Nov 26, 2009
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!
Nov 25, 2009
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 .
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 .
Nov 18, 2009
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.
Nov 12, 2009
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.
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.
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