Packing for the tropics

I've spoken about what to pack when traveling in previous blog posts before but it's another year and another tropical holiday. So, of course this calls for an update on my makeup essentials to pack for those palm tree, pineapple and coconut kinda trips...

Photo by Kyashi Orasato

What's your skin care brand of choice?

Obviously I don't have one particular go-to brand but here are some of my past and present...

Taken on Samsung Galaxy S7

• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Acne Clearing Exfoliating Treatment - Specifically designed to target existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. I use this once to twice a week 
• Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser - Formulated to fight acne and also calm and soothe acne inflamed skin. I use this as a daily cleanser when I'm breaking out.
• Glossier Priming Moisturizer - Light and buildable moisture for a dewy, smooth canvas. My everyday moisturizer before I apply makeup 
• KORE Pearl Optimal Repair Cream - Multi-purpose moisturising formula which rapidly penetrates to hydrate, tone and repair the skin. I love to use this at night after applying my serum.
• Embryolisse Lotion Micellaire Makeup Remover & Cleanser - Soothing and cleansing make-up remover for the face, eyes and lips. No rinsing required and great for all skin types
• Skin Laundry Clarifying Medicated Foaming Facial Wash - This medicated facial wash gently exfoliates while providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits to calm skin and protect it from future breakouts. I use this as a daily cleanser when I'm breaking out.
• Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser - This Olive-derived formulation offers exceptional cleansing without stripping skin; ideal for those prone to dryness or sensitivity. I use this as an everyday cleanser.
• Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser - This delicate blend of botanical extracts gently removes impurities from sensitive facial skin without stripping, allowing skin to breathe freely. I use this as an everyday cleanser.
• MUSQ Gel Moisturiser - Properties of Aloe Vera soothe the skin while the energising elements of Lemon Peel revive the skin and senses. Enriched with Juniper Berry and Grapefruit to hydrate and heal the skin. Love this as an everyday morning moisturiser.
• Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser - A mild cleanser that effectively eliminates dirt, oil and makeup without stripping skin of its natural oils and never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Great everyday and night cleanser after removing makeup and ideal for sensitive skin.
• Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater - Refreshing, hydrating mist for all skin types. I use this as a toner or every face spritzer.

Forbes' Historic $10 Billion Richest Self-Made Women

1. Sara Blakely - Net worth: $1 billion. Sara Blakely is back running Spanx day-to-day following CEO Jan Singer’s exit.
2. Sophia Amoruso - Net worth: $280 million. The only Millennial newcomer to the list outside the entertainment industry, Sophia Amoruso made her fortune with e-commerce retailer Nasty Gal
3. Diane Hendricks - Net worth: $4.9 billion. Co-founder of ABC Supply the roofing company with sales more than doubled in the past decade to nearly $6 billion in 2015.
4. Kathy Ireland - Net worth: $360 million. Supermodel turned mogul Kathy Ireland built a licensing empire by lending her name, taste and marketing prowess to more than 17,000 products.
5. Meg Whitman - Net worth: $2.1 billion. CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise
6. Toni Ko - Net worth: $260 millon. launched NYX Cosmetics, selling colorful, high-end makeup at bargain prices in 1999, at age 25.
7. Katrina Lake - Net worth: $120 million. Katrina Lake created Stitch Fix, an online retailer that picks clothes for customers using a cocktail of data science and personal stylists.
8. Dorothy Herman - Net worth: $270 million. The richest self-made woman in American real estate, Dorothy Herman is co-owner of New York’s elite brokerage firm Douglas Elliman.
9. Liz Elting - Net worth: $390 million. Liz Elting is co-CEO of TransPerfect, one of the world’s largest translation firms, with $505 million in revenues and offices in more than 90 cities. 

Read more here http://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2016/06/01/inside-forbes-historic-10-billion-richest-women-cover/#317864c24d66

Let's talk about concealers

There are some days I don't feel like wearing foundation, CC cream or tinted moisturizer so it's important that I have a few good concealers in my everyday makeup drawer. It should definitely be a staple product for anyone who wears makeup but the key is to find one that answers your skin questions.

I'm not really one to follow the hottest brands in right now but I do think sometimes it's worth checking out. Here's my current concealers on rotation, one missing from here is my Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer which I love as an overall concealer for blemish coverage, uneven skin tone and under eye concealer. 

Image taken on my Samsung 5S

Rainy days.

Colder nights.

Warmer bedding.

Relevant reads. 

Playlist, Anderson Paak - Malibu

Photo taken on my Samsung Galaxy S7

 

KORE Skincare

Last month I was sent some products from KORE Skincare, an Australian company focused on producing luxury Skin Care products. I was introduced to this local brand by a good friend of mine and got to know a little more about their background. KORE's history was focused on researching the studies of ancient healing potions and remedies once used by our forefathers for spiritual or medicinal cures for a variety of illnesses and problematic skin disorders.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I don't have the best skin and have always battled confidence issues due to my hormonal acne but I was blessed to be given a few products to try out in their skincare range. I got to try out their Foaming Cleanser, Cleansing Bar, Repairing Hand Cream and my favourite, the Optimal Repair Cream which feels like magical mousse.

What I also love about this brand and any brand gives back is that they have chosen a foundation that they support donates 20% of purchases to the llhan Foundation.

 

http://koreskincare.com.au/

Ethereal Sands – HELLO MAY MAGAZINE ISSUE 12

Thank you again to the amazing suppliers and industry professionals that made this beautiful collab work

Check out the full blog post via http://www.fifteenphotography.net

Credits:

Photography Fifteen Photography | Styling Miss Mooi  |  Makeup KV Makeup Artistry  |  Hair Justine O Makeup Artistry  |  Gowns The Bridal Atelier  |  Hair Accessories Kelly Spence  |  Invitation Suite Script Merchant  |  Ring Pieces of Eight Gallery  |  Ghost Chairs Dress My Wedding  |  Ceramics KW Ceramics  |  Gold Cutlery Gold Wedding Hire  |  Flowers Mary Mary Studio  |  Cake The Dessert Parlour

Hello May Magazine Feature

I'm always super stoked when I get to see my work in a published magazine and to be honest it's only ever happened a couple of times but nonetheless it's always as exciting as the first time. Last week I got an email from Hello May letting me know that I (along with my amazing team) have just been featured in issue 12 of Hello May magazine, which hit newsstands nationally last Thursday March 17. Naturally, I got myself a copy at my local news agency. Unfortunately I won't be able to show you the inside pages until next month, but feel free to grab a copy for yourself! 

Thank you to all the beautiful Wedding Vendors for making this possible

Photographer www.fifteenphotography.net

Hair Styling www.justineo.com

Styling www.missmooi.com.au

Gowns www.thebridalatelier.com.au

Accessories www.kellyspence.com & www.piecesofeight.com.au

Flowers www.marymary.com.au

Cutlery www.goldweddinghire.com.au

Props & Furniture www.dressmywedding.com.au & www.kwceramics.com.au

Cover photo by @shaneshepherdweddings. #hellomaymagazine #issuetwelve

Saying bye to summer with the perfect recipe for goodness via Khiera Nicole

Being a summer baby, I hate saying good-bye to summer. Days get shorter, weather becomes a little gloomier and the beach just isn't on the agenda as much. But on the flip side, I love layering outfits, I love the cooler nights for bonfires and snuggling up on the couch for some lazy time in front of the TV. What I also love is the transition of summer food into autumn and winter and I've found the perfect recipe you can try at home by my girl Khiera Nicole. I love all of her easy to follow recipes and wish I had the creativity to cook as well as she does but I don't so if you're like me I definitely recommend checking out her website http://khieranicole.com/ for simple but delicious meals!

Face oils, the verdict

If you follow me on Snap, you know how obsessed I am with face oils/serums. I don't use a wide variety of them but I do have my go to products on daily rotation. As a combo skin type, I always use to be scared that it would make my face like it's ready to fry an egg on it but slowly and surely I started appreciating their use and since then have swapped face moisturizer for oils/serums instead. Since making the switch, I've found that my skin has become more soft and well hydrated.  If you'd also like to make the change or consider incorporating oils and serums into your face care routine, here's a few tips you can consider before you spend that moolah....

Taken on my Samsung Galaxy S5

Wanderlust adventures: Indonesia Part II - Lombok & Gilis

“Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” – Wendell Berry

Sunset taken on my Samsung Galaxy S5 at Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia 2015

10 Foods for Healthy Glowing Skin via #MISSBISH

We all know that before makeup, skin is the base of all basis' so here's a quick, easy article I came across on #MISSBISH that I thought would be a great tip for my readers. It's true when they say, eat good, feel good, LOOK good! (Article By Lindsay Jang)

Photo by: Gretchen Röehrs

FEBRUARY PLAYLIST

Bae or no Bae, just enjoy the vibes...

1. Childish Gambino - So Into You  
2. Mar Variation - Single  
3. Kehlani - The Way Ft. Chance The Rapper (Sango, Atu, Dpat, Asante Remix)  
4. Ta-ku - I Miss You  
5. Ta-ku - I Miss You More Feat. Atu  
6. // THIS THING // - N.B.L - Would U Mind  
7. Musiq Soulchild + SZA + Wale | Just Friends Need To Know (Mashup) 
8. Amy Winehouse - I Heard Love Is Blind 
9. Melodiesinfonie - Love Song
10. The Light (Chris Dole Remix) - Ebrahim/Bobby Caldwell/Common/Dilla  
11. Daniela Andrade - Disclosure x Sam Smith - Latch (Cover) by Daniela Andrade
12. MR•CAR/\\ACK - All In, with Kehlani - #songsfromscratch
13. Chris Brown - Should've Kissed You
14. Sy Ari - TLC (Prod. By Murphy Kid & Sy Ari)
15. Alex Warren - Cater to You acoustic cover (instrumental creds Jordaine Manalo)
16. Sángo - Me dê Amor 

LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD >

 

LASHES BY KVMUA RELEASE

I can't believe it's already February and I've completely missed a whole month in updates of the release of my new Lash Line. Dipping into blogging in the last year has definitely proven to be a bit of challenge, clearly through my lack of posts but #LASHBEHONEST that's definitely not an excuse! (see what I did there, lol) 

Anyway... I’m proud to announce that January 2016 was the launch of my new Lash Line, LASHES BY KVMUA. Created and designed by yours truly, I have sought to capture four of my favourite looks that bring out my makeup artistry style. 

For those of you who know my makeup style, you should know by now I love wearing Falsies! However, through my years of being a makeup artist I have found that there hasn’t always been a wide choice for Australian/Melbourne consumers on inexpensive, beautiful-looking lashes. So, understanding the need for makeup artist and makeup lovers alike, I wanted to offer my clients a piece of me to take away with them.

The preliminary designs - Bonita, Cozy, Klassy and Queen - offers a cute full-effect finish, a natural day-to-night look, elegant alternative or a full glamorous Queen Bey style… because at the end of the day, Beautiful Eyes Never Go Out Of Fashion.

SHOP NOW >

JANUARY PLAYLIST

New year calls for a new playlist to start the vibes right. Just got back form a month long trip to Mexico and USA and I'm not much of a movie head on planes, instead it's music on, world off. Here's the soundtrack to my life in the last month... yes Justin Bieber is there. 

Oakland - Bay Bridge, photo taken on my Samsung Galaxy S5

1. Dpat — WYN 
2. Khamari — Love Yourself - Justin Bieber 
3. crwn — crwn & Jess Connelly - With You (feat. Curtismith) 
4. William Singe — Don't (Prod. Will Singe) 
5. Brika — Sorry (Justin Bieber Cover) 
6. Sensi Sye — no doubt
7. Erykah-She lLL- Badu — TRILL FRIENDS : BADU WHODINI rough mix 
8. Mr. Carmack's Secret Gems — Mr. Carmack - 30 For 30 
9. Kanye West — REAL FRIENDS & NO MORE PARTIES IN LA (SNIPPET) 
10. Jaël — PYRMDPLAZA X GRAVEZ VS RIHANNA - BBHMM (Jael DJ Edit) 
11. Kehlani — Kehlani x WSTRN "In2" Remix 
12. snare jordan — Last Night (feat. Dialate) 
13. Jaël — Ciara - Promise (Jaël Remix) 
14. TIFFANY CALVER — You Said Netflix & Chill :( 
15. Captain Supernova — "2016 Talkbox Dreams" 
16. AshayaMusic — No Worries (The Pursuit)- by Ashaya 
17. BJ The Chicago Kid — 16TH ANNIVERSARY OF "UNTITLED" | SALUTE TO D'ANGELO' (Continuous Play) 
18. WALĐO — Sango & Waldo - Happiest Hour/ Saddest Hour 
19. YOUTH CLUB SOUNDS — R.O.M - Falling (For You)Youth Club 01 Exclusive

#newyearnewme?

More like forever a work in progress. So let's just say new year, same me, new habits, reaching goals.

H E L L O   2 0 1 6!

The benefits of Beauty Sleep

My lifestyle is pretty hectic the bottom part of the year due to wedding season and full time job commitments as well as working on all my passion projects on the side but that’s no excuse not to make time for sleep. When I don’t get enough sleep, I’m less productive and my work suffers. This year I decided to make a change by prioritizing enough sleep into my daily routine. I realized if I wasn’t gonna get something done that day/night there was always tomorrow to get it finished properly, rather than half-a**ed. I also found that the poorer quality of sleep people get gives an incredibly negative effect on the way we feel and on the way we look. In learning about sleep, here are my personal tips on the benefits of a solid shut eye.

NOVEMBER PLAYLIST

November is always a bunch of mixed feelings

1. COMODO — 2AM
2. Dr. MaD — breath. stop. breath. stop. breath. stop. breath. stop. breath. stop. breath. stop. breath. stop.
3. e s t a. — 1738
4. HSVN — Come Fly
5. ELHAE — HLV
6. Chris McClenney — For Paris
7. Sensi Sye — All Yours
8. DAVE B — Leaves
9. Film Noir: Sound — Krs ~ Faking It. w/ Mars Today, Khary, Maurice Moore & Bnjmn
10. whereisalex — sam gellaitry - long distance (remix)
11. ℳOOVMNT * ALT — Raphael Saadiq - The Perfect Storm Ft. Larry Graham
12. Sángo — Na Hora (Ft. Faktiss & Chris McClenney)
13. SoulEtiquette. — R.O.M. - In Your Arms
14. Don't Sleep Records — Awon & Phoniks - "Concrete Confessions"
15. Werk Space — PATCHWORK - So Far
16. Brika — It Wasn't Me (Shaggy Cover)
17. IAMNOBODI - Reaction (feat. JMSN)

Simplifying your beauty routine

I'm definitely a fan of keeping my beauty routine very simple, there's so many products on the shelves these days and it becomes overwhelming choosing what products to use. But is there really an generic answer or a one size fits all approach when it comes to beauty and skincare?

As different as we are, most Makeup Artists will tell you one thing - skincare before makeup, always! Healthy skin is the basis of all flawless makeup and makeup should only be used to enhance and I guess filter to a certain extent. Ultimately, it cannot completely cover how you look on the outside and feel on the inside, we all know that starts with YOU. I remember the more I use to stress out and worry about my skin, the more I broke out. So I took the first step and made the realization that my skin would heal in it's own time, until today I still have my insecurities but I just try to keep positive.

Recently I came across an article that I truly related to regarding my skin journey this year, the message was easy - simplify and keep consistent. Further in the article, it goes into limiting yourself to 30 products a month and making sure you finish the product before purchasing another. As a makeup and skincare product hoarder, this is a challenge. However, I've given it a go and this has been on rotation for the last month for me. I've relisted the items on her list but modified it to my preferences/what I use to give you my simple guide.

Springtime fine & updates

Hi Guys! Sorry it's been a couple of months since I've written a beauty related post but I've been cookin up something and if you follow me on social media (Snapchat & Instagram) you would know - wait for it - I'm finally releasing my own lash line by the end of 2015!

I'm super stoked that this mini project of mine has finally come together and brought out the design side of me. From the materials to the lash styles and finally packaging design all with a little touch of me ;)

Besides my lash line release I have been keeping busy with the new wedding season as well as teaming up with some amazing Wedding Vendors to do some creative collabs that will hopefully be published soon!

Anyway, that's my update for now but thank you to my followers who continue to inspire me to keep doing what I love, I promise to be more frequent with my posts from now on!

xx KV