Looks I am loving right now... Just add pink...

When in doubt, update your look with a hot pink lip! Instant hottness.... trust me!

It really brightens up your day!

miss chew

xx

INTERVIEW: Wella Care and Styling Ambassador Travis Balcke

Here at miss chew I love to bring you up to date trends, and tips and tricks from the experts and so I bring you another interview with Wella Care and Styling Ambassador Travis Balcke.

Travis travels to Fashion Weeks across the globe each year to style models’ hair for catwalk shows. He is no stranger to creating celebrity looks, having styled Lady Gaga’s hair for the Alejandro video to name just one.

Travis’s styling expertise has also seen him working on international jobs such as Calvin Klein and Italian Vogue, so this guy really knows his hair. I was able to ask him a few short questions and also pick his brains on how he created one of his gorgeous looks. 

1. What do you see as the key hair-do trends for Summer? Long, loose, feminine enhancing natural texture, polished beautiful hair

2. What do you see as the hot hair colours for Summer? Textured and multi-tonal blondes working with pearl & creamy tones on the mid lengths and ends with warmer biscuit tones through to shortbread colours on the roots will be the season’s hottest colours! Wella has actually just released four fabulous new shades of blonde for summer which help achieve these tones

Re-creating the look:

1. Shampoo with Wella Professionals Brilliance Shampoo then condition with Brilliance Conditioner (both RRP $24) to create weight-less shine and help retain colour in hair. Apply Wella Professionals “Velvet Amplifier” (RRP $24), which works like a make-up primer, preparing hair for further styling. Apply Wella Volume Boost Mousse (RRP $24) and then blow dry with your hands to create volume with natural texture
2. Part hair loosely on the side
3. Roll hair around itself on side one, creating a loose victory roll, which should sit low. Make sure it’s not too symmetrical
4. Roll the hair into a loose shape and fasten with grips/bobby pins
5. Repete these steps on side two  
6. To personalise with accessories in this picture I used gold slides
7. Finish with Wella Professionals “Stay Styled” (RRP $24) to secure the look keep it natural with a soft shine

Just gorgeous huh?

 I hope you have found this interview helpful. I really love the Wella brand and every shampoo, conditioner or styling product I have used I have not been able to fault, they are salon quality and only sold in salons for a reason. If you haven't tried this brand before I highly recommend you do. 

miss chew

xx

SK-II: A Journey to learn about the miracle that is Pitera

Recently I was invited to learn more about the SK-II miracle ingredient Pitera at their pop up exhibition in Sydney CBD (Cate Blanchett who has been the face of SK-II for 10 years opened this exhibit earlier and apparently her skin does actually look that good in real life!) I have been using SK-II for a while with their Facial Treatment Essence which you can view here. I love it and have noticed a change in my skin tone whilst using it. Whilst watching the presentation it made me fall in love with it all over again. 

To those who are new to the brand the way the ingredient Pitera was discovered by "A Japanese monk visiting a sake brewery who noticed that the brewery workers had extraordinarily soft and youthful hands. Even an elderly man with pronounced wrinkles on his face possessed the silky smooth hands of a young boy."After a series of experiments a team of skincare scientists discovered the secret; a clear, nutrient-rich liquid that could be extracted during the yeast fermentation process. They named the liquid 'Pitera', which, over time, has become known as the 'Secret Key' to beautiful skin. Developed by SKII, Pitera is a yeast ferment filtrate of sake. It contains a natural collection of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids and helps restore the skin's natural renewal process- sounds great huh?

Listening to the presentation

We were then introduced to the Vision Scope which I will explain more in a second

The amazing range

Beauty Bloggers

Noms..

Then after the presentation we were each introduced to the Vision Scope. This little device magnifies your skin 40 times over, making us all shudder and my morbid fascination is pricked by the opportunity to get a closer look into my skin. To use this machine a handheld device is placed against various points in my face to get a picture (literally) of how my skin looks. The first image taken looks at my skins texture and pores which you can see below. From this image they are looking at the size of my pores and the overall condition of my skin. The little blue dot shows where they placed the machine on my face. Underneath the image of my face shows on a scale the condition of my skin, my skin is towards the greater end (phew) with some slight dryness which considering this was taken at night is normal.

The second image shows the elasticity rating of my skin out of a 100. The elasticity is a sign of your skins ageing, I was a bit shocked by this number and when I went back the next day for a facial (I know, hard life) and when I had no makeup on my number was actually 85, funny how end of day and wearing makeup can actually affect the number you receive.

The next image looks at my wrinkles they take this image out of the corner of my eye, now I didn't really think I had wrinkles, yet, but I am developing dehydration lines which is the beginning of wrinkles, so I was advised to really amp up the eye creams so make sure these do now start getting deeper... eep! See the faint lines going across?

The next image looks at sun damage on my skin you can see in this image I have a slight dusting on my skin which is clusters of melanin which I know is something I really want to reduce and fade, I feel like I can see them on my face and see faint sun spots and I want to get that even toned Cate Blanchett skin. This is where I was recommneded the Cellumination range to help even out my skin colour- I am dying to try this! Luckily I don't have much more sun damage as I try very hard to maintain good sun protection, as we all should!

The last image assess the overall skin tone and my skin is about average, again this looked different the day after once I had no makeup on as the makeup can muddy the scan.

So I learnt a lot about my skin through these scans, my skin is overall in good condition which means all the hard work I put in is paying off!

The Chair for my amazing facial!!!!

I had the most amazing facial and finally got to try their miracle cloth mask which I have heard so much about which is full on concerntrated Pitera, and I got one to take home which I will talk about soon. I know I am eager to to expand my range of products but even since using my Facial Treatment Essence every day in my routine again I am again seeing that glow to my skin, I forgot how great it can make my skin look. 

The last thing I wanted to mention was the new introductory kit they have launched:

This kit is fantastic, for the price I got for the Facial Treatment Essence which is the same size of mine 75ml you get the Facial Treatment Essence, mask and try the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion which has AHA's to chemically exfoliate the skin. The mask alone cost $30 and then you add in the lotion, so it is so worth it. If you have ever been wanting to try SK-II then this is a great way to start and that Facial Treatment Essence will last you ages, you only need a tiny amount onto your hand and dab it onto your face. 

So that's enough for me, now I want to know, have you tried SK-II before? What do you think?


miss chew


xx

Hair Inspiration Part 2- need more Balayage!

I know I posted a blog called Hair Inspiration a little while ago when I first dabbled in Balayage,when I got my hair done, don't get me wrong I loved it, but like when I first wanted a fringe, first I got just little bits of hair cut, then I went blunt fringe and this is the same!

So I have been scouring Pinterest to find images to represent how I want my hair to look and here they are...

On the left is Leigh Campbell beauty ed of Cosmo- I love her hair!

What I am noticing is hair is moving from Balayage to a more subtle ombre hair which is more subtle and more blended and I love that, don't you?

So what do you think? 

miss chew

xx

How will Kim Kardashian do her hair on her Wedding?

I thought it might be fun on a Friday to play a little guessing game. Unless you have been living under a rock you would know that Kim Kardashian is getting married tomorrow and everyone (and I use the term loosely) is dying to know all the juicy, over-the-top details of THE wedding. As Kim has so many tried and tested fabulous hairstyles I thought I would showcase what I think are her wedding hair options.

Classic Kim- Centre part, tonnes of volmume and big bouncy curls

Deep side part and hair pulled to the side with standard big curls

Kim loves the tightly pulled back high bun, but would she wear it for her wedding day?

I love this hair, the beautiful centre part and low off to the side messy bun is a classic wedding style

I think this is my fave, the height in her hair is divine with it gathered in a chignon.

 So here are my top pics for wedding hairstyles for Kim Kardashians wedding. What do you think she will go for?

Do you care about her wedding at all?

miss chew 

xx

A woman needs 2 different types of concealers!

I think there should be a rule that EVERY single girl/teen/ mother/grandmother should know...you need more than one concealer! Concealers are great, wonderful little tools which can do so many different things that to have one to cover all those possibilities with just one, seems poposterous! When you think about it, the concealer you use to hide dark circles is very different to the concealer for pimples. Ok, let me break it down for you and I will also let you in on some newbies in the drugstore/chemist beauty section which won't break the bank but are doing amazing things. 

First off dark circles...

Dark circles which, for me are actually troughs are the bane of my existence, no other beauty issue stops me in my tracks and frustrates me as there is really not much medically to be done as they are genetic (thanks mum) so even when I don't want to wear makeup on the weekends I still use concealer. For this type of situation you want to use a liquid moisturising concealer. A waxy concealer is just going to dry out the area and make fine lines more noticeable and is really wrong for this area. The concealer I have been using is from Maybelline new FIT Me collection-$14.95. "FIT me- has an exclusive translucent primer base and micro-fine pigments to match the skin tone effortlessly, creating a complexion that is free of waxes and oils. The formula is breathable and seamless and has a flawless finish"Like in the picture of the model above it has a little wand which I use like in the picture to place small amounts in this area then either blend with your finger (now this carries some caution as you need to be ever so careful, and use your ring finger as it applies the lightest pressure), or use a concealer brush to blend. 


NOTE: I apply concealer AFTER my foundation as I am just trying to correct any imperfections my foundation was not able to correct.


When it comes to pimples you also need to tread carefully as we want them to dissapear not magnify, this is where the waxy concealer comes in. Waxy concealers are great for pimples as they last a lot longer and can be set with a translucent or other powder. There are a few points to note, first of all, you have to match this really well to your skin tone otherwise BOOM magnificiation, the other point is to just apply it onto the pimple and do not blend outside otherwise it again becomes more noticible. When I apply this I ALWAYS use a concealer brush as it gets it much more perfectly on the pimple. My product of choice is the new Max Factor Panstik-$18.25. This little guy is great, not only is he small so easy to carry with me if I am having a breakout and need to touch up but there is a whole lotta product for you to use if you are just using it for Pimples. It says as a foundation as well, but for me it is too thick to use as a foundation. The one point I would like to note is that it is surprisingly creamy so if you are caught out and going out this could pass for a foundation.

So there you have it, I hope this has helped you all to understand why we use the different products that we do and how important it is to be able to cover all bases. 


Do you have more than one concealer? What are your current faves?


miss chew 


xx

INTERVIEW: Designers For Daffodil Day

Today I want to shed some light on an amazing cause to help fight cancer, I am of cause talking about Daffofil Day. Daffodil day which falls on Friday 26th August is a day which I always remember as the day I buy a massive bunch of cheerful Daffodils and buy a pen to support such a great cause but this year I want to do more to help raise awareness. This year marks the 25th year of Daffodil day and this year they aim to raise over $9.5 million to fund the cancer control initiatives, patient support and research services of Cancer Council's eight state and territory member organisations

Arthur Gallan

To celebrate Daffodil Day on Friday 26th August, eight of Australia's favourite designers have created a Daffodil Day inspired fashion piece.

VOTE for your chance to WIN a $1000 Mimco voucher. Contribute $5 or more for your chance to WIN one of the Daffodil Day inspired garments, it is super easy to do and you could walk away with an amazing designer dress to boot!

I was lucky enough to get to interview the designers to hear what inspired them to get involved and to get a couple of quick tips of fashion to come for Summer (I had to ask!)

 Arthur Galan

What inspired you to get involved with Designers for Daffodil Day? 

I know many people that have been affected by cancer and have seen the devastation that it causes. Thankfully, I have other friends that have beaten this disease, which gives me hope. Any contribution we can make to cancer research is just so important.

Who did you want to represent wearing your dress that you designed for Designers for Daffodil Day?

The dress is designed for a women that has a strong sense of self and inspires style and confidence.

 What do you see are the key trends moving forward for Spring/Summer in Australia as we are all thinking of the approaching warmer weather?

Colour is at the fore this season with persimmon, royal blue and gold accentuating the purity of white and neutral tones. Fluid pieces intersperse with structured lines and watercolour prints mingle with the sharp aesthetic of stripes to create a setting that you can’t help but want to enter into the essence of sunny days.

Arthur Gallan's beautiful dress

What does Daffodil Day mean to you?

Daffodil Day is about hope to find the answers to beat cancer, a disease that affects so many.

Where did you find inspiration for this dress?

I chose this dress because I feel it is elegant and it creates such a beautiful silhouette. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Daffodil Day and I have taken inspiration from the colour of the daffodil, which reflects hope and inspiration.

Rachel Gilbert's beautiful dress

 Rachel Gilbert

“I was inspired by the amount of assistance Cancer Council offers with their support services for all cancer patients. I am honoured to be able to contribute in raising awareness of cancer throughout Australia.”

So please check out the Daffodil website  http://www.daffodilday.com.au and see how you can get involved to raise money for this fantastic cause. Don't forget to buy your Daffodils!!

What does Daffodil mean to you? How will you show your support?

miss chew 

xx

INTERVIEW: Personal Hairdresser Colin Bond

Today I thought I would bring you an interview with my hairdresser Colin Bond, not only is he well respected in his field but he operated directly to you, that's right, if you live in Sydney he comes to your house to do your hair. This is a huge deal for me as my time is so limited and he brings everything he could possibly need and my fave part is he gives you a drink of frangelico... yummmm... So now, onto the interview...

1. What made you branch out into personal hairdressing?

Colin: After many years working with Toni & Guy and then in my own studio in Surry Hills, it was time to branch out and try something new. It seemed like a natural progression to provide an at home service to my clients that were starting to have children. I have now created a unique in home personalised hair experience complete with a glass of Frangelico and some tunes. My business is further expanding to service increasingly time poor people that are finding it harder to get to the salon and prefer to have their hair done in the comfort of their homes.

2. What products are you loving right now to use on your clients?

Colin: Loreal and O&M organic hair products. They not only smell beautiful but leave the hair with a natural long lasting shine. I'm loving O&M Atomic spray which works really well on fine hair giving it extra body without weighing it down and I love O&M Hydrate & Conquer shampoo for coloured hair.

3. What trends to you see coming for Summer for hair styles, shapes and colours?

Colin: I'm not the sort of person to follow what everyone else is doing with trends as it's all been done, so why follow. Life is about being different and creating something for the individual, something that suits, is wearable and easy to manage. The fringe has been worn in every possible way and it's definitely something that will not go out of fashion providing the hairline sits well. Brunettes and blondes are here to stay. My clientele are predominately Mums who are wanting something different but very to manage.

4. I have balayage in my hair (as is quite popular right now) and I want to know what people like me need to do to look after this particular colour? 

Colin: Balayage is most definitely the colour of the moment for mid to long hair. Its works well when the hair has a slight wave too. I would recommend a good treatment once a week leaving for 30-mins wrapped up in a hot towel and a great conditioner. To style, either let it dry naturally providing you have a slight wave or curl, or twist it up, pin, let it dry and viola, a natural curl.

Thanks Colin, I must admit when Colin uses the O & M products on me my hair is incredibly soft, definitely something to invest in!

To find out more information about colin you can visit his website: http://www.colinbond.net or see his facebook page here.

Have you guys tried Original and Mineral Products before? Would you like a hairdresser to come to your home?

miss chew

xx

MAC Cream Colour Base- Movie Star Red-LOVE

I recently went onto the lovely Jess from MissjShopholic's Blog as she was having a Blog Sale, those 2 words really do excite me, I quickly as technology would let me, jumped at the opportunity to make a few little purchases and this was one of them. The MAC Cream Colour Base in Movie Star Red is amazing, it is a red which is actually more pink and like no other I have ever tried before. The colour being true to MAC form is bright and vibrant and when I first applied it I absolutely loved the completely different look it gave me.

The swatch on my hand, how bright is that colour???

I just love it!! Now for the tips on applying such a crazy full on cream blush:

1. I use my middle finger and I get the smallest faint colour on my fingertip

2. Gently pat on the colour onto the apples of your cheeks, if you are unsure, smile and it is the lovely little fleshy parts on your cheeks. 

3. As you rub it in I use circular motions and gradually build up the colour and blend, as this colour is so bold it is so easy to apply too much so build it up

4. I usally set it with transulcent powder and your done!

The final product!

How gorgeous does this look on huh?

Now for the bad news, I don't know if MAC still stock it but I am positive you will be able to hunt it down online or find a dupe similar, the point of this blog was for you, my lovely reader, to learn to expieriment with different blush colours rather than your standard and that you can see just how pretty other colours can be!

What do you think? Do you like it? Or is it too bold?

miss chew

xx

NOTD Featuring Essie- Playa Del Platnium

Todays Nail Of The Day post is a Essie-Playa Del Platnium. I really love this nude. The colour in the pic brings out the really subtle green, but I only find I can just see green in certain lights. 

It is very grown up and works great with either dark clothes like I am wearing today, or to be all matchy matchy with nude heels. 

What do you think?

miss chew

xx

Jessica Alba brings the Top Knot to life and So do I!

I know this may come as a shock to you but I have never really felt I could rock the top knot. I know they look amazing and are so hot right now but I just didn't feel I had the bone structure maybe? I don't know. It wasn't until I saw this picture yesterday of Jessica Alba looking all glowy and very, very pregnant at the premiere of her new movie Spy Kids 4 that it made me think, maybe this is a style I need to have another go at, this take on the top knot really is a thing of beauty. I love how soft, and floaty this hairdo is and simple. 

Something I really wanted to have a play with. Any of these styles of hair are actually really easy to create, all you need to do is put you hair into a super high pony tail then flip the ponytail forward and then secure different sections loosely around your head. 

This is my interpretation...

The Close Up shot!

 What I did with my hair is make a big forward loop which covers up any bumps in your hair and  think it really brings out the Balayage in my hair.

The longer angle shot

I think that by making the knot bigger in size it makes your head look more inproportion. I think sometimes people do the buns so teeny tiny their heads look huge, maybe that is just me, I have always been a "bigger the better" kind of girl. 

I actually think this look looks really professional and harder to do than it is, which is amazing as I pretty much cannot do anything with my hair!!

OK, so honestly, what do you think? Can I pull off the Top Knot or do I still look ridiculous?

miss chew 

xx

Miranda Kerr- David Jones Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Show

My lord, could this woman be anymore divine? Miranda Kerr Twitpic this picture last night when she had finished getting ready and was now ready to make her runway appearance for the David Jones Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Show appearance!

I love this look, those bold berry lips and the beautiful old world hair do, it is just so perfect. Miranda knows that when you are going to play up a bold lip to keep the eyes simple and with the light pink flushed onto her cheeks she just looks stunning.... 

What do you think?

miss chew

xx

Bloom Lip Balms and their awesomeness!

I know, I know, if you read blogs (duh!) you have probs ready a million reviews all about these wonderful little lipbalms but now I will give you my review. I was sent little Tropical Storm-$6.95 to try out and since I a) love lip balms and b) it's Winter so I NEED them, it was love at first swipe. 

The lipbalms were a part of a collaboration between Bloom and Boost Juice which I think is incredibly sweet (no pun intended) and now I am actually quite keen to try the drink, tropical storm!

There are 6 Flavours in total:

• Strawberry Squeeze
• Watermelon Crush
• Berry bang
• Mango Tango
• Banana Buzz
• Tropical Storm

I am really glad I got to try Tropical Storm as the only other ones that really interest me are maybe Watermelon Crush and Berry Bang, I don't normally like lipbalms that are too sweet. 

The scent is quite subtle and they contain no flavour (dang!) when I use this lipbalm it really does leave my lips feeling incredibly smooth and almost makes me look like I have a slight gloss. With the weather I have been battling these really have helped me out. The reason why they have been doing this I imagine is because they contain Vitamin E, Jojoba Seed Oil and Beeswax, all very lovely and natural ingredients and these lip balms are free from parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oils and silicones, I love reading brand becoming more aware of the ingredients placed in products, very good for us!

I know I have read a few not so positive reviews about these lipbalms about the price being too high or how they don't containt SPF, these are valid points. For me the price point is about what I would pay, if it was more than that I probably wouldn't bother. For me, I really like the scent, maybe I just lucked out, as I have heard the Tropical Storm has been selling out so if you want this one, you better get in quick!

I also want to add that since I received this lipbalm, it has not left my handbag, I use it everyday and have really enjoyed using it!


You can buy Bloom Boost LipBalms: Selected Boost Juice Bars, Myer, David Jones and Blooms Flagship Store in Melbourne. 

To find out more please visit their website

Have you tried these LipBalms? What did YOU think?

miss chew

xx

Please note this product was offered for consideration

Running for my life to raise Funds for those in need!

{Image Source We Heart It}

Hey guys, on a not so beauty related topic I wanted to let you know what I have been up to these last few months. After Thailand I found I didn't have much motivation to excerise and eat well as Summer seemed a million miles away and it was oh so cold so I decided to enter some fun runs. What started out being something casual that I wanted to mainly walk has turned into something of a mission for me and has really made a huge difference in my life. I now train up to 5 times a week and run up to 14km in a go which for me is a feat I never thought I would be able to do. 


There are 2 races I have entered, the first one is called the Pub2Pub run and is on the Northern Beaches from Dee Why Beach to Newport which is 13km, the first 800m is a soft sand run (which I am most worried about) on Sunday 28th August, this one will be the real tricky one for me. I have decided to try and fundraise and to help push me through when I run this race. I will be raising money for the Oncology Childrens Foundation I have set up a Donations page which you can view here and I would ask now if you have any spare change I would love if you could please donate to the amazing cause to help little kids with cancer in the hope of one day erradicating this terrible illness.

The other race I have entered is part of the Sydney Running Festival which is a 9km Bridge run which goes over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and around the harbour which will be amazing, this one I am trying to cover for speed to see just how fast I can do it! I am raising money for this race too and the money I raise will be going to St John Ambulance, a organisation very close to my heart. I was a member with them from the age of 8-21years and I know just how amazing those volunteers are and the countless hours they give to helping others. You can view that donation page here.

I know everyone is really busy and most are on strict budgets but I would to be able to run these races knowing that I was giving back. So please check out the pages and the charities and anything you are able to give I would be so welcome. 


Please if you could share this link around too, it all helps. 


Thank you from the bottom of my heart, 


miss chew


xx