Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Orange Lips! We love 'Em!!
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
Different ways to wear orange...
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.
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 :)
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.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Four Easy Steps to Smokey Eyes
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/
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/
Monday, November 7, 2011
Facial Contouring like a professional!
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/
Thursday, October 20, 2011
SPRING FEVER! THE RACES!
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!!!
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!!!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Get the Perfect Pout this Winter
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
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Create the perfect "Almond Eye" with one Eye Shadow
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
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
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The must-haves for flawless skin
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/
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sixties Beauty Icons - It's in the eyes
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/
Monday, February 7, 2011
40's Inspired Makeup
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.
HAIR
TIP:
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
Step Four:
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!
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