How to DIY with hot rollers {and a GIVEAWAYT

Crikey, I'm freaking out about this post. 

You see, I'm usually the one behind the camera and not overly comfy in front of it, but I decided if I was going to blog about this stuff then I'd better do it on my own mug....at least I'm available when I need me for a picture.

 I recently purchased a cable/trigger thingy for my camera (originally for longer exposure stuff, like waterfalls etc) but I've found it makes it a hell of a lot easier to take a self portrait........crap...no excuses now.

So, if you'd like to see how easy it is to bung in some hot rollers for a bit of a glam night out (or for grocery shopping...what ever floats your boat)...then scroll on down.

Here's the scary before and after pics.
This post was supposed to be the start of a YouTube series, but unfortunately, my video camera has gone to heaven, so it will have to be still shots for a while. Sorry to anyone who was expecting a video. Hopefully Santa will be nice to me this year.

Check out the grumpy looking woman in this pic.... This is what my hair looks like if I blast the crap out of it with my hairdryer after washing it. Normally it would be 10 times frizzier than this but I used an anti-frizz lotion (Taft Full On- Smooth Operator) I used it this morning too, and blow dried it "nicely"...I didn't even have to straighten it...sweet town.

So, next...once the hair is dry and you've heated up your hot rollers, take sections and spritz with a heat protecting spray. I used Taft's Guardian Angel Straightening Iron Spray, which gives you 220C heat protection and a gloss finish.

Grab a section of hair  from the middle section of your hairline and roll down (roll back towards your head). The beauty of this style is that it's a bit of a messy bombshell kinda look, so it doesn't have to be perfect...in fact, it shouldn't look too structured. Which is why it's perfect for me...I can yell at children AND curl my hair at the same time!

Like I said, not perfect...just random curls. Make sure to roll under, not over and all will be sweet.

At least I look a little happier here. And I've straightened my fringe (bangs).

OK, so after the rollers have completely cooled,  you can carefully remove them. Try not to straighten them out as you take the rollers out. Let them sit for a minute and give them a light spritz with a flexible hairspray.

Good ship lolly pop anyone?

I'm giving a pack of these products away, so scroll to the bottom of this post to see how you can enter.

All you need to do now is tousle your hair with your fingers (whatever you do, DO NOT use a brush or comb or you'll end up a frizz ball) My hair holds a curl really well, so I need to pull the curl out a fair bit.

I've fiddled around and pinned it back at the top. If you need height, then just gently tease the roots and give them another spritz with hair spray.

I didn't need to wash my hair for 4 days after doing this style and the curls stayed in. (I pony tailed the last day...which looked pretty nice, if I do say so myself)

BTW, if your wondering what make-up I used.
Dior Airflash Foundation
Oh, and I did use professional lighting and photo shop on some of the after pics, but ONLY on the whites of my eyes and to lighten my iris, cos I look really tired (that's what 3 kids will do to ya) 

Dior Eyeshadow in Tender Chic

So, if your in Australia and would like to win the 4 Taft products that I used (pictured above), then just jump on Twitter and follow 3pickles and tell me what you plan to do to your "do" for your next night out.

One winner will be announced (here on the blog) on Monday, October 29th, 2012.

This giveaway has now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated.

See you soon.

Disclosure: The taft hairstyling products were provided for editorial consideration and as a prize pack. 3pickles has 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?

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.

How to create smooth, 90's style, biker chic hair.

Here's another backstage pass to fashion week...and a "how to" to share. 

I adore the make-up too.........

This 90's look is close to my heart........... ahh, memories.....

Healthy recipe post on the blog tomorrow, btw.

Backstage at Milan Fashion Week with Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V, at DSquared2 S/S 13

The Look: 90’s Biker Chic

The hair look at the DSquared2 show at Milan Fashion Week was reminiscent of the iconic photography of the 90’s Supermodel and celebrated biker chic at its most glamorous. Big bold statement jewellery, lace mini dresses and high-shine leather hats were the perfect complement to the super straight glossy hair.

“At DSquared2 this season it was about replicating the look of the fashion icons of the 90’s and giving it a modern day twist. The look we wanted to achieve was a light-hearted take on the decade through beautiful, healthy, glossy, super straight shiny hair,” said Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V.

Get the look:

1. To achieve the perfect base for this look start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Try Pantene Pro-V Nourished Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.

2. Apply Pantene Pro-V Intensive Damage Repair Oil to damp hair and gently blow dry using a round brush. 

3. Take small sections at a time and straighten with irons from root to end. 

4. To finish, apply Pantene Pro-V All Day Smooth Light Weight Crème to get rid of any static.

How to create Glamorous 60's style hair.

I love "how to's", especially hair and make-up ones. This one looks pretty easy, fun and wearable. 

Backstage at Milan Fashion Week with Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V, at Moschino S/S 13

The Look: Big 60’s glamorous fun!

The hair look at the Moschino show at Milan Fashion Week, took us back to the glamorous world of the 60’s. Perfectly matching the theme of the Collection, the hairstyles were big, bold, fun and voluminous, seamlessly blending with the eccentric fusion of bright, playful and exaggerated colours. Skirts and pants with contrasting trim made the collection sharp. Historic colours fused with visible embroidery and oversize buttons recalled the fun and frolics of Italian summers.

“I wanted to capture the youthful spirit of Moschino yet celebrate the sensual and powerful influences of the 60’s. The aim was to deliver the structured look of the decade and its exaggerated silhouette but with a modern day twist.”said Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V.

Get the look:

1. To achieve the perfect base for this look start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner works well for a light finish as it nourishes the hair.

2. If your hair is damaged, apply Pantene Pro-V Intensive Damage Repair Oil to the ends only. 

3. Apply Pantene Pro-V Volume Mousse to the lengths of the hair and brush through from to the end and

roughly blow dry to give volume. 

4. Next, tong the hair and pin up to cool and set. 

5. Create a side parting and gently brush out each curl. 

6. Section by section, using Pantene Pro-V Stay Smooth Hairspray as you go, backcomb the hair a couple of

inches from the roots to the nape of the neck, smooth over and pin in the back. 

7. To finish, gently back brush the ends to fan out and spray to ensure a strong hold.