Back in 2011, when I heard Mary Lambie was speaking at a local women’s business event, I used the power of social networking site, LinkedIn, to contact her and request an interview. Having been in broadcasting for 20 years (including ‘Good Morning’), but recently making the switch to operating a Subway franchise, I figured she’d have something to say about makeup, practicality and life. Mary agreed to chat where she was staying at the Sebel Hotel and, in return, I applied her makeup for the event while we talked. Her three energetic children were in tow, having come down that day from Auckland for a weekend-long volunteer recognition event.  Mary’s husband, Jim Mora (of TV’s ‘Mucking In’), was to arrive later. Makeup Mishaps and Challenges Having set up my kit in her apartment, I ask Mary whether she has any favourite makeup techniques. “Because I very rarely do my own I don’t have any great tricks.  It pays to spend some time with your eye lashes – lengthen them, curl them, really mascara them well.  Good use of brushes.  I’m not really big on sponges, I tend to use a brush over a sponge and sometimes fingers, because fingers seem […]

If you’re considering using a makeup artist for a special event, such as your wedding (or a super-important ball, school reunion, special date, business function or job interview), here are some tips to how to avoid “makeup meltdown”! Makeup Meltdown: That HORRIBLE realisation you booked the *wrong person* to do your makeup…when it’s too late and you’re stressing out because you’re stuck with bad or dated, old school makeup or a look that is so-not-you. Three must-do’s to avoid a makeup meltdown: 1. When researching a makeup artist to book for your big event, check if they have an online makeup portfolio or pictures of their work on their website.  Look at the pictures and ask: Does the makeup look evenly applied? Does it suit each woman? Is it the makeup that’s dominant, or has the natural beauty of the model been enhanced and highlighted? Does the colour of the face seamlessly match the neck or is it a ghostly couple of shades lighter? Do they show variety and flexibility, ie. can they can do more than one ‘cookie-cutter’ makeup look…or is every face the same? 2. Book a makeup consultation & trial-run before the day. If you’re makeup artist’s […]

Have you always worn black mascara?  Black seems to be the default choice of most women.  But is it right for you? Black mascara is great for those with naturally black or dark brown hair but for those with brown (like me) or blonde hair, brown or brown/black mascara is more flattering. Black can be ‘overpowering’ and look too stark or contrasting against paler features – and fake too. How could your lashes ever be naturally black when your hair is blonde (or red or auburn, for that matter)?  Black mascara has the potential to look ‘tacky’ against paler features. Swap to a brown or brown/black mascara – you’ll still have darkness you need for definition but without the harshness of a true black. Try it and see if you can tell the difference!  It should harmonise better with your natural colourings. My fave true brown mascara is Mary Kay Cosmetic’s Lash Love in ‘I ♥ Brown’. will also better suit natural redheads and those with naturally warm colourings (light those in the ‘Spring’ or ‘Autumn’ colour seasons) – plus it makes blue or green eye POP! One exception when black mascara is a must: On the occasion you wear […]

Q. I’m thinking of getting eyelash extensions for my wedding. Do you do these? Should I have them applied the day of? A.There’s a difference between the temporary flare eyelashes, which I apply on the day if you want them, and what they call semi-permanent lash extensions… Semi-permanent lash extensions are usually applied in a lash/beauty salon with permanent glue, any time before your wedding date. They last around 3 to 6 weeks and fall out with your natural lashes (or you can have them professionally removed or topped up if you wish). These lash extensions are usually single, individual lashes applied one by one, glued to each of your natural lashes. If wanting long lashes for your honeymoon or for a longer time after your wedding or event, I recommend these semipermanent extensions (though I don’t do them). They can take up to 2 hours to apply so this is not recommended on the day! HOWEVER, if you want fuller lashes mainly to look amazing on your wedding day, I recommend flare lashes (see photos). Then if you want long-lasting lashes without makeup for your honeymoon, get eyelash extensions applied after your wedding. For a wedding day I recommend the […]