Hold the Glamour

I am a full-figure model and working mother. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend. I am a Leo. I am a first-generation Aussie and mother to two amazing little native New Yorkers. I believe that fashion is important—but so is real life. I believe that all women are beautiful and strong. I believe in working hard and loving harder. I believe in eating delicious food and drink with close friends, in breathing deep the air of new places, in laughing until you cry. I believe that when our bodies and minds are healthy and balanced, anything is possible.

Tag: natural

May 7, 2014

Loving the KOSMEA skin care range

Whilst in Australia recently, a dear friend gave me the KOSMEA radiance 24/7 youth boost as a gift. She too is very much into putting natural/organic products on her skin and highly recommended the product she loved and used on her face.

I use the oil (2-3 drops over a moistened face) most nights and I especially love it when traveling. It smells yummy too which is important to me.

KOSMEA Australia - natural/organic skin care range

KOSMEA Australia – natural/organic skin care range

Since then, my lovely mother-in-law kindly gave me the KOSMEA starter pack as a gift (aren’t I lucky?). I especially love the hydrating rosewater mist, skin clinic and the rescue balm products.

I can’t seem to hydrate my skin enough these days with all the travel I do and the different climates I’m putting my body and skin through in any one month.

You can find out more about KOSMEA and their broad skin care range below… Enjoy!

http://www.kosmea.com.au

What skin care range do you use and why?

What are some standout products you simply can’t live without?

Is organic/natural important to you?

L.
xoxo

2 Comments
April 1, 2014

What is the best eye make-up remover?

After an exciting editorial shoot today in Sydney (more to come about that when I’m allowed to discuss it), I flew to Melbourne to start shooting for a new client. Beautiful day, beautiful weather in both cities and states.

I removed my make-up before leaving the Alexandria studio and used the best eye make-up remover I’ve ever applied to my face with round cotton pads.

I’m all about natural and organic in life however, some shoots I have more eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara on and around my eyes to sink a ship. Sometimes I need to call in a big gun like Dior.

Dior Instant Eye Makeup Remover

Dior Instant Eye Makeup Remover

Dior’s Instant Eye Makeup Remover is gentle, instant and not too greasy. It removed my make-up so easily and quickly — I simply had to share it with you if you’re not already familiar with the product.

Have you used Dior’s make-up remover before?

What’s your favourite and why?

Is there a ‘natural’ alternative you can recommend?

L.

xoxo

Leave a comment
June 25, 2013

Great ways to keep your skin hydrated

Our skin is constantly changing and one thing that we all do too often is strip it from essential oils and nutrients that keep our skin soft, subtle and hydrated.

Since giving birth to my two children, my skin has changed. It has become more sensitive and where I used to have combination skin, now it is normal to dry in the colder months.

These days, I tend to moisturise my skin with gentle, natural products that are rich oils, creams and lotions without the toxic chemicals that harm and build up over time.

My cleanser of choice is an oil. I wear a lot of make-up for my work so taking those products off my face gently and effectively is most important. I love Shu Uemura’s Skin Purifier cleansing beauty oil.

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/product/CLEANSING-BEAUTY-OIL-PREMIUM-AI,default,pd.html#start=2&cgid=skincare-cleanser-remover

I cleanse once a day only and apply moisturiser twice a day for maximum hydration. As mentioned previously in another post of mine, I am hooked on Weleda’s Skin Food. I use it morning and night to feed the skin on my face what it needs and deserves.

http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/skin-food.aspx

When the weather is warmer, I love to use Weleda Baby Face Cream. It’s a lightweight and soothing moisturiser that still hydrates my skin without feeling too heavy or looking too shiny.

http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/calendula-face-cream.aspx

For my body, I have been using Alba Botanica Maximum Body Moisturiser for many years. I love the way it feels and smells and I apply it to my body after I shower.

http://www.albabotanica.com/body/body-moisturizers/maximum.html

What do you love and use?

What products do you swear by?

Is price important to you?

What routine works for you?

Leave a comment
June 10, 2013

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

My family and I recently arrived in Sydney, Australia. So far it has been a relaxing time spent with family and friends. It’s been a while since Steve and the kids were here so everyone wants to see them and see how our children have grown.

I start shooting for Sara by Ezibuy in a matter of days so prior to leaving New York, I made sure I purchased a new bottle of my favourite foundation I’ve been using for over six years. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation gives me the coverage I need whilst feeling light and looking smooth and natural on my face.

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/luminous-silk-foundation/A041,default,pd.html

I have had many different brands and products applied to my face over the course of my career and no foundation in my opinion, comes close to Armani. I buy my own and have the make-up artist apply it for each and every job. Most of them are happy to use my personal foundation, if they don’t already use Armani themselves.

Make sure when you buy any foundation for the first time, you have a consultant assist you. Getting the right shade is very important for a colour match that you want to look natural. A good guide is to apply your foundation on the inside of your arm or wrist. The colour or shade you see the least, is generally the right one for you.

What foundation do you use and love?

Why do you love it so much?

Is price important to you?

Leave a comment
May 1, 2013

Best make-up products according to Kelley Quan

I approached my dear friend and hair/beauty expert Kelley Quan for this weeks post. I want to share with you some of her favourite products on the market. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed and it should give you an insider’s view of what the professionals are using, loving and why.

—————————————

ME (L): Kelley, let’s start at the beginning – what in your opinion is the best primer and why?

Kelley (K): The most AMAZING PRIMER EVER has to be Miracle Blur. It corrects the texture, hides flaws and is also a sunblock so it’s great for outside. It just works so well for everyone especially those with less than perfect complexions.

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Offers/Samples/Miracle-Blur/Register.aspx

L: You put me onto this product and I love it! I use it most days I’m stepping outside. It’s a personal favourite of mine too and I can highly recommend it.

————————————–

L: Now, let’s talk about eyes and how to enhance them best.

K: For an eyeshadow I must have: Smashbox’s Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadows in Stone and Quartz. I love this formula for long wear and clean colour. The two colours are staples in my kit because I can use them on anyone with beautiful results. Really universal colours.

I use them alone for a sheer finish or as an under-base for eyeshadow if I need the shadow to really last like for a red carpet event etc.

http://www.smashbox.com/product/6025/21789/Eyes/LIMITLESS-15-HOUR-WEAR-CREAM-SHADOW/index.tmpl

——————————————–

L: What about lips Kelley? You have to have some great brands and colours in your kit.

K: I ADORE NARS Matte Velvet matte lip pencils. The finish is really soft and while matte they never look or feel dry. My favorite colours are: for an orangey red that looks amazing on almost everyone is Red Square and for a blush/nude I love Belle Du Jour and Bettina. The best fresh spring colour is Calliope – it’s the happiest colour for everyone!

http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/~/velvet-matte-lip-pencil

——————————————–

L: I notice you love to use a cream on cheeks – who do you love? 

K: I love this cheek cream: Kevyn Aucoin’s Creamy Moist Glow in Isadore. It’s a beautiful shade that goes on smoothly and yet has enough pigment to be worn alone or  layered.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/Kevyn-Aucoin-Creamy-Moist-Glow-Isadore-Face/prod82310091_cat400803_cat399701_/?isEditorial=false&index=16&cmCat=cat000000cat000005cat000017cat10022cat399701cat400803

I am also a big fan of the Kevyn Aucoin Skin enhancers. These tiny pots are so concentrated you only need a teeny bit to do a lot. I mix mine with some lotion if I want a sheer finish or if I need some more coverage I can layer it right from the pot. Love the shades and it feels nice on the skin.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/Kevyn-Aucoin-Sensual-Skin-Enhancer-Face/prod82310065_cat400803_cat399701_/?isEditorial=false&index=1&cmCat=cat000000cat000005cat000017cat10022cat399701cat400803

———————————————

L: I have a serious thing for mascaras and I am always searching for a great one. I am lash obsessed! 

K: I am not a beauty snob and sometimes, it is sheer practicality that dictates what products I use often. For example, because I need to throw my mascaras away about every two weeks or so because I just work so much and worry about contamination, even though I am super careful, you just can’t take the chance. I tend to use drug store/pharmacy mascaras on my models. Here are my top three:

1. Voluminous False Fiber Lashes™ Mascara. If I want that full lush lash look and need to bulk up the lashes, I use this mascara. It won’t flake and it’s a nice formula.

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Mascara/Voluminous-False-Fiber-Lashes-Mascara.aspx?shade=Black&cid=lorus_rm_Bing_Makeup+B+Eye+Makeup_Eye+Makeup&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Brand-Makeup

L: I too love this mascara! Thanks for reminding me of it – I need to buy a new one come to think of it.

2. Tried and true every time is Voluminous Carbon Black mascara. Works well every time. It’s my go to mascara.

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Mascara/Voluminous-Carbon-Black-Mascara.aspx?shade=Carbon-Black

3. If I am splurging I’ll go for TARTE cosmetics: Lights, Camera, Lashes. It’s a really great mascara and it has a great formula that stays put but comes off easy with remover.

http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lights-camera-lashes-mascara

BEAUTY NOTE: With ALL my mascaras, I apply using my Patent pending (not released yet) Mascara Wand which will give an amazingly strong lash line and feathery lashes without bulk or making the lashes look unnatural. It’s my secret weapon for lush lashes!

—————————————

L: What about other fabulous products that deserve a Kelley Quan mention?

K: My Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics are –

Lip Tar: I love this super pigmented lip colour because it is vegan and paraben free. No bad stuff in these products. Some of my favorite colours are Pale Tangerine, Narcissus and  Annika.

L: I love the vegan and paraben free stuff. I try and use as many of the organic/natural products personally, as I can. With work, I don’t have much of say unfortunately.

http://www.occmakeup.com/lips.html

MAC Cosmetics Paints: I love these little pots of colour. I use them alone or under shadow. I love the shades Bare Canvas, Still Life and Sublime Nature.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/344/Products/Eyes/Shadow/Paints/index.tmpl

L: I have to agree with these little pots of colour. I love them and they last forever.

—————————————–

Do you have any great make-up products to share?

To ask Kelley or myself about?

Next time, I’ll ask Kelley about hair products that you should know about.

http://kelleyquan.com

2 Comments
April 1, 2013

Best make-up products according to Kelley Quan

I approached my dear friend and hair/beauty expert Kelley Quan for this weeks post. I want to share with you some of her favourite products on the market. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed and it should give you an insider’s view of what the professionals are using, loving and why. You will want to go out and buy these products right away!

—————————————

ME (L): Kelley, let’s start at the beginning – what in your opinion is the best primer and why?

Kelley (K): The most AMAZING PRIMER EVER has to be Miracle Blur. It corrects the texture, hides flaws and is also a sunblock so it’s great for outside. It just works so well for everyone especially those with less than perfect complexions.

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Offers/Samples/Miracle-Blur/Register.aspx

L: You put me onto this product and I love it! I use it most days I’m stepping outside. It’s a personal favourite of mine too and I can highly recommend it.

————————————–

L: Now, let’s talk about eyes and how to enhance them best.

K: For an eyeshadow I must have: Smashbox’s Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadows in Stone and Quartz. I love this formula for long wear and clean colour. The two colours are staples in my kit because I can use them on anyone with beautiful results. Really universal colours.

I use them alone for a sheer finish or as an under-base for eyeshadow if I need the shadow to really last like for a red carpet event etc.

http://www.smashbox.com/product/6025/21789/Eyes/LIMITLESS-15-HOUR-WEAR-CREAM-SHADOW/index.tmpl

——————————————–

L: What about lips Kelley? You have to have some great brands and colours in your kit.

K: I ADORE NARS Matte Velvet matte lip pencils. The finish is really soft and while matte they never look or feel dry. My favorite colours are: for an orangey red that looks amazing on almost everyone is Red Square and for a blush/nude I love Belle Du Jour and Bettina. The best fresh spring colour is Calliope – it’s the happiest colour for everyone!

http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/~/velvet-matte-lip-pencil

——————————————–

L: I notice you love to use a cream on cheeks – who do you love? 

K: I love this cheek cream: Kevyn Aucoin’s Creamy Moist Glow in Isadore. It’s a beautiful shade that goes on smoothly and yet has enough pigment to be worn alone or  layered.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/Kevyn-Aucoin-Creamy-Moist-Glow-Isadore-Face/prod82310091_cat400803_cat399701_/?isEditorial=false&index=16&cmCat=cat000000cat000005cat000017cat10022cat399701cat400803

I am also a big fan of the Kevyn Aucoin Skin enhancers. These tiny pots are so concentrated you only need a teeny bit to do a lot. I mix mine with some lotion if I want a sheer finish or if I need some more coverage I can layer it right from the pot. Love the shades and it feels nice on the skin.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/Kevyn-Aucoin-Sensual-Skin-Enhancer-Face/prod82310065_cat400803_cat399701_/?isEditorial=false&index=1&cmCat=cat000000cat000005cat000017cat10022cat399701cat400803

———————————————

L: I have a serious thing for mascaras and I am always searching for a great one. I am lash obsessed! 

K: I am not a beauty snob and sometimes, it is sheer practicality that dictates what products I use often. For example, because I need to throw my mascaras away about every two weeks or so because I just work so much and worry about contamination, even though I am super careful, you just can’t take the chance. I tend to use drug store/pharmacy mascaras on my models. Here are my top three:

1. Voluminous False Fiber Lashes™ Mascara. If I want that full lush lash look and need to bulk up the lashes, I use this mascara. It won’t flake and it’s a nice formula.

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Mascara/Voluminous-False-Fiber-Lashes-Mascara.aspx?shade=Black&cid=lorus_rm_Bing_Makeup+B+Eye+Makeup_Eye+Makeup&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Brand-Makeup

L: I too love this mascara! Thanks for reminding me of it – I need to buy a new one come to think of it.

2. Tried and true every time is Voluminous Carbon Black mascara. Works well every time. It’s my go to mascara.

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Mascara/Voluminous-Carbon-Black-Mascara.aspx?shade=Carbon-Black

3. If I am splurging I’ll go for TARTE cosmetics: Lights, Camera, Lashes. It’s a really great mascara and it has a great formula that stays put but comes off easy with remover.

http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lights-camera-lashes-mascara

BEAUTY NOTE: With ALL my mascaras, I apply using my Patent pending (not released yet) Mascara Wand which will give an amazingly strong lash line and feathery lashes without bulk or making the lashes look unnatural. It’s my secret weapon for lush lashes!

—————————————

L: What about other fabulous products that deserve a Kelley Quan mention?

K: My Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics are –

Lip Tar: I love this super pigmented lip colour because it is vegan and paraben free. No bad stuff in these products. Some of my favorite colours are Pale Tangerine, Narcissus and  Annika.

L: I love the vegan and paraben free stuff. I try and use as many of the organic/natural products personally, as I can. With work, I don’t have much of say unfortunately.

http://www.occmakeup.com/lips.html

MAC Cosmetics Paints: I love these little pots of colour. I use them alone or under shadow. I love the shades Bare Canvas, Still Life and Sublime Nature.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/344/Products/Eyes/Shadow/Paints/index.tmpl

L: I have to agree with these little pots of colour. I love them and they last forever.

—————————————–

Do you have any great make-up products to share?

To ask Kelley or myself about?

Next time, I’ll ask Kelley about hair products that you should know about.

http://kelleyquan.com

Leave a comment
March 26, 2013

Have you heard of Kelley Quan?

NYC - Our shoot day begins

NYC – Our day begins

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with the brilliant hair & make-up artist Kelley Quan on a job in New York. I’ve known Kelley for almost 10 years and we used to work together a lot and often and then our careers, schedules and lives took us in different directions… Until now.

NYC - The delightful Kelley Quan

NYC – The delightful Kelley Quan at her h&m table

We couldn’t stop talking the entire day as we discussed our new, exciting, busy and sometimes crazy and hectic lives – juggling career and family simultaneously. A massive undertaking at the best of times.

As this master of both hair & make-up worked on me, Kelley used this atomiser spray on my face that I simply flipped out over and had never seen anything like it before. You see, I love Rosewater spray and I’m a huge fan of hydrating my skin – I use it everyday as a part of my daily routine. I asked Kelley where I could get it from and she told me she invented it and came up with the concept. Genius!

NYC - Kelley Quan's pocket spa

NYC – Kelley Quan’s Pocket Spa

I initially didn’t believe her and then she showed me how her Pocket Spa worked and explained why it was so unique and different – I wanted one on the spot. With all the traveling I do, I simply could not get enough.

Not only had Kelley gotten busy with her Pocket Spa creation however, her Vegan Beauty Brushes were born. As if this mother of two young lads wasn’t busy enough, she gives birth to another baby – a line of beauty brushes that are made entirely out of vegan products. I love it!

NYC - Kelley Quan's Vegan Beauty Brush collection

NYC – Kelley Quan’s Vegan Beauty Brush collection

Kelley’s aesthetic is similar to my own – natural, organic and gentle. You should feel and experience her vegan brushes! They are unbelievable and she has an entire collection for you to build upon (15 to date).

I have the brush numbered 9 and it is the softest  and lightest touch on my skin and face I have experienced in the longest time – and I’m not just saying that! Try it for yourself and see. I was blown away.

You need to know that I’m not a paid brand ambassador for Kelley Quan nor am I getting paid for writing this post about her amazing products. I am doing it because I want you to know what great choices and products are out there for all of us to use and benefit from. I love to share!

If you would like to know more about this amazing woman and her secrets in looking your best, please visit www.kelleyquan.com for more details.

NYC - Kelley and I at the end of our shoot

NYC – Kelley and I at the end of our shoot

1 Comment