How to apply bronzer

Hello beautiful people!

I had mentioned to a few people that I would upload the "How to apply bronzer" pages from the Feb issue of my online magazine, Frou Frou.

I believe if you click on the smaller picture it will open up to the full size on a different page.

Finalists for the Vintage Retro Photoshoot Contest

THE FINALISTS:








JULIE

All of Julie's entries were brilliant, but this picture in particular caught my eye. Vargas-like in pose, situation and styling, this photo is stunning. I love the motion in the papers being tossed. The colouring is simple and vibrant. A very successful shoot.










AMANDA

There were two pictures in particular of Amanda's that I couldn't decide between. I ended up choosing this one for it's simplicity. It's a sassy picture. I love that the subject is dressed in lingerie but the overall mood is sweet and pretty. Captures exactly what I love about this retro period.

Love the frilly undies! I own 3 pairs!






ERIN

Erin's 5 pictures were super cute. She had some cute pics with flamingo garden ornaments. I chose this picture because I thought the pose was striking. I love the texture and line of Erin's hair. Very geometric, which suits the style of the mod makeup.






IRIS

Click on this picture and enlarge it! This is a work of art. I was floored when I saw this entry. I couldn't make heads or tails of what was real and what was effect. I emailed Iris to find out more about it, and she told me her husband did the graphic work to the pic. They superimposed this image onto a vintage cigarette ad. They added in the cigarettes afterwards, added a cartoon-like effect, and changed the text to read "more mothers..." This is a clever entry. Tongue in cheek, and perfectly styled.









HIDAYAH

What I particularly like about this photo is the juxtaposition of retro styling with sleek portraiture. Some of Hidayah's other photos were more pinup posey, but this pic lept out at me. I love the geometry in this pic. Her arms are creating strong lines, the fan an almost semi-circle. I also love the merging of eastern and western cultures. It's a very striking photograph.








LILY

It was very hard for me to pick one photo from the series of pics that Lily sent me. I absolutely love and respect the representation of homosexuality in this photograph. Blink and you'll miss it. Its coy, sweet and cheeky. The composition of the photograph is stunning as well.





NICOLE

All of the pictures Nicole sent me were as cute and pretty as this one! This photo is so well styled, posed and captured. I think this photo works so well because of the colour palette chosen. The army green swimsuit is echoed in the bushes, the yellow flower matching the tones of the ukelele. I also love the structure of the hairstyle!!! I want to see a YouTube tutorial on how the girls created that look!












SILVIA

I am mesmerised by Silvia's face in this photo. Her eyes and brows are an amazing focal point. I love the lights bouncing off the mirrors in this shot and I love the contrast settings for this photo. Beautiful.













TOKI
I am a big fan of the boudoir-like feel of dark stripes with peach/pink. You see it everywhere, usually in beauty packaging. The text is really cute. I love the pose- power retro teen queen. This photo appeals to me, and I can't quite articulate why! Maybe it's the girliness, the colours....














STELLA

This is a gorgeous Vogue-esque photo. Even when my boyfriend saw this photo he commented on how much he liked the styling and the way it was shot. Again, I like it because there's a sleekness to it, blended with the retro styling. It's a very interesting photo. If I were you, Stella, I'd have this blown up and framed on my wall!





NOW REMEMBER! Voting closes 1st May. I don't mind if you cast votes in the comments section of this blog entry or if you cast votes on the youtube video. You can also email me your vote, if you want to be more discrete about it. But, remember it's one vote per person. Thanks for all the effort all of you put into this competition. I'm so impressed by all of your entries. It was incedibly hard trying to get 10 finalists, and thank God, I'm not the person deciding on number 1!!! I'll be posting one picture from every entry in the next issue of Frou Frou Magazine (online 24th April). Good luck to the finalists!

Iris- Ilovegerardo

I just love Iris, of the YouTube channel, Ilovegerardo. She's my hair guru. She is a lover of the vintage/retro styles like me!

Her latest video showing how to get that Rosie the Riveter look is brilliant.

And if you haven't subscribed to her channel yet, here is a link! You won't be disappointed. Definitely one of my favourite channels on YouTube.

Sylvie Guillem

(Note: I've attached 2 YouTube videos showcasing Sylvie. One is from her latest show, although this video doesn't do the show justice, and the other is a sample of Sylvie's other work)

On Tuesday night, I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Sylvie Guillem and Akram Khan in "Sacred Monsters" at the Sydney Opera House.

There are a few classic performers, that I've had the fortune of seeing, that I will hold in my heart forever. You know, the kinds you'll tell your grandchildren about. For me, those people are Topol (from Fiddler on the Roof), Barbra Streisand, KD Lang, Cyndi Lauper and Sylvie Guillem!

If you are not too sure who Sylvie Guillem is, she's an amazing French ballerina, dancing both contemporary and classical styles. For anyone who is a fan, you'll know her for her amazing extensions and beautifully strange arched feet. I personally prefer classical ballet, over contemporary, but she is a master at both.

I caught Sylvie in her latest work with Akram Khan in "Sacred Monsters". Choreographed by Khan and danced to Philip Sheppard's amazing Arabic influenced compositions. The band..... *pauses* ..... lost for words...... the male vocalist had the most superb spine tingling voice.

The whole premise of the show was a reflection of their spiritual journey through dance, through breaking traditions. It's sincere, and not so intellectualised that it becomes a mash of nonsensical rubbish (which is my criticism on contemporary). It was perfect.

Anyway, just check it out. You won't regret it.

Here is a link to her upcoming shows in the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy.

Shadow Shields

A great idea for those girls who find eyeshadow fallout an aggrevation!

Shadow sheilds are disposable cotton pads that are self adhesive and are lightly stuck under the eye. Kind of like a post it note, it sticks at one end, so that when it's pressed down on the eye it creates a lip, sticking out a little to catch any eyeshadow.

They come in a pack of 50, and cost $16.95US. They can be ordered online. I'm not sure of the stockists. I'll investigate further and let you know!

Yaaayyy! I'm back online!!!!

Hello my pretties!!!

I'm back online. My computer crashed last week, and the only emailing and maintenance on the website I could do was on the work computers! I have bought a sexy new computer and am just trying to catch up on a few things.

So anyone who is hanging out for the vids- they are coming! The hair vids have been put on hold till next week, as I've had some trouble meeting up with my models. But the Mod Makeup vid will be up this weekend. Phew!

Ok! Now I need a cup of tea, and need to install some more programs on my new computer. Oh, I'm as busy as a bee. ; )

Sneak Peak- Berry Purple Makeup

A little sneak peak at my latest shoot with Summer for Frou Frou Magazine.

I wanted something a little bolder, and alternative without being too over done.

Ok, say no more, say no more. Look out for it in the next issue of Frou Frou Mag, and a video tutorial.

My fave Oscar starlet.... Marion Cotillard

So, Marion Cotillard is my new fave celebrity.

I was completely transfixed by her when she won Best Actress at the Academy Awards. I loved her whole look. Sophisticated and groomed, but not contrived. She represents to me what is missing in the Paris Hilton/Lindsey Lohan generation- poise. How to have poise without being too.... for the lack of a better word.... stuck up. She was gracious and charming, sexy and sincere.

Marion looked so gorgeous in the scalloped Jean Paul Gaultier dress. The classic makeup teamed with the white and silver dress perfectly complimented the outfit. Her jewellery was simple, and I liked her bouncy curled hair slung to the side. A+ from me.

Lancome Juicy Tubes

Lancome Juicy Tubes

I am doing a bit of a belated spring clean of my wardrobe this evening. I am on a strict budget at the moment, and thought I should try and unearth some hidden treasures of handbags I'd forgotten about tucked in little nooks, and tops at the very bottom of the washing basket.

I was cleaning out one of my handbags and found a gift pack sized tube of Lancome's Juicy Tubes. I can't remember exactly how I acquired the sample, but I am having vague memories of mum and I having a coffee break after a long day shopping, and me raiding the complimentary gift pack.

Anyhoo.... that doesn't really matter, does it!

The flavour (?) I have is "sorbet de framboise".... I think. It's a sheer pink colour with lots of little glitter flecks mixed in. It's so cute, and reminds me of some of the Mac Fafi glosses/lipsticks out at the moment.

It's thick in texture. Feels like a mix between your average gloss and a thick lip lacquer. It's sticky, but not uncomfortable. It's so shiny too, as the packaging tells us. And the glitter, although noticeable, doesn't look like kids gloss you might pick up at Kmart. It's subtle enough to be tasteful. It's one of those glosses that is a real feature to your face, so if you want to wear a natural look and have glossy lips, this is the ideal product.

Oh! By the way, there's a little delay with the Mod Makeup video and hair vids that I said would be up this week. I've been caught up in the back to uni rat race! Summer and I are hopefully filming tomorrow, so I hope to have something up this weekend.

Whatever!!!

Ok, this is officially the cutest video on YouTube!

Ask Me Makeup Retro/Vintage Photoshoot Competition

Today I have launched the Retro and Vintage Photoshoot competition with a prize of my highly recommended makeup products to the value of $200! I'm so excited to see the entries!!! I really am!!!!!!! (see all the exclamation marks?!!!!!!)

Here is a recap of the rules and conditions:

To celebrate the launch of the Askmemakeup.com website, I am giving away AUD$200 worth of my highly recommended makeup products.

All you have to do is create a retro and vintage styled photoshoot. Submit 5 pictures. I will select my favourite contestant entries, and then get you guys to vote on the winner!

Competition begins: Right now!
Submissions due: March 31st, 2008

Rules:
* Design a retro or vintage themed photoshoot
* Use the steps in either of the following Ask Me Makeup Videos: - Pink Vintage Pinup Girl Makeup - Vintage Pinup Girl Makeup - Old Hollywood Makeup - Sixties Mod Makeup (to be uploaded Feb 27th)
* You can be the model, or get together with friends and do a group shoot, or you can do your friend's makeup!
* You will be judged on creativity, execution and styling. I am looking for pics with wow factor! I am looking for creative shoots that are distinctly retro or vintage themed.
* Select 5 of your best photos from the shoot/s and email them to askmemakeup@hotmail.com
* You don't have to use the same products that I've used in my videos, just follow the ideas and steps I outline.
* Contestants must be subscribed to my channel
* You can attach a video as a response to this to show us what you've been working on. But only emailed photo submissions will be included in the judging

IN YOUR EMAIL SUBMISSION:
- Tell me your name, youtube channel/username, country
- Tell me which of my makeup looks you've recreated
- Tell me a little about the photoshoot! Eg. Did you enjoy it? What was your inpsiration? Camera used? Models? Props?

VINTAGE HAIR TUTORIALS TO COME. UPLOADING ON FEB 29th


(Why a photoshoot? Megs, Summer and I have so much fun each week doing our photoshoots for Frou Frou Magazine and for the videos! The girls have beautiful photos of themselves... and lots of them.... that they wouldn't normally have. How often do you get to take nicely styled pics of yourself?!!! It's a great opportunity to get some decent pics, and at the same time have a great time. The photoshoots I photograph are done cheaply using props from around my house, and fabric backgrounds stuck to the wall! Minimal effort, beautiful result!)

I've been out of action this weekend

Top- my swollen finger from the wasp sting!

Bottom- Latest photoshoot with Summer

Hey guys!

Sorry you didn't hear much from me over the weekend. You won't believe it! On Friday afternoon I found myself in a swarm of wasps and was stung 3 times!!!! I had a bit of a reaction to it, and although it doesn't look like much, my hand and tummy hurts sooooo much!

On Sunday, I had summer over for a shoot for the mag. I don't want to give too much away but I'll attach a photo.

Competition details will be up Wednesday! Sorry, sorry, sorry!

Bobbi Brown's Pink Raspberry- For Spring

Bobbi Brown's Spring Range

"Pink Raspberry"

Pink Raspberry Face Palette US$55

Pink Raspberry Glitter Gloss US$19
www.bobbibrown.com

Bobbi Brown has released her limited edition Pink Raspberry Face Palette. A palette filled with classic wearable colours, which I anticipate this will become a loved product for any woman.

The particular look she demonstrates on her website (click here for link) is a favourite of mine. A soft shimmery eye, bright pink blusher on the cheek and a pink gloss on the lips. This teamed with lashings of mascara gives a soft romantic look that brings out the freshness in any woman's face. She's right! Perfect for spring! Suits all different skin types.

As I noted, I've loved this look for a long time. I have a journal of inspiration pics and drawings from 2001 when I started getting into makeup seriously, and I have a few pages of clippings of people wearing this look like Charlize Theron, Kylie Minogue, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

You don't need to use Bobbi Brown products to acheive this look. I know a few products that I have that will help me acheive this, like Stila's Storm and Kitten eyeshadows and Mac's Dollymix blush. I'd probably purchase one of Bobbi's glosses though. I am particularly in love with the "Pink Raspberry Glitter Lip Gloss".

I will definitely do a video for this look.

Featured on Stila's Website

Summer just called to inform me that I am featured on Stila Cosmetics' website for my Valentine's Day makeup video.

I love Stila, they are a brand that I respect. I am so honoured by this feature.

A special thank you to Kara, and the Stila Cosmetics team for your generosity.

Valentine's Day Accoutrement

I just wanted to list a couple of extra items that may make your Valentine's Day a little extra special, or sexy!

Firstly, perfume. My strongest recommendation is Christian Dior's Hypnotic Poison. I am one of those people who gets a headache from perfume, and usually opt to have a nice soapy smell about me. This perfume is one of 2 perfumes I can stand to wear daily. It's very sexy, as the name suggests. Everytime I wear it, someone comments on it. And guy friends often comment it's a sexy perfume after greeting them with a kiss on the cheek. So, it's a winner!

Another range of perfumes I quite like are the Mor Cosmetics range. I was initially attracted to the bottle, and didn't hold high hopes for the fragrance, but fell in love with them. This particular perfume (pictured) is Mor Fruits of Cornucopia. It has a peppery undertone. Spicy and yummy.




Now for the hair. I've pulled a couple of videos off YouTube for some sexy hair ideas. The first is my hair video. In this video I use hot rollers. You could equally curl your hair with a wide barrelled curling wand and pin the curls to your head. Just follow the curl placement.



And this next video is by the ever fabulous, Johnny Lavoy of Ford Models. It is such a gorgeous up-do. Takes a little extra time, but a stunning result.

Valentine's Day Glamorama

L-R: Betsey Johnson, Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenburg shows at New York Fashion Week Fall 08













So, I always like to think that I am a bit of a fashion forecaster! *flicks hair* (Tee hee!) My mum and I are those types of people who say "I'm quite partial to feathers at the moment", and the next thing you know it's the next big thing in Vogue. Or we buy Repetto shoes in Paris (because Amy stupidly wore wedges shopping all day) and you see them everywhere a year later!

Ok, I'll stop kidding now.... because I'm not really being fashion forward as you will see below, just fashion.... ah... synchronous.

Last night I uploaded my Valentine's Day video showing 3 different looks. I happened to be looking at some of the pics online from New York Fashion Week and noticed that my classic glamour red lipstick and smokey eyes, were present in a few shows! I guess the good thing about my video, is that it shows a translation of the catwalk look (which is a little more bold, and black on the eye) as a more wearable option.



Here's the link to my video:

Here I am!

Hi everyone!

Firstly, thanks so much for your support and patience while I got together my website. It's finally up now..... phew!..... which means I can finally sleep like a normal person!

My graphic design team did a great job. Bravo guys! (And a little pat on the back to myself!)

And the magazine! I'm so proud of it. I have some great contributors this month!

This really is just a quick note to say that the first proper blog entry will be up tomorrow, and this post is a bit of housekeeping.

There's a whole bunch of new features on the website that I am trying to get used to. For instance, the forum is a whole new site and format for me, so please bare with me over the weekend while I get used to it!

Ok.... so I fear I'm rambling.

Please enjoy the website!!!

Amy xx

Oh! I'll be posting the Valentine's Day Makeup video tomorrow.