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...................

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!



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


I prefer to apply my lashes with Duo Adhesive in Black


"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

The Best Organic Beauty Products (and where to get them)

I love using organic beauty products, don't you? 

I've been trialling some lately....here's my pick.

You can get all of these and more (just in time for Christmas) from organicglow.com.au

The added bonus......you can shop from home in your PJ's with a glass of wine (organic wine of course!)

Organic Beauty - get your glow on

with Apteka, Baby Bear Shop, Couleur Caramel

Cheers!

Disclosure: This product was provided for editorial consideration.   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. No bullshitting on this blog.

3pickles receive lots of products to review, but only the things that we (Marnie & the pickles) love end up here on the blog.

So you wanna be a Make-Up Artist?

Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be a Make-Up Artist. 

My Mum and Aunt both worked in the beauty industry and it was always around me. 

My "play" make-up was their off casts of Dior, Chanel & Estee Lauder...yes, I was a lucky little kid. So it wasn't a surprise to anyone that I would end up in the beauty industry myself. I'm like a pig in mud with all that pretty stuff....and the gory stuff too (even though, since having children, I've found I have less interest in the gore) I'll leave that to some of my awesome students (you can read about Mark and his Emmy honour here)

One of the first looks you'll learn by Rain Andreani.

Anyway, as many of you who have read my blog, or have been one of victims clients, you'd know, I've been doing make-up for something like 23 years.  Crikey, that makes me sound old!!!

But, you can teach an old dog new tricks!!

I'm a firm believer in ongoing training. It's important to not get "up yourself" and think you know everything. I love youtube and blogs about beauty and make-up for that very reason, but I needed more than that, from a pro AND I just can't spare the time to go to courses (not the times that suit me anyway). Having 3 kids, plus husband, plus house reno etc leaves very little time for me to update and learn new skills.

Thank you, thank you great architect of the universe for the internet and RPM Online Make-Up Academy.

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? (PS: Don't tell anyone about the cake...it'll between you and me ;)

RPM Makeup Academy is an online academy that you actually get a real certificate of graduation at the end. There are no memberships, no dvd's, no selling makeup kits! A real makeup university. It's the wave of the future!

 Taught by international celebrity makeup artist Rain Andreani with over 40 celebrities under her brushes (including Britney Spears, Kirsten Dunst, Mandy Moore & Paris Hilton).

Rain will personally teach you and train you how to become the best makeup artist in the industry, sharing all her secrets and know how's in the industry.

I started the FX plus Artistry course last week, and I am so impressed with the quality and delivery of the course. My first assignment is due (& as soon as my lovely friend gets her butt beautiful face over here for me, I'll share the pics). 

I'll be updating my progress on the blog as I go through the course too.

The courses deliver state of the art online makeup training with Multi-Media Presentation Lesson/Module with Streaming Video with HDLearn Technology. It's so easy to follow.

can't wait to do this!!!!

The wedding industry is BOOMING (as long as people are getting married, there will be the need for bridal make-up artists). Such a great career for those with little ones. 

So for those many Mums who asked me about where to learn to become a make-up artist here's your answer.

There are lots of different courses to choose from, so if you want to become a professional make-up artist or just want to learn how to do your make-up like a professional, check out RPM.

I've embeded a video about the academy to your viewing pleasure.........


This blog is evolving more and more towards make-up and beauty (you know how much I love it), so if you want to see more reviews and how to's...they're coming right up. 

Stay beautiful........

Disclosure: This product was provided for editorial consideration.   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. No BS on this blog.
3pickles receive lots of products to review, but only the things that we (Marnie & the pickles) love end up here on the blog.

Make-Up & Feathers

I wanted to share some photos and show you the make-up I used from this recent shoot. 

All of the make-up was from one of my favourite Aussie brands Face of Australia Cosmetics. I've talked about them many times before and I use them in my kit and on myself a lot.

Besides the quality of these products (cos I won't use crap either in my kit or on myself) I LOVE the price. It just goes to show that make-up doesn't have to cost the earth to be good. Don't quote me on this but I think there is nothing in the range over $15....or near enough. You have to love that AND you can pick them up from Priceline, Kmart, Big W etc. Oh and BTW, I didn't get paid a skerrick for this post. I just wan't to share the love....isn't that what blogging is about?

Thank you to my beautiful model Chelsea.

I'm thinking of getting a Youtube channel happening for beauty & make-up posts to embed here on the blog. I'd really like to do some makeup tutorials on myself suitable for ladies closer to my age group. If that would be something of interest to you, please let me know and I'll give it a go. I've been getting a lot of emails about the smokey eye and I have a simple how-to for this...using drug store makeup. Simple & easy....just like me....lol

kidding......

I have edited this picture to give a reddish overlay, so the colours don't look as accurate as in the other pics.

In all of the photos of Chelsea I used :

• Face Base Primer
• Anti Ageing Stick Foundation in Tan (not that Chelsea needs an anti aging product, but because it gives a great coverage and doubles as a concealer)
• Translucent Loose Powder
• Eye primer shimmer
• Illuminating Pearls on the tops of the cheekbones
• Impact Curl Mascara
• Mechanical liner in brown (on the brows)

For this first look I also used:

• Mineral Therapy Blush in Berry Pink
• Colour Max Eyeshadow Palette in Northern Lights
• Lip Quench Lipstick in Malibu Barbie
• Liquid eyeliner in black

In this second look I also used:

• Blusher in Outback Terra
• Colour Max Eyeshadow Palette in Gold Mine (which I have now misplaced, that's why I didn't take a photo)
• Massage Therapy Lipshine in Noosa

These gorgeous feather earrings and the purple feather clip in hair extension at the top are from Feather Girlz, you can get them online (here) They hand make beautiful accessories that would make great gifts and they'll ship to Australia from their base in Canada. Check em out.

Runway Express Experience- Make-Up Tutorial

I've been a big fan of the Napoleon Perdis range since it launched, so I'm really excited to introduce you to Abbey Dalgleish, Make-Up Artist & founder of Runway Express Experience. Abbey had kindly created a guest post today with a great make-up tutorial for you to try...... 

Single or married, youthful or sophisticated, women want ways in which to enjoy each other's company. It's simple. All you need is an afternoon, a professional Runway Express make-up artist and a great group of girlfriends and you're on your way! Learn how to apply gorgeous makeup with lots of helpful advice!All this while enjoying drinks and a few giggles in a great party atmosphere.Great Packages available on all our Napoleon Perdis and NP Set ranges!

Things you can learn -
5 products and 3 steps for this AMAZING look!

Step One:
o Prep skin with NP Set Pre-Foundation Pore Perfecting Primer, - The essential building block for every makeup look. Not to prime is a crime! This will create a smooth base for your makeup so it will look flawless and increase longevity.

o Apply your first coat of Mascara using NP Set Mascara + Concealer Duo Pen. This will open the eyes and create a glamorous look.

o Apply the concealer from the NP Set It Takes Two Concealer and Foundation Pot under the eye area, on top of the eyelids and on any redness on the skin, which is usually around the nose, or where needed. Press with a warm finger to blend into skin. Using the Concealer from the NP Set Mascara + Concealer Duo Pen - Highlight the top of the cheek bones.

Step two:
o Press mid colour from NP Set Eye Palette (New Orleans) into the inner corners and blend over the mobile lid.
o Define the socket with the darkest colour from the NP Set Eye Palette (New Orleans) - upwards and outwards for a seamless finish. This will open the eye and create a hint of drama.
o Press the lightest colour from NP Set Eye Palette (New Orleans) into the very inner corners and the brow bone to highlight.

o Apply NP Set It Takes Two Concealer and Foundation Pot to the face concentrating on your feature focus area, using minimal foundation on the forehead and edges of the face. 

About Abbey

Gold Coast entrepreneur and make-up artist Abbey Dalgleish had a dream to give women the choice of colour and freedom to rediscover their innate beauty through makeup experimentation and with the help of leading cosmetics brand Napoleon Perdis she is doing just that.

Launching her company ‘Runway Express Experience’ Abbey is the only business in Australia that takes the Napoleon Perdis brand into the homes of Australian women; and teaches them make-up tricks and allows them to buy from the comfort of their couch.

“As a professional, Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy trained makeup artist, I know just how powerful make up can be in helping women express their individuality and unleash optimum confidence. The Napoleon Perdis range is perfect for any age and for all skin types” said Abbey.

The Runway Express Experience allows groups of ladies to experiment with technique and their colour palettes with trained professionals there to guide and help them along the way.

“We do a lot of birthday parties, hen’s nights and special occasions but more and more ladies are just booking for a fun Saturday or Sunday with their friends or even before they go out, the parties are a lot of fun” said Abbey.

To book a Runway Express Experience visit www.runwayexpress.com.au or email abbey@runwayexpress.com.au

Photography by Amelia Jane Photography
Model courtesy of Katz Management

What I've been up to lately in the make-up & photo department.

I've been doing a lot of make-up and photo shoots lately and thought I'd share some of the results with you. It's been a busy few weeks, so this post will be picture heavy. I'll post some "how to's" of some of these looks shortly, for those that are interested. Maybe a giveaway soon too!

Alison. I was hoping she would go into labour at the shoot. Then I would have made her name her child after me....boy or girl...I wouldn't have cared. This was such a fun shoot. Best wishes Alison, hoping to have a cuddle with your new bubs very soon!!

These photos were for Hair Meleo in Ringwood North. Mel & Sav are simply 2 of the best stylists I have ever worked with! We have done a lot of weddings together and their work is always stunning.
If your in Melbourne and getting married (or just looking for a great stylist for whatever reason), check them out...you won't be dissapointed. Maybe I'll see you there?
Here's the link to their website.

I'm loving these shoots...they're so much fun. I couldn't wait to get home and edit the pics.

This 1940's style was screaming out for some vintage effects.

How divine is the dress?

So, that's that from me. Stay tuned for some make-up and hair breakdowns.

Dolly Roadshow & Face of Australia

Recently, I had the pleasure of being Melbourne's Make-Up Artist for Face of Australia Cosmetics at the Dolly Magazine Model Search 2012. I got very sick shortly after and totally forgot to post the pics I took...doh! So here they are......

If you haven't yet tried Face of Australia cosmetics, may I suggest you get on it asap!! I've been using this brand for many years and still find them amazing value for money and are comparable to a lot of "pro" products on the market (at a fraction of the price...ahem). I have talked about them before here here and here...so check that out if you like.

The line up for model entrants was HUGE...it started about 9am and did not die down till 2pm. Crazy stuff...oh and I now know all the lyrics to One Direction songs...every time they were played, the girls were screaming...I felt quite old......lol

The parent were very patient...and I'm sure they know all the lyrics to One Direction songs too. :)

The girls were all so sweet and excited...below are some pics of a couple of the girls who's make-up I got to do. (I did more than 2 make-ups, but it was so busy that I didn't get time to get more pics than these)

All make-up by face of Australia cosmetics.

Photos above:

Lips

• Mechanical Lip Pencil - pink
• Lip Quench Lipstick Malibu Barbie

Eyes

• Eye Primer shimmer
• Colour max Eyeshadow Palette - Mercury Rising
• Liquid eyeliner - black
• Impact curl mascara

Face

• Face Base Primer
• Mineral Therapy Liquid Foundation
• Translucent powder (lightly to set)
• Mineral Therapy blush - Berry Pink

Photo Below:

Lips

• Mineral Lipshine - starlight
• Massage Therapy Lip Gloss - Noosa

Eyes

• Eye Primer shimmer
• Colour max Eyeshadow Palette - Gold Mine - colours A & C
• Mechanical Eye pencil - brown
• Impact curl mascara

Face

• Face Base Primer
• Mineral Therapy Liquid Foundation
• Translucent powder (lightly to set)
• Mineral Therapy blush - Sheer mauve
• Mineral Therapy Illuminating Pearls to highlight the cheekbones and browbone

I love this soft, sheer, polished look.

If you want to see the 6 finalists, then you can go here and vote.