Bad blogging makeup artist!

Hi Guys!

Well, I certainly failed on the blog front! I have been SO incredibly busy with bookings for the past 2 months that I haven't had any time to give love to my blog!

However, I have had time to do quick updates on my facebook page, which you can find HERE!

Come and join me on facebook, "like" it and keep up to date - I'm always posting photographs, where to buy hard to get or products for less etc etc! And, sometimes I'm even funny!

I am almost booked up until March 2011, but I will try and get back on to the blog once I get a few other things organised!

PS. I attend the City of Sydney 2010 Business Awards Finalists Awards Dinner a few weeks ago. I was up against 5 other business (who were all hairdressers) in my category (Retail Beauty). I didn't win but I had SO much fun! Thank you to everyone who voted for me!

CC x

Real Weddings - TheKnot.com.au

If you are a past or current Bridal client and would like your wedding featured on www.theknot.com.au please let me know and I can send you all the information required to send to them.

TheKnot is a great site for all things wedding related...articles, suppliers, ideas...all in good taste.


My client Amanda had her wedding featured a few months ago as Wedding of the Week! Check out the blog I posted to take a look at how beautifully TheKnot can show the world how wonderful your wedding was!

VOTE FOR ME & WIN $1500 CASH and $200 Makeup Sessions!

It would seem I have competition FEVER! Here's another one!

Vote for Christina Cleary in the City of Sydney Business Awards and you could win 2 Special Occasion Makeup Sessions valued at $200 and $1500 cash!

Here's how:

1. Vote via this website (click here) or SMS my code CCMUA to 0447 447 070 (standard text charges apply). 
2. Join my facebook group (click here) and leave me a comment letting me know you have voted
3. A lucky winner will be chosen randomly on Monday 2 August 2010 and announced on my blog

Goodluck! xx

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  A winner will be chosen randomly by Christina
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  Session to be held at Christina's Darlinghurst location
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  Sessions available 7 days a week per my availability
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  Includes false lashes and a touch-up lip pot and brush
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  Not redeemable for Bridal / Wedding services
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  Voting closes on 30th July at 11.59pm
  
  
  
  
  
  

WINNER of the WHERE'S WALLY COMPETITION!

I have been so busy with back to back shoots, media appearances, brides and the TV show pilot*, that I completely forgot to announce the winner of the Where's Wally competition I posted last Friday!

The winner is 

Congratulations Caroline! 

You have won a makeover with me valued at $100! 

Please contact me to arrange your prize!

Thank you to everyone that entered...I wish I could give you each a makeover too!

* I don't think I've told you all about the TV show pilot yet (unless you are a 'friend' on facebook!). I had to do a presentation about makeup! Was quite scary being in front of the lens, I had to call 'cut' quite a few times and do little scissor fingers in front of the camera!

Now this is what I call a dressing room!

I was working at the TVSN studios the other day and this was the dressing room they gave me...perfect set up for hair and makeup artists! 

There was even a built in sink which is a rarety (at the end, near my new Longchamp bag which I'm totally in love with - thanks to my little sister Diana who gave it to me as a thank you gift). 

If only I could have the same set up at every makeup job I do! 

So much space, so easy to keep my gear tidy!

COMPETITION - Win a makeover!

It's time for another competition!

This one is probably best for girls in Sydney, or that travel to Sydney because the prize is right here in Sydney! A makeup makeover with me valued at $100. Perfect for a night out on the town, a date or any other event!

Here's how to win! Somewhere on my website, Wally is hiding!

The first person to find him and then comment below which page he is on WINS!

Too easy! Goodluck!

* Appointments are subject to my availability but I will do my best to accommodate you at your request.  Appointment to be held at my place in Darlinghurst.

How to transform a natural look into an evening look

I did a trial today on the absolutely gorgeous face of Daniela. She has the most beautiful skin and eyebrows to die for! 

In this post, I am going to show you how a few very subtle applications can completely change a look! These tips are great if you wear a natural makeup and don't know how to transform that look in to an evening face.

Daniela wanted a very natural look, so I used MAC Face & Body foundation, a translucent powder to set, Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Pearl down the centre of her nose and on her high cheekbones, MAC Emphasize for shading under her cheekbones  and on her forehead, and NARS Orgasm on the apples of her cheek (she has the cutest dimples!). On her eyes I used MAC Romp, NARS Surabaya duo, MAC Woodwinked and MAC Ricepaper on her brow bone. Her lip colour was a custom mix that I made up.

I wanted Daniela to see how simply this look can be changed with some false lashes, so I added a half set on the outer top lash line and a soft line of black brown liner to blend the lashes.

See the difference!? Her natural look is now more 'polished' and her eyes have opened up. I didn't change anything else on her face.

Then I wanted to show Daniela how black eyeliner, in the lower inner rim of her lash line could transform this natural day look. Many women are afraid that lining their eyes with a black liner will make their eyes appear smaller. What do you think!? Daniela's eyes actually appear larger and her face more harmonised.

Since it was also Daniela's birthday and she was going to a surprise dinner, I didn't want her to go with her 'bridal' look, so I added some charcoal eyeshadow to her eyelid socket and a smokey line of shadow under her lower lashes. I cannot wait for Daniela's wedding day!

And that, my friends, is how a few subtle applications can completely transform a natural look...makeup isn't hard, so don't be afraid to just try!

xx

Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

Recent Work - Wedding Makeup Artistry

Ok, this isn't so recent, it was actually back in March of this year, but I just received these photographs from the photographer, Tim Pascoe. I was so excited to receive these photos because I was really happy with the makeup artistry work I did at Amie's wedding (which was held on Palm Beach. She prepared in a gorgeous house - how beautiful is that bedroom!). Amie was happy too!

Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

Recent work & why makeup needs to be heavier for photography

Remember my post a few weeks ago 

'Better than waking up next to Johnny Depp!'?

Well, Bec recently received her professional photographs and kindly sent me some!

Here is my favourite! Absolutely gorgeous!

Take a look back at the photos in my original post  that I took on my iPhone and now take a look at the professional photo here. This is a good example of how studio lighting can 'wash out' makeup. This is why  makeup for photography (including wedding makeup) and television needs to be slightly heavier than what you would normally wear day to day.

The makeup turned out perfectly for Bec's shoot and she is so photogenic! Just beautiful!

Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

Australian Country Music All Star Compilation Album

This past week I worked on the recording and filming of an Australia's Country Music all star compilation album which Colin Buchanan put together. Over a couple of days, 16 songs were recorded at Garth Porters Rancom St Studio (Garth is of 70's Sherbet fame; a songwriter who helped launched Lee Kernaghan; a Producer for talent such as James Blundell, Gina Jeffreys and Troy Cassar-Daley...oh! and Craig McLachlan - Garth told me is a really talented musician).

I was called in for makeup and grooming for everyone, including the band members who are all highly regarded musicians (e.g. Mark Punch - Renee Geyers guitarist, Mitch Farmer - drummer for Tommy Emmanuel, Leann Rimes, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, The Lion King). The performers included;

Colin Buchanan 9 Golden Guitar awards, APRA and Aria awards

OAM Lee Kernaghan one of Australia's most famous Country Music performers

Troy Cassar-Daley multiple Aria and APRA awards

Anne Kirkpatrick daughter of Slim Dusty, 6 Golden Guitars and Aria award

Sara Storer 7 Golden Guitar awards

Dianna Corcoran 2 Golden Guitar awards

Camielle Te Nahu Female Vocal of the Year, backing singer for Kasey Chambers & Gina Jeffreys

Markus Meier supports Lee Kernaghan - won't be long before he's famous in his own right!

John Williamson 23+ Golden Guitars & Aria award

Dobe Newton one of the most respected artists & consultants in Australian music - including rock

Peter Denahy nominated for 5 Golden Guitars

I think this was the 'funnest' job I've had in a while - all ego's were left at the door and everyone was so genuine and happy. I even developed a taste for Country Music!

Lee Kernaghan
I don't know why I didn't discover him earlier - this man is such a spunk!

Sara Storer

Anne Kirkpatrick

Dianna Corcoran

Colin Buchanan and Dianna Corcoran.
Colin is super funny, all the time!

Markus Meier
A beautiful voice...Markus will be as famous as Lee Kernaghan...trust me!

John Williamson


Troy Cassar-Daley in the studio -
he was a bit rushed so I couldn't get a photo with him.

Still photography board of the project - look there's me!

xx

Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

Smashbox Primers now @ KIT. A brief review...

Recently I was given a bag full of Smashbox primers from KIT.  I've used the original Photo Finish Primer tonnes of times before, and I love it. I'm not really a pro-primer makeup artist, because I believe that good exfoliated and moisturised skin is enough for a gorgeous foundation base. But these OIL FREE Primers do give a great finish to every one's skin, particularly 25+ skin.

In order of the photo:


Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (original)

Amazing foundation finish, especially for older skin or acne scared skin.

Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15 Primer

I haven't tried this one yet but having SPF in your Primer is better than having it in your foundation (it can make foundations greasy).

Smashbox Photo Finish Colour Correcting Primer Blend (Peach)

Apricot will blend colour and correct skin tone including concealing under eye circles, veins and sunspots.

Didn't see much of a difference on my skin but being very fair and having translucent skin I need a little more coverage with eye circles, veins and dreaded sunspots. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Bronzing Primer

I can't test this one on myself, I'm just too white and it would look ridiculous! But can't wait for the next client opportunity. Although I wonder if it will have much effect, since you apply foundation over the top anyway. I will let you all know! - UPDATE This product is fantastic if you need a bit of extra colour to match a spray tan when the tan hasn't taken to your face (or you've washed it off but your body is still brown). It gives that little extra oomph to your foundation!

Smashbox Photo Finish Colour Correcting Primer Adjust (Green)

Green will correct colour and counteract redness. I tested it on my cheeks where I have a bit of redness - a slight difference but not that noticable. I'll keep using it for the next week and then decide whether it will go in my kit or not. - UPDATE  I haven't really found any difference between this and the original clear primer...it really doesn't adjust your skin at all.

Smashbox Artifical Light Luminizing Lotion in Pearl

This is quite gorgeous! Although it's best applied after foundation and blended well down the nose and along the top of the cheekbone. It can also be mixed with foundation; looks best at night, during the day it just looks too greasy. - UPDATE Loving this for evening clients!

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

Fantastic! No eyeshadow creasing from 6am until 11pm when I washed my face!

Conclusion - Photo Finish Lid Primer is definitely a kit must have. Of all the Primers, I'm going to stick with the original as a favourite because I just don't feel like the others make much of a difference. The Luminizing Lotion is also lovely.

Tip - It's best to wait at least 15 minutes between applying the Primer and applying your foundation. Give it time to set, otherwise you may have trouble keeping concealers in place.

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

I won't be a Blogger Statistic!

Hi Guys! So I haven't posted for a few weeks...I wonder if anyone noticed!?

So much has happened - my laptop died after 9 faithful years, my car was written off (it was parked on the side of the street, I wasn't around), I broke my iPhone (again!) and I've been so busy with bookings that all my free time has been dedicated to attending to all the things that I had to replace (computer, car, phone).

I don't have a new car yet, but I have a computer so keep your eyes out for some reviews and goss. I'll post some today!

It's true that bad luck comes in three's...so I am well due for some very good luck!

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

Beauty Blender Review

I was given a Beauty Blender as a gift yesterday. I've always wanted to buy one, but I couldn't justify the $29.95 when I have an abundant supply of disposable wedges. As soon as it was given to me I couldn't wait to try it out and see it was as great as the magazines say it is...I thought "Blog! Review!".

The Beauty Blender is a "hot pink, teardrop shaped, latex-free and hypo-allergenic makeup sponge used to create a flawless makeup application". And it delivered! I dampened it a little bit (the instructions say this is how it works best) and away I went, stippling (bouncing) it all over my face. I used the tip end for concealing the corners of my eyes and around my nostrils...my foundation application was perfect!

After use, I cleaned it with the Beauty Blender Cleanser as recommended and left it to dry in it's perch (the packaging it comes in...which you keep for this reason).

You can purchase it through Lehved makeup supplies, either on their website or at their cute little store in Surry Hills (the owner, Eve is absolutely lovely!).

The Beauty Blender was awarded Allures Magazine Winner for the "Best of Beauty" in the category of Beauty Tools for 2007 & 2008...and now I know why.

I highly recommend!

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist 

So Fresh & So Clean

At the moment, I'm working Mondays to Sundays, and this weekend I'm working on a film (which means very long hours) so today I tried to have some time to myself. I was spoiled to a lovely 'Complete Revitalising Overhaul' package at my favourite beauty day spa, Beauty at the Bay in Double Bay. The girls there are so lovely...and they always remember you...it's like time out with your girlfriends!

I was pampered for 3 hours with:

• Body exfoliation with Canadian salt deposits on a warm bed of steam (Vichy)
• Re-energising cocoon of natural clay from Canada (found 1000
  metres beneath the surface) in the hydrothermal steamer (Vichy)
• A steam bath (Vichy)
• Lifting intense facial 
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Eyebrow tint
• Eyelash tint

The Vichy is like a human capsule...you lay down and the top closes on top of you, leaving your head outside. Sort of like a tanning bed (but it doesn't give you cancer!). It was a little scary at first, but I was relaxed in no time at all! It's a steamer, a bath and a shower (with lots of nozzles) all in one!

My facial was amazing! Irena used a mask (not exactly sure what it was called) that dried almost like plastic...when she rolled it off and showed me it was like an exact mold of my face!

I feel like a new woman! So fresh and so clean!

Beauty at the Bay give me the best mani and pedi every time and they are extremely hygienic (big tick in my OCD book!). My cuticle beds never dry out after I go there and the paint (OPI) lasts for well over a week (and that's saying a lot, since I work with my hands. When I manicure myself I'm lucky to get a few days value from my nail paint). I don't like the "starbucks" nail salons/beauticians...you know, the ones that are in all the malls and have rows of pedi spa chairs. Most of the girls are not trained properly and they have a bad reputation for being very unhygenic - for example, did you know they are not supposed to use a blade to scrape dead skin from your hooves!?  I always feel like I'm on a money train in those "salons"...customer in, nails done quickly, customer out, $$$, next customer in. Nope, I prefer going to a trained, customer service orientated beautician. Or, if you want to relate it to makeup artists...why go to a department store counter when you can come to me, I get to know you and what you like and we build a professional relationship that's going to satisfy every time you have your makeup done! You get my drift.

Beauty at the Bay use Payot, La Prairie, Babor and Gatineau spa products, and OPI nail polishes. 

Oh, and I receive absolutely no compensation or freebies from them for this post...I always recommend products and services based on my own experiences!

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

CLINIQUE GIVEAWAY WINNER!

It's 12:04am and I drew the winner at midnight as promised, using www.random.org. 

I did  not include my 2 comments in the post count - that would not have made the numbers fair.

The winner is......

Congratulations!

Everyone else - THANK YOU for following me and please stay tuned...I will be doing lots more of these giveaways...and I'm not limited to Clinique! 

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

PS. Amy, could you email me your details please. christina [at] christinacleary [dot] com [dot] au

How to stop your eyeliner budging!

Hi Girls! It's been a hell of a day...my cute little Volkswagen Golf, Betsy (who I haven't had for very long) was smashed while she was parked legally on the side of a road...in 16 years of driving I've not had a car accident, and though I was  not in the car at the time, I am so sad (Christina, remember, it's just a car, you can get another one and never give your car a name...you will get emotionally attached). Sadly the driver of offending vehicle (an elderly man) is in hospital.

Ok...on to happier things...makeup tips! 

We all love a good makeup tip, especially from a makeup artist...right!?

Today a client asked me how to stop her eyeliner traveling during the day. I get this question a fair bit. She said she found that by lunch time, the eyeliner (either top or bottom) travels giving her 'panda eye'. This is because your eye area have tiny glands that secret oil...so you need to address this before you apply your makeup.

Simple remedy! 

Apply your foundation all the way up to your lower eye rim and all over your eyelid. Set it with powder. Or, if you don't use foundation, put powder around your eye so that the eyeliner has something to GRAB on to! This also applies to eye shadow. If you don't wear foundation or powder, try Urban Decay Primer Potion before you apply your eye makeup. This stuff is gold!

My favourite personal look is to wear 'french style' eyeliner along my top lid with a little 'flick' at the ends...I always apply my foundation and powder to my eyelids and my eyeliner never travels (I personally use Christian Dior liquid 'DiorLiner').

If you like to line the lower inner eye rim area with pencil, get a small brush (I use MAC 266 Small Angle Brush) and an eyeshadow in the same colour as your pencil. 

Using your brush, press a small amount of eyeshadow on to the line you have drawn. 

It will feel a little odd at first, because you've just dried the area out...but this will pass and will beautifully seal in your pencil line. It will not only soften the intensity of a stiff line but also make your liner last a lot longer! 

This trick is used by Cameron Diaz's makeup artist...Hollywood actresses don't want to be running to the loo every hour to touch-up their makeup, especially at the Oscars!

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

Anytime Fitness...anywhere makeup!

This afternoon I did makeup for the girls at Anytime Fitness in St Leonards, owners Kim Lloyd and Sally Matterson. They were having their opening night party (Veuve and a red carpet...I should have hung around!). I had the tiniest space to work from, I can't believe I stayed so organised and clean! I'm OCD, but when you're working with little space things can get really messy really quickly! I couldn't put all my kit out, so I just made sure the essentials were on hand...

Anytime Fitness is a new chain of gyms operating 24 hours. Their equipment was so nice, I almost felt like jumping on a treadmill, and I'm not the sportiest of people!. Don't you just love the smell of 'new'!? New car interiors, new shoe leather...this gym had that smell! 

Later Michele (a friend) commented on my facebook that she walked past this gym around 6:15pm just before the party was to start and the girls looked very glam! 

A few celebs were due to attend, including Firass Dirani. The girls mentioned that photographs would be in the social pages this weekend (Sunday papers) and in the Mosman Daily and other North Shore local papers...so keep your eyes peeled! 

These types of jobs (events / media appearances) are my favourite! 

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

Only 4 more days to WIN!

Follow my blog, comment on this post and you could win $300 worth of Clinique products!

Only 4 more days folks! 

Goodluck! CC x 

Graphics thanks to Amanda at Calico and Co

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

A Hint of Myint!

Unrelated to makeup (but you never know!), my friend Arnold Myint, who I met on a plane a few years ago somewhere over Asia, will be on US Top Chef Season 7! It's like our Masterchef but with real chefs!

I wrote a congratulations diddy for him on my facebook status (which he then put on his blog, A Hint of Myint...so cute, and I love the name!).

If you live in the US make sure you watch the show and vote for Arnold! 

Of course, if you are ever in Nashville, Tennessee you have to go to one of his very cool restaurants, Cha Chah, Suzy Wong’s House of Yum and PM Cafe!

Mmm yum yum!

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist

YOU CAN!

It has been a very busy week my friends!

On Monday night one of my regulars needed my services for a red carpet event, Dr Louise Messara (you may recognise her as a contributor for Channel 9's Today Show where she often talks about women's health).

Louise is the Executive Director of the SONY Foundation - a leg of SONY which raises funds and awareness for disadvantaged youth . In conjunction with CanTeen, they recently launched 'You Can' to raise $15 million to build youth cancer centre's of excellence in Australia.

In support of 'You Can', SONY teamed up with the Australian Captains' Dinner at Astral, Star City which was MC'd by Alan Jones and attended by many celebrities, our sporting Captains and stars and our politicians such as Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott. It was all over the news on Monday night...Channel 9 even did their weather report from the red carpet. As I was leaving the valet parking I saw Kevin Rudd, Ricky Ponting and one of my favourites Bob Hawke!

I haven't found any red carpet photographs of Louise yet - but I'm still looking! She mentioned they will be in the Sunday papers and in Women's Day, New Idea etc.

Speaking of which, look out for yellow envelopes in this weekends newspapers and donate your old mobile phones to this great cause. Every mobile phone raises $5! It's a very worth cause, and it means that teenagers who have cancer are in their own, suitable facilities rather than in wards with much older people who require completely different treatments for cancer.

I saw Louise again this morning. This time she had a lengthy slot on the 9:00-10:00am Channel 10 news with Natarsha Belling. In the studio sitting opposite Natarsha, Louise spoke about 'You Can'...and I took a few little snaps with my iPhone!

It's definitely not true that for television you have to pack on the foundation.

I used MAC Face and Body which is a really light textured foundation and Louise's skin looked amazing on TV!

I realise the photo resolution isn't the best...but you get the idea!

I also used MAC Romp eyeshadow, a bronze golden brown, with NARS Surabuya to accentuate around the outer corner of her lids, a tight line of MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack along her lashline and MAC Retrospeck on her brow bone. Her cheeks were accentuated with MAC Sculpt powder in B18 and given colour with MAC Blush in Springsheen and NARS Blush in Orgasm. I used MAC Chic lipstick on her lips.

xx


Christina Cleary
Sydney Makeup Artist