some of you have signed up (and probably a lot further along that I am!!!) Please update me with how you're going!

Andrea model the Vegas Smokey Eye for me.


I'm about to do the bridal make-up section...I've been looking forward to that for a while. I'll update again soon.

If you want to check out the RPM courses you can go directly to their site (here)

Let me know what you think and I'll see you soon.

Till next time.




A Beautiful Giveaway!!

If you know me, or if you've ever seen any of my "social networking" sites, then you'd already know how much I LOVE Helen Dowsley, Ethically Sourced Lashes. For those of you who didn't know, then let me introduce you...................Helen Dowsley Lashes

You may recognise these lashes...they appear regularly on The Voice (Australia), X Factor (Australia), Farmer Wants a Wife, Home & Away, Sunrise, Today Show, Logies (Australia), ARIAS (Australia) and on countless shoots for models and celebrities.

 For years I haven't been a huge fan of false lashes, and that's not because I never liked the look, but I found it hard to get consistent, good quality lashes for all my makeup needs. I have tons of cheap and nasty lashes, but they look...well, cheap and nasty and are a pain in the behind to apply. But these lashes, created by Helen (who clients include Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, Lilly Allen & Lady Sarah Ferguson...to name a few) apply like a dream and look so beautiful on everyone I've applied them to. My favourites are the "In Love" lashes that I use by the carton!!! They don't lift, they sit where I want them to sit and the range of styles to choose from is vast...a little bird told me there are some new lashes coming to the designer range in the not too distant future. Watch this space for updates!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This is the Make-Up Artist's bulk box of "In Love" lashes (my faves)

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I prefer to apply my lashes with Duo Adhesive in Black

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"In Love" lashes, close up...so delicate....perfect

 Here's your chance to WIN some of these beauties........... First of all...the prizes. Helen Dowsley Ethically Sourced Lashes are kindly supplying the giveaway.

 !st prize: 1 single set of each of the 10 designer styles from the Helen Dowsley Ethically Sourced Lashes range (or equivalent)

 2nd, 3rd & 4th prizes: 1 single set of the "In Love" lashes (my personal favourite).

 To enter the giveaway: Seeing that Helen ships Internationally, then this giveaway is open to followers of this blog or subscribers of my YouTube Channel, Internationally!!

 Tell me in 25 words or less - which lashes from Helen Dowsley Ethically Sourced Lashes designer range is your favourite and why? You can see all of the lashes on the website (click here) You can comment here on either of my blogs , or in the comments section on my YouTube Channel.

 simple eh?

 Giveaway entries start  April 22nd, 2013 and close at midnight (Melbourne, Australia time) on Monday, 6th May 2013. Winners will be announced hon both blogs and on my YouTube Channel on Tuesday, 7th May 2013.

  If you go to the Helen Dowsley Lashes store, she is offering 10% off all of her lashes while the giveaway is running. Just use the code lash10.

 While you're at it, you might want to "like" the Helen Dowsley Lashes Facebook page to stay updated on specials and new releases etc.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED, THANKS TO ALL THAT ENTERED.

Good Luck x Marnie

Beauty review: MitoQ Facial Cream

 One of my favourite things to talk about on this blog is beauty, especially when I get to play with new skin, hair and make-up products. I'm always on the lookout for something new that will work for me or my clients (when I'm playing make-up artist). I have a zillion products in drawers and boxes that make an appearance on the bathroom vanity from time to time, but the one I want to tell you about today has taken up a permanant residence. It's called MitoQ.



Here's what the company say's about their product:

MitoQ is an anti-ageing facial skincare cream. The skin renewal accelerant works at the cellular level using patented and revolutionary CoQ delivery science. MitoQ restores and enhances the skin’s natural antioxidant defence system and is scientifically proven to deliver CoQ to cellular mitochondria at 1000 times the concentration of the other CoQ formulations. MitoQ has a rejuvenative effect on skin cells which leads to younger looking skin with youthful levels of collagen and elastin within 30 days. MitoQ has been formulated in a zero irritant, hypoallergenic base that’s suitable for all skin types. The ingredient heals and prevents fine lines and wrinkles, scars, brown spots and skin discolouration as well as reducing the thinning of skin that occurs with age. With daily use skin will become firmer as increased collagen will reformat and strengthen the skin’s structure.

Here's what I say about MitoQ:

When I opened the package (important to me), it looked beautiful, elegant even, which made me want to use it straight away. It was the middle of the day and I had makeup on, but I couldn't wait to try it, so I removed the make-up and started all over, this time using MitoQ as my moisturiser. It was a pale yellow colour and odourless (great for sensitive skins). i'm told that most allergic reactions are from the perfumes in skincare products. 
It smoothed onto my skin easily, absorbed really quickly and left no residue. 
I gave myself a month of using the product, morning and night. I found after a few days that I needed to use the MitoQ in conjunction with a moisturiser (I have very dehydrated skin at the moment), so I used it as a treatment. If you have a normal to oily skin, you could give the moisturiser a miss. I still wore eye cream, but took the MitoQ right up under my eyes.
I'm really happy with this product as I can see an overall difference in my skin's tone and overall texture and colour. It certainly feels smoother and even some of the darker age spots on my temple have faded a little. I think (and hope) long-term use will see more improvement.

I also like the fact that the company offers a 30 day, money  back guarantee .

I'll definitely be using to the end and maybe even save my pennies for a new bottle.  

You can get MitoQ online at http://www.mitoq.com/

MitoQ retails for $USD185 and at the moment they are offering FREE shipping worldwide.

Disclosure: This product was provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. As always, all opinions are those of the author.






Priceline I Feel Beautiful is on the road and so am I!!


 I'm very excited that this week I'll be onboard "Pinky" as one of Priceline's Make-Up Artists for the I Feel Beautiful promotion at the Melbourne locations.

Come along and have a makeover, get your hair or nails done...it's free and there are also lots of goodie bags to give away (Get in quick as there is a limited number of bags).







I probably won't have a lot of time to blog this week, but I'll try to Instagram and Tweet as much as possible about the event and all the beautiful products that Priceline have to offer.

If you don't "follow" me already...here are the links to my Instagram and Twitter accounts. I spend far to much time on there, so I need you to enable this behaviour ...that will make it OK...right?

Click here to see if there is a Priceline I Feel Beautiful event near you

Have a great week and if you see me there, please drop by and say hi!


BEAUTY NEWS: Kérastase Paris pops up at Adorebeauty.com.au


Just popping in today to share some exciting beauty news! 
If you love luxury hair care, then you'll want to know all about this....this is a FIRST!!! And you heard it right here :)

Luxury hair care brand Kérastase Paris is about be offered to Australian online shoppers for the first time. Kérastase’s new collection for long hair, Cristalliste, will be available online exclusively for a limited time only, via a “pop up shop” at www.adorebeauty.com.au from today, Friday March 1st.

“We’re very excited to partner with Kérastase Paris for the launch of Cristalliste,” said Adorebeauty.com.au founder Kate Morris. “It’s such a luxurious range and the products are amazing for long hair – you get that amazing luminous shine without weighing your hair down.”

The Cristalliste Collection:

  • Cristalliste Bain Cristal Fins - Luminous Perfecting Shampoo - Fine Hair - $38 
  • Cristalliste Bain Cristal Epais - Luminous Perfecting Shampoo - Thick Hair - $38 
  • Cristalliste Lait Cristal - Luminous Perfecting Conditioner - $44.50 
  • Cristalliste Lumiére Liquide - Luminous Perfecting Essence - $44


Kérastase Paris joins Adorebeauty.com.au’s extensive range of leading prestige brands, including Lancôme, Clarins, philosophy, SK-II, Biotherm, Benefit, Aesop, Laura Mercier, BECCA, Napoleon Perdis, L’Occitane and Jurlique.

drool......

Adorebeauty.com.au is Australia’s leading online beauty retailer, and the official online stockist of over 120 brands and 4000 prestige, niche and salon skincare, makeup and haircare products.

Now lets go shopping........................

Have a great weekend xx


Get Glowing Skin for Valentines Day



It's Valentines Day....you've got that big date, right?
Lucky you. I'll probably be cooking dinner, getting kids ready for school the next day...oh and painting pickle #3's bedroom.
Yes, very romantic. I have reminded Mr3P what happens on Feb 14th....I'll keep you posted. BTW...he likes to tell me that being married to him is like Valentines Day everyday. um, errr....sure Mr3P...keep telling yourself that.

ANYWAY.....

For those of you who HAVE a date for the big V and want to get your skin a glowing, I've put together a little regime using Biore skincare. I just gave myself a little facial with these products and my skin is feeling very fresh. I love using the toner on clients before I do their make-up. I find it really freshens and firms the skin in preparation for primers and make-up.

Of course, this regime doesn't have to be just for a special occasion (isn't everyday special??)...it's a great habit to get into and these steps only take a minute to do, so don't give me the "I don't have time" excuse. If you adopt a good, simple routine, I think you'll find a vast improvement in your skin in a matter of weeks.


Step One:



Step Two:

 Step Three:

Step Four:


Now that your skin is glowing, you don't need a tonne of make-up to cover that beautiful glow. Just apply some concealer where you need it the most, curl those lashes and give them at least 2 coats of mascara. Velvet red, matte lips are very in at the moment as soooooo Valentiney.

Revlon Matte Lipstick

  • Price: $21.95

Revlon Matte Lipstick provides a smooth finish with matte colour which glides across lips without drying, caking or flaking. Can be used either alone or with other shades for desired look. Available in 2 shades:  Nude Attitude and Really Red.



Now, what to wear????


You can get the Biore skincare range from Priceline, Woolworths, Coles, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Big W & selected Independent Grocers and Pharmacies national 

Have a great V Day...enjoy your date. And while your sipping champagne with that someone special, remember me.
I'll be painting a kids bedroom...
but my skin will be fabulous!!!

xx
Disclosure: These Biore skincare products were provided for editorial consideration in the past and i continue to use them.   3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has receives no remuneration for posting reviews. All of my opinions are honest and are only influenced by the awesomeness of a product or service. 
3pickles receive lots of products to review, but only the things that we (Marnie & the pickles) love end up here on the blog.


December Beauty Favourites & NEW YouTube Channel

Well, I finally started a new channel, dedicated to all things "beauty".
For years I have worked on many faces from family & friends to bridal clients, models and even the odd celebrity or two. 
You know the one thing most of these women had in common?
They wanted to be able to create beautiful make-overs for themselves, at home, just like a make-up artist would. Not much different from wanting to get that "just out of the hairdressers" look that is so lusted after.
Many times, I've been creating a look on someone, while their friends/family (or mine) look on, ask questions and take notes. I've even had people call me while they were out shopping to double check on a particular product name or shade.....lol, I've joked that I should start a make-up counselling hotline number.
So, instead, I've started the YouTube Channel...especially for those people...and anyone else who loves make-up, nails, hair & beauty, just like I do!!
A lot of the make-overs will be done on myself, family & friends (mainly Mums, just like me) so if you're in the 35+ group, you may find the little tid bits and tutorials useful, or at the very least a bit entertaining (even if it's just to have a chuckle at me...just be nice OK...I don't put up with trolls here or anywhere).

So here's my first video and post, which I hope will be a regular monthly thing. "Favourites". The swatches, details and any relevant links will be here on the blog.
So, please subscribe and give my video a thumbs up if you like it.
I'd love to hear any requests for tutorials....let me know OK?

(the video is at the very end of this post)

DECEMBER FAVOURITES

Jurlique Rose Body Oil

Jurlique replenishing Foaming Cleanser

Clairol Nice'n Easy, home hair colour.
My colour is 101 Natural Baby Blonde
The conditioning gloss is amazzzzing!!
The pictures below were taken on my phone just after I did the colour (I need a trim...badly), the second pic was taken near a window and the sun was setting, so it does look a little golder.
Soooo happy with this colour AND I did it myself!!




John Frieda Sheer Blonde shampoo

Coles Zinc stick

La Mav Bio-A7 Firming Eye Lotion
from The Mineral Miracle online store

Face of Australia blush in Outback Primrose


Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation


Australis lip pencil in Tickled Pink (I just checked and it's NOT discontinued...yeah!!!)

Blush, Eyeliner, Lipliner
and my hands are extremely dry...eeew)

NYX Nude on Nude Palette (link for US)

Link to Crush Cosmetics (Australia)


Miss Dior Cherie

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think...I'd appreciate your feedback.