WIN a Personal Makeup Consultation & Lesson in Tauranga

Join the Quest for Smart Beauty Online! A Beautiful Education is on Facebook, Declare your passion for intelligent makeup and unbiased beauty advice by joining the ‘A Beautiful Education’ group on facebook. Add your name to the group of professional, smart and curious women who demand that beauty advice be customised and are proud to support the growing Tauranga-based business that gives women the smarts to use cosmetics with confidence. Visit the facebook group here! Until December 31st, all who join the group are in to win a Personal Consultation to the value of $140. Plus, a second name drawn will win an UNLIMITED Half Price Product Voucher valid for skin care or makeup from Mary Kay Cosmetics through Lillybeth. Plus, whoever invited those lucky winners to join the group, receives a special occasions makeup voucher worth $65 as a thank you. So FOUR prizes will be sent out in the first week of January 2010. See you on facebook!

Foundation: Are You Clueless, Angelic or Converted?

When it comes to foundation,are you clueless, angelic or converted? Some people ask me, "Should I wear foundation?" or "What's foundation for?"

 There are 3 types of people when it comes to foundation. Which one are you?

 • The Clueless - who've never really tried foundation
 • The Angelic - who've got almost perfect skin are completely blemish-free
 • The Converted - who love and wear foundation

 The people who ask me this question are always Clueless or Angelic. If the people in the first category had worn foundation before, they wouldn’t be asking the question - they’d fully understand how essential foundation is.

 But those in the second group are right to be confused because they don't have a need for foundation, since foundation is used to cover blemishes and even out the skin tone.

 Which group are you in? Me? I'm definitely in that last category. I have been a total foundation convert for almost 20 years. I started wearing foundation when I was 10 not because I wanted to be beautiful, but because I had crappy skin. At 12 I started wearing it everyday to school. It wasn't until this year that I finally discovered how to clear up my skin and even now I still use foundation whenever I wear makeup.

Using concealer or foundations etc is not about vanity. Foundation is a basic tool anyone can use to conceal what they don't want themselves or others to see.

  Above: Most models are total foundation Converts. Supermodel Cindy Crawford once said, "Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford."

 Some models have 'Angelic' skin, but all models will admit that foundation makes a positive difference. Why? Because: Apart from covering specific blemishes, spots, birthmarks or scars, foundation exists because most people‘s faces are more than one colour. For example, it is not unusual for a naturally beige-skinned woman to have flushed cheeks (red), dark circles under the eyes (blue or purple) and patches of hyperpigmentation on her forehead (darker brown). Take a look at your bare face in the mirror. What colours or shades do you see? Chances are, there are more than one.

  Above: Before. The inside cover of 'Makeup Makeovers' by makeup artist Robert Jones shows everyday women, his sisters and some professional models before he has applied professional makeup.

 A patchy or uneven skintone can undermine the effort you put into applying colour cosmetics because it clutters up what could be a clear ‘canvas’. For example, on a bare face, applying even the most gorgeous berry lipstick can be a mistake, as it will draw attention to other areas of redness you may have. And beautifully applied eye makeup can't attract attention to your eyes, if dark under-eye circles or blemishes are taking centre-stage. Beauty is about harmony, simplicity and balance. Foundation is the first step to achieving this in your makeup look.
  Above: After. The same women, after professional makeup (and hair, lighting etc).

 When you choose and apply your best foundation in the right way, you’ll appear healthier, younger and fresher. And it will be obvious to you why foundation is not to be missed.

 Are you benefitting from wearing your perfect foundation? What shade best suits your skin tone? What formula will last on you the day? Which format is the best fit for your lifestyle? It's not necessary to go trawling through the testers at your local department store. And there's no point to getting sucked in to buying the most expensive foundation by a salesgirl who's only trying to achieve her sales targets.

So how can discovering your perfect foundation match can be pain-free? And take minutes, instead of years? If you're in Tauranga and are yet to meet your perfect foundation match, come meet me in the mini-salon near Bayfair Mall for a no-charge foundation matching.  I'll test a few foundation from the Mary Kay Cosmetics range which I use in all my professional makeup work (Along with many other brands).  Mary Kay can only be accessed through their 'beauty consultants'. After a few quick questions, I'll introduce you to your best foundation options. You'll benefit from an experienced makeup artist's opinion that you can use to your advantage e v e r y d a y .

Facepainting at Creative Tauranga's Revamped Cargo Shed

This Hallowe'en I was prepared to do a few zombie/vampy faces for adult parties or similar...and yes that did happen, but not in the way I expected. Instead of my usual services, Saturday October 31st was my debut as a children's facepainter! The pre-booked facepainter was unable to come into the Cargo Shed for the kid's costume competition and Hallowe'en festivities...so at the VERY last minute, I cycled (Yes, on my bike) across the Matapihi rail bridge to the newly refreshed and renovated Cargo Shed, now under the care of the good people at Creative Tauranga. Brushes, water-based paints, glitter, rhinestones, sponges, goth makeup and shimmers at the ready, I transformed 14 faces into those of a pirate, puppy, butterfly, 'witchy-poo', mummy, a handful of zombie-like vampires with scars and blood dripping from fangs and 3 very keen adults into ghoulish types and 1 into a devil...complete with red goatee. Plus a couple of butterfly and rainbow cheek designs. Yes. That was my Saturday afternoon. At the embarrassing price of $2 for a cheek design and $5 for a full face (contrast that with my usual $57 charge), I had a fun time delving into my new 'talent.' And mustn't have been that bad as I was asked back. So, if you happen to be invited to the media launch of the Cargo Shed on December 5th, please come say hi. Offer to change my brush water...or just stand in wonder and watch the 'master' at work. I'm only kidding. But do wish me success! And support the local artisans at Tauranga's Cargo Shed soon. -Lillybeth

I'll be at the "Tempt, Taste and Treat" Christmas Fair (Tauranga)

Meet me in Tauranga at... The HER Business Tauranga network is hosting the "Tempt, Taste and Treat" Christmas Fair. It's a one-night-only inspired and sensual and retail experience open to everyone, but aimed at women with good taste. Come be tempted and have your fill of sweet Christmas shopping in a fun and happening atmosphere. Local retailers and experts in the foodie, beauty and luxurious living industries will be all in the one location, giving you a peak at their latest products, local services and unique Christmas gift-ideas. ***Photography - Art - Food & Drink - Soft Furnishings - Natural Therapy - Makeup & Beauty - Exercise & Health - Crafts - Personal Services - Lingerie - and more*** Come see me and my 'A Beautiful Education' display to experience my professional makeup services and see how makeup lessons can give you the smarts to update YOUR look like a pro. I'll have my brushes and kit out for on-the-spot 5-minute makeovers and will be happy to answer your beauty and makeup questions in person. Entry is FREE. 5pm-8pm Thursday December 3. Sebel Trinity Wharf, Dive Crescent Tauranga. Details for the event are also on facebook, so if you have a facebook account, go RSVP for the Christmas Fair here: Taste, Tempt and Treat Christmas Fair on facebook - See you there! Any questions about the Christmas fair, call Susan Northey from HER Business on 07 571 3200.

Just because it's free - doesn't mean it's beneficial!

Below is email correspondence between myself and the Executive Director of the organisation that sponsors the Look Good Feel Better Program: the Cosmetics, Toiletries & Fragrances Association of New Zealand (CTFA).

The CTFA represent various businesses within the beauty and cosmetics industry. The CTFA have a charity called Look Good Feel Better. Look Good Feel Better offers makeup workshop to women undergoing treatment for cancer - or who are suffering from the appearance-related effects of cancer.

I'm sharing my recent correspondence between myself and the Exec. Director of the CTFA as a record of our dialogue and an insight for you, my readers, into what my mission is: to encourage women toward a healthy, intelligent pursuit of personal beauty AND to publicly educate women about beauty products and the cosmetics industry. You can read more about my values and mission on this page.

I see the massive benefit of what LGFB is doing and am proud to be a makeup artist volunteer in their Tauranga workshops - and I certainly don't wish the CTFA or LGFB any harm - but I do believe that not all beauty products are helpful to skin and that the CTFA as an authority has a responsibility to...well, I'll let you read for yourself. So here it is:

  A Beautiful Education wrote: Good evening Garth, I've recently joined as a makeup artist volunteer for the CTFA-sponsored Look Good Feel Better workshops in Tauranga. I've been aware of the CTFA and the work of LGFB since I started my business as a makeup artist and personal makeup coach early 2007. I am happy to finally be involved. :-)

However, I am writing to bring your attention to one donated product we used in a recent workshop that I believe does more harm than good to skin. Denatured alcohol is the second ingredient in the Nivea Visage Refreshing Toner. In cosmetics, as you may know, alcohol (SD alcohol, methanol, ethanol, or benzyl alcohol) is a skin irritant, generates free radical damage causing cell death and damages the skin's barrier. These facts have been demonstrated by extensive public research and it is for these reasons I believe this product (or any with alcohol as a main ingredient) is not fit to be part of anyone's skin care routine, let alone that of women suffering the effects of cancer (and its treatments) who are at greater risk of skin sensitivity and irritation.

I do not know whether the products donated by the CTFA are surplus or from discontinued lines. It would make sense for that to be the case. I am aware the Nivea Visage range has been discontinued in the U.S and wonder if that's why this product has ended up in the hands of LGFB. If this is the case, would you please overlook this, in favour of providing less-irritating and safer products to these women?

Consumers don't always know what is good (or harmful) for them and I believe it is the responsibility of industry professionals like ourselves to defend and/or educate them.

I would like you to substitute this toner for an alcohol-free formula. There is a similar-looking alcohol-free toner in the Nivea range. I ask that the new toner not contain alcohol and be free from common skin irritants such as fragrance, menthol, peppermint etc. This should apply to all skin care items offered to LGFB by your association. Also, the current toner should be 'recalled' from the LGFB workshops where it is currently in use, to be sent back to the CTFA and/or discarded.

I believe it is within your power to make these changes for the good of the women you seek to help. I look forward to receiving your reply. Regards, Lillybeth Melmoth www.abeautifuleducation.co.nz

 Sources: Clinical Experimental Dermatology, September 2009, online, Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, November 2008, page 26; Alcohol Research and Health, 2003, Volume 27, Issue 4, pages 277-284).

From the Desk of Garth Wyllie Executive Director Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association of New Zealand: Dear Lillybeth, Thank you for your comments on products containing alcohol. There is no substance to small percentages of denatured alcohol damaging cells and while in large amounts it could be argued that any ingredient could be an irritant there are strict controls on the levels that an cosmetic may contain under both industry guidance and within the Cosmetic Group Standard Regulation.

Companies donate products voluntarily and we encourage them to provide any end of line products as well as newer products when these are available. Most cosmetics contain so called skin irritants such as fragrances however these are at levels that there is no normal irritation and in many cases the products are developed to provide other ingredients that negate any irritation.

Cosmetic products must be safe by law and those sold in New Zealand are compliant to the best regulations available and those offered to LGFB are also compliant irrespective of whether they are end of line or not. Let me say that your contribution to Look Good Feel Better is valued as the charity does great work and I would hope that regardless of products supplied this will continue. Yours Sincerely Garth Wyllie Executive Director

  A Beautiful Education wrote: Hi again Garth, Quote:"Cosmetic products must be safe by law and those sold in New Zealand are compliant to the best regulations available and those offered to LGFB are also compliant irrespective of whether they are end of line or not." Yes I agree most products on the market are 'safe', meaning they aren't toxic when applied to the skin, but there are thousands of cosmetic products which are ill-formulated and not helpful to skin. No regulation prevents this.

I understand alcohol is an effective carrier that enables other ingredients to better reach the skin but this is at the expense of stripping away the natural protective oils on the surface of the skin. Most toners/fresheners are made with oily or combination skin in mind. These women typically have dry skin, a lack of sebum and are concerned about the feeling of tightness that accompanies dry skin. They do not need any 'clarifying' toner and would be better off without this product. It wasn't made with them in mind and it is irresponsible to supply them with unsuitable products.

Please reconsider my requests and pledge to only supply products that can be included in a gentle skin care routine - 'gentle' being suitable for ALL skin types and conditions. Regards, Lillybeth Melmoth.


Note: No further reply has been received, but Garth did CC his reply to a LGFB staff member. Also, the above has not been edited in any way.

Tauranga Fashion Label Launches Summer Collection

Tauranga fashion designer Erika Archilles-Dunseath of Rendezvous Design is launching her Summer collection at a Summer Soirée event next week.

The doors of her Spring Street Tauranga boutique will be open 5-7pm Thursday October 15th for the soirée where loyalists and their friends can view the collection, titled 'This Ain't No Picnic' along with the latest jewellery designs from Wendy J, Odi and fellow local Annie Blackberry.

As well as Rendezvous' Summer collection, on show will be the favourite Summer makeup looks of makeup artist Lillybeth Melmoth from A Beautiful Education. The looks will be demonstrated live on the night on willing particpants who, no doubt, will want an excuse to stay out and show off their new look after the Soirée ends.

Take advantage of Erika's designer eye as you choose a Summer outfit from her new range, spend over $250 and get a free goodie bag worth over $75 (Includes makeup product worth $29, Simply You magazine, edible treats and valuable special offers)! RSVP to Erika directly - see below. HINT: Click on the picture to view it full size. Lots of other goodness in store! I'd love to see you there. Do not miss out. RSVP today.

How To Avoid A Makeup Meltdown!

If you're considering using a makeup artist for a special event in your life, whether you're wanting professional makeup for a wedding, ball, reunion, special date, corporate event or job interview, here are some tips to how to avoid "makeup meltdown"!

Makeup Meltdown: That HORRIBLE realisation you booked the *wrong person* to do your makeup...when it's too late and you're stuck with bad or dated, old school makeup or a look that is so-not-you.

Three must-do's to avoid a makeup meltdown:

1. When researching a makeup artist to book for your big event, check if they have an online makeup portfolio or pictures of their work on their website.


Look at the pictures and ask: Does the makeup look evenly applied? Does it suit each woman? Is it the makeup that's dominant, or has the natural beauty of the model been enhanced and highlighted? Does the colour of the face seamlessly match the neck or is it a ghostly couple of shades lighter? Do they show variety, ie. can they can do more than one 'cookie-cutter' makeup look...or is every face the same?




2. Book a makeup consultation & trial-run before the day.

If you're makeup artist's a goodie, you'll get a great look without a formal consultation & trial before the day. However, a trial will ensure you're both on the same page when it comes to the makeup look you want. On the day itself, time can be pressured and there's often no time for tweaking the makeup and making changes if it's not exactly how you want it. With a trial beforehand there'll be no 'surprises' on the day and application of the makeup will actually take less time (when it matters most)!


There are two timing options for when to have the makeup trial.

Option 1: Have your trial way ahead of the event, before you pay a deposit, so you can see whether you'll like the makeup artist get the makeup you desire. If you like the makeup artist's work and book them, then you'll have peace of mind that the makeup is 'sorted' and you can tick it off your list of things to do. Otherwise, the hunt for a good makeup artist is still on!

Option 2: Have your trial closer to your big event, perhaps just a couple of weeks out so your makeup artist can see what you look like (hair colour, skin condition) closer to the day. Your skin changes more than you realise and your skin's condition and type can dictate the makeup used. Let the artist know if you're planning to dramatically colour your hair for the event. Having the trial closer to the day is probably more important if you have problem skin or your skin is undergoing massive change, like recovering from surgery, scars healing etc. In this case, what the makeup artist sees is more like how you'll look on the day, but you'll have less time to find a different makeup artist if you need to and you may have already paid a non-refundable deposit to secure your date.

If you've heard great thing from friends about this makeup artist and liked what you saw in their makeup portfolio - go ahead and book them by paying a deposit (or whatever's required) before your trial - your date may not be available if you leave it any longer! But do still have a trial for all the awesome benefits mentioned above.

3. Finally, hold your makeup artist to the look you both agreed on at your trial!

You might think a great makeup artist should be able to apply your chosen look from memory on your wedding day, but a busy makeup artist can have up to 30 wedding bookings a season. Each bride will have different needs and require a slightly different (or dramatically different!) makeup design. If, on the day, your makeup artist doesn't refer to notes of some kind or a makeup design sketch, chances are you'll end up with makeup that's not what you agreed on OR is the same as everyone else's - which is awful if you agreed on something quite special or specific.


At the makeup trial, take note whether your makeup artist takes notes! If so, you're headed for bridal brilliance on your big day.

All the best for the rest of your planning!

-Lillybeth Melmoth
www.abeautifuleducation.co.nz

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(This is badly applied bridal makeup. If you were to zoom in, you'd see the lipline is crooked, the liner is a different colour to the lipstick and it generally lacks that polished, complete look all professional makeup should have. Unfortunately this photo is of an American bride on her wedding day last year. Family suspect the makeup artist was on drugs while she was working. :-( It's not all bad. This woman is naturally pretty and I bet if she were smiling in this picture she'd look a lot better. I hate to use a real person as a warning, but it reminded me that bad makeup artists do exist - who either lack the skills or the professionalism to do a bride proud on her big day.)

Bridal Makeup That's Far From 'Blah'

Thinking you want a natural makeup look for your wedding day?

So many women, in the quest for 'natural' wedding day makeup get their photos back only to be disappointed. Why? Because in the end, their natural-look makeup was nothing special - it lacked the impact in the photos they'd expected. Natural makeup is nice, but this is your wedding day! Yes, of course you want your groom to recognise you as you walk down the aisle, but a little glam goes a long way.

Make your bridal makeup special. Make it customised and get a look created JUST for you!

If you're looking for a fab makeup artist who can do more than 'blah', 'cookie cutter' bridal makeup - you've found one. Go HERE to see why my bridal and special occasions makeup application is so special.

You'll find a link there to my online makeup portfolio. Browse. Evaluate. Dream. Then fill out the nifty contact form and let's create something special for your special day.

Solutions for Oily Skin: makeup

(This is the second of two posts on the subject of solutions for controlling greasy, oily skin. Start with this previous article on skin care solutions before reading this one.)

 • Use a matte liquid foundation or a powder foundation instead of a moisturising liquid or cream format.

 The best way to limit oiliness is to first add no more oily stuff!  By this, I mean try to limit the number of layers of creams you use.  You may be able to skip the moisturiser and apply just a liquid toner then sunscreen, like I do.  Save the serums and creams for night time, when looking like an oil-slick is not an issue.

And while we're at it, let's avoid regular, dewy foundations and get something with matte-power!  Either a mineral powder foundation or a very matte liquid foundation.

If you have not used a matte foundation before, on your first try, you might find the foundtion dries to a powdery finish, before you're finished blending, leaving you with a cakey, streaky mess.   If this happens, don't give up - just do it differently. With very matte liquid foundations, you may not be able to slap it on and rub it like you would a moisturiser.  You may find you need to workly more quickly, applying it and smoothing out one area on your face at a time.  Once applied, look for any patchy areas, and use a buffing motion with your foundation brush (or pressing motion with your fingers/sponge) to get a smoother finish.


• If you like to set your liquid foundation with a powder or use it to control shine, use loose powder instead of pressed.

Loose powder is messier, but the ingredients that keep pressed powder in the cake form can add a slick feel to skin, so pressed powders are best for those with normal to slightly dry skin.

Bonus tip:  Choose a mineral powder foundation as your 'shine control' loose powder.  When you set your liquid foundation a powder foundation, you'll get added coverage when you dust this on to control shine!

• Be VERY selective about where you add shimmer.

Warning: most bronzers are shimmery.  Shimmer equals shine, which equals an oily look.  The main ingredients that add shimmer to powder products are mica and bismuth oxychloride. If you want to add colour to your face, choose a boring, matte bronzer with absolutely no shimmer.

Why?  Because a real tan doesn't sparkle.

IF you are tempted to use an all-over illuminating powder on your face to add radiance - just remember you've already got it!  Or, at least, after a few hours of makeup wear, you will.  And glitter is for 12 year-olds.  Honestly, an all-over 'illuminator' won't make you look younger - only harder-working.

Highlighting your cheekbones with a shimmer powder is still a wonderful technique that adds a little youthfulness and glamour to your look while creating the much-coveted look of prominent cheekbones...but keep it strictly to the cheekbones at the sides of your face. Don't apply it too close to the centre - keep the apples of your cheeks free from shimmer. 

Eyeshadows with shimmer are fine. Have fun with pearl, shimmer and metallic eye colours if they don't play up lines around your eyes.  And a glossed lip is always pretty.  These touches of shine are ideal for adding glamour to an otherwise matte face.

Parting thought:  Shine is magnified in photos.  Here's a photo of a ball makeup I did in 2012. Left: With camera flash on.  Right:  In natural light.  

If you have your natural glow on and you're about to go in front of a camera, powder that puppy down!

Is there such a thing as "too matte"?  When you have very oily skin, no.  For those with oil-slick faces like myself, if your made up face starts the day looking a little chalky and possibly 'too matte', it's probably perfect for all-day wear. By midday you'll be just right as the makeup softens with the oils on your face, then by afternoon you may be shiny and in need of a blot and powder touch-up.

Happy mattifying!

Solutions for Oily Skin: skin care

Now, I'm not promising long-term solutions to actually stop the cause of oily skin. Oil, or sebum, is produced by healthy skin as a barrier for protection - basically, to keep the greeblies out and moisture in. It's part of your skin's natural moisturising factor. In fact, as we age, oil-production dramatically slows to a point where most of us develop dry skin - a lack of natural oil - and that's not a good thing!

I expect when I am older I'll have to slather my face in rich creams to get back the dewey look my once naturally-abundant oil gave me.

But oily skin can be a real pain. Not only can excess oil contribute to acne and blackheads, that oil-slick shine isn't cute when you're striving to look effortlessly well-groomed. It's hard to look 'effortless' when your shiny face makes it look like you've been slogging over a hot stove and are ready for a shower...in the middle of the day. So I'm writing to offer a few solutions for controlling and managing excess oil.

• Avoid products where alcohol (Alcohol, alcohol denat., SD alcohol, Ethanol or Isopropyl alcohol) is listed in the first few lines of ingredients.

First of all, SO MANY anti-acne and oil-controlling products use large amounts of alcohol to eliminate oil from the surface of the skin and leave a cool, refreshing feeling. Alcohol, however, only upsets the balance of your skin. Applied to any surface, alcohol evaporates and takes any moisture with it. It's power to control oil is short-lived, however, as the skin simply responds by producing more oil to replace that which was stripped away, and often overcompensates, leaving your skin oilier than before. This actually goes for all skin types, as alcohol is a common irritant and damages healthy skin.

• If your skin is super-oily, consider not using a moisturiser (yes, skip it altogether) or use one only where your skin is dry or dehydrated. 

What you probably don't need is a heavy, thick or creamy moisturiser. What oily skin may still need, however, is a helping hand with hydration and retaining moisture.  YES oily skin can be dehydrated at the same time! It may sound contradictory, but dehydration is a lack of moisture, so even if your skin produces excess oil, it can still suffer from lack of moisture in Winter, through exposure to the elements or when it's unable to retain moisture when its natural barrier is broken. In this case, you'll need a moisturiser based on ingredients such as glycerine or isododecane. Glycerine is a humectant - that means it attracts moisture from the air and adheres it to the surface layers of your skin. Isododecane is a hydrocarbon and all hydrocarbons help prevent the evaporation of water from skin. These moisturisers often come in lotion (thin cream) or gel form.

To recap, if you're oil glands are working overtime, consider taking advantage of that by skipping the moisturiser step in your routine or by opting for a light humectant-based lotion, rather than oil-based.

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel 

• Regularly use a BHA solution.

Have you heard of AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)? Well, Beta Hydroxy Acid goes one step further.  AHA's are naturally occuring acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. They're the active ingredient in those chemical (or 'fruit') peels you can have performed by a beauty therapist to dramatically exfoliate your skin, leaving it baby smooth and brighter. Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) goes one step further: Not only does it help speed up your skin's renewal process/cell turnover - as AHA's do - it actually exfoliates inside the pore, clears out debri and oil and helps pores to form properly in the future.  That means your pores will be less congested ie. less blackheads as oil will be less likely to get trapped inside them. How cool is that!?

Although this all sounds very high-tech, BHA serums can be found is most onto-it skin care ranges. BHA is also known as Salicylic acid - so that's what you're looking for. A 2% Salicylic acid solution is perfect for most people, used once a day or every second day if once a day causes dryness. (The product pictured above is of a salicylic acid spot treatment, available from Woolworths (and probably other supermarkets) in New Zealand. I didn't see an all-over BHA product listed in Neutrogena's range online, but an all-over product is what you're looking for.

The BHA product I use is an all-over lotion or gel, not just a spot treatment.  I use this one from Paula's Choice online.

PanOxyl Acnegel 5% - I bought this from 257 Medical Centre, Mt Maunganui

• If you want super-duper matte skin during the day, use a Benzoyl Peroxide gel under your makeup (at a different time to your BHA solution).

Benzoyl peroxide (BP) is for the treatment of acne and is great for zapping zits overnight when they are first visible. In the morning - poof - gone, or much less raised.  But BP can also be applied all over the face, with caution. I use a 10% strength BP gel for spots but I wouldn't use this everywhere.  For all-over use, to control extreme oiliness or if you have acne in large areas on the face, use a tamer 5% or 2.5% strength. This is one of the best ingredients for acne and blemishes  - the gold standard of zit-zapping - and should always be on hand if you regularly experience whiteheads or cystic acne.  I use this one from Clean and Clear purchased online but it's a 10% version.  Starting out, see if your local chemist stocks PanOxyl Acnegel 5, around $28.

If you don't have acne but want to a mattifying product under your makeup, try the Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish from Paula's Choice.  I use this everytime I apply suncreen as sunscreen always makes my face look oilier more quickly.  I skip it however if not using sunscreen, as it's too matte just under my foundation alone as the foundation becomes hard to blend and looks textured.

My personal order of application:
• Cleanser
• Toner
• 2% BHA Lotion
• 10% BP as spot treatment if needed (left to dry)
• Shine Stopper Matte Finish (skip this if not using sunscreen)
• SPF 15% Sunscreen
• Matte Foundation

What's your solution for your oily skin?

Tarnished Frocks And Divas!

Put on some lippy and grab a friend - TFAD is almost here! Tickets for Tarnished Frocks And Divas are on sale now and are the perfect gift for deserving mums, sisters and 'can't-do-without-you' friends. Catwalk, concert and competition in one, TFAD will be a colourful display of some of NZ's best female singing talent plus ambitious local fashion designers as they share the stage for 4 shows, exclusively in Tauranga. I'll be behind the scenes as a makeup artist for 3 of the 4 shows, working alongside the astounding Tina Neville from Image Models to get the 'girls' (in their 40's & beyond) ready for the runway - can't wait! Get your tickets here!

Makeup Workshop in Katikati

This is so cheap I'm almost embarrassed. Katikati Resource Centre is hosting me for a small group makeup workshop in August. It's run through their Adult Community Education (ACE) program where they offer a whole heap of exciting and informational weekly courses, night schools and one-off workshops. In the DIY Professional Makeup workshop, I'll be teaching customised, professional makeup application. It'll be hands-on! You'll give yourself a professional makeup makeover while watching as I demonstrate on a model. As we go, you'll discover your BEST makeup colours and why they look so good on you, how to find the perfect match in your foundation, what goes where when it comes to the eyes, customised application techniques that best balance your face shape, eye shape etc - actually, everything I cover in a regular 'A Beautiful Education' small group workshop! But check out the price. My regular workshops are only $60 per person with 4 - 8 women. This one is limited to 8 women also and is at a subsidised price of only $35!! As I said at the start, it's so cheap I'm almost embarrassed. ;-) And each participant still receives a customised beauty profile info-swatch as seen on my website. Details on how to book your spot HERE.

How To Make Blue Eyes POP!

Here are some more great examples of blue eyes being enhanced by the use of complementary (opposite) eye makeup. Here's a colour wheel to start us off! (BTW, I'm giving out professional info here, principles you learn in makeup artistry school and the basis of pro makeup!) The colour wheel/circle: So you can see red, yellow and blue - the primary colours, plus orange, purple, green - the secondary colours. In this wheel you'll also spot colours in between those already mentioned, like orange-red and green-blue etc. Those are known as tertiary colours. Great makeup doesn't just 'happen.' If you look in the mirror and you know your makeup's just not 'right' - THERE IS A REASON WHY. It's not random! If you see yourself and think - wow, that looks better than I though it would, there's a reason for that too. Check out these pics and you'll notice how colour plays a massive role in enhancing the natural colour of eyes. These makeup artists made deliberate choices to make the blue eyes 'pop' and they got it right. How? The answer is in the COLOUR of the makeup which is also often continued in the styling/fashion. Get a little technical with me and 'analyse' what colours have been used to enhance these cool blue peepers, in the makeup itself and/or in the clothing colour choices...

So, blue eyes doesn't mean blue eyeshadow?

Read the previous post (below) for my silly analogy to discover whether matching eyeshadow to your eyes is the best way to enhance your natural eye colour... Here's a great example of blue eyes being enhanced by...blue? No, not blue, but shades of orange: Oh hey! Sephora did produce another 3 sets of eyeshadows for enhancing green, blue and brown eyes. Do you think they did better with these collections? Have a look at these pics below and the colours in each set and tell me in the comments section whether they were closer to the mark with these suggestions. I.e, Are these sets based on the principle of using complementary/opposite colours to enhance the stated eye colour? Or are they mainly 'blah' because they harmonise with the eye colour stated? You may have to dig out that colour wheel you learn about in high school Art class... (HINT: Complementary colours are opposite on the colour wheel, not next to) Green eyes collection:Blue eyes collection:Brown eyes collection: What can you see??

Green eyeshadow for green eyes?

Sephora brand compact for Green Eyes: Sephora brand compact for Blue Eyes: Sephora brand compact for Brown Eyes: Silly analogy coming up, but why are makeup brands still promoting green eyeshadow for green eyes? Even worse, blue eyeshadow for blues eyes? You may have seen them - those compacts with 3 or more eyeshadows enclosed, in usually 3 different colour combos...one compact designed 'for green eyes', another for blue and another for brown. And often (if not always) the green eyes palette includes various neutrals plus green, blue is always a feature in the palette for blue eyes and the brown compact? It often houses a combo of browns and mauves. Let's say you work in a retail furniture or homewares store, maybe Bed, Bath & Beyond or Harvey Norman. If you want to show off the gorgeous emerald green colour of some fancy cushions in your furniture store, will you go display them on a green sofa, to 'play up' the colour of the green cushions? Or will you look around for a red sofa to throw them on?How could the first action 'play up' the green of the cushions? They harmonise - so there'd be nothing special to see there. Green eyeshadow on green eyes just means MORE GREEN! You have green shadow and green eyes - wow, lots of green. But that doesn't enhance the green. So how best to enhance green eyes? Throw those green cushions on a RED sofa and they'll virtually pop out to greet your customers at the door. Green can't enhance green. But green's opposite (complementary) colour, red, can and does very effectively enhance green. So why does the 'beauty authority' Sephora produce these compacts above? I'm not saying they're useless - there are some gorgeous colours there but only a quarter to half the colours in each compact would be effective at playing up the various eye colours as designed to! In fact, I'd use the BLUE eyes palette to better enhance BROWN eyes. The BROWN eyes palette would perhaps be ok for GREEN eyes. And the green palette? Blaaaaah. I have green eyes and I'd never buy this compact! It's almost the worst option for enhancing green eyes - there's no red or complementary tones in there apart from the one shade on the very right. Remember the couch analogy? One more example: Like the compacts from Sephora shown above, Duwop gets it a quarter right. Boo for the green eyeshadows in this 'green eyes' compact but the sandy beige colour is a good start... Comments? Questions? More on this perplexing issue to come! :-)

More Photos from Jimmy Joe, with makeup by Lillybeth

Ooh ooh! Here are some more photos from the makeup+photo shoot package, with Jimmy Joe behind the camera and Lillybeth (I) at the end of the makeup brushes. These customers have agreed to let us use their photos for publicity purposes.

Do you have a lack of decent photos of yourself? You know, the ones you love and are proud to display? If so, here's a fantastic way to capture you at your best and most brilliant - a professional makeover and photo shoot in one. Insider's Tip: Make the most of your professional makeover by booking a dinner or going out that night to show off your gorgeous self after the photo shoot. xx






The distinct personalities of the models are nicely captured in these photos here - Jimmy did a great job with the use of different lighting techniques and poses - and it was fascinating to see what photos each person chose to have printed from the (in some cases) two hundred shots taken.

Our most popular package includes a complete makeup look and changes to your makeup through the shoot if required, multiple clothes changes/outfits, basic styling assistance, up to 2 hrs of studio time and your choice of 6 printed photos to keep. This standard package costs just $390.

For bookings, call Jimmy Joe in Tauranga on 07 576 6057 or visit his website: www.jimmyjoephoto.com
Alternatively, you can contact me if you want to chat more about the makeup side of your portraits. Make contact through my website.

New Makeup + Photo Shoot Package

Award winning press photographer, Jimmy Joe, is now accepting bookings for portrait sittings in his in-house studio. And together, we are proud to offer you a makeup + photo shoot package in one!

Imagine enjoying professional makeup application, basic styling assistance and up to 2 hours of studio time to create and capture some amazing memories! Candid, relaxed, romantic or serious - a makeover and photo shoot package can be tailored to suit your special occasion, personality and the results you want.

The basic package is just $390. This includes six printed photos of your choice. No extra charges or hidden costs. Ideal for individual glamour shots, family photos, model portfolios or corporate/business headshots for websites.

To chat about booking a makeover + photo shoot, call Jimmy Joe on 07 576 6057. You can also view more of his work at www.jimmyjoephoto.com

New Website Live!

If you haven't seen it lately, go check out my website now. It's new and improved and has all my latest prices, services and goodies on there. PARTY & BALL MAKEUP!!! It's that season! Who do you know that's going to a Tauranga school ball soon? Tell them you know this local makeup artist chick who's fully mobile, comes to them and does some super hot party makeup! They'll be stoked to know they can get ready at home without leaving to go to a salon, making a booking, finding parking etc etc. No stress, I go to them and travel within Tauranga is free - no extra charge! Enjoy the new site. I'd LOVE some feedback and to hear what you think. xx

I Get Around: Appearances in Tauranga

Warning: This will be a bit of a random post. I'm revamping my website and in the midst of all the newness and pretty colours, something's gotta go. I'm getting rid of my 'appearances' page and dumping all the content here. It won't be on my new website but it will be here just as a record of past events and my involvement as a makeup artist with different groups in Tauranga.

I'll endeavour to keep my blog readers informed of future events I'm part of, right here, in this blog so you can come be involved as it happens - especially if you're local! :-) So subscribe or follow this blog so you can be up-to-date, that is, if I don't get swamped by all the daily stuff that happens in the life of a one girl makeup mogul first.

From oldest to newest:

June 25th 2008:
Women’s Refuge Fundraiser - Girls Night Out!

This fun event, hosted by Kerri Tilby & Exult, was to raise money and support for Tauranga’s Women’s Refuge. Held at 17th Ave’s historic Village, 160 women enjoyed colourful speakers, live demonstrations, goodie bags, supper and auctions. What a cool event: Ticket sales were stretched to allow 160 and still 40 people were on the waiting list!

Expect to see Lillybeth & A Beautiful Education at more events and information-filled workshops with local businesses and organisations around Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui. Sign up to the free monthly beauty bulletin to receive updates, special offers and notifications of these fun and inspired events. You’ll find the sign-up box on my website: www.abeautifuleducation.co.nz

September 26th & 27th 2008:
Seniors’ Day Out - The 50+ Lifestyle Expo

A Beautiful Education was at stand 26 of Tauranga’s 50+ Lifestyle Expo:
Seniors’ Day Out!

Lillybeth met lots of older women and gave them a taste of A Beautiful Education with a free 5-minute makeup touch up for their eyes, lips or face. Stand 26 was busy both days with many women asking Lillybeth about their personal beauty questions.

October 7th 2008:
At Hairini Marae

Lillybeth gave a live makeup demonstration and one hour interactive workshop as part of the weekly health and social (Hauora) programme held for elders of Maungatapu and Hairini Marae.

March 24th 2009:
Exult Fundraising Expo - 17th Ave Village

Scores of community groups flowed through the 17th Ave Village for an expo dedicated to fundraising and providing great fundraising ideas to not-for-profit and community groups in need of finances. Lillybeth presented a lucrative cash-making proposal to dozens of groups keen to 'makeup the shortfall' by selling makeup products - and keep a whopping 40% of the sales. Also available as an entertaining and lively guest speaker for fundraising events, Lillybeth is happy to be approached as a possible draw-card for ticket-buying guests to help you make money for your project, in return for the opportunity to promote her services as a professional makeup artist and makeup coach.

If you're on a board or committee of a group needing cash - especially if your members or supporters are female - contact Lillybeth to discuss your funding needs on 07 578 4226.

Bridal Fashion Show & Mini-Expo Charity Event in Hamilton!

This Saturday May 16th, I'll be here: Bridal Fashion Show, Mini Bridal Expo, Entertainment and more! Saturday, May 16th 8pm - 11:30pm Hillcrest Baptist Church Auditorium, Hamilton To book tickets call Paula on 07 848-1046 Tickets only $7.50 each, children under 12 free. $5 from each ticket sold goes to Canteen to help teenagers with Cancer in Hamilton! To book tickets call Paula on 07 848-1046

Toxic Beauty - Campbell Live, TV3, March 16th

'Synthetic chemicals in our skincare.' 'Harmful toxins in beauty products.'

Saying that parabens have been found in breast tissue is kind of like passing on that hypey, scaremongering email you received as a forward in your inbox.



I've decided not to write a response to Toxic Beauty here: how synthetic ingredients can actually be safer than natural ones, why parabens aren't evil (or at least have little conclusive evidence against them) and the fact that EVERYTHING ON EARTH has chemicals in it, because, why reinvent the wheel?

Paula Begoun has decades of experience and research behind her in the field of cosmetics: the science and the ingredients in them. I'm happy to recommend her website where you can read hundreds of balanced and fascinating articles on this very topic. You could start with this article on 'natural' ingredients.

The Beauty Brains in another fave of mine. They are female cosmetic scientists who apply science to every beauty-related question and product they come across, then dish the dirt to their readers. Posing dilemmas like Why You Should Be Suspicious Of Beauty Authorities, Does Origins Skin Care Open Your Pores?, Can Saliva Cure Acne? and The Top 5 Reasons Skin Care Products Stop Working, they can help you avoid the marketing 'BS' so common in the beauty industry.

Go there now! I promise you'll thank me. :-)

Bling Evening Fundraiser

My colleague, Margaret Stodart from Person Style, is speaking at a fundraiser for 'FABS Awhi Awhi'. FABS work in the area of providing proven programmes aimed at early intervention of child abuse. They're holding a Bling Evening at 7pm, Thursday March 26th in the Totara Room at Bureta Park. You can help in two ways: If you have jewellery you no longer wear & you'd like to donate it then please phone Lee on 573 8636 or Pam on 549 0724 or Augustina, 552 5295. And/or you can come to the evening. Tickets include a complimentary glass of wine and are $15. As well as the pre-loved jewellery sale, there'll be music, face reading and colour and style advice from Margaret. You can visit Margaret's website here.