How many shoes should I own?
Minimalism: Quantity
Saturday 5 September 2015
How many shoes should I own?
Working on a Cosmetic Counter
Friday 21 August 2015
Starting Point
The Interview
- Appearance is Everything
Make sure your makeup is on point because they are looking for people who are well groomed and polished to represent their brand. Observe the kind of makeup the people working on the counter are wearing. MAC makeup artists usually are very creative and outgoing with their makeup while a company such as Shu Uemura will be about the bright colours. Classic French beauty houses will feature very clean, every woman makeup.
- Clothes
Ensure your clothes are clean and fit you well. There is nothing worse than turning up to an interview with clothes that are too big or too small. It doesn't look professional.
- Portfolio
Being able to do your own makeup isn't enough. Anyone can do their own makeup with enough practice. A beauty consultant needs to be able to work on others, with different facial features and shapes. Make sure your photos are clear and feature a diverse range of styles and models.
- Personality
Know that you are there because you are qualified for the job. What they want from you now, is a personality to put to the skills and qualifications. Usually they are looking for friendly, easy going personalities to put into a team. If you can communicate to them of your ability to work well in a team environment, extra brownie points for you!
- Research
Do some research on the history of the company before your interview. More often than not, they will ask you if you know anything about the company. By showing what you know and displaying genuine interest in the company, it looks favourably on you.
Harsh Realities
- It is a sell job
People don't understand that it isn't just about putting makeup on people. Your job is to sell product and you achieve it by applying it on your customers and informing them about the product. Some people might not appreciate having to sell a product or they're not a 'people person'.
- Productivity Matters
Being able to apply makeup beautifully isn't easy. However, you have to be able to do a full makeup (including skincare) within 45-60 minutes. And this is while you're selling a product. You can't be doing full makeups on every customer.
- Paperwork and Cleaning
As it is a business, sometimes you'll have to do some paperwork - returns, counter productivity, communications with managers. And you'll have to clean! Cleaning testers, cleaning brushes, keeping the counter tidy and presentable.
- Loss of Magic
As exciting as it is when you first start on the counter, the magic of the makeup or skincare will start to fade. While you might retain your passion for makeup in general, you can't deny that when you are faced with the same makeup and skincare day in day out, you start to get bored of it.
Lessons Learned
- Broader Perspective of Beauty Standards
- Confidence
- Interests
I have actually found where my true calling lies within the beauty industry through the amount of time spent on the counter. Working with diverse people can really tell you what you want to do. And also what you don't want to do which is especially important when forging a career path.
I do hope this mini-guide is helpful to you in the pursuit of a career in retail cosmetics. Please do leave any further questions in the comments and I will answer them.
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow Review and Swatches
Tuesday 11 August 2015
What is Makeup Geek?
Makeup Geek is a company started by Marlena of MakeupGeekTV and it specialises in affordable but high quality makeup. The company also made it to INC 5000 Fastest Growing list which is really incredible considering its humble roots.I was intrigued by Makeup Geek because of my need for a variety of eyeshadows but I really could not justify nor afford to get eyeshadows from MAC. I was after a company with a good reputation and helmed by someone reliable - especially after the Limecrime fiasco.
What did I order?
Price & Value
Pricing wise, the Makeup Geek eyeshadows are a steal. At USD$5.99 for the regular eyeshadows and $9.99 for the creamy foiled shadows, you really can't get any better. MAC eyeshadows in Australia are $33 for the cased shadows or $26 for just the pan itself. Even converting the USD and including the shipping would still be cheaper. I spent about USD$500 total on Makeup Geek shadows and there is no way I could get the same quantity of eyeshadows for that money from MAC or any other company.The Review
The shadows are well pigmented not at all chalky. The foiled ones are even better - super buttery and the shine they produce is beautiful.From a business perspective, there is definitely a certain level of accountability where quality is concerned. Since Makeup Geek is a newer, smaller company having poor quality shadows would kill her business. However in the case of MAC, I think that they can release eyeshadows that aren't as up to scratch, label them as limited edition and give it some different packaging and it would still sell.
I am in love with these shadows and I doubt I'd ever stray. I want to eventually own the entire range so hopefully within the next year I'll make another big order. They are an excellent way to build up a varied makeup kit without compromising quality. While you can get cheaper multi coloured palettes from companies such as BH Cosmetics or Coastal Scents, I don't believe that you get quality similar to Makeup Geek. You would have to work a bit harder to get those shadows to work to the same level as MUG but when your work as a makeup artist is also dependent on how fast you work, it's better to have quality materials so you don't have to exert so much energy.
Swatches
L-R: Flame Thrower, Chickadee, Peach Smoothie, Beaches and Cream, Vanilla Bean, Cupcake |
L-R: Goddess, Grandstand, Untamed, Magic Act, Purely Naked, Starry Eyed, Cinderella |
L-R: Preppy, High Tea, Pretentious, Hipster, Barcelona Beach, Latte, Cocoa Bear |
L-R: Mocha, Corrupt, Galaxy, Moondust, High Wire, Mercury, White Lies |
L-R: In the Spotlight, Mango Tango, Simply Marlena, Whimsical, Country Girl, Bitten, Showtime |
L-R: Caitlin Rose, Masquerade, Daydreamer, Sensuous, Unexpected, Twilight, Mesmerised |
L-R: Nautica, Ocean Breeze, Peacock, Sharkbait, Pegasus, Glass Slipper, Fantasy |
L-R: Lemon Drop, Fortune Teller, Charmed, Jester, Poison Ivy, Envy |
Purchase Makeup Geek shadows here.
Dior Fall 2015 Cosmopolite Review
Monday 27 July 2015
I normally would not do collection reviews. However, being given ample access to this collection has prompted me to do a review of 4 items of the collection I personally own.
* Permanent Colours
About the Collection
The Cosmopolite collection is the first by Christian Dior Makeup's creative and image director, Peter Phillips. Peter Phillips previously worked as creative director of Chanel's makeup and beauty lines. He rose to prominence following a photo shoot for American Vogue in 2005 featuring Lisa Cant.What's New
There are plenty of limited edition pieces, as expected but this collection also introduces a few new permanent products and colours. Dior's Crayon Sourcils Poudre (Eyebrow Pencil) are repackaged with two new colours. Fix It is Dior's newest addition to the Backstage Pro family as a concealer.The Limited Editions
Dior Addict Fluid Stick Top to Bottom: 455 Metamorphose, 289 Versatile, 499 Avant Garde, 784 Chic* |
5 Couleurs Cosmopolite L-R: 766 Exuberante, 866 Eclectic |
Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite |
Dior Addict Fluid Shadow Top to Bottom: 655 Univers, 275 Cosmic, 025 Magnetic, 825 Aurora, 545 Phenix, 075 Eclipse |
Dior Vernis L-R: 701 Metropolis, 785 Cosmopolite*, 791 Darling Blue, 982 Black Out, 001 Miroir |
Diorblush Cheek Stick Top to Bottom: 845 Cosmopolite Pink, 675 Cosmopolite Coral, 765 Cosmopolite Rosewood |
The Review
Diorblush Cheek Stick
I was most excited for the Diorblush Cheek Stick. I first saw it featured on a behind the scenes clip for Dior Cruise 2015. Dior's permanent line does not feature a cream blush and I was on the hunt for one. I wasn't impressed by Chanel's Les Beiges cream blush and I resisted the temptation of Burberry's Cheek and Lip Bloom.
I picked up Cosmopolite Pink which is a gorgeous bright true pink. Rosewood is a lovely medium rose colour which is far more universal but I have another blush in that colour.
The blush is long wearing and vibrant and very much worth putting into your makeup bag.
Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite
I often get asked about highlighters and nothing in the permanent line measures up to this highlighter for emulating the newest trend in highlighting - strobing. It produces a lovely sheen o the skin without being glittery. Nude gold in colour, it is beautiful on all skin tones. I'm glad I fell in love with this after being given a chance to play around with them.
Dior Addict Fluid Shadow
I was given 655 Univers when I attended the training for this collection which is a brown-grey colour. It's definitely high impact but does take a little bit of time to get used to using. It doesn't dry very quickly so it gives you enough time to blend out when you apply it to your mobile lid. If you were to pick up a colour I would suggest Aurora or Cosmic.
Dior Fix It
Fix It is the newest member of both the concealer and Backstage Pro families. It is a primer and concealer in one, designed for your face, eyes and lips. I primarily use it under my eyes to cover my dark circles and it does a wonderful job at smoothing out my super tiny tiny tiny fine lines. You don't need to work too hard at applying and blending so its a nice quick solution to pop in your purse.
Top to Bottom: Dior Addict Fluid Shadow 655 Univers, Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite, Diorblush Cheek Stick Cosmopolite Pink |
Have you had a look at the new Dior Fall Collection?
Project 10 Pan - Makeup Edition
Thursday 9 July 2015
I've wanted to embark on this project for a while now but now that I work in the beauty industry, I feel it even more prudent that I do this sort of thing.
2. Makeup must be completely used up - empty pans, bottles and tubes. Over 90% of the pan must be visible.
3. Replacements may be purchased if you have no other suitable alternatives.
This is probably one of my favourite types of makeup. However, I went a little insane the last few months and ended up with 3 cushion type foundations. Hopefully by the end of this challenge I'll choose a favourite and stick to that.
I also have the refills to get through as well because with each of these I bought it in the refill sets. I'll try and finish these refills too but it might take longer.
What is Project 10 Pan?
Project 10 Pan is a challenge in which you devote yourself to using up 10 beauty products before purchasing new ones. You may have your own rules for the challenge if you wish. The Project is also a good way to work on achieving a Capsule Makeup Collection.My Own Rules
1. Only makeup products qualify. Including things like moisturiser and shampoo is just lazy.2. Makeup must be completely used up - empty pans, bottles and tubes. Over 90% of the pan must be visible.
3. Replacements may be purchased if you have no other suitable alternatives.
Why Project 10 Pan if you're a Makeup Artist?
In all honesty, while I do admire those who create beautiful makeup looks on themselves, I question whether they've expended all their creative energy on themselves and have none left to put into their work. Ultimately I work in a creative field, I can't afford to expend unnecessary energy on my own face when it is my job to come up with looks for others.
Plus I think it's refreshing when you have only a few things in your makeup collection than every single MAC product ever released.
The Makeup in Question
Cushion Foundations
This is probably one of my favourite types of makeup. However, I went a little insane the last few months and ended up with 3 cushion type foundations. Hopefully by the end of this challenge I'll choose a favourite and stick to that.
I also have the refills to get through as well because with each of these I bought it in the refill sets. I'll try and finish these refills too but it might take longer.
Foundation
These are extremely recent purchases. I wasn't happy with my current collection of foundations - I've either thrown or given most of them away already. I was looking for a matte foundation but I couldn't find a high end foundation that did what I wanted. I'm still not sure how I feel about these but I hope I can use them up so I can replace them with the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - my all time favourite.
Concealer
I only have these concealers to use up and I'm confident that I'll use them up fairly easily. The Maybelline Fit Me concealer is on its last legs and I use the Bobbi Brown on a daily basis. The Dior Skinflash is new but I received that from training so I didn't actually pay any money for it. I'm not sure if I want to include it in the challenge since I'm trying to make the most of makeup I've purchased. I would like to try the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage after I'm done with these.
Pencils
Pencils do not present too much of a challenge - they're used up easily and I have no real desire to repurchase more. The Missha brow pencil is quite nice to use so I'll probably keep going back to it when I'm done with it. In terms of lip pencils, I do want to try the No7 Nude pencil since Lisa Eldridge features it a lot on her videos.
I don't own many eyeliner pencils - only the Urban Decay 24/7 Liners but I've had those for a fair number of years (maybe 3...?). I will repurchase those but only in colours other than black.
Eye Products
All the other categories are comparatively easy. I am extremely light handed when it comes to makeup in general. This might help me evolve as a makeup artist - having to use more eyeshadow. The Chanel palette is from a holiday collection and I have yet to use it up. I think because the eyeshadows are baked I'll be able to finish it quickly. Not to mention there's not much product in them anyway.
The two MAC shadows (Naked Lunch and Satin Taupe) and really quite nice but I haven't made as much of a dint in them as I would have liked for how long I've owned them. I think paired with the Charlotte Tilbury cream shadow, I can get through them.
The Charlotte Tilbury palette is quite new so I won't be getting through that anytime soon but I know it's the type of palette I like to use on a daily basis.
The Bobbi Brown gel liner I will repurchase again and again as it is my go to liner. It's very versatile and I no longer use liquid or pencil eyeliners.
There's my Project 10 Pan. While I realise there are more than 10 products featured, ultimately these are the products I'd like to use up before buying any more from each category. I'd like to consolidate my personal makeup collection so that it's more manageable.
Minimalism
Thursday 25 June 2015
- noun; the deliberate lack of decoration or adornment in style or design
At its bare bones, minimalism is the practice of putting more focus into what we value most and the removal of anything that distracts us from this. It is a concept that can allow for you to feel freedom and to make way for a clear headspace. There is no set rules for minimalism - do whatever it takes for you to feel free from stress, anxiety and fear.
"Less is more."
How did I embrace Minimalism?
- Room - I cleaned out anything I couldn't find a purpose for now. I didn't ask myself "Will this be useful later?" because the answer was most likely 'No.'
- Wardrobe - I employed the concept of a Capsule wardrobe and I designed a uniform of sorts.
- Planner - Instead of a complex Filofax with coloured pens and washi tape, I now use a Bullet Journal. The Bullet Journal is an extremely flexible way of planning ahead and it's excellent for those who find more clarity in compiling lists.
- Makeup - I no longer have a whole slew of makeup and skincare products. I keep a basic range of products for my own personal use and will refill them as required.
How did I benefit from Minimalism?
- Less Stress - I suffer immensely when I feel stressed and/or anxious. Having a cluttered space to work in and a diary/journal that didn't work for me definitely contributed to the level of stress I felt.
- Clean Headspace - I felt my mind was clearer, and I could focus more on what was important.
- Focus on Quality - I've eliminated a lot of poor quality material items from my life (namely clothing and shoes) so I can really enjoy what I currently do own. There is nothing wrong with having luxury while embracing minimalism. The focus is to enjoy what you have and not to fill up your life with unnecessary material goods.
- Time - I've gained a lot of time due to not having to worry about what I'm wearing or what makeup to apply. I know whatever I pull out of my wardrobe will match, I don't have to worry about pairing certain colours.
- My Creative Energy is being channeled into my work which is where it should be going rather than on myself. I find that I can produced higher quality work when I'm not worried about other factors in my life.
Interesting Reads
Here are some reads that I've found helpful in my exploration of minimalism and in getting my life refocused.
- Why I Wear the Exact Same Thing to Work Everyday - Matilda Kahl for Harper's Bazaar
- Bullet Journal - by Ryder Carroll
- Lessons From Madame Chic - by Jennifer L. Scott
- The Project 333 - Dressing with 33 items or less in 3 months
- Effortless Beauty - Lisa Eldridge - Building a capsule makeup bag
- How to Streamline your Makeup - Private Life of a Girl
- How to Start a 5 Piece French Wardrobe - Afterdrk
Another resource I like to use for inspiration is Pinterest. You can find all sorts of pictures that may spark some inspiration.
The Peach Box Review
Saturday 2 May 2015
About The Peach Box
The Peach Box is an Australian online jewelery store that specialises
chic, modern and edgy jewelery. Shipping is free to Australian addressed
on orders over $50 and for international addresses it is a $15 flat
rate.
Packaging
Each piece comes in its own box and velvet pouch. The box provides a
soft velvet bed for your jewelery and the faux leather cover of the box
makes it very presentable. It makes for a lovely addition to a vanity or
a beautiful gift in itself without the need to find presentation
boxes.
My Picks
Audrey Pearl-Swing Earrings |
Roman Empress Necklace |
From Top to Bottom: Twisted Nail bangle, Floating Crystal bangle, Urban Hardware Bangle |
Some of you may notice that Urban Hardware bangle and Twisted Nail bangle could be considered as inexpensive alternatives for Cartier's famous Love and Juste un Clou collections . However with the Cartier Love Bracelet - gold with diamonds - priced at just under a cool $20 000, you can see why it's a popular alternative. Meanwhile the Roman Empress necklace could be seen as a nod to Tiffany's Atlas Collection.
Quality
I have just put in another order for the Audrey Pearl Studs, reminiscent of the Mise en Dior earrings. I do already own a pair that look similar but another pair doesn't hurt to have.
The Peach Box is becoming a fast favourite of mine. I haven't been able to find any affordable but quality costume jewelery in styles that I enjoy. Most current trend jewelry is poor quality or too gaudy for my tastes.
Currently they are having a Mother's Day special, so it's a good time to pick up any pieces that catch your eye!
Arisu x