A Beautiful Education

Left Your Search for a Makeup Artist Too Late?

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:12:00 +0000

Makeup by Kym Tapsell for bride Ihipera Ulu of Auckland, for her Mount Maunganui wedding (November 2011)

Now you don't have to stress if Lillybeth's already booked on your wedding date! Due to growing demand for dedicated bridal makeup with easy booking and communication, Lillybeth now has two approved makeup artists working under the 'Lillybeth' brand. That means even if Lillybeth herself if already booked or unavailable on your date, you can enjoy the talents of one of her team while still dealing with Lillybeth for all your beauty-related communication.

Introducing makeup artists Julie Eagle and Kym Tapsell:

Julie uses Wendy Hill brand makeup and has a background in beauty therapy. She trained in Auckland with Joyce Blok natural skin care. Kym trained in Sydney, uses a variety of professional brands such as MAC and Kryolan and, until returning to freelancing with Lillybeth, tutored bridal makeup for four years at a high level.

LATEST FEEDBACK:

ON JULIE: "I had my makeup trial this morning and am absolutely stoked with it! Julie did a fantastic job, I honestly couldn't be more thrilled. Thank you so much for all your help and expert advice while planning this, it has made organising this part of the day really easy and stress free. I will definitely recommend you to friends and family in the area (and I dont say that to everyone! Haha)"

ON KYM: "Kym was absolutely fantastic! Our make up lasted all day....even with the many tears of joy that flowed! The day couldn't have been better and we all had such a blast. :-) Thank you so much for all your assistance in making the whole process so easy and to Kym for her cheerfulness and amazing talent."

Both Julie and Kym are available to book through Lillybeth now if your date with Lillybeth has already gone. To check Lillybeth's availability, use the booking form on the website.

P.S. Request a copy of '7 Steps To a Stress-Free Wedding' on CD. When you successfully book your wedding makeup with Lillybeth or one of her team, Lillybeth will post it out to you on CD, no charge.

The Biggest Cause of Ugliness...

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:45:00 +0000

If you have that niggling feeling you should be wearing a sunscreen, but aren't - read on. Keep reading also if you're unsure your current sunscreen covers all the bases, because:

THE SUN IS THE BIGGEST CAUSE OF UGLINESS!

So you know the sun causes skin cancer, melanoma and sun burn. And you probably apply sunscreen to prevent yourself from burning in the Summer. But did you know the sun, not getting older, is also the biggest cause of ugliness?

Wrinkles, redness, sagging, loss of elasticity and firmess, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots...these things we often attribute to ‘getting old’, but, in reality, it’s not age, but the SUN that is the biggest cause of these!

Even while you don't burn, the UVA rays of the sun, which penetrate deeper than the burning UVB rays, cause wrinkles, sun spots and permanent UVA damage - yes, even without a sunburn - and within the first minute of sun exposure. You probably don’t bother slip-slop-slapping just to get your mail from your letterbox, or drive to the dairy, but these small ventures out into the sun accumulate in damage to your skin. This everyday sun exposure, as opposed to spending long periods on the beach or outdoors, is called ‘incidental’ sun exposure and is cause enough to apply sunscreen daily, no matter where you work or live.

Paula Begoun, “The Cosmetics Cop” says, "If you are not using a sunscreen of some kind (lotion, cream, gel, serum) with SPF 15 or greater, that contains the UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Mexoryl SX, or, outside the United States, Tinosorb, then you are doing nothing of lasting value for the long-term health of your skin."

Did you get that? Spending money on the latest-science moisturiser or splurging on beauty treatments is all for nothing if you are not using a great sunscreen. Using a UVA/UVB (broad spectrum) sunscreen SPF 15+ will protect you from most of the damage caused by the sun and lessen the development of all the above skin challenges, plus deadly skin cancer, melanoma and sun burn. Those of you who are budget-conscious will be pleased to know wearing a great sunscreen daily is your BEST form of skin care.

BUT GREAT SUNSCREENS ARE HARD TO FIND...

When asked by a customer what sunscreen I recommended, I was going to recommend both a Mary Kay brand sunscreen and the Neutrogena one I was currently using (Age Shield SPF 55), but first I checked the updated 'BEST SUNSCREENS' list on Beautypedia. And I'm so glad I did.

Beautypedia is an online review database of all the big name beauty brands. The 'best sunscreens' lists are here and here. I found the Neutrogena one had been removed from the 'best' list, due to a sensitising preservative. So I looked for another one I could recommend alongside the Mary Kay sunscreen (wanting to also offer an alternative brand) but I found all these best-rated sunscreens are either not on the NZ market, outrageously overpriced...or both!
Feel free to do the research for yourself, but I can tell you very few of the sunscreens on these lists are accessible in NZ at a reasonable price. You need one that's not so expensive you’re afraid to apply it liberally, as you need, for effective protection.

The Clinique SPF 30 body cream is good at $41, but the Mary Kay Very High Protection Sunscreen SPF 30 is an even better deal at RRP $28.50.

Mary Kay Cosmetics (MK) is not available in stores or online, but only through MK consultants - of which I am one. I invite you to piggyback on the orders I make for my business, so you, like me, can have access to this best-selling and highly rated brand. Using my personal shopping service is easy. Just email or call me with your order or to request a product recommendation. Pay with credit card details (VISA or Mastercard) or internet banking online.

Now, defending against the biggest cause of ugliness is easy peasy! And I am always more than happy to make a product recommendation from within or without the Mary Kay range. If MK does not have what you need - or a better or cheaper option exists that I know of - I will tell you.

Read more about Mary Kay Cosmetics and my NZ-wide personal shopping service.

Mary Lambie on Makeup: PART TWO

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:46:00 +0000

Former broadcaster now businesswoman, Mary Lambie, before speaking at the Sebel Hotel, Trinity Wharf.

Background: When I heard Mary Lambie was speaking at a local women's business event, I used the power of social networking site, LinkedIn, to contact her and request an interview. Having been in broadcasting for 20 years (including 'Good Morning'), but recently making the switch to operating a Subway franchise, I figured she'd have something to say about makeup, practicality and life.

 Mary agreed to chat where she was staying at the Sebel Hotel and, in return, I applied her makeup for the event while we talked. Her three energetic children were in tow, having come down that day from Auckland for a weekend-long volunteer recognition event - Mary's husband Jim Mora (of TV's 'Mucking In') arriving later.

This is part two of the interview. Didn't see part one? Subscribe for free to get the Beauty Bulletin the original article appeared in.

PART TWO - Makeup Mishaps and Challenges

Having set up my kit in her apartment, I ask Mary whether she has any favourite makeup techniques.

"Because I very rarely do my own I don't have any great tricks. It pays to spend some time with your eye lashes - lengthen them, curl them, really mascara them well. Good use of brushes. I'm not really big on sponges, I tend to use a brush over a sponge and sometimes fingers, because fingers seem to warm up the foundation so it looks a bit more natural and blends in a bit quicker."

I open my makeup kit to start applying her makeup. "That's a very tidy makeup box, compared to Paula's," she chuckles. And I'm stoked. All the various brands I use and their mismatching product make my kit look a bit 'mish-mash', but if it's tidier than that of a TV makeup artist's, I'm quietly pleased...

What technique has most changed the way Mary applies makeup? "The foundation and how people put it on. I remember, it started with fingers and then they moved to sponges and they used to disintegrate all over the place, then everyone went to brushes. Another techniques that's changed is quite a few of the artists do eyes first, then foundation last. I'm not sure if I like that, I'm not sold on it, but quite a few do that."

Any memorable makeup mishaps? "One day for the TV I had a big purple [eye makeup] look going on and, blow me down, my eyes wouldn't stop watering. They just ran and ran. I think it was just the once as the girl wasn't my normal makeup artist. But I just remember when I walked into the studio and the lights were really bright, my eyes were streaming and mascara was going everywhere. There was a great big fuss of panic and we had about a minute until going to air. My makeup artist said it would settle down but of course it didn't, it got progressively worse through the course of that morning, and the more I thought about it the more they seemed to water. It was just dreadful. Even thinking about it now makes my eyes water."

I ask whether she's ever experienced 'bad' makeup backstage: "No-one wants to get out of the makeup chair looking worse than when they went in and when that happens it's soul-destroying because there's never any time to repair it. Some makeup artists just don't have the knack. I've certainly encountered that. And you know professional hands. You can tell very quickly whether they're onto it...or not."

Of what beauty asset is Mary most proud? "I'm told I've got good hair. It can do anything, it behaves itself."

And current skin challenges? "Wrinkles. Fighting dryness. I use less foundation now. Foundation on an old skin looks hideous, It gets stuck in the crevices. It looks so dreadful, but they still pile it on for the cameras." But there's still a need for foundation: "A good foundation evens you out, so you're not a blotchy face, you're even-toned, one colour. And there are some beautiful foundations out there."

So how do you look so well-groomed? "I don't," Mary says matter-of-factly. "The key to being well-groomed is good shoes. Good shoes, good jewels. Good skin is good too, you've got to take care of the base layers."

In a world of changing trends, and complicated style do's and don'ts, this is sound advice.

Latest 'Before & After' Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:56:00 +0000

Camella, a customer who often orders makeup through me, booked me to do professional makeup for her 13-year-old daughter's model portfolio photo shoot. These are just the amature photos I took on my camera, so I can't wait for the professional images once they're ready!

Florence had her photos taken against a white backdrop in her home, then went with the photographer and her mother to La De Da Boutique in Tauranga's 1st Avenue. Florence was fitted in various looks for her model photo shoot, with the help of owner Tania Greenwood.

Florence - BEFORE

Florence - AFTER

Bookmark this blog (or make it a favourite) to see the professional photos here as soon as I post them up.

Until then: I was in La De Da just yesterday, and a sniffly and blocked up me (sinuses!) received lovely service from Susan, and a beautiful, feminine, flowing tunic that, if you're local, you'll surely see me out and about in. Browsing or buying in La De Da is an indulgent way to brighten up any Winter's day. And they've got a SALE on their Vigorella stock right now. You can follow La De Da Boutique on their facebook page.

Black Mascara Is Not Always Best

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:35:00 +0000

Seen here, some of my fave mascaras, clockwise from left: Mary Kay Lash Love (NEW!) in I ♥ Brown ($31), Max factor Lash Extension Effect in Brown/Black (About $30), Covergirl Lash Blast Volume in Black ($23).

Have you ever considered using something other than black mascara?

Black mascara is NOT best option for everyone. It's great for those with naturally black or dark hair but for those with brown (like me) or blonde hair, brown mascara is more flattering.

Black can be 'overpowering' and look too stark or contrasting against paler features - and fake too. How could your lashes ever be naturally black when your hair is blonde (or red or auburn, for that matter)?? It has the potential to look 'tacky'. Swap to a brown or brown/black mascara. You'll still have depth and definition without the fakeness of a true black and it will harmonise better with your natural colourings.

See the difference in the photo above? A true brown like MK's Lash Love in 'I ♥ Brown' will also better suit natural redheads and those with naturally warm colourings (light those in the 'Spring' or 'Autumn' colour seasons) - plus it enhances green eyes.

One exception: On the occasion you wear very dark eyemakeup, go black - you'll need it for your lashes to stand out against a dark, bright or dramatic backdrop.

Honest Beauty Advice or Salespitch??

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:04:00 +0000

Last week this deal featured on GrabOne daily deal site and I thought to myself, "Wow, that's a great deal...but only IF you're happy to receive biased recommendations and have your makeup lesson in public..."
If you really want to know what suits you, in private and without the salespitch, visit my website for info on makeup lessons or seek out a mobile makeup artist who gives lessons but doesn't use just one brand and can offer unbiased recommendations.

You'll pay more for unbiased recommendations, rather than advice attached to a brand, but that's the trade off. As consumers, it doesn't benefit us to get our product recommendations from those who exist solely to sell product, ie any retail counter or beauty department whose main business is retail.

It makes perfect sense from a business point of view to offer lessons based around a brand (and they'll make more money doing it this way than I will on product sales!) - but it's not totally beneficial for the customer: Women shouldn't put their appearance and image at the mercy of one-sided product advice.

I avoid this by:
• Choosing to use various brands in my makeup kit, as no one brand is failproof and has the best of everything
• Making recommendations from multiple brands when the products perform the same
• Refusing to offer free lessons/makeovers in exchange for product purchase.

This issue of biased advice is why I started 'A Beautiful Education' and what I personally stand for.

If you did buy this deal, or are thinking of going to a beauty counter for a 'makeup consultation' anytime soon, check for the best and worst of Smashbox or the particular brand on offer at www.beautypedia.com. Check how each product rates and get an honest opinion, so you can see through the salespitch and know what's worth buying - before you go in store.

NEXT Magazine Makeover...Gets a Makeover!

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:49:00 +0000

Tauranga business owner Chrissy Mochan (of Bliss Baskets) won a makeover with NEXT magazine in late 2010. The photos in the magazine show her wearing WORLD, and styled by its designer, the iconic Denise L'Estrange Corbet.

Margaret of Personal Style saw the photos and knew she could do better. Yes - better than WORLD! So after gifting Chrissy a Personal Style consultation (to discover her best colours and clothing styles), Margaret assembled her favourite Tauranga stylists for a makeover collaboration on Chrissy - to right the wrongs of the NEXT makeover.

Before Margaret sent me these magazine pages I was a little sceptical she could improve on designer styling. I thought, she's either being *very* picky to critise this makeover, or there is something VERY WRONG. I could not imagine a makeover going 'wrong' when styled by a well-respected designer.

So did Margaret do better? Well, yes. If better means more wearable in real life (this is Tauranga after all, not Auckland's High Street), suited to Chrissy's best colours and a little more in tune with her body shape. Surely this should be the mark of a fab makeover? A new look that can be sustained: A makeover that takes into account the natural features of the person being made over. Surely not too much to ask?

Below are the professionally styled 'after' photos, followed by the 'before' shot Chrissy sent into NEXT magazine to win the makeover.

There is a improvement! But it is so far below what I am used to seeing in good makeover stories. I can see problems with the styling in every single photo below - the colours, the shapes, the styles...

This makeover highlights the gap between 'high fashion' and 'good styling'. The principles of colour and proportion that are used internationally by stylists, artists, interior designers and colour consultants - that simply 'work' - were not used here. There are rules and principles to looking good - a science behind what we humans find pleasing to look at. If high fashion is about breaking rules, then there were too many rules broken here for success.

Here's how we 'made over' the NEXT makeover:

• Chrissy had her hair colour corrected to remove the warmth added in the initial makeover as she suits the cooler tones. Chrissy also has redness on her cheeks and the warmth in her hair was only emphasising this. Her hair was also styled in a more flattering shape (courtesy of Becky Urquart from B. Hair).

• Makeup was then applied using her best colours (by myself, Lillybeth: A Beautiful Education) - not the barely-there apricot tone seen in the casual photos, but a more visible, pastel pink, then a berry-hot pink for the dressy look, rather than the bold red seen in the magazine. I avoided applying a true red simply because Chrissy's hair and skin is rather pale and a red lipstick is a bold look that could easily 'overpower' her and is best kept for more dramatic evening makeup with eye makeup that supports it. Blush was kept to a cool pink and eye shadow to a natural beige and medium brown, to keep within her best cool, or 'blue-based' colours.

• Chrissy brought her own clothes to be styled in her best colours and fashion 'lines' and styles (by Margaret of Personal Style).

• Then Chrissy posed for professional studio images (by Justine of Sassi Photography).

Applying the lip colour on Chrissy's natural but very polished makeup look.

Compare our finished result to the NEXT magazine makeover:

LEFT: Makeover results from collaboration of Tauranga stylists. RIGHT: Makeover in NEXT.

I think it's fair to say Chrissy looks more attractive, healthy and shapely in the first image. If you're not sure exactly why that is or where the NEXT makeover went wrong, I'll comment on each of Chrissy's makeover looks in the next blog post along with more of our photos.

Nicky White on TV3's TARGET & 5 Reasons I'll Show Up on Your Wedding Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:13:00 +0000

The latest episode of TARGET, a consumer information and hidden camera show, recently featured the business disaster that was Nicky White makeup artist. Nicky received deposits from many brides and ball-goers for their professional makeup, but didn't show up on the day to do the job. TARGET tells two of these stories, but I've heard many more.

Watch the episode here.

To avoid getting stung by a mobile makeup artist that doesn't turn up on your wedding day, TARGET advises to: Get word-of-mouth referrals/good references, only pay 10% deposit and get a written contract.

But I require a 50% non-refundable deposit with the balance in full before the booking. Why? Because I value my work and only want to deal with brides who also value my services and are committed to keeping their booking on that date. Asking for 50% as a deposit means I'm not forever changing my schedule due to cancelled bookings, or attracting customers for whom professional makeup is not a priority. TARGET suggests your makeup artist needs money as a reason to turn up to a booking - to collect the balance owed on the day. But as per my terms, my brides pay in full before I arrive with my makeup kit. Obviously, money's not the only reason to show up. Keep reading for the 5 reasons I honour my bookings, even when payment has already been received.

I also don't give a written contract. I know myself I have incentive to follow every booking through to completion and there are many reviews and testimonials available as social proof.

Here are 5 (rather personal) reasons I'll show up on your wedding day and do what I've said I will:

• Pride in myself. If I do a sub-standard job or let down a customer, I am most disappointed in myself. I'm a dedicated makeup artist. Career-wise, this is all I do. I pride myself on delivering a good service, a great result and feel I'm only as good as my last makeup. When you're happy, I'm happy. :-)

• Love of the work. When you apply makeup (in the right way), it makes you look healthier, fresher, more attractive. It can subtly enhance or completely transform. When I work, I get to see that transformation take place (often many times each booking) right in front of my eyes. And I get paid to do it - what's not to love!?

• A reputation to honour. As an active part of the Bay of Plenty business community, there are business people out there putting their own credibility on the line as they vouch for me, give out my card and refer to me their friends, family and customers. I'm a current member of Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, Venus Clubs (Seaside club) and the prestigious BOP Wedding Network. That gives me another hundred or more reasons to fulfil the verbal agreement I make with each bride. In each business dealing, regardless of whether my bridal customer came from a referral or not, I'm motivated to do my colleagues proud.

• Something to brag about! A successful bridal booking means more photos for my portfolio (with permission), another potential review or testimonial and more 'faces' on the Makeup Faces counter on the front page of my website. The counter is updated regularly for potential customers to see how many 'faces' I've made up that year. A larger number shows I'm not just a makeup 'hobbyist' or part-timer. Having that number made public increases my sense of progress and kicks in my competitive spirit as my goal is to beat the number of faces I did the year before. My aim in 2011 is to have that counter hit 300. Every booking I fulfill gets me closer to that goal!

• A personal connection. I'm human. I love people, no matter how different to me. I care how a bride's makeup looks and lasts. I've custom designed her makeup based on her best features and colours. We've emailed or talked. She's trusted me with her face, confidence and money. I would never intentionally ruin or disrupt her wedding day by not turning up to play my part in the day's success. It should go without saying.

See reviews on WeddingWise. Reviews on Facebook. Testimonials on A Beautiful Education's website.

Makeup Consultations & Professional Makeup by Lillybeth

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:48:00 +0000

Can't be bothered reading my website to discover what I offer? Watch this presentation and get the whole story on A Beautiful Education & makeup artist Lillybeth, in one place.

Make sure you look at the first slide (showing now) before clicking the play arrow. Then press the play arrow to start and you can skip through the slides at your speed or leisure. The next 2 minutes of new ideas, beautiful pictures and surprising stories are brought to you courtesy of A Beautiful Education. :-)

Questions unanswered? Something missing? Call me on 07 578 4226 for more info or to book professional makeup services for yourself, your business or event.

Makeup Consultations and Professional Makeup: A Beautiful Education

View more presentations from A Beautiful Education - professional makeup and lessons.

'Makeup Mastery' Small Group Workshop Teaser

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:42:00 +0000

Check out this SlideShare Presentation to get a taste of how you'll benefit from a small group makeup workshop with me - it's your own 'beautiful education'!

Make sure you look at the first slide (showing now) before clicking the play arrow.

Call me in Tauranga to book your workshop or private consultation on 07 578 4226. Or see my website fo rmore info.

'Makeup Mastery' Small Group Workshop Teaser

View more presentations from A Beautiful Education - professional makeup and lessons.

Wedding Makeup: D.I.Y. or 'Go Pro'?

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 06:03:00 +0000

You have two choices when it comes to your bridal makeup:

1) Use a professional makeup artist

2) Do It Yourself (DIY).

If you're thinking of doing your own wedding makeup to save money, think again.

Many brides who go DIY with their bridal party's makeup spend the same amount of money or more buying the foundations, finding lipstick colours and wasting money on unsuitable beauty products they can't return, in the process. Plus they have to spend extra time researching what look they want, plus more time spent practicing.

And if they’ve not booked a makeup artist for their bridal party, the bridesmaids will also have to do their own makeup on the day, or the bride might try to do the bridal party's makeup herself. That’s a huge responsibility, especially on your wedding day!

If you have the time to learn, patience to practice and the time on the day to do it yourself, then going DIY with your makeup due to a tight budget is an option...but I don't recommend it. However, there are other benefits (apart from possibly saving money) to doing your own makeup:

You have full control of the finished look

You can be proud of having done it yourself

You can enjoy the tradition of getting yourself ready on the day of your wedding

Those are great reasons to take your bridal beauty into your own hands. But there's also a way to get professional-style results when applying your own makeup: Get professional guidance. Upgrade your beauty skills with a private lesson with a makeup artist. You’ll get all the credit of self-applying your bridal look and your guests don't have to know you had 'inside help'.

Some makeup artists offer lessons where you get the experience of applying the makeup yourself, with their guidance, and learn your best makeup colour and techniques along the way. This is a great option if you want to apply your own bridal look on your wedding day, but need to know the best colours and perhaps products to use. And if group lessons are available, invite your bridesmaids and enjoy a workshop together. It’s the perfect excuse enjoy some quality ‘girly’ time together, and your bridesmaids can practise applying their own makeup in advance of the wedding day.

Beware, though, of makeup 'lessons' where the makeup artist does all the work. Just watching them apply your makeup with not give you the skills to be able to recreate that professional look. You need the tools and brushes in your hands to experience a true makeup lesson. Most makeup artists are great at applying makeup but lack the words or motivation to describe and teach how a technique should be done. It also takes time to explain the 'why' or principle behind the action. A face chart can only explain so much. Without hands-on learning, you'll have little hope of being able to recreate the artist's work when they're not around.

My tip: If you book a makeup lesson, or a trial-run with a makeup artist (If going Pro), make this appointment on the day of your hen’s night or when you have something special planned afterwards so you have somewhere to show off and enjoy your polished look.

If you've chosen to go fully Pro, good on you! Booking a professional makeup artist saves you the time, money and energy you might spend researching, practising and experimenting with makeup before the day if going DIY.

If you've not yet booked a professional makeup artist and have been meaning to - do it now. Find out the deposit requirements and availability of your preferred makeup artist now, and check it off your list. It's probably not too early. Most makeup artists take bookings up to 12 months in advance, if not more and it’s best to have a trial (if possible) then secure your preferred makeup artist before someone else does.

There are makeup artists who will listen to you and collaborate with your ideas to create a look you love. Go get ‘em!

Visit my website to see photos, testimonials and prices of my work. Click on the bride in the centre of the page for details of my mobile special occasions makeup.

Regardless of the makeup artist you choose, read 'How To Avoid A Makeup Meltdown' (also on this blog) to avoid disappointment with your makeup and get the most from your makeup artist.

For your beautiful education,

Lillybeth Melmoth

www.abeautifuleducation.co.nz

Face Painting at the Tauranga RDA Gala & Ribbon Day 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:34:00 +0000

Thanks to Karen Clarke, Tga RDA Marketing volunteer, for offering me the opportunity to help raise funds for the club as part of the annual gala. More cool ways to help the Tauranga Equestrian Therapy Centre (Tga RDA), like sponsoring a horse or getting naming rights to a field (!) can be found on their website.

Yellow crystal embellishments on multi-coloured tropical flowers - one of my favourites.

Artist-gone-crazy! This was a popularly requested design with splotches and splashes flung onto the child's face (clothes were protected by a paper towel) and texture added with a course sponge.
We even made the paper! On SunLive. And watch for photos from the event this week in the Bay of Plenty Times.

How To Avoid Embarrassment With False Eyelashes

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 05:07:00 +0000

With most models, celebrities, Michelle Obama (and even mascara ad models) wearing them on a regular basis, I bet you've been tempted (or have already tried) to apply your own false eyelashes.

I'd love to say: "Just don't do it. Please don't 'DIY' your false lashes." But in the true spirit of Kiwi independence, here are my top tips for avoiding the pitfalls of self-applied false eyelashes. Seriously, get it wrong and you can ruin your whole look. Badly applied false lashes can embarrass, distract and get you remembered for the wrong reasons.

Here are two tricks most makeup artists know but everyday women don't, about applying false eyelashes:

Tip #1: Trim the lashes. Most bought lashes are too long for anyone's eyes. Hold the strip lashes up to your eye. Try to sit them on top of your natural lashes and check how far they extend past the outer corners. It may just be a millimetre or two (often 5), but cut the excess length off from the OUTER corner (The inner lashes are usually shorter and you want to keep these). If you find you've trimmed them too much, just make sure you place them toward the outer edge of your eyes - it's not so important to have longer/fuller lashes toward the inner corners.

Tip #2: Secure the corners with a little extra glue. Apply only a thin line of glue along the lashes, but add a little more at each end. It makes me cringe when I see photos of women at up-scale parties who look amazing apart from the fact their lashes have peeled from the inner corners. This happens easily because the eye is curved and the lashes haven't been glued enough to make them curve with the eye.

Other problems you might encounter include:

• The glue that came with the bought lashes being too runny to be useful
• The glue taking a loooong time to become tacky (which is when you want to apply the lashes)
• Discovering the new glue tube is empty/dried up - happens more than you'd think!
• Using too much glue or sticking your upper and lower lashes together, i.e. gluing an eye shut
• Using the wrong type of glue (Latex glue is best here but there are other types of lash glue available. The wrong kind can sting while drying and be difficult to remove)
• The glue not drying clear or being visible on your lashes once dried
• The band of the lashes being too thick to shape to your eye, and pulling away once glued.

Don't use your next night out as an opportunity to try applying your own false lashes. Practice before the occasion, preferably on a bare face so if something goes wrong you don't ruin your makeup. You can re-use the same strip lashes if you clean off the glue with makeup remover after your practice.

If that fails, call in a professional. I simply charge $15 to apply false lashes of any style with a makeup booking - and that includes the lashes too, whether they're bold, subtle, spiky, glittered, or even with foil inserts. See if you can spot where I've used false eyelashes in my makeup portfolio.

Did I 'Slag Off' the NATIO cosmetics brand?

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 04:15:00 +0000

Did I 'slag off' the NATIO cosmetics brand in a previous article on this blog? One person seems to think so.

Here's the transcript of a conversation carried out online between myself and a NATIO employee who took issue with an article I wrote last year, entitled: "NATIO's Paraben Hypocrisy."

Read the original article here.

Did I go too far? Am I, in my self-given mission of education women about the beauty industry, 'slagging off' cosmetic companies? I won't say any more for now, but will let you in on our conversation, so you can join it. Please comment at the end. Note: Name of correspondent removed. Text otherwise unedited.

START

21 August at 09:48

Hello

Just a quick email to you re a web site you have written about the australian natio products.

http://abeautifuleducation.blogspot.com/2009/03/natios-paraben-hypocrisy.html

After reading your blog I checked to what you had written and I think you've made a mistake. There are disclaimers stating that 'no parabens' are used in conjuction with... MINERAL MAKEUP.... NOT SKINCARE! Your web site details I believe need ammending.

False accusations can cause problems... its not worth it :)

Just thought I'd mention before the company find your site... your easily traced back to here with your link :)

Lillybeth Melmoth 21 August at 11:12

That's correct [name].

I was stating it is misleading to market one product on the merits of it not containing parabens, when other products they make do contain parabens. By claiming their mineral makeup is paraben-free they are misleading consumers into:

1) believing there is something wrong/unsafe about parabens (of which there is no conclusive evidence, they are playing on a fear largely provoked by media hype perpetuated by the cosmetic industry)

and

2) the consumers may assume that if the company is declaring parabens unsafe or undesirable, their other items would also be paraben free, which they are not.

So it's not a false accusation - it's my opinion that their marketing in this way leads the customer to assume two untruths.

Does that change your response to the article now?

Warmest regards,

Lillybeth

Lillybeth Melmoth 21 August at 11:13

And if you wish you can add comments to the blog or to the posts here on facebook and I'll respond in public. :-)

22 August at 06:36

i dont mind and dont need to publicise my notes to you. you do however need to re jog your working. You show me one piece of information WRITTEN on th products or the natio website styating ALL products are baraben free... your wording is in accurate, i do understand now what you were trying to say.. but its not come across correctly :)

22 August at 06:37

iv looked again and no where on their site state that they say parabens are unsafe.

Lillybeth Melmoth 22 August at 09:12

I never state they explicitly STATE parabens are not safe. I've already explained it is IMPLIED. It's not against any laws to advertise like this, I'm just saying it's a little hypocritical.

However, some people do have a reaction to parabens and would seek out paraben-free products, but to the average consumer the claim of being paraben-free is a subtle scare tactic. A real paraben-free seeker would check the label.

It's my blog. I can write anything I like without false accusing, which I do not do. If you choose to interpret incorrectly that is not my error. I'm confident there's nothing illegal or worthy of prosecution on my blog. Take it to your bosses in Australia. Maybe then they'd changed the wording.

All the best,

Lillybeth.

22 August at 09:19

You are very arrogant, even though you know your wrong howeve not admiting the fact ..i wont be messaging you again, but will be keeping a little eye on you, informing ALL compnaies you' slag off' from now on.

END

Jedi Mind Trick Vote for Lillybeth Melmoth & 'Iceland' in the Jane Iredale Makeup Competition!

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:10:00 +0000

I've submitted my first entry for a national makeup competition! The theme of the 2010 Jane Iredale Makeup Competition is 'International Inspirations'. My entry, 'ICELAND' was created in the studio using only Jane Iredale products. No retouching of photos was allowed.

The judges will choose the official winners but voting is underway NOW for the People's Choice award. Voting closes Aug. 22nd. I don't think mine is the best - and of course you can vote for whoever you want - but I'd love to have your support.

See all the fascinating entries and cast your vote here.

My entry is 10th row down and on the right. The short voting form is at the bottom of the page. Should you choose to vote it'll take about 15 seconds to fill out and you'll also go in the draw for a Spring/Summer 'Perfectly Nude' makeup collection worth over $360!

I'm proud of my entry and appreciate your interest. If you'd like to go one step further for me, consider spreading the word (and website link) to vote for me through your blog, on facebook and your social networks. Thanks!

5 Essentials For Special Occasions Makeup!

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 01:45:00 +0000

With the chill of WInter here (in New Zealand) and the Summer party & wedding season still months away, you'll probably find yourself with fewer special occasions to 'dress-up'. But don't despair, ball season is here! Whether it's a school ball, business awards night or Winter wedding on your calendar, use your next big social event as an excuse to shake off the cold and look your hottest ever.

I created this high fashion look for model Briar's portfolio photo shoot last month. It was created in the studio of Mount Maunganui photographer Logan Davey. The makeup look shown here could be customised to rock the dance floor at any ball or party (perhaps minus the crystals on the lips) and has all the elements of a special occasions look:

1. Dramatic eyes that demand attention
2. Bold lashes that steal the show
3. A flattering lip colour
4. Clever contouring with bronzer
5. And a decorative touch (in this case, the rhinestones) to add interest and intrigue

It all adds up to an unforgettable look that inspires confidence in the wearer. Can you imagine how fearless you'd feel in this makeup?! You can enjoy professional makeup in your home when you book the services of a mobile makeup artist. For more info on mobile, professional makeup in the BOP, visit my website. For the daring people who wish to recreate this look themselves, I've added a list of the products used below.

PRODUCTS USED
SKIN: Mary Kay (MK) Full Coverage Liquid Foundation in Beige 400. MK Mineral Loose Powder, Beige 1. MK Bronzing Powder, Sandstone. CHEEKS: MK Mineral Cheek Colour Pink Petals & Cheek Palette in Soft Sable. EYES: MK Mineral Eye Colour in Spun Silk, Granite, Iris & Sweet Plum. MK Eyeliner, Black. Maybelline Define-A-Lash Waterproof Mascara, Brownish Black. MK Eye Colour as a brow shadow, Hazelnut. Fairy-style False Eyelashes, Black. Purple rhinestones. LIPS: MK Creme Lipstick, Frosted Rose. Pink rhinestones.

View My Professional (But funky!) Makeup Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:50:00 +0000

Merivale Primary School Girls' Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:09:00 +0000

I had some fun with some senior girls from Merivale School today. Today was the second day of their overnight camp at Poututerangi Marae in Te Puna. My good friend and youth worker Lizzie Macrae (Merivale Community Centre) invited me to facilitate an interactive session on makeup before the girls' afternoon fashion parade.

I demonstrated dress-up makeup on one girl before the others created their own looks with sparkle eye glitters, cheek colours, lip glosses and body shimmers.

Organisers were Julie (social worker), Sherie (Teacher) and Lizzie (Rangatahi worker). Also helping were 3 fun girls from Tauranga Girls' College. A colourful few hours playing with makeup, hair, clothes styling and beads culminated in the energetic scenes below!

New Look BEAUTY BULLETIN!

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:43:00 +0000

Just in time for Autumn, my Beauty Bulletin has blossomed into a new season...with a new look! Smart and sleek, future Beauty Bulletins from A Beautiful Education will be even more info-packed and simply overflowing with delicious makeup tips, unique makeup inspiration and insights on the world of beauty, as seen through my eyes.

Subscribe to future issues here. It's free and easy to subscribe. Start your beautiful education today, and get the smarts to be fearless with colour and more confident with makeup for a more 'you' you.

Enjoy. xx

Face Painting Photos from the ITM 400 Roadshow

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:12:00 +0000

The face painting today at the ITM 400 Roadshow was my first corporate face painting booking. Previously I've done not-for-profit events where the customers paid $3 for a cheek design and $6 for a full face painted. Today was a little different as the customer was Oregon ITM Mount branch so it was free for the punters!

There was a good atmosphere in the Oregon ITM building where, surrounded by stacks of timber and building supplies, locals got to see a V8 supercar up close, get their posters signed by a ITM 400 driver, enter a nailing competition (fastest time was 1.9 seconds), drive the V8 simulator and get their face branded with their preferred car logo.

Ford or Holden? Show your allegiance at the ITM 400 Roadshow

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:12:00 +0000

As the official face painter for the Oregon ITM 400 at Oregon's Mount branch on January 24, I'll be helping the punters express their passion for their favourite team by branding them with the logo of either Ford or Holden...

Add to that flames, embellishments and whatever else they might request, and I think there'll be some very sweet examples of my face painting walking around tomorrow at the Mount!

Come catch me from 10am to 12pm at Oregon ITM, Owens Place, Mt. Maunganui.
ABOUT The ITM 400 Roadshow: "The road show will feature an authentic V8 Supercar for fans get the feel that the driver experiences. There’s a driving simulator – and fans can see if they can beat the times set by Murph and Fabian. There are also displays, video footage, merchandise, tickets for the event, prizes and competitions, the magnificent Mark Porter Trophy for the winner of the ITM 400 as well as a poster signing session with either Greg or Fabian. The two drivers are super keen as they both approach very exciting times for the 2010 V8 Supercar season." Read more on the ITM400 homepage. And see the article on Sun Live!

Join Me on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:03:00 +0000

See photos of my latest makeup work, join in on the discussions, ask your beauty Q's and rub shoulders with a professional makeup artist online! Join me and fellow makeup-lovers here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52502018836&ref=ts

Face Painting Photos from the Cargo Shed Relaunch

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Here are some pics from the Cargo Shed Relaunch in Tauranga where I was a face painter for the day: I'm happy to consider face painting bookings for birthday parties, community events and festivals if you are interested in something simple and unique to brighten up your event. However, although I'm a professional makeup artist and enjoy face painting, it is not my speciality. If you're looking for a professional face painter in Tauranga, may I recommend Ros Robinson from Illusionz Face & Body Art. She has the experience and equipment to offer a truly professional service.

WIN a Personal Makeup Consultation & Lesson in Tauranga

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:08:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Lillybeth Melmoth) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:47:00 +0000

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 still to meet your perfect foundation match, some see me in person at the Taste, Tempt & Treat Christmas Fair. I'll be at the A Beautiful Education stand doing live makeup demonstrations, 5 minute makeovers and on-the-spot foundation matching with a cosmetics range that can only be sourced through 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 . Meet me at the Taste, Tempt & Treat Christmas Fair - Hosted by Her Business Tauranga Network. Thursday December 3rd 5pm - 7:30pm Sebel Hotel, Trinity Wharf, Tauranga Free Entry. Come with your questions.