Saturday, 4 June 2011

Uh-mazing


I've just discovered Lisa Eldridge: total new girl crush. Her makeup tutorials are honest and simple and she's discovered some great products. I love the fun attitude that she brings to the whole process. It's easy to get too serious about buying products, applying makeup and trying looking good. However, Lisa's bright colours and great tips bring it all back down to Earth, without trying too hard. So refreshing. Have a look!

Thursday, 2 June 2011

Layer Cake

For the past few years I've been hair modelling for the truly amazing team at Yoshiko hair in St Kilda. They have taken me from short hair to a bob, an undercut and back to long again; from dark to platinum blonde, caramel, strawberry blonde and red. And every time, I find myself getting stopped by complete strangers asking "who does your hair?". Unfortunately I don't always have the time to style the old locks to their best advantage - but even then I think that they still manags to look OK... The cuts are that good people.

I've gradually become used to environment of photo shooots - but it's still a pretty exciting experience. I love being involved in the process of developing a final artwork with some amazingly creative people and watching it build from makeup to amazing clothes, hair (of course!) and photography. Standing under the lights in front of the camera, surrounded by music, observing the process of wrestling every stray lock into place - of creating the perfect image - is pretty cool. I've also been lucky enough to watch some amazing professional models - the way that they move is quite extraordinary. It involves much more hard work than I initially imagined!

Recently, I managed to capture a few behind-the-scenes shots from a hair shoot which Dani (the Director) titled 'Layer Cake'. It was so named on account of the intricately layered splices of caramel, blonde, strawberry and red in through the front of my hair. It sounds quite hideous but the results were beautiful. The cut itself was quite strong and blunt. However as the hair moved the subtle layers of fine colour became accentuated, creating a softer effect. Here's the work in progress:


 Such neat foils!! (...and the process of waiting begins: lots of magazines to read and gossip to catch up on!..)



































The shoot itself was fast and simple, focussing primarily on the hair cut and colour for a competition. Dani styled the shoot herself with some strong and jewelry and sleek leather pants. Here are a couple of shots of the final stages, experimenting with a flicked-up look. This is Dani at work:


Thursday, 26 May 2011

Spring in your step

There's nothing like an afternoon of pampering to make you feel new again (and all tingly-soft and glowing)... A few days ago we jumped into the car and took the 90 minute drive North-West of Melbourne to Daylesford, in the heart of mineral springs country. It was a grey and blustery day - perfect for some warming up in a mineral bath. As I left the house, I couldn't resist a photo of the beautiful autumn treetops around the neighbourhood:

























The trip through the autumn countryside was misty and gorgeous. Huge gums flashed past as we wove in and out of the forest, past paddocks and over bridges. I have such a romanticism about the country with its painted homesteads, gorgeous gardens and fresh air that brings the pink to your cheeks. Here's a 20-second snapshot of the trip:















Monday, 23 May 2011

Highlander

Highlander

The other day my Asos utility jacket arrived in the mail, all hooded and enormous and cosy. I've been enjoying enveloping myself in it as the Melbourne cold slowly encroaches. I've also noticed that it's been making me see new possibilities in previously unexplored makeup colours. At the moment I'm loving the contrast of a hot pink lip or cheek against the subdued military tones. My favourite colours are NARS 'Desire' or the Stila 'Custom Colour Blush' (for a more subtle effect). Dust a small amount across the tops of the cheeps for instant snow-bunny glamour.


Sunday, 22 May 2011

The last sunny Saturday


A morning coffee with the paper and an olive oil tin for a chair / flowers for the table / a sunny welcome