This salon has always provided me with impeccable service that is always partnered with a warm smile. Organika have an incredible range of organic hair products that have truly transformed my tresses. I have openly spoken of the terrible state my hair was in when I began seeing Sarah @ Organika, especially given the harsh treatment it has received over the years in the line of work I am in, it needed some serious T.L.C. Nowadays that is most certainly not the case.

Organika Hair is a professional hair salon focused on the latest industry trends, styles and fashions while maintaining a natural and eco‐conscious ambience. They use a range of ammonia free colours together with organic ingredient, sulphate & paraben free products that give exceptional performance while maintaining a focus on health and sustainability.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice not only the natural ambience, but the lack of strong chemical smell that haunts most salons. Enjoy a complimentary coffee or glass of wine before you receive your relaxing scalp massage with one of Organika’s essential oil treatments. I usually have the Moroccan Oil Treatment.

This refurbished 3 story salon is located at 161 Elgin Street, Carlton. It boasts the same wonderful ambience as the Elwood salon plus you can enjoy a heated massage whilst you relax and unwind in the shampooing chairs… Heated chairs and new fabulous hair – What more could a girl want?!

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT.

Today I have the pleasure of jumping on board as their beauty blogger for their new House of H.S blog – launch imminent.

I am proud of this company for giving their customers something back and the opportunity for an interactive shopping experience. I will be keeping all you H.S shoppers upto date with all the beauty trends and giving hot beauty tips to mix and match with your H.S attire straight from Los Angeles.

Watch this Space!

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT

This girl has the perfect balance of effortless beauty that screams sex and femininity with a splash of masculinity. Daria has to be the sexiest tomboy to walk the face of earth. The epitome of what I consider to be today’s modern bombshell.

Daria’s understated makeup was created by Pep Gay. I am totally in love with this fushion of traditional sexy makeup with a modern twist. This look is easily achievable at home with a few key products.

Try using a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser that avoids the cakey look.  My current craze is Nars new Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (full review coming on this product). The tinted moisturiser has decent coverage that seeps straight into the skin and can be touched up with concealor if need be. You can also opt for Mac Face & Body for sheer but decent coverage. If you find this kind of coverage to be a little too dewy then set the foundation lightly with powder using large powder brush over your t-zone.

Christian Dior make a great 5 Colour Designer All In One Artistry Palette – No. 008 Smokey Design will give you the eye shadows required for this look. Use a large domed brush on the outter area of your eye lid to effortlessly blend the darker shades of the eye shadows to create a smoky look. Then use a smaller double ended precision brush to come in closer to the rim on both the upper and lower lids and blend your darker shadows close to your lashes, you can use the pointy tip for this. Use the bigger tappered end of the double brush to blend your lighter coloured shadows with your darker ones and use the pointy end of the brush again for detailing and highlighting.

If you look closely, Daria has had highlighter applied to the inner tear duct area of her eye, which is an old school classic way of opening the eye up and creating an optical illusion. The same highlighter has also been applied to the cupids bow of her lips to create the illusion that her lips are bigger and it accentuates her pout, another old school makeup trick. You can use the same pointy end of the brush to apply the lightest shade of the eye shadow onto you your lips and tear ducts or you can use an actual highlighter. I am a huge fan of the Nars Multiple Stick in Copacabana, this has been a staple product in my makeup bag for years. Benefit make a fantastic highlighter called Highbeam that is commonly used among makeup artists.

Use an angle blush brush to sculpt your cheek bones with a matt bronzer. Nars Heat is a pressed powder designed to set foundation however, I use it as a bronzer or for sculpting as it is void of shimmer. Gently run your brush over the powder then suck your cheeks in and run the angle brush in the concaved area of your cheeks to accentuate your cheekbones.

Final touches – Apply a nude lip gloss on to your lips to compliment your smokey eyes, my favourite nude lip gloss is Chelsea Girls also by Nars, another staple in my makeup kit. To illuminate your décolletage apply Nars Body Illuminator/Bronzer on your chest. This instant complexion enhancer will bronze you up and add sheen to your skin.

To achieve this wet hair look you don’t actually have to have wet hair. Bamboo make an amazing product called Freestyle Flexible Control Gel, which is similar to a traditional hair gel minus the gritty crunch factor that is typically associated with a product like this. This gel also smells AMAZING which is a plus as most gels smell toxic. Comb this product through hair that is 70 percent dry and mould and shape as desired, in this case most of the hair has been pulled back off the face. It would be as simple as warming the gel up with your palms and running it through your hair in a backwards motion to pull the hair back and keep running the product through to the ends. Bamboo products are organic, got to love that! This gel along with more products from the Bamboo range are available for purchase at Oranika Salons in Carlton and Elwood in Melbourne.

Enjoy getting your supermodel on.

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT.

Punchy pouts, dynamic digits, eye-catching eyelids… Whether your coming into winter or summer, splash a neon colour into your palette and lift your look.

This trend works perfectly in both climates, it suits summer days in the sun or just as easily works wonders for a weighty winter outfit that needs some spark.

Neon notes…

There are a few key things to consider when applying neon varnishes. If you are not great at applying nail polish, then invest in getting  mani/pedi as these bright colours certainly draw a lot of attention to your digits and messy nail varnish is not a great look, period. Especially if it’s a colour that is designed for attention. If you cannot afford a manicure, then opt for a colour change in a nail salon, this is about a third of the price of a manicure. Generally speaking, the salon will remove any old varnish, file and clean up the nails before applying your colour on perfectly.

If you have pale skin then deeper, brighter varnish hue’s will suit your skin tone, stay away from yellows and greens and opt for punchy pinks, coral tones or cobalt blues. If you naturally have darker skin, then you should be fine with all the neon shades as they will stand out against your skin tone and not wash you out.

When opting for a punchy pout, let your lips be the focal point of your face and keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Your lips are enough of a statement. Bright coloured lips naturally draw attention to the face, so ideally your skin should be in top condition. If you have blemishes or other skin issues, it is not a great idea to apply a hue that will draw unwanted attention. A bright lip particularly works with minimal foundation, which is why it’s great when skin is clear. This is a trend that is designed to look fresh, edgy and fashion forward but more importantly effortless, so the more makeup you wear, the more contrived it looks. Stick to a sheer foundation like Mac Face & Body or a sheer tinted moisturiser and apply concealer where needed. If you feel the need to bronze up then lightly run a big powder or blush brush over your bronzer and run over your cheeks.

A natural eye looks great with these lips. However, if you feel a little too naked for that then focus on opening your eyes with a few coats of mascara and use a highlighter to open up your eye. Nars Copacobana Multiple Stick is my staple highlighter that I use on the inner tear duct and I gradually disperse it onto my eyelids, combined with mascara it truly brightens and opens up the eye. If you still feel like you need to add a little more, or you are heading out for an evening event, then you can also add a thin eye flick to the outer corners of your eyes, anything more and it begins to look like a bad 1980′s editorial.

My neon picks:

I have two highly pigmented staple neon lippy’s in my kit that I whip out when i feel like upping the ante and getting colourful. M.A.C’s Neon Orange – is my number one favourite, this is the perfect orange based red lipstick that suits both porcelain and darker skin tones. I have also had a long time love affair with Nars Schiap, this high-fashion hue is a semi-matte, rich, techno pink lipstick that looks fabulous during the day or with an evening outfit.

Illamasqua make a wicked bright neon yellow varnish in ‘Rare’ that has a satin finish and with three coats your fingers pop with colour.

Nars Gaeity blush is the ultimate power blush if you feel like giving yourself a natural yet visible flush. This highly pigmented blush immediately enlivens your complexion. This is always lurking around in my makeup bag, so when your varnish isn’t handy and you left your lippy at home you can always spruce up your makeup with some pink cheeks.

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT

Behind the scenes shots from a lifestyle shoot shot in Loft Studio in Maples lane, Prahran. Lensed by Derek Swalwell, modelled by Jade Pummeroy Of Vivien’s Model Management and hair & makeup done by myself.

I stuck to a neutral colour palette for the makeup, working with muddy browns & beige tones to create a fresh faced natural look. Let’s face it, it was not that hard to make Jade up. Her porcelain skin was a dream to work with.

I used a number of products to achieve this look, the key culprits were; Mac Face & Body on the skin, Nars Heat pressed powder for the cheeks (even though this product is a powder designed to set foundation and not a bronzer, because of it’s dark bronze colour, matte texture and lack if shimmer it has a consistency that is perfect for sculpting the face and defining cheekbones), Chantecaille Sea Turtle palette for the eyes, using both the cream and brown shadows, Illamasqua cream coloured eye pencil on the inner eye lid to open the eye up and Nars Chelsea Girls lip lacquer for the lips (a cult classic nude lip gloss that every girl should keep in her makeup bag). Super easy, no muss, no fuss, day time makeup that accentuates your features and is completely achievable at home.

Other day-time hair favourites include a side braid featured in this shoot or a classic high pony. Mix these into your weekly hair routine for variety.

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT

Let’s face it… Everyone loves a good nail.

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT

The annual MakeUp Show opened it’s doors in downtown L.A in the fashion district and let’s face it, it was a given that I’d be racing into the building itching to see what new discoveries were waiting around each corner.

‘The MakeUp Show’ tours nation wide in America & Europe and kicks off in L.A every year. This is a ground for PRO-only attendees and is a mecca for makeup artists.

With over 60 brands showcasing their latest products, professional equipment,  seminars, forums and hands-on workshops partnered with the congregation of thousands of creative artists roaming the space, it was genuinely an inspiring day.

I spent my time indulging in the bright spectrum of colours and textures and was covered in product.

I was glued to the Kevin Aucion counter. I entrenched myself in the Aucoin books and gazed over the decades of work this genius has published and the legendary faces he has painted.

“Perfection is boring. If a face doesn’t have mistakes, it’s nothing”.

“Today I see beauty everywhere I go, in every face I see, in every single soul”.

“Yes, but everyone is beautiful to someone”

~ Kevin Aucoin

I also discovered ‘Hakuhoda’ a high end brand of authentic hand made Japanese brushes that I have never heard about which brought me much delight. I was in complete aw of the series of Kabuki brushes and found beauty in the brushes themselves… untouched by product they had so much beauty. More info on this brand to come, stay tuned.

I purchased a number of products from the Stila counter. Stila all over shimmer – Illuminizer, Pomigranate Crush cheek and lip stain, Convertible Cheek and lip stain in Peony and the Stila 10 in 1 stay all day HD beauty balm. All staple pieces in any makeup kit or makeup bag for that matter.

I also discovered a brand that is %100 percent vegan and cruelty free which is a much needed revolution in the makeup industry. Not only is this brand Earth friendly it is also packaged and branded well. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics caught my eye with their bright fluro selection of nail varnishes that pop on application.

All in all I had a fabulous day making up with myself.

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT.

This years oscars provided a very safe ground for hair and makeup to compliment all the expensive glitzy gowns. Nude makeup palettes with traditional smokey eyes seemed to rule the night in the beauty department. Thrown into the mix were a few vixens sporting fire engine red lips that were sizzling hot.

Gwyneth Paltrow was one red carpet stand out with her modern Tom Ford, off white structured floor length gown with a matching shoulder padded cape. Paltrow wore her long blonde hair sleek and pulled back into what looked like a faux bob from the front, but from the back revealed a sleek ponytail secured at the nape. Gwyn’s hair was obviously straightened and treated with a serum, slightly teased at the roots to create volume then combed back in a side part and secured. This style was well suited to the modern silhouette of her gown.

Gwyn opted for a nude, barely there makeup palette with bronzed skin for the 2012 Oscars. Gwyneth called in the experts at St Tropez to ensure her skin looked perfectly primed, tanned and golden. ‘The trend for tans right now is a natural layered look, finished with St Tropez Illuminators in Gold or Rose Gold to elongate limbs and to give skin a lush sheen’ St Tropez tanner Lucy Halperin explains.

Gwyn extended her golden hue up to her face. “It’s elegantly bronzed,” said celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez for NARS Cosmetics about the red carpet look she created for Gwyneth Paltrow. Leslie created understated but sophisticated makeup that matched the simple gown. Leslie used a variety of Nars products to create this look: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, Super Orgasm Illuminator patted onto the apples of the cheeks, The champagne side of Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow applied on the eyelid for a pop of gold, Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara and finally Odalisque Larger Than Life Lip Gloss  was applied on the lips.

A punchy orange based red lip would have elevated this look and made it more fashion forward, even a plum toned lippy would have sufficed. From profile angle, Gwyn’s hair was fabulous but front on it looked like a badly cut bob. A super high slicked pony would have achieved the same modern vibe and allowed for her superior bone structure to be shown off however, all in all it was a hit on the red carpet.

Rose Byrne stole the show with her bangs. I have to say this is a really hard hair style to pull off. Most women would look aged and for a lack of better term geeky in this hair style, but Rose nailed her bang! The stunning brunette had the perfect tone of brown hair to match her olive complexion with subtle chestnut highlights to add warmth to her face. The perfect bob was side parted, which is an interesting choice with a bang as it can usually look dated however, Byrne was burning hot at the Academy’s.

Maude Laceppe created Rose Byrne’s makeup for the 2012 Oscars stating: “Her dress is like a piece of jewellery so we wanted glamorous and sexy but minimal at the same time. It’s really elegant and modern. We wanted the skin to look transparent but radiant.”  Laceppe used a variety of NARS products to achieve Byrnes look for the night: Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer on the skin, Gaiety Blush on the cheeks, Lhasa Single Eyeshadow was used on the lid with Coconut Grove Eyeshadow blended on the outer corners of the eyes. Bilbao was applied on the lips and one of my all time favourite Nars products, Copacabana Multiple was patted on the eyes, cheeks and lips for an “icy sheen.”I cannot fault this look.

Milla Jovovich was another knockout out on the red carpet. Milla wore a white slim fit Elie Saab one shoulder gown and channeled an old Hollywood style of hair and makeup that complimented her dress exquisitely. Milla’s porcelain skin, partnered with her red lips and pink blush, subtle eye and classic side parted loose low bun created the perfect old school hollywood style of hair and makeup circa 1930′s.

Jennifer Lopez channelled a 1960′s inspired hair and makeup combo. Sticking to a nude makeup palette to compliment her next to nude stunning Zuhair Murad gown. Celebrity Makeup Artist, Mary Phillips explains how she achieved this retro look: First, Mary highlighted Jennifer’s natural glow by mixing L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Sun Beige. Then Mary dabbed L’Oreal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Cherubic on her cheeks for a subtle flush of colour. Two eyeshadows were used to create Jennifers 60′s winged cat eye, L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Eye Shadow in Eternal Black and Iced Latte . Mary created a the cat cat eye with L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Smouldering Eyeliner in Brown. Mary completed the high drama effect of the eye with two coats of L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Carbon Black and finally Jennifer’s lip colour was the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 8HR Le Gloss in Coral sands. Most of these L’oreal products are under 15 dollars proves that Jenny hasn’t forgotten she’s from the block.

Jennifer’s hair Stylist, Lorenzo Martin explains, “The look I created for Jennifer was inspired by the 60′s. I wanted a gorgeous hairstyle that defined the graceful refined sophistication of that time to complement Jennifer’s beautiful dress.” This hair and makeup combo was perfectly matched and married the dress wonderfully.

Another star of the night was of course Hollywood royalty Angelina Jolie(‘s leg). Angelina looked drop dead gorgeous in her signature black attire by Atelier Versace. Sporting flamboyant bouncy curled tresses with smokey cat eyes and sexy red lips the star looked none other than stunning. However, it was her leg that sparked a twitter frenzy and went viral on the internet after her sexy posing through the high slit of her dress. Angelina’s leg has become an overnight sensation with over 20 thousand followers on twitter and counting. Let’s face it…With perfectly toned pins like that who needs to talk about the makeup anymore.

And the Oscar for ‘BEST FACE’  for the 2012 Academy Awards goes to… Rose Byrne.

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT

Reborn; adjective
1. Born or as if born again, esp in having undergone spiritual regeneration.

Let’s face it, there are times in life when beauty banter gets put on the back burner. There have been many sunsets and rises since I have put my words down for you to read. It has been a time where I have gone past the layers of skin and beauty and worked on ‘making up with myself’. Taking time out to nourish the inner so that the outer will shine. My body has been salty from the ocean, hair windswept, my skin has been touched by the sun, freckles deepened with tone, nails chipped, walking bare foot through the streets… Minimalistic approach to beauty during a time of rebirth.

Back to basics whilst the nights are balmy and the sun greets you with a smile in the mornings.

Taking care of my parched salty skin is a ritual, Cocoa Butter’s deep radiance gel/oil is a perfect skin quencher that is cost effective and leaves your dry skin drowning in hydration whilst looking exceptionally dewy, bursting with goodness this mix of cocoa butter, vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil will replenish sun kissed skin. Nivea’s line of lip care leaves sensationally soft feeling lips and intensive, long lasting moisturisation. My personal pick is ‘Pearl & Shine’, this subtle sweet baby pink hue has a hint of shimmer that is totally lovable and understated. These partnered with a daily dose of coconut water that will hydrate your insides and your good to go! Cleansed, hydrated, replenished… reborn.

Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT

I must say, I am a huge fan of this trend and if done correctly it can look insanely gorgeous and angelic!

I had my brows bleached for the first time about 4 years ago for a shoot and upon my return home everyone complimented me on my appearance but couldn’t put a finger on what was different, since then I have had a love affair with this trend. Bleaching your brows softens the appearance of your face and draws attention to your eyes, particularly when partnered with a smokey eye. 

There are however, some very important factors to consider when bleaching your brows.

• If you have very dark brows then chances are this trend won’t work on your facial hair
• This is a dangerous D.I.Y job, it’s best to try this for the first time at a certified beauty salon that specialise in dying and bleaching facial hair.
• The actual dying process only takes minutes, as your hair is more porous and takes very quickly to the bleach, therefore you need to thoroughly monitor the process when bleaching to avoid your brows turning orange.
• When your natural coloured brows start to grow back, this can be quite obvious, so my suggestion would be to dye back to original colour and bleach again after a few days.
• If you attempt this at home; Thoroughly cleanse your face and brows, wait for them to dry, apply the formula on your brows using a eyebrow brush that will disperse the formula evenly through every strand. Start with the inner brow where the hair is thicker as this will take longer to dye then proceed to feed the formula through to the thinner outer section of your brows. Also make sure that you mix the formula whilst it’s going through the bleaching process so the roots of the hair are dyed as evenly as the tip of the hair.
• I have been using Andre Gentle Cream Bleach for the face and have found this product has worked the best on my brows.