So you wanna be a Make-Up Artist? part 3

So, I'm on the home stretch of my Ultimate Artistry Course with FX with the RPM online Make-Up Academy.

I have talked about this course before (here) & (here) and highly recommend it for beginners or anyone (like myself) that is experienced but just wants a refresher or to pick up some new skills like airbrushing. I airbrushed the Blue Creature below as part of the course exams.

Here's some more work I've been doing, using a few little tricks and techniques I've learnt.

I've got 2 more exams to go and I'm done!

.........so what next?

glad you asked.

I've just enrolled in RPM's Eyelash Extension Course and have already begun training. The online training makes it so easy to fit in with my busy life....just like all of us.
As soon as I'm finished the lash extension training, I've planned to do the Facial Training Courses with RPM. With all of the wedding work I do, these courses will add to my skill set and give me the opportunity to generate a bigger income for myself and my family.

Check out the video's below to see what you can learn....they have so many great course.....I want to do them all!

Now all I need are some willing faces....who's up for a facial?

 Here's the link to the facial courses http://onlinefacialcourses.com 

x Marnie

Disclosure: This product was provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned. 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.

Bedroom Reveal

It's been a little while since I've blogged, but I'm back today to share this small montage I put together of our bedroom/bathroom reveal. The house is an ever evolving thing, so I'm sure it won't always be like this and there a several small things that need to be done. After 2 long years, we are over the moon with the results. Here's the video....
 

Let me know if you'd like to see videos of the other rooms as they are "finished".

A special thanks to Allegra Rhodes for sending me the divine bath and body products to try. They look so beautiful in the bathroom and smell even more incredible...like a fine French Fragrance. Here's a link to their website if you'd like to spoil yourself, or someone special. http://www.allegrarhodes.com.au/

Till next time.

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.

How to get the glow back to your skin with double cleansing.

In the day BC (before children), I used to set aside some special "me time" for all the beauty needs in my life. 

You know...the maintenance. 

I'd give myself a facial, do the nails, the hair treatment, the waxing, shaving, plucking etc, etc

The works.

My skin glowed, the hair shone, the nails were perfect........

Then along came the pickles, 1, 2, 3......

and no sleep

In fact, I was just saying to a friend a few days ago that I haven't had a full nights sleep in 13 years!

Source

Add to that the fact that I can often go to bed with the makeup on (looks fab on my pillowcase the next day) and the glow can start to dull....breakouts can pop up (I never had pimples as a teen, but as an adult I'd been getting the odd spot).

It can look ageing...in fact it IS ageing.

I thought that was it....I thought once it was gone there was no getting it back. But I was wrong.

You see, I forgot about something I learned a long time ago, when I was first training in make-up. 

I did a workshop with a Japanese skincare company that taught me the "art" of Double Cleansing. An ancient skincare method. Simple, but effective.

Since we moved into our new bedroom and I have a bathroom to myself, I have been much more attentive to my skin and have been double cleansing for over a month. I am amazed at the overall difference in my skin. Which is what prompted me to write this post.

You see, our skin produces an "oil" called sebum. The sebum traps dirt, dead skin cells and other junk in the air around us (smoke, pollution etc). Then we go and add layers of makeup, waterproof makeup & sunscreen to our skin. 

Do you really think that when you wash your face at night that your getting all of that muck off?

Well you're probably not...not with one cleanse anyway.

Then it builds up and forms a glue like layer that block the pores and WHAMMO, Zitville here we come!

With double cleansing, you gently remove the layers BEFORE you cleanse the skin.

You don't shower with your clothes on, do you? 

In fact I have once...it was my Eighteenth Birthday and.......OK, OK...sidetracked ...I keep that story for when I get to know you better...K?

I'll take you through some simple steps.....

For the purpose of this post, I've chosen to use the Neutrogena Skincare range. Some of these products were sent to me for review, but to be honest, I have used them for years and they are a staple in my professional kit for the reason that I find them effective, good value for money AND I have never had anyone have an allergic reaction to them. (every skin and every person is different, so always do a patch test first with any new product).

OK.....

To double cleanse:

Always start with a dry face

1. Using an oil-free eye makeup remover and cotton pads, gently remove all traces of eye makeup. Be very gentle with the delicate skin around your eyes.

2. Use either a milky or oil based cleanser or if you're in a rush, use wipes to remove the rest of your makeup or the grime from the day. If you use the milky or oily cleanser, "massage" it in to break up the makeup. Dampen your fingers with water and massage to "emulsify", then remove with wipes, tissue or rinse off.

3. Pump a little foaming or wash off cleanser into the palm of your hand and add a few drops of water. Lather into a foam and massage over the face. Now rinse.
Feeling fresh yet?

4. Optional step. I like to do this twice a week, but it will depend on your skin type. Very gently massage in some facial scrub onto wet skin. Avoid the eye area . Rinse and pat the skin dry.

5. With a cotton pad that has been soaked with some toner, gently pat over your skin, but again, avoid the eye area.
Allow to dry.

6. Apply your favourite moisturiser/night cream and eye cream.
At night, I like to use a serum under my night cream.

So there you have it. Let me know if you give it a try.

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.

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!

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.

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.