THE ELES ROOM

We have moved!

2011-12-07T16:49:00.001+11:00

You can now find us at http://elescosmeticsblog.com.au/

Orange Lips! We love 'Em!!

2011-11-29T17:18:00.001+11:00

We are readying to release our new Summer Colours for 2011 and they are divine! A brand new shadow quad with shades of natural, bronzy hues and a lippie that you just have to look at and your mouth waters as you imagine ripe oranges, tangerines, sorbet and heaps of other Summer treats. The look is simply.....delicious!!

I know what you are thinking...can I really wear orange lips? Of course you can! The trick is knowing HOW to wear it.

I know I sound all brave and adventurous here.... that is far from the truth, I'm quite conservative when it comes to makeup and wouldn't dream of setting off the yoga pants and T I wear to the shops with some tangerine kissers, however....with sedate eye makeup and orange lips lightly blotted to a more sedate shade and with some gloss over the top I'd definitely wear a fruity pout out on the town! It's all a matter of customising the look to suit your style and colouring.

Orange lips are not Nanna!

Please get over that stubborn misconception that "orange" lips are nanna. They are not. Orange lips are hot. Yes, nana probably wore them or a corally version of them and the colour might even make you think of moth balls and breath mints but we love our nanna's and we should celebrate them

ARGGGHHHHH!!!

That's better :)

Different ways to wear orange...

You can wear it stark and matte

or soft and glossy

or bold and reddish

you can even wear a little pink underneath to achieve a gorgeous coral

In fact there are so many different shades of orange there is bound to be the perfect shade for you. Here is a guide that might help you find the best tone for your skin...

Fair skin with pinkish tones
Try a pinkish-orange, like tangerine, and blue-based reds and pinks.

Light skin with yellow undertones
Yellowish-oranges, and yellow-based reds and pinks are best for you

Tan skin
Corals, pumpkin-orange or reddish oranges - you can almost wear anything!

Olive skin
Reddish oranges and pinks, fire engine reds look wonderful.

Dark
Deep, golden oranges with bright hues.

And how should you do the rest of your makeup to set off your hot lips?

The key to making a bright lip work best is to keep your eyes and face neutral.

1. Use a natural blush to bring out the subtle color of your cheeks and stay away from bright pinks. We love Mineral Gemstone Finishing Powder -Bronzer

2. If you need coverage, use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer.

3. For the eyes, pick a neutral shade that’s close to your skin tone and finish with a heavy coat of mascara. Look out for the NEW Signature Shadow Quad - Nouveau Riche

4. Go for it! Pick your favorite red, pink or even a neon orange lip-stain or lipstick. You can choose a matte color and add a clear gloss to emphasize the color. Our model is wearing ELES Micro Melon with Zesty Super Balm
Another way to see if a shade might work is by looking at which nail colors work on you. Whether the shade works can also have a lot to do with the color of your hair and/or clothing. Although you don't necessarily want to match your lip color to clothing, some lip colors complement the color of your clothes for example Melon looks great with navy blue.

So be brave! Experiment and embrace orange! We know you'll love it.

For more information on ELES Cosmetics visit http://www.elescosmetics.com.au/ and look out for our latest COLOUR TRENDS HERE.

Four Easy Steps to Smokey Eyes

2011-11-18T16:00:00.001+11:00

We love them. You only have to google "smokey eye" and you'll see hundreds of thousands of blog posts and YouTube Vids showing you how to create the look, so obviously you love them too!

And they are back this season with a new twist. Traditionally the look was heavy and sombre but this Summer you'll see the "soft smokey eye" the "natural smokey eye" even the "bright smokey eye" as the electric blues and peacock greens make a stunning revival.

It's easy to create but it's also very easy to get wrong!! As these two starlet's prove....erm, must have lost the blending brush!

So we'll show you how to get the perfect Smokey Eye look in just four easy steps. The colour choice is only limited by your imagination!

But first some valuble tips:

Put your foundation on last! Its a messy business creating a Smokey Eye so better to apply your eye products first, then finish with your foundation application after.

No shadow on the top part of the eye lid. The colour should be all around your eye and not going beyond the eyelid crease, unless you have very heavy lids as seen in the pics below. Resist the urge to highlight the upper lid, you'll look like Drag Queen! Unless of course you are a Drag Queen, then highlight away!

Blend, blend and blend some more. It's called smokey because it looks like a puff of smoke, it's not called "Racoon Eyes" or "Plastic from Binocula Eyes". Think heavy with soft edges.

This is what it will look like if you don't blend....

This is what it will look like if you do it right....

Notice her lips are very pale? Remember the golden rule; If the eyes are loud, tell the lips to be quiet.

What you'll need:
ELES Powder Liner in any colour
ELES Mineral Matte Eye Shadow in any darkish colour, we are using Matte Twig
ELES Lush Mascara in Black
Optional - False Eyelashes

STEP ONE: Eyes should be primed and a light layer of foundation and powder applied to help the Eye Shadow bond to the eye.

STEP TWO: Using the Powder Liner apply a generous, deep line around the entire eye contour then blend with the soft rubber tip at the end of the pencil until you have a nice thick smudgy line.

STEP THREE: Press your chosen Eye Shadow into the line and begin blending out, adding more shadow to get a deeper hue. it should be darker towards the lash line and blending out to lighter on the edges, keep applying and blending until you have the desired effect, something like this...

NOTE: The eye above is heavy lidded in other words, the natural eye crease is very low. If this is the case you may apply the shadow slightly above the crease. If they eyes are not heavy lidded try to stay below the crease with only a soft blending appearing above.

STEP FOUR: Optional - Apply False Eyelashes to the top lashline. Apply several coats of Lush Mascara to the top and bottom lashes.

Voila....The Smokey Eye!

And remember, you don't have to do it this dark, a lighter colour can be used for a softer effect.

Why do we love it?

The eye whites look whiter and the iris of the eye "pops" with vivid colour....

.... and because "Barbie" wears it that way!

For more information on ELES Mineral Makeup, to find your nearest stockist or purchase online, visit http://www.elescosmetics.com.au/

Facial Contouring like a professional!

2011-11-07T17:34:00.001+11:00

I've had more disasters than successes when it comes to facial contouring. Wishing I was blessed with the chiselled features of a model my face is instead full and round. I know! we always covet what we don't have. But refusing to accept this I've shaded and highlighted over the years in the hope of improving on what nature gave me.

Most of the time I faced the natural sunshine and flourescent lights with harsh lines and thick layers that were not visible in my flattering mirror, really they weren't! And still I persisted. One day I would master the art of facial contouring and take 5 kilos off with makeup!

Persistence pays. Under the wonderful guidance of a makeup guru I was instructed and the results were amazing and I know where I went wrong, I should have followed the most important principle of makeup: less is more. Knowing exactly "where" to put the darker and lighter shades certainly helps too!

So follow us through a few easy steps and you too can have perfectly chiselled features in about 5 minutes without surgery.

The model we've chosen for this demonstration has a lovely round face, we've exaggerated the effect so you can see more clearly the placement of the product, however a lighter effect is recommended.

We used only three products to achieve this: ELES Mineral Finishing Duo Bronzer , ELES Mineral Sheer Veil in Porcelain and Mineral Matte Blush in Flirt

So lets get started: Apply your regular foundation first and allow to settle into the skin for five minutes.

STEP BY STEP FACIAL CONTOURING

Step One: Using a contouring brush apply a light layer of bronzer directly beneath the cheekbones, from the earlobes fading to the corners of the mouth.

Step Two: Using a smaller brush, we recommend a large eyeshadow brush, apply a light application of bronzer directly down the outer contours of the nose and up towards the brow.

Step Three: Follow with a blended line sweeping across the eye contour crease to the outer eye and up towards the temples.

Step Four: Take a small amount of the Mineral Sheer Veil and apply in patting movements to the centre of the forehead above the nose and sweeping down the centre of the nose.

Step Five: Apply more Mineral Sheer Veil to the inner cheeks beside the nose and down under the nose on the upper lip.

Step Six: Finish with a light dusting of blush on the apples of the cheeks.

Finally, to define the jawline and contour the neck, simply apply a light dusting of your bronzer with a large loose brush beneath the jawline and down the sides of the neck.

Voila!! Now you should have gorgeously defined and chiselled features like our model, and the added bonus is that your features are so beautifully defined and the most you'll require to finish your makeup look is some eyeliner, mascara and lipgloss. So good luck and get contouring!!

For more information on ELES products and stockists visit our website at http://www.elescosmetics.com.au/

SPRING FEVER! THE RACES!

2011-10-20T21:03:00.000+11:00

By special request for our gorgeous ELES groupie and No 1 fan - Kellie Plane

Glam makeup that lasts the distance

We love the Melbourne Cup! It's a great excuse to primp and look your best and get into the Spring spirit! Key ingredients for gorgeous makeup at the races are long-wearing products and a vivid splash of vibrant colour. Match that colour to a bright accessory such as earrings or gorgeous bag.

Primer and sunscreen is a must for a day in the Aussie sunshine so be sure to apply your SPF30+ (we recommend Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen which is lightweight and perfect under makeup) and follow with a primer to help your foundation go the distance. Retexturising Face Primer is one of our best-sellers and delivers picture perfect skin or if your skin is a little oily try our Pore Perfecting Primer with Dermat Complex, it helps keep skin fresh and refined all day.

STOP!!! Before you start repeat after me "Less is More!". Remember you are going to be outside, in vivid light, with multi-mega pixel camera's capturing your pores, fine lines and makeup. If you make the mistake of thinking "I need to pack it on so it lasts all day" those photo's will capture it for eternity and the truth is, the more makeup you wear, the quicker it melts off. The key to lasting makeup is: light layers, defined lashes and lash line and gorgeous lips. Aim for fresh, youthful radiance!

Extra Tips to give your makeup "Staying Power"

Longer Lasting Foundation

Apply foundation 10 min. after your moisturiser or sunscreen. If you don't allow the moisturiser to absorb into the skin, your foundation will wear off in a matter of hours

Apply Photo-Touch Concealer sparingly over your foundation, then ALWAYS use a powder to set the foundation. Take your concealer and powder compact with you to do touch ups throughout the day.

Before doing touch ups blot your makeup with makeup blotting sheets, (paper towel works well too, simply cut into small squares) this removes excess oil and prevents a "caked" makeup look.

A light spray of a hydrating mist on your skin will help to set the foundation, we love Pevonia Phyto-Aromatic Mist with moisture binding Hyaluronic. If you don't have a hydrating mist handy you use a trick makeup artists often use: wet the hands with cold water, shake off the excess and gently press your foundation into the skin, this technique is called "glazing" and should be done before applying your concealer and face powder. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying them.

Longer Lasting Eye Makeup

Apply your primer gently over the eye area and when you apply your foundation and concealer to the face you should apply a little to the eyelids too. This gives the eye colour something to adhere to helps to hold the colour in place longer. When it comes to powdering the eye area however, rather than applying the powder all over the eye contour where it can enhance fine lines, apply a small quantity only on the lids. Press the product gently onto the eyelid only with a pad or your fingertip, then brush the excess away with a soft brush.

Mineral eyeshadows offer buildable coverage but can also be applied damp and applying them this way will not only intensify the colour but also ensure the colour stays in place longer. Simply wet an eyeshadow sponge applicator and squeeze the excess water out between a tissue pick up the shadow with the wet sponge and press the colour into the skin blending the colour slowly, follow with an application of dry shadow of the top to "set" the colour and blend out with a loose shadow brush.

Liquid eyeliner when applied correctly will always last longer than pencil liners. Apply close to the lashes thickening the line on the outer lashes. You can apply a "cat flick" the outer lashes for sixties chic. If you want to soften the look go over the liquid line with some wet eyeshadow pressed gently into it, then blend with a shadow brush.

Apply lashings of mascara to the lashes using slow long strokes, allow to dry and apply a second lighter layer to the tips for longer lashes.

Longer Lasting Lip Colour

Many makeup artists will tell you to apply foundation to the lips and set with powder before applying your lip colour. I personally don't like this technique as it makes the lipstick look "caked" and dry and build-up in the outer corners of the lips after a few hours. I find the best technique for longer lasting lip colour is to first use a primer and allow this to settle for five minutes (so applying when you apply your face primer is ideal) and then line the lips with Automatic Lipliner using soft strokes before colouring the lips lightly with the lip liner, use your little finger to blend the colour into the lips as you would a lip rouge. Finally using a lip brush, apply your lipstick or gloss to the lips.

Finish your look with a light layer of Bronzer to the contours and Blush on the apples of the cheeks and you are ready to dazzle!

Longer Lasting Fragrance

Eau de Parfum will last longer than Eau de Toilette and when applied to pulse points beneath clothing will not evaporate as fast as those areas exposed to light and air, behind the knees and on the inside elbow, on the wrists and behind the ears and a finishing sprits between the cleavage will emit a lovely scent all through the day.

Photography tips

You look your best and want the camera to capture that so keep in mind the following tips when getting your photograph taken:

Stand up straight - good posture can remove 5 kilos, put your hands on your hips, in your pockets, behind your back, anything to avoid letting your hands hang and making you look shapeless! Standing slightly side-on is generally more flattering.
Avoid the frozen stare - practice your best smile in the mirror, a half smile may look great on you whereas a big toothy grin might be right for another and try to smile with your eyes, the best way is to think of something amusing.

Chins up - we all hate the dreaded double chin, remember, face up, chin forward. It may feel exaggerated and ridiculous when you do this but it always works!

Finally - Enjoy yourself! You'll always look your most beautiful when you radiate happiness, once you are dressed and primped and ready to go forget about your appearance and have fun!!!

Get the Perfect Pout this Winter

2011-07-14T16:45:00.001+10:00

If puckering is painful and pursing is too much to bear, you're probably suffering from chapped lips. Harsh winter weather, dry heated air indoors, and a habit of constantly licking your lips can all help dry out the skin of your lips by causing the moisture in them to evaporate. The result is rough, cracked, sensitive lips that leave you little to smile about.

Protecting your lips from chapping is not only important for appearance and comfort, but for health. Cold sores, bacterial infections, and other problems are more likely to strike lips that are already damaged by chapping.

Here's what you can do to keep your lips soft and moist:

1. Start by caring for lips nightly with a light exfoliating treatment and application of moisturiser. You can make a sugar scrub at home by combining a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of water.

2. Follow up exfoliation with an application of hydrating lip treatment, we love Pevonia's Lip Smoothing Balm, however, even a light layer of pure Olive Oil will do the trick. In the morning, slick on a coat of moisturiser before you begin your makeup routine. Allow it to sink in while you apply your other makeup first and then blot lips before applying lip primer, lip liner and lipstick.

3. Assuming lips are prepped in advance, begin by applying a lip base to enhance lipstick wear and banish colour bleeding.

4. Lip liner is a must. If you don't have the matching liner, opt for a neutral shade.

Experts always seem to recommend applying lip liner first, but novices know that leads to chalky, overdrawn lip lines. I recommend applying one coat of lipstick after the base, and then blotting lips. Next, apply lip liner and then reapply lipstick.

5. If the change from sparkly lips to matte is too much for you, add some shine by dotting a touch of eye shadow in gold or silver to the centre of your bottom lip to add shimmer.

6. You should try to avoid over exposure to the sun rays as they can absorb moisture from your lips and make them dry. If you have to spend a lot of time outdoors, use the lip balm which has a SPF to protect them from the sun.

ELES lip products are ideal to help alleviate the discomfort of chapped lips. As well as providing a great lick of fashion colour, the formula's are all combined to create the perfect lip treatment. Sun protection, hydrating ingredients and conditioners are just a few of the great goodies packed in this collection.

Pro-Lip Primer

Lip primer is the secret weapon of every beauty pro. Pro Lip Primer SPF 15 enhances lipstick wear and makes lips appear fuller and more sensuous, thanks to our exclusive peptide plumping complex. Super anti-oxidants and SPF 15 combine to shield lips from sun damage, dehydration and environmental stress.

Micro-Bubble Lipstick

Creamy, long-lasting, feather resistant. High pigment level. Micro-bubble spheres continually release special conditioners that keep colour looking 'just applied' for hours longer.

Rich, cream colour and protective treatment in one. ELES Micro-Bubble Lipstick is the perfect choice after dermatological procedures, such as lip collagen injections. “Micro-bubbles” continually release conditioners to keep lips soft and colour fresh for hours.

Automatic Long-lasting Lip-liner

Long-lasting, waterproof and creamy texture all in one. Extended-wear technology keeps colour from smearing and fading.

Finishing touch for every look. ELES Automatic Long-lasting Lip-liner is long lasting, waterproof and creamy texture in one automatic pencil. Propel-repel mechanism dispenses colour easily without sharpening. Preservative free and mineral oil-free. Contains anti-oxidants and Vitamins C and E.

LipTox

Imagine... lush, full lips sparkling like precious gems. Fortified with real Diamond Dust, new LipTox delivers this million-dollar shimmer and leaves a soft tint for the sexiest of lips.

The proof is in the pout. The latest breakthrough in cosmeceutical technology, LipTox goes beyond plumping to make lips look smoother, fuller and years younger. Instantly fills in lines. Rich in marine filling collagen to absorb natural moisture.

Plumps now and later. Maxi-lip, a plumping peptide complex not only volumizes, but works over time to stimulate on-going collagen. Banishes wrinkles. Contains Dermaxyl, an advanced peptide, known for it's long-term wrinkle-smoothing benefits

Boosts hydration. Sodium Hyalauronate, nature's skin plumper, attracts water, making lips appear more voluptuous.This extraordinary formula is lightweight, non-sticky and won't burn or irritate lips.

Supergloss

When only the best will pass the test. We've paired high shine and great shades to create the ultimate lip gloss. This is the ultra-brilliant formula that delivers transparent shine, sensuous shimmer, and sumptuous shades. Super-easy to apply in its very own applicator tube. Just Super Gloss and go!

Ultra-brilliant formula delivers transparent shine. Easy glide on applicator tube makes application easy and quick. ELES Super Gloss’s non-sticky formula contains anti-oxidant Vitamins A and E.

Lip Balm

Lip treatment, sun protection and a sheer wash of colour all in one easy applicator tube. Ultra conditioning formula hydrates and prevents dry chapped lips. Protecting your lips and looking good has never been so easy! Available in super-easy applicator tube.

Super-protective, super-radiant. Serious lip-caring balm with a high-shine shimmer. Never feels sticky or tacky. Free radical fighting Vitamins A & E, plus sunscreen, keeps lips looking young and healthy. ELES Super Balm SPF 15 can be worn alone, or over Micro-Bubble lipstick for extra radiance.

So now there's no need for dry, chapped lips in Winter, take a few minutes each day to care for your lips and use only the best treatment makeup for the perfect pout.

To find your nearest ELES stockist or purchase products online, visit www.elescosmetics.com.au

Create the perfect "Almond Eye" with one Eye Shadow

2011-06-16T17:01:00.000+10:00

Written by special request for the gorgeous Gabrielle Clark...

Almond eyes, slightly turned up in the outer corners, are always beautifully balanced and a little exotic. This is an eye shape that is soft and welcoming and youthful. Many men and women are blessed with natural almond eyes, but for those who are not, clever makeup techniques may intervene.

Whether your eyes are close together or spread apart, deep set or prominant or even heavy lidded as the eye below is, this technique of applying your makeup will help you achieve the perfect almond shaped eye.

We've exaggerated the depth of colour which would be more suitable for an evening makeup, however, the principles are the same for a lighter more natural look, simply lighten the colours and blend more for a more subtle effect.

STEP ONE: Before applying any eye colour, we recommend priming the skin with ELES RETEXTURISING PRIMER and applying a light layer of foundation and concealer. If you are wearing a powder based foundation such as MINERAL POWDER FOUNDATION; apply PHOTO-TOUCH CONCEALER before applying your foundation. If however you are applying a liquid foundation such as LIQUID POWDER MINERAL FOUNDATION then apply your concealer afterwards. Do not apply too much product to the eye area as it will appear "caked" and accentuate fine lines and creases.

STEP TWO: We've exaggerated the darkness here to show where contour colour needs to be applied. This eye shape is heavy lidded so the contour colour is placed just above the natural eye crease to "open up" the eye. If your eyes are prominant i.e. the natural crease is much higher, then you should apply the colour into the crease. If the natural eye crease is very high the colour could begin slighly below the crease. Apply with a a sponge applicator or a shadow brush and build the depth as slowly to ensure an even coverage. See colour suggestions below. Colour used: MINERAL EYE SHADOW TWIG

STEP THREE: Apply LIQUI-LINER to the upper lash line, tapering out to a thicker "flick" in the outer corner of the eye. Lift the eye lid to ensure the fine brush rests gently on the upper lashes and glide the brush along slowly and smoothly. Thicken the line gradually. Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect, we'll be blending shadow over the line to smooth out any irregularities. If you suffer from "shaky hands" or confidence applying a liquid eyeliner, apply a soft pencil line first to use as a guide. If you find your "flick" is a little wonky or drops down too low, use a damp Q-tip to clean up the edges. We find applying the line to the lash line first, then opening the eye to create the flick is easier and helps ensure an uplifting flick instead of a sad little droop. Colour used: Liqui-liner Anisette

STEP FOUR: Using a large eye shadow brush blend the shadow and liner to eliminate any hard lines and soften the effect, begin by softening the eye shadow first and then using the shadow which has accumulated in the brush to soften the liquid liner. Blend until you achieve the desired intensity. Using the BROWBLENDER eye brow pencil fill in any small gaps in your eye brows and lengthen the brows if necessary. Use small soft strokes until you achieve the desired shape. A well defined brow can dramatically change the look of the eye, making it appear more youthful. Soften the colour by brushing the brows gently with the Browblender brush end. If desired apply a fine line through the bottom lashes with POWDERLINER PENCIL. The more mature you are, the finer and softer this line should be, dark lines tend to spoil the almond eye effect so less is definitely more. COLOURS USED: Browblender - Blonde and Powderliner Inky Violet

STEP FIVE: Apply LUSH MASCARA to the upper lashes only. If your lashes are straight we recommend using a lash curler first. Apply the lash curler to the base of the lashes and squeeze gently then coat the lashes with the mascara fanning them out. Apply more mascara to the outer corners to enhance the almond shape. A small amount of mascara on the lower lashes is fine if your lashes are very blonde, however use a light touch as this can make the eye look droopy and spoil the effect you are trying to achieve to "lift" the eyes.

FINALLY: The golden rule of choosing your lipstick colour to complete this look: "If the eyes are loud, tell the lips to be quiet" in other words, If you've chosen to create a dramatic eye colour with strong colours or more depth, opt for a lighter lipstick shade, too much colour and the eyes and lips and you'll be mistaken for one of the cast of La Cage Aux Folles. We recommend one of the gorgeous rosy shades of SUPERGLOSS, SUPERBALM or for extra volume and a lovely "bee sting" set of lips: LIPTOX.

COLOUR GUIDE

With eyeshadow anything goes and you may wish to just try many colours or following seasonal looks, however, if its youth you are after, the colours that bring out your natural eye colour, make your eye whites look whiter and make your eyes sparkle with vitality the following is a good guide:

Blue Eyes look more vivid with Brown Shades
Brown Eyes look more vivid with Green Shades
Green Shades look more vivid with Plum Shades

To give the eyes clarity and make the eye whites even whiter, Deep Plum Eyeliner is best!

For more makeup application tips visit our website Trends page at http://www.elescosmetics.com.au/beauty-trends.htm

The must-haves for flawless skin

2011-05-15T17:27:00.001+10:00

We all covet it, we spend our hard earned dollars trying to achieve it and when we look at photos of ourselves, its the one thing we wish we all had; perfect skin. Unless you are genetically blessed you might need a helping hand to achieve it. I know I do. Like many my makeup looks great when I first put it on but after an hour or so the natural oils begin to break it down.

I can honestly say it has taken me decades to find the perfect solution. I've held this information close to my chest, after all, I want to look better than everyone else! But no more, the guilt is wearing me down, I'm going to share my secret.

It's four products, I call them my "Photoshop set", and when I use these products not only does my makeup look flawless, it stays that way all day and into the night. A big claim I know but you'll see it's true.

And the great thing is that ELES mineral makeup is one of the only brands to blend formulas that are photographable. Did you know that photographers generally dislike mineral makeup? It's true, the mica in the formulation causes "hot spots" in the photograph, these are whited out areas that make the face look bland and flat. The reflective qualities of minerals can play havoc with a camera. That's why ELES mineral makeup contains no mica and why we've refined the minerals to a velvety finish that won't cause the "mineral shine" we've all come to dislike. Skin feels like cashere and and will not itch and parch as it does with some formulations. But enough sales talk.

Here is the secret to flawless skin with ELES makeup:

Step One: Pore Perfecting Primer

This wonder product is the ultimate multi-tasker. Incredibly lightweight and oil-free, this techno-advanced formula combats shine in multiple ways: Immediately, the natural Dermat Complex™ absorbs oil and reduces pore size. While you wear it, Salicylic Acid levels out roughness and keeps foundation looking smooth, hour after hour. Over time, this revolutionary primer keeps on working to control oil breakthrough even after you take it off. Apply to a clean dry skin as you would a moisturiser, give it five minutes or so to absorb and if you like apply your normal moisturiser or sun protection cream over the top.

Step Two: Liquid Mineral Powder Foundation

The greatest mineral foundation ever created. This is the fluid version of mineral-powder foundation. This innovative liquid formula, fortified with an exclusive Multi-Mineral Complex, glides on velvety smooth and sets to a soft-powder finish. ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation provides all the sunscreen and anti-oxidant protection that your skin needs and Micro diffusers keep skin looking flawless. It's is hypoallergenic and oil-free which is a bonus. Why we love it? A little goes such a long, long way and the coverage is perfect, looks sheer but conceals all minor skin imperfections. Wonderful for all skin types whether you are excessively oily or very dry.

Step three: Phototouch Concealer.

This is the ultimate concealer for camera-ready & flawless skin. It's formulated with advanced Skin Optic Light technology to help diffuse and camouflage dark circles and blemishes, while smoothing out fine lines and unlike so many concealers doesn't cake in the skin enhancing lines. Another economical product this little gem will last a long time. Just apply with a lip brush to areas you wish to conceal and pat into the skin and voila! its like an eraser! The bonus here is the formula is free of potential irritants, such as fragrance, talc, oil and dyes.

Last, but certainly not least...

Step Four: Mineral Sheer Veil

What an apt name this is. A liquid highlighter that gives your skin the most exquisite luminosity you will ever see. A little down the centre of the nose, on the upper cheeks just beneath the eye and anywhere else you want to help bring forward for the perfectly sculptured face and the effect is simply stunning. It floats over skin like "liquid light" and transforms any skin tone from dull to delicately glowing.

So that's it, only four products to achieve skin perfection that lasts all day. Whether you are getting married, photographed or just want to look incredible all the time try these four and you'll never look "blah".

To find out more or find your nearest ELES stockists visit http://www.elescosmetics.com.au/

Sixties Beauty Icons - It's in the eyes

2011-04-06T14:02:00.000+10:00

Audrey Hepburn was arguably one of the most beautiful women to grace this earth and graceful she was. She was timeless elegance and never so much as when she appeared in the cult classic "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Her eyes were simply stunning, large and bright and always the focal point of her makeup. If Cary Grant knew how to wear a suit well, it was Audrey Hepburn who new how to wear false lashes well. And she never looked "over-done". Despite wearing layers of eyeliner and mascara Audrey always looked polish and refined. How did she do it? Her trick was to apply minimal product to the lower lid and lashes, effectively lifting the eye. Her perfectly shaped brows gave the additional lift that made this lady look alert and sophistocated.

Brigitte Bardot was on the other hand a sex kitten. Her look was more sunkissed and windswept. It was Brigitte who made a more translucent skin with a suntan fashionable, for which she paid greatly for in later life. The Brigitte Bardot look is all about sexiness. The eyes are heavily shadowed and a softer less polished eyeliner literally blackens the eye surrounds with exagerrated lashes finishing the look. The end result? Eyes that look sultry and seductive. Avoid this look if you are tired though, its too heavy and will accentuate shadows and lines.

Twiggy was the most courageus style icon of the sixties in my opinion. Her tomboy look was balanced with the ultra-feminine eye makeup which is synonymous with the sixties. Colours were applied richly to the creases of the eye, often wet to appear stronger and never blended and the lower lashes were exaggerated, often with pencil strokes as in the case with this pic. While most of us would feel and possibly look like a ragdoll if we did this, the point is to apply copious amounts of mascara to the lower lashes for an ultra feminine edge.

To get any of these looks we recommend the following products from ELES...

Mineral Eye Shadows in:

Teak (Dark Dark Brown) or Titanium (Soft Dark Grey

Powderliner Pencil with smudging end in Coa

Lush Mascara in Black

For further information visit http://www.elescosmetics.com.au/

40's Inspired Makeup

2011-02-07T13:35:00.000+11:00

We love this sophistocated makeup inspired by 40's screen sirens and it's the perfect way to complete a vintage fashion look. Team your hollywood inspired makeup with smooth glossy curls and sweep back one side with a gorgeous diamonte clip for extra glam.

Step by Step 40's Inspired Makeup:

FOUNDATION

It was during the 40's that Max Factor introduced the "Panstick" foundation for film. Makeup artists where shooting for a perfect, flawless, matt complexion so makeup was thick and opaque. Times have changed and with the introduction of ingredients such as minerals to deflect minor skin flaws you no longer need to look like you are wearing a mask to achieve a "photo finish" look.

Apply Liquid Mineral Foundation to the face and neck paying special attention to the T-Zone and blending out to the outer face.

CONCEAL

Using a lip brush apply Phototouch Concealer to any dark shadows or blemishes and blend by pressing gently into the skin.

SET

To ensure your foundation remains in place and to achieve a flawless matt finish use a large powder brush and swirl into your Mineral Powder Foundation, tap of the excess and beginning down the T-Zone press the powder into the skin, then blend to the outer face.

BLUSH:

Apply blush using large powder brush to the apples of the cheeks, we recommend Mineral Matte Blush

EYES:

BROWS

The perfect brow is very important to this look, take your time applying Brow Blender Pencil in light strokes to achieve a well arched and smooth edged brow tapering to a fine point near the temples, soften and smooth with the brush end of the Brow Blender and repeat if necessary.

EYE SHADOW

Step One:

Apply a light base shadow to the entire upper lid using a shadow brush. We recommend Antique White Mineral Eyeshadow.

Step Two:

Apply a medium depth contour colour to the natural crease of the eye to enhance the shape and blend the edges well. We recommend Cashmere Mineral Eye Shadow.

Step Three:

Apply Liquiliner Anisette (Black) to the upper lid beginning with a fine line on the inner eye and tapering to a thicker line and catlick on the outer eye. If you feel a little unsure or unsteady applying liquid eyeliner apply a soft pencil guide to follow first.

Step Four:

Apply ample Lush Mascara to the upper lashes ensuring each lash is covered and fanning out from inner to outer lashes. False Eyelashes may be applied for a more dramatic look.

CONTOUR

Using the Angled Blush Brush apply Mineral Finishing Bronzer below the cheekbones, beneath the jawline and on the temples. Bronzer may be applied on the sides of the nose to create the illusion of a thinner nose. Blend brozer downards to ensure no edge lines are visible.

LIPS

Carefully apply Automatic Lip Liner Earth Red to the lip contours to create the perfect shape, then blot and apply a fine dust of Powder Foundation to help set the liner.

Using a lip brush apply lipstick to the lips, we recommend Micro Red. Blot the lipstick and re-apply.

If you feel uncomfortable wearing a strong red lipstick opt instead for one layer of the Micro Red, blotted and followed by a layer of Supergloss in Strawberry. The end result is softer and more translucent without losing the end effect.

HAIR

Super glossy hair and large, lose curls is ideal for this look. Get out your GHD if you have one and curl away. Finish with a gorgeous vintage clip behind one ear leaving the other side swept forward in a cascade.

TIP:

Red lips are lovely, red teeth not so much, just before leaving check your teeth!

PERFUME:

Go classic tonight: Chanel 19, First by Van Cleef Arpels, wear something rich and memorable.

EARRINGS:

Small classic earrings will enhance this understated and elegant look, diamonds or pearls are perfect.

Final Note:

Enjoy the admiring glances and have a wonderful time!

Celebrating Asian Eyes

2010-09-11T12:36:00.000+10:00

I've always loved Asian eyes, to me the beautiful heavy monolid is one of "sultry sexiness". I've never really understood why so many Asian women opt for surgical techniques to make their eyes appear more caucasian. Sure, magazines that predominantly feature Western almond shaped eyes may be an influence and the lack of "how to's" when it comes to applying makeup sends a subliminal message of beauty ideals. But at ELES we say "celebrate your beauty" do not try to replicate the beauty of others. And the gentle shape of the Asian eye is in my opinion a feature worth celebrating.

Just as Asian women know that the average hairdresser may not know the correct technique for cutting their gorgeous locks, they may also shy away from having makeup applied by someone who is not familiar with bringing out the best in their eye shape.

Traditional makeup techniques play upon the natural crease that appears just above the top lash line. Generally we enhance this crease by apply darker shades there to help the area "recede" and lighter shades to areas that we want to bring "forward". The end effect is one of greater contrast, playing upon the features that are typical of this kind of almond eye.

If however, this natural crease does not exist the effect will look artificial and "painted on" which is why so many Asian women are dissatisfied with a traditional eye makeup application. Instead of creating a crease in the lid area the shadow should be applied in a pattern that enhances the natural curviture of the eye. This diagram below offers a guide to application;

GREEN - Apply a darker shade, generally cool undertone colours work best such as charcoal, soft greys, blues and purples. To intensify this area apply a pencil liner beneath and dab the shadow over the top

RED - Apply a medium depth colour here, a few shades lighter than the contour colour (Green Area) Blend this area well leaving no edges visible, this shade should act as a shadow that fades out into the surrounding area

BLACK - Apply a darker shade here but blend the outer edges as above, this will give an illusion of wider set eyes playing upon the curves of the Asian eye.

BLUE - Use a highlighter shade here, to enhance the brow bone and "open" the eye area. Colours such as Champagne, Opal, White or Light Beige work best

Liquid Liner can be used for a natural day time look with plenty of mascara applied to the top lashes. Avoid too much liner and mascara below the eyes as this can "close" the eyes too much. Begin with a very fine line on the inner eye area tapering to a thicker "cat lick" on the outer eye, this gives the illusion of thicker lashes.

As the lashes on Asian eyes tend to grow straight instead of curving up you may want to invest in a good lash curler if going for a more made up look. Apply eye shadow and just prior to applying mascara lift the lashes by squeezing the curling pads together firmly and slowly, apply mascara after lifing the lashes using firm strokes upward from the base to the tips of the lashes.

I hope these tips work for you...I believe in celebrating individuality and dismissing the dictatorial ideals that we are bombarded with in fashion magazines. Makeup is there to enhance and not conceal

Visit ELES Cosmetics for full details of eye shades available, we love Titanium, Tourmaline and Opal for Asian Eyes

You can't build a castle on sand...

2010-08-02T18:33:00.000+10:00

...because sand is simply not strong enough to create a good foundation. Equally you cannot create a great makeup on skin that's tired and lacklustre. This is a challenge in Winter when we tend to live more sedentary lives and as a consequence our circulation slows down.

The skin suffers the effects of artificial heating and with less blood flowing around those veins, our skin cells are starved of oxygen. What you'll end up with, is a thick mask that does little to hide a very sad and dull skin.

So, to get a lovely winter glow, bronzers and highlighters might help, but there really is no substitute for the blush of a natural circulation shining through.

So get it moving!

Try a warm bath with stimulating essential oils; we love Pevonia's Seaweed Bath with Pine Extracts. When sitting in front of the TV, pick up your dry body brush and whisk away the stagnation. Begin brushing from the toes and fingers towards the heart in short light strokes to stimulate your lymphatic circulation and reduce toxins.

Take a walk, ok its cold but you'll soon warm up, walk the dog, walk to the shops or even just take the stairs instead of the lift. Move!

Drink water; there's nothing like nature's bounties to flush the system.

Scrub a dub dub those dead skin cells away with a nice zesty exfoliant, try Pevonia's Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.

And finally breathe deep! Get that lovely oxygen into your lungs.

And what you find when your circulation is pumping, is a glowing complexion that just needs a little enhancing and not a thick and gluggy mask.

Finish with a lick of Lush Mascara and dollop of Super Gloss and you'll look like you've been hitting the Gym and holidaying in the sun!

How to look polished with less makeup

2010-07-12T17:35:00.000+10:00

Ever heard the expression "Less is more"? Not sure who coined the phrase but I know beauties such as Coco Chanel believed the adage. Apparently her rule was to dress and accessorize and then remove one accessory before leaving the house. This way she never felt "over-done". Brings to mind images of dear Queen Lizzie with the glasses, tiara and handbag - I always thought she looked like a Christmas tree and should either get contacts or lose the tiara. Anyway, I digress.

My point is; when it comes to makeup, how can we all wear less and still look "polished"? How can we use makeup so skillfully as to appear "un-madeup"?

Well, I would like to share with you a makeup epiphany; I found this quite by accident. If you create the "Perfect Brow" before doing any other eye makeup, you won't need much eye makeup at all. If you are the person who does the shadow etc first you may not realise this and you may not realise that changing the order of makeup application can really make a difference to the end result.

But first thing is first. How do you get the perfect brow?

You can do what I used to and tweeze a few hairs every day to make sure there are no strays but this is a sure-fire way of getting wobbly, out of shape brows. My advice, for what its worth is to have your brows professionally waxed, fill in any small gaps with a few flicks of brow pencil and then tweeze the odd one or two that crop up between waxes. (Kind of like the baked beans that fall off the toast, you have to eat those first.)

Or, if waxing isn't an option then get one brow perfect by following the recommended shaping: See below, then make a stencil of that brow; take a firm piece of clear plastic draw the outline and cut out the centre. (Now you just flip the stencil over the guide you with the opposite brow)

When tweezing at home, apply a warm, damp cloth to the brow to soften the skin and open the follicle (it really does hurt less too) and remove the hairs in the direction of growth. You might need a good magnifying mirror to do this. Finish with application of a cool, damp cloth.

As far as pencilling the brows; take your time. just fill in the necessary gaps and careful not to apply too much to the inner brows (near nose) or they will look like tadpoles - see taddy brows below. Brush with a brow brush and voila! Perfect Brows.

For a light and natural makeup apply in this order:

Base - apply a touch of foundation to areas of the face that need it, you don't need to apply a mask.

Conceal - use a "lip brush" to apply concealer to any discolourations then roll your finger over the concealer to warm and blend (as if you were being finger-printed)

Powder - a tiny dusting and only down the T-Zone.

Brows - make them perfect (as above)

Liner - a fine line just above the top lashes with a little "flick" in the outer corner, mute by pressing soft brown or grey shadow over the top, then use blush brush over the eyes to blend.

Mascara - Only on the top lashes and make sure you get every single lash.

Blush - a light dusting on the apples of the cheeks, smile and you will see those apples!

Gloss - the lips, a nice rosy colour is the most natural.

Let me know how you go!

COLOUR INSPIRATION

2010-05-21T10:33:00.000+10:00

It's easy to get into a makeup rut and do the same look day after day after day. Like a comfortable old tracksuit your "daily makeup" can get tired and make you feel bored with yourself.

And just as it is hard to find inspiration sometimes in cooking the nightly meal when you are not a gourmet chef, mixing it up with your own makeup can be a challenge if you are not confident with colour.

When it comes to makeup, I look for inspiration in nature. Then I know with certainty the colour combinations will work. Think of a bird of paradise flower - the vibrant orange contrased with the deep purples or a blood rose, the deep red with the darker shadows that look almost charcoal at the base of each petal.

Consider the season, Autumn hues are not always about browns and golds and oranges, Autumn skies are dark and moody with plum undertones and the greens are deeper and bluer.

Look around you, colour combination inspiration is everywhere!

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2010-05-19T22:56:00.000+10:00

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FREE POLISH

2010-05-18T09:52:00.000+10:00

If you spend a $100 or more in the ELES online boutique you will receive a free ELES Nail Enamel of your choice, simply mention your colour of choice in the "comments section" at the checkout.

ELES NAIL ENAMELS...
Made with the best of Australian quality ingredients and a chip-resistant professional patented formula that holds its colour and shine for days, the range provides an outstanding lacquer experience and offers long-lasting brilliance with extreme colour and high shine.

Toluene, Formaldehyde and DBP free and the colours are gorgeous!

WINTER PREVIEW

2010-05-17T11:14:00.000+10:00

We are loving the new look coming for ELES WINTER, its back to 40's sophistication with smouldering eyes and siren red lips. In preparation think 40's when you stock up your winter wardrobe, belted jackets, hugging pencil skirts and Hollywood hair. Stuck for ideas?? Watch "Pearl Harbour" for inspiration!! Practice the cat-flick eyeliner, too, if liquid is a battle for you, create a stencil with a pencil - hey that rhymes! Then go over with the liquid. I find it easier to begin on the outer corners and work my way in, but hey, whatever works for you.