I’m often asked how I manage to get my hair so straight. Well, first of all, it’s naturally quite straight which helps a lot but the real secret is using a great hair straightener. Believe me, they are not all the same. Some straighteners are just… better and other are the next level multi-tasking tools called stylers!

I’ve been using a ghd styler for about 4 years now and it’s amazing in so many ways. The styler automatically switches off after not being used for 1 minute, it heats up in about 30 seconds and politely lets you know they’re ready with a gentle beep. When I had longer hair, I used to use ghd styler to do beach waves and messy hair looks. It’s just was so easy that even for a person who is always short on time these looks were suddenly feasible. Remember this wavy hair tutorial?

So today, I’d like to introduce the new ghd rose gold styler. I love all things rose gold at the moment so the colour is just another reason to love this ghd. Now, if you have some sort of bob like me, here’s a quick tutorial to help to get perfectly straight hair in less then 5 minutes!

1. So you woke up like this!

2. Now quickly brush your hair and part it.

3. Beginning on one side, grab a little section of your hair near the scalp and run your styler along it with a downward motion keeping it angled inward. This little trick will get rid of flyaways.

4. On the other side, grab a little section of your hair and run the styler along it.

5. Repeat at the back your head too.

6. Now, put a hair clip on your nose! Ok, kidding… just making sure you’re reading the post!

7. Ok, here’s what you actually need to do. Now that the top of your head looks all nice and straight, lift that section and secure it at the top with hair clips to reach underside of your hair. Grab a section that twists in the wrong direction and re-twist it in the direction you want it to be. Repeat all around.

8. Secure your hair style with hairspray or tiny touch of hair smoothing product.

9. You’re ready to go!

Just a little note, my way of achieving the perfectly straight bob is probably not what a hairdresser would do. It’s a real life girl’s way of getting it straight quickly and without any unnecessary damage. To get the perfectly straight look, you don’t need to spend ages straightening every hair. Just do the ‘important’ sections and enjoy the compliments!

You can get the ghd rose gold styler here, here or as a part of deluxe set – here.

Have fun!

– Maria xx

Disclosure: the post was sponsored by ghd. Opinions expressed my own. I just really think ghd stylers are awesome.

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PS. Someone very cute really wanted to say hello! Anastasia was hiding behind me while I was doing my hair and jumped out when I finished :) So here she is!

The post HOW TO: Perfectly Straight Hair In Less Than 5 Minutes appeared first on CrashingRED.

IMATS 2011 Sydney, Body art competition

This post was originally published on Ocotber the 3rd, 2011, but yesterday I saw it and it looked so nice. Oh the innocent newbie blogger times… I’m a kind of missing that vibe! The unknown is always intriguing. I hope you’ll enjoy walking down the memory lane with me!

“Last weekend I attended the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend (ABBW). It was a great honour to participate in such a high level event together with other bloggers from across Australia. The founders, Kimmi {The Plastic Diaries} and Jacie {You’ve Got Nail} took care of everything, making the ABBW 2011 a truly memorable experience. This epic post, spiced up with photos of the best beauty bloggers of Australia, outlines our adventures over the ABBW.

Norlin {BaublesBubblesBags}, Tegan {TeganiasThoughts}, Lexi {DreamingOfVerona} and Annica {Haute&Stylish}

IMATS

The ABBW was scheduled to run parallel with the International Makeup Artists Trade Show (IMATS). It is one of the major events in the international makeup industry. As a part of the ABBW, we received press passes to IMATS, surprise gifts from Serge Louise Alvarez and Royal & Langnickel Brushes and access to a chill out lounge with refreshments and free manicures exclusively for bloggers (thanks again to R & L Brushes). It was great to relax in the lounge after running around the exhibition for 4 hours. I must add my choice to wear comfortable clothes and flats was very appropriate on that day.

Famous Hakuhodo brushes and Gorgeous Cosmetics pigments

Smiink amazing fakies

Napoleon Perdis special effects makeup. Beef anyone?

Kimmi {ThePlasticDiaries} and Liz Giacco {the ABBW official photographer} in the upstairs lounge

Beautiful inside and out.. Jen {MyFunnyValentine}

Inglot glorious Inglot

Goody bags lifting with Jen {MyFunnyValentine} and Steph {BeautySoiree} *

Beauty Directory Event

After IMATS we attended the Beauty Directory event at the Novotel, Daring Harbour. It was set as a panel discussion between PR, bloggers and beauty media industry professionals. The main point was that PR agencies are still learning how to work with bloggers. They understand bloggers growing power and are looking for ways to collaborate. Yet, working with a PR company is not any different from any other professional relationship and that requires mutual respect and professional courtesy.

Maxted Thomas PR Gala Dinner

The pinnacle of Saturday was opulent dinner hosted by Maxted Thomas PR held at the Establishment Hotel. Upon arrival we were greeted with champagne and goody bags. Next, what a surprise! There was a pop up hair salon set up by Sebastian Professional and Remington, free manicures with new Orly Gel FX range, Nivea photobooth and skin consultations, adorable Burt Bees, Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs perfumes displayed by Coty PR… After that, there was a delicious dinner with bottomless wine glasses and witty conversation.

Gala Dinner. Can you spot me? *

Just lovely…

… and Celina {FablesInFashion}

Oh la la!

With Lilit {MakeupAndMacaroons} and Sara May {MakeupBySaraMay}

* Images taken by Liz Giacco for The ABBW, and are not to be reproduced, republished or reused without inclusion of this credit. Images remain the property of The ABBW.

Sunday

The 9 am start on Sunday was quite a challenge. Yet the ABBW 2011 second day program exceeded my expectations! Starting with the Alpha H presentation on new Liquid Gold Skin Perfecting System followed by the Face of Australia makeup class and to conclude, a Key Note speaker Bahar Etminan of rescu.com.au with a presentation on blog monetisation. The latter created so much heat in the audience that I had to write a separate article about that. Full details of the debate can be found here.

Megan {MeMyBestandI} – in search for the holy graal of radiance

Jennise {PinkRibbon} and Jeneara {JenearaCosplay} at Face Of Australia makeup class

Jennise {PinkRibbon}, meee, Megan {BeautyInTheSky}, Amy (ThingsILove}, top -Celeste {Becoming Beautiful}

More GROUP photos: humble Marusya {CrashingRed}, …, Paula {TheConcealer}, Carina {GildedNails} and Lilit {MakeupandMacaroons}

When Pink meets Red {Jennise and me}

The ABBW 2011 was like a dream! A beauty blogger’s dream that finally came true!

The post Remember This? The ABBW and IMATS 2011 appeared first on CrashingRED.

If you have been following CrashingRed for a while, you’ll know I’m constantly searching for the perfect foundation. So when I was asked to test drive the new Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin foundation, of course I agreed.

It’s always important to find the right foundation but once you hit 30, it becomes an absolute priority. You may gain some wisdom with years but sadly our skin will only gain more wrinkles. That’s when a good foundation can be your salvation! It can make you look fresher, younger and some particularly clever foundation can even improve your skin. That’s what the guys from Maybelline say the new vitamin enriched Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin range does. Does it really? Read our review to find out!

CLAIM:

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin foundation and concealer are enriched with the skin improving vitamin derivate Actyl-C. It ensures all-day flawless coverage and makes your skin look smoother and more even in 3 weeks.

• Actyl C: it leaves skin feeling energized and helps promote skin regeneration. It also evens discolouration and dull areas for a fresh radiant glow.
• Visibly improved skin in 3 weeks: you will notice changes such as: smoother skin, more even skin tone, brightening of dull areas and altogether a more hydrated, supple complexion.
• Flawless all-day coverage: The innovative air-cushioned pigments feel lightweight on your skin while providing full coverage all day with a flawless finish.

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin foundation is available in 8 shades (swatches – from left to right): 005 Beige, 010 Ivory, 020 Cameo, 021 Nude, 030 Sand, 032 Golden, 040 Fawn, & 048 Sun Beige.

The range also includes Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin concealer, RRP $14.95, which is available in 2 shades: 02 Light & 03 Medium.

REALITY:

For all tests I used Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin foundation in 010 Ivory.

• The foundation is easy to use; I literally applied it in a couple of minutes. The makeup pictured below took less than 10 minutes to complete.
• The foundation stayed on without any powder, didn’t crease and stayed matte for 12 hours (yes, I wore it for that long!). The formula is matte, but for oily skin, you’ll need to use powder as well.
• It felt nice and comfortable which was truly a pleasant surprise for such an inexpensive foundation! It’s lightweight and almost invisible yet provides excellent coverage. The colour also blended well without any primer.
• Removal was easy, it just washed off with the usual routine. Usually when I use long-lasting foundations, they require double cleansing to remove them completely. Maybelline SuperStay felt and looked like a lighter foundation with the qualities of a longer lasting one.
• Contains SPF 14. Great to have extra protection from sun damage.

VERDICT:


If you have dark, very fair, or skin with cool undertones, Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin isn’t exactly your best choice. The same applies if you prefer to use luxury brands. But if you have skin with warm (yellow) undertones and are looking for an inexpensive foundation that does it all: provides flawless coverage, lasts all day, and looks after your skin, then Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin foundation is for you. It’s also perfect for anyone who’s constantly on the go and looking for quick and easy make-up solutions. In that case, definitely give the Maybelline SuperStay range a go!

My makeup: all Maybelline – Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin foundation in 010 Ivory, Super Stay Better Skin concealer in 02 Light/Clair, Volume Express Mascara ‘Big Eyes’ in 202 Blackest Black, The Elixir Colour Sensational lip gloss in 095 Blush Essence and Expert Wear eyeshadow in 02Q Natural Smokes.

If you’d like to find out more about the product, head over to Maybelline’s SuperStay Better Skin Facebook page.

GIVEAWAY:

I’m giving away one $100 Priceline voucher to a lucky CrashingRed reader. To enter simply leave a comment answering this question: “What appeals to you most about Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation and why?”.

This giveaway is open to Australian residents only, it ends on Friday, 19 September 2014 at 5:00 pm AEST. Full terms and conditions – here. The winner will be announced here and also contacted via email on Monday, 22 September 2014.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Winner –  Saumya, comment #4.

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Nuffnang and Maybelline, opinions expressed here are my own. See full disclosure policies here.

The post Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation
 – Review & Giveaway appeared first on CrashingRED.

Sponsored by Nuffnang

Garnier was the first skincare I started using when I was a teenager. As I was growing, my skin needs were changing and I started using different brands to meet those needs. But the sweet memory of Garnier and their (then) green bottles will always remain. So when I was offered to test drive and write about the new Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur, I happily agreed. Their new product targets women in the 30-40 year range and so that’s me right now (time flies, I know!).

“An instant airbrush effect!” that’s what the new Garnier product promises and for me it was intriguing enough to give it a go. Seriously, at certain point of life don’t we all just dream about erasing all those signs of sleepless nights, hard work and God knows what else. Wrinkles be gone! Equipped with the product that was awarded “Best innovation” launch by Boots in the UK I marched bravely into the bathroom to begin a new wrinkle free life.

Did the product meet my expectations? Read my full review below to find out!

Promise:
Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur – visibly blurs wrinkles, imperfections, pores and shine. A few seconds are sufficient for visibly younger, smoother, brighter skin.

Use:
Apply after day cream on your entire face. It’s smoothing texture leaves skin soft and velvety with a matte finish. Can be worn under makeup or as a natural finish. Shake the tube before each use.

Verdict:

Yes, Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur visibly blurs away wrinkles, you can see it in the hand shot below. The area where I applied the base perfector (‘After’ shot) does in fact look blurred. Because the wrinkles are blurred they are less distinct and the skin looks younger. I have also tried to wear this base perfector under makeup and it had a similar effect, it blurred away all minor wrinkles and provided a good base for foundation.

Extra Notes: Personally I find the claim “blurs away wrinkles in 5 seconds” a bit misleading. While it actually blurs away the wrinkles when you apply it, the wrinkles will be back as soon as you wash it off. It’s not some kind of magical anti-ageing product that will blur away your wrinkles forever and it’s not skin care that will work towards reducing the signs of ageing. It’s a base for makeup and it does what it’s meant to do, smoothes your skin and preps your face for foundation. Just make sure you apply this primer after you’ve applied your moisturizer.

Availability:  RRP AUS $16.95 via Priceline, Target, Woolworth or any major supermarkets.

Personally, I’m quite satisfied with the results of the Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur test drive. Out of all the affordable primers currently on the market, I think this one is the best choice. It smells nice too! But if you prefer luxury skincare and makeup, it’s likely you won’t be impressed by this product. It’s more suitable for someone who is not ready to splurge $50 on a primer but still wants to own an effective product. If that’s you, you’ll love Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur.

Now, the good news! I’m giving away 2 x Garnier prize packs each containing 3 x Garnier Perfect Blur products. So if you’re keen to try it, here’s your chance!

How to Enter: simply comment on this post letting us know your thoughts about Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur and why do you want to win this product.

Entry is open to all Australian residents aged 14 years and over. This giveaway ends at 5:00 pm AEST on Wednesday 16 April 2014. The winner will be chosen based on the most interesting answer. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

1 May 2014 Update: This giveaway is now closed and the winners have been contacted via email.

Good luck!

Maria xx

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, opinions expressed are my own. My full disclosure policies can be found here.

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The post Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur Review & Giveaway appeared first on CrashingRED.

Today I’m super excited to finally announce the launch of our SoNailicious Boutique!

SoNailicious Boutique is our online store and the logical extension of 2 of my passions, jewellery and nail polish. If you’ve been reading my second blog, SoNailicious, you may have already seen this announcement. I had to wait a bit longer before breaking the news here simply because I wanted to show you a wider range of beautiful jewellery. Well, it has finally arrived!

The boutique offers a collection of hand picked products from all around the world that I personally enjoy and would love you to experience too. Only a limited quantity (2-3 items) of each product is available and once they’re gone they’re gone. So if you really want something, be quick to snap it. To keep things fresh, we’ll be regularly (fortnightly) updating the store with new brands and new products.

All prices are in Australian dollars and we offer flat shipping rates for all orders. We ship worldwide too. YAY!

Finally, to celebrate this exciting launch with you, here’s a special discount – 10% off store wide!

Use the code ‘GOLDLOVE’ at the checkout but hurry, it’s valid for 3 days only (expires 13 Jan 2014, 11am Sydney Time).

My pick of the day: these super cool gold knuckle rings.

Happy Shopping!!!

Maria, xx

The post Introducing SoNailicious Boutique appeared first on CrashingRED.