Thanks to Sassi Sam I was able to wander over to the launch of the MakeUp Store brand in Myer Melbourne – a brand previously only available to Sydney-siders. I even got a makeover!

Check out my post, and more pictures here over at Sassi Sam’s blog :)

Every now and again (every second day, really) I’m in a thoughtful mood, reflective and wondering just how I can make my day better. In a sense of fitting more in during the day, or making things easier for myself, and just enjoying life more whether it be at work or at home.

Whilst I don’t really watch Oprah at all, whenever I do turn on the TV and see an episode, it can be a home-making episode, or a ‘Big Give’ episode, or a celebrity interview – but she always seems to be so comfortable and confident in living the best life.

Cue, Robyn Okrant who took it upon herself to use all of Oprah’s multi-media resources to LIVE a life that Oprah seemed to subscribe to. Via Oprah’s TV show, the Oprah website, the O magazine – every day would be an Oprah experience, down from enjoying a celebrity interview in her magazine, to making sure to change your bedsheets weekly, or recipes to try utilising seasonal fruit and vegetables. It would be *anything*.

I’m a couple of chapters in, and I’m exhausted. How could anyone possibly change SO much of their everyday routines, their weekly home chores, or the way they worked at their day job in order to live like Oprah? We will see.. a full review to follow..

Between TV, Movies, Music and general frivolity, there is only so much I can put into words. Sometimes, screencaps, collages, and pretty peeectures are all I can say – and that’s why I’ve put together the pop*couturist Tumblr – an official tie-in with pop couture.

For all of the times when I have a favourite screencap to share (or reblog, in some cases through the wonders of Tumblr) for all the times I want to show a dress I’m coveting, or an inspirational quote – pop*couturist is where I’ll be. At the moment, I’m actually doing a 30 Day TV Show Meme – tackling questions such as favourite TV show (pfft, as if I could answer that!) or show you wish more people were watching. That kinda thing. So check it out!

P.S The screencap above of Jesse St James and Rachel Berry, is from one of my favourite (possibly THE favourite) song from the ‘Bad Reputation’ episode of Glee. Click on it to get to my Tumblr :)

Originally written for Sassi Sam

My first beauty/hair trade show in the form of Salon Melbourne on the 17th/18th of April. I was a kid in a candy store, I tell you. There were so many exhibitors displaying their wares. Not to mention nearly nekkid men and women bevelling to endorse tanning, IPL or waxing products. More often than not, I’d do a double take as I stopped to look but then looked away as I didn’t want to be rude. But I did enjoy a glance or three.

I wandered around thinking I’d be organised, and go in a complete circle, but it was impossible, depending on how big the swarm of salon owners, employees, beauty therapists etc would be outside a particular exhibitor. It was so overwhelming, I never knew how many types of fake tan or spray tan one could access!

The real highlight of the show was seeing Rae Morris and Brad Ngata in action. Rae Morris, is a superstar in makeup artistry, and her most recent feat was being on tour with Pink, ensuring the rock star was flawless at all times. Brad Ngata has been an icon in the Australian hair industry for over 2 decades and has worked with superstars in the fashion world in order to be able to create the most fabulous, unique and breathtaking hair designs.

On the Sunday, Rae and Brad tag teamed to put together two looks on model volunteers; and then they’d switch to do the makeup/hair once complete. The banter between Rae and Brad on stage was great, as they described working together and how it is never a good idea to use hairspray when you have models in a line ready to go out – because that sheen of hairspray will fall on the next model’s face; doesn’t really work with a freshly made up face!

Rae put a rockin’ glittery cat eye look on her model, whilst Brad at first started crimping his model’s hair, but by the end of the process, with it uptied as well as teased out, my friends and I were just amazed at how it started out like an 80s’ inspiration, then BAM! A modern, catwalk look right in front of our eyes. I was just amazed at how easy Rae and Brad made what they do look. It takes a LOT of experience to get where they are now, and the fact that they are both so warm, friendly and glam is just icing on the cake.

To give you the proper snapshot of the event, and just how all encompassing it can be (read: how much work one undergoes to feel beautiful!) here are some standout brands that I met with, and am also sampling.

Youngblood Cosmetics – This mineral cosmetics company is getting quite a good reputation with its mineral makeup line-up. Lisa, one of the makeup artists at the show was so lovely, genuine and I could see how passionate she was about wearing the product and endorsing it personally, let alone as a product she was selling. I walked away with the Minerals in the Mist ‘Refresh’ spray – a blend of tangerine and grapefruit for a mid arvo refreshing mist, or for a light mist to set your makeup.

XTreme Lashes – Sadly, I cannot claim giraffe lashes as much as I have tried with the tube, and fibre lash products that cosmetic brands have brought out. But this company, hailing from the U.S, and now run by three sisters in Australia has the most stringent health standards, which is comforting as you don’t want someone mucking about as close to your eyeballs as your lashes are! You can get basic extensions, which can make you look like Audrey Hepburn, or you can go Gaga-Crazy and inspired for a party night. I’m so tempted..

Unico Hair– A brand that I’ve already sampled via Adore Beauty, and their shampoo is already a staple but now I have the treatment to sample, with thanks to Unico owner/director Sofia, who I honestly just could have hugged. Someone so obviously passionate about their product, and believing in its effectiveness for the Australian climate, how could I say no?

Zoya Nail Polish – There is so much buzz for this brand, and of course in Australia when there’s buzz, and its scarce – the demand is high. The colour range is just as sublime, and so I picked up a couple of colours – for me personally, in order to stop the habitual biting!

It was all so overwhelming, and I spent a leeetle bit of $$ finding some great bargains, new brands and my eyes are opened to a whole new world (think of the Aladdin song as you read that last line) ;)

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. Its been several days since I last blogged, and I’m feeling it! In more ways than one – but believe me, I have been busy. This weekend that is now just finishing, I have been educated. In Beauty. I was given the opportunity to visit Salon Melbourne thanks to Sassi Sam and sat in on a Rae Morris workshop where my mind was blown,  brain was expanded, and I took copious notes just trying to ensure that I never, ever smile when I apply blush ever again. (I’ll explain why in a future post!)

Before I tell you all the fun stuff that I experienced, all the cool people I met, and all the products I now have to try and experience – I thought I’d share with you a running playlist I have in the works. All work, all blogging and no exercise makes this pop couturist a chubby gal, and I can’t have that happen! I still want a figure like Beyonce, I still want curves but I need to be fit, and not huff and puff like a fairytale piggy.

I needed some appropriately lyrical songs with just the right beat to motivate me.

Such as..

Shake Ya Ass – by Mystikal

Imma Be – Black Eyed Peas

My Humps – Black Eyed Peas

X Gon Give It To Ya – DMX

Bootylicious – Destiny’s Child

Rock This Party – Bob Sinclar

Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake

Stronger – Britney Spears

This list is still under construction.. what song/s would you add to it to get you jogging/running?

Let me tell you, I never actually thought this interview could happen. With Christine Mielke, studying full time, and having a full time super successful blog that is a great resource, and community for makeup enthusiasts – I didn’t think she’d say yes!

Temptalia is a site which Christine originally began to catalogue all of the looks she would come up with, a place to document the day where she’d wear a trio of blues, or the day she’d rock a wicked cat eye. It then turned into a place to turn to when you needed to know what MAC Cosmetics were to release next and so on. The photography Christine includes, whether it be for the upcoming collections, the tutorials she does to guide us how to rock a cat eye, or how to pick your foundation is the sharpest and most stunning I have come across, even when it comes to the step by step application of eye shadow in any given tutorial. Christine spared a few moments to let me ask her for her inspirations, and favourites..

Kimberley (K): Was Temptalia at any stage – a blog, and not a viable profitable website? At what stage did you realise that Temptalia became a renowned and reliable resource for make up enthusiasts?

Christine (C): Of course – I never dreamed it was ever going to be more than just a website on the internet. I didn’t start it with the idea of taking it to where it is today! I started to feel really good about what I was doing and writing about when readers would tell me they were waiting for my review before they went out to buy!

K: With your degree, and studies in another area – is there a chance in the future that Temptalia would have to be delegated to someone else? Or do you enjoy it way too much at this point to even think of handling it less?

C:It really depends on how everything goes between now and when I graduate. Blogging is inherently unstable, so it’s hard to say what’s going to happen when I still have over a year left of school! It is my baby, so I really love to have my hands in everything when it comes to the blog!

K:The looks you come up with – how random are they? Are they based on requests, the collections that come out, or the colours you love?

C:A lot of looks are created based on new/recent products – so I might review a new palette from X brand and if it’s something readers seem interested in (or if I see a look I’m excited to create with it!) then I often will do a look to show how you can actually use the product I reviewed! I don’t really plan out my looks, though – often the color combination itself is random. I might say, “I want to use products from X collection” but that’s as much planning as I do!

K:What are your 5 favourite looks? – and why?

C: I like a very clean, natural look with antique gold eyeshadow on the eyes and a soft coral on the lips. An all-black smoky eye paired with a pale nude lip is always fun for something more dramatic. I am definitely partial to chartreuse greens and teals together, so that’s always something I gravitate towards. I also like “sunset eyes,” where you have gold/yellow, orange, and pink paired together. Finally, I do really love a bold red lip with barely-there eyeshadow!

K: What’s your ideal look for a first date? Ideal look for a concert?

C: My ideal look for a first date is soft and natural – a mixture of matte and satin finishes on the eyes in nudes/beiges/soft browns and a subtly glossy, played down pink lip. For a concert, I might wear a heavy smoky eye with a pop of color – like pink or blue.

K: Are bold eyes in an office a no-no?

C: It really just depends on your office!

K: Do you think there are some colours that should NOT be worn for certain eye shades – or are you a believer in people should be comfortable in what they wear, and be confident?

C: No, I think you should wear what you feel confident in. It’s important to feel comfortable in your makeup, whether it’s neon green or a soft brown. If you want to wear a color but don’t feel comfortable in it, where it around the house. Make funny faces at yourself in the mirror while wearing it. Makeup isn’t so serious – enjoy and have fun with it!

K: Is the bold eyes/nude lips or the reverse a myth, or a good guide for makeup application?

C: I think it is a good guide, but it’s a guide, not a hard and fast rule. You should feel free to be creative with your makeup. The worst thing that could happen is you don’t like it, but you can always wash it off and start over.

K: What is your go to look for everyday – what are YOU most comfortable wearing?

C: I wear tinted moisturizer, a little mascara, peachy/coral blush, pink/coral lipstick and matching gloss! I’m comfortable wearing just about anything, but my every day look is minimalist overall, since I’m either at home or at school!

Thanks so much to Christine for taking the time to give me some tips on how to rock any look, as well as work it, wherever you may be – even an IT nerd like me at the office! Each of the sexy images you see above are clickable, leading back to Christine’s tutorial on how to put it together. Get crackin!

A year ago today, Pop Couture was born. A year ago today, Gnomeangel gave me a kick up the butt in the form of encouragement and gave me the confidence I needed to set up this website, to practice my writing, and share my passion for all things pop culture – movies, tv, music, fashion, beauty.. all of it. For that I will always be grateful.

I feel as if I’m still finding my style, still finding new types of posts and ideas to put together, and so Pop Couture is definitely still an infant. Though later today, I’ll be posting my very first interview. They grow up so fast…!

Thank you for reading, commenting and inspiring me in return ☺

Faves for the week

This week has been crazy; has it been for you? Even last week, I didn’t even post a Friday faves *gasp* I feel awful, really I do.. I skipped a week. But I hope you’ve enjoyed the last couple of posts!

Fave Song – Break Even by The Script- I know its not exactly new, but this has been on repeat this week for sure. I also tuned into the online feed of BBC1′s Live Lounge to hear them play live (they performed ‘We Cry’ and a cover of a Foo Fighters song. Let me just tell you… Irish accents. Kill me. 

Fave Album – All I Ever Wanted by Kelly Clarkson. I definitely got into this as soon as it came out; the first 6 songs I’d say.. I listen to non stop. Now I’m giving the rest of the songs a chance; LOVE it. Favourites include Already Gone, Don’t Let Me Stop You & All I Ever Wanted.

Fave Lipgloss – L’Oreal Glam Shine Juice in Nude Juice. Actually a dusky warmish brown/pink shade but only adds a touch of colour to my lips. Love the formula of these (I think I have 3 of these) the packaging, and the applicator. Want more!

Fave TV Show – Southland. I am so hooked. I love the character development and how its just made me so fascinated about what is revealed about each character in any episode. Shawn Hatosy is quite surprising, tender, yet aggravated at the erratic behaviour of his wife. Regina King trying to date, and be a dedicated cop at the same time, as well as the soon to be philandering Tom Everett Scott? Possibly too soon to judge but I’m hooked.

Fave Music Clip – Amazing by Kanye West ft Young Jeezy. I’ve loved this song for SO long, and you  know how it just amplifies that love when it comes out on radio, or when you see the video clip? This song is also on repeat again (and the whole album which I LOVE). Check out the video here

I got my eyes on you..

As implied by the heading, these are just things that I’m sighing over in magazines, or on TV. Sighing because to use a cliche, ‘oh.. this damn global economic crisis’..

Current crush – Ben McKenzie When I was watching the O.C, no it wasn’t all about the eye candy; it helped but it was actually about the soundtrack, I loved the bond Ryan & Seth had, I loved broody Ryan (I love broodiness in general I think in leading men!) but now that Ben’s in Southland, I gotta say; as the rookie cop who has the best aim; the way he charmed the psychiatrist, the smirks he gave her, but then the depth of his vulnerability when talking about his father… *fans self* Must watch.

Latest makeup purchase – Finally had a bit of dough to get some new neutral shades from Gorgeous Cosmetics. So pigmented, quite generous in size; I bought Martini (a dark olive green), Helena (a mid caramel shimmer) & Chameleon (a darker red toned brown). And some new eye brushes!

Looking forward to… – DYING to see Jennifer Garner’s new movie, as well as *cough*Star Trek*cough* though um.. I’m not a Trekkie. Never seen one of those movies, I have noooo idea about the storyline; so.. apparently I’ll love it!

Faves for the week

Has this week been one of those weeks for everyone? Had an amazingly fun social start; then a midweek lull, then bam! WORK! TGI… oh you know the rest.

Fave Song – OK, It’s Alright With Me by Eric Hutchinson- I knew this was the next single, but until I saw this live; it just completely changed things, and I absolutely LOVE it. Check out the music video here

Fave Album – Sounds Like This by Eric Hutchinson. I know! I’m completely predictable! I promise, next week it’ll be different, but for now I’m on a Hutchy high!

Fave Lipgloss – Rimmel Twist & Shine Lip Polish (3556). Crappy that there are just *numbers* and no actual names – but this particular shade is a warm neutral, slightly peachy colour a bit of bronze shimmer.

Fave TV Show – Prison Break. That was the longest break ever! Oh man! SO excited to have it back, and its amping up to a series end.. which is sad, but exciting at the same time!

Fave Music Clip – Diva by Beyonce. Okay, maybe not my favourite videoclip; but certainly the most captivating! Lady GaGa inspired much? How could you see anything through those glasses? Check it out here – seeing is believing!

I got my eyes on you..

As implied by the heading, these are just things that I’m sighing over in magazines, or on TV. Sighing because to use a cliche, ‘oh.. this damn global economic crisis’..

Current crush – Wentworth Miller Oh so protective, and strong; but sensitive. Those eyes. That voice. Michael Scofield is back… *rawr*

Latest makeup purchase – You know those ModelCo Fibre Lashes I was craving last week? HG. Holy Grail. Review forthcoming; but they are lash extensions in a tube.

Looking forward to… – Relaxing and chilling out on a chilly weekend in Melbourne; books, tv, music…and some domesticity thrown in. Perfect!

Blog Eye Candy – a Must Click..SassiSam A website to inspire and indulge in girliness, and to embrace being passionate about being a woman. Being able to be comfortable in being distracted by ooh!SHINY! is what this site is all about. Then click SassiSam’s Store
to indulge in handmade jewellry, worn by the stars as well as hard to find cosmetics, cutesy clothing, and other bits and pieces to brighten up anyone’s home.

Faves for the week

Everyone does them of course.. and I’m such a lemming, I had to follow the crowd. Except for the Twilight crowd. Harry Potter ftw!

Fave Song – Whatever You Like by T.I. Did anyone else think the first line of the chorus was either ‘Stacks on me’? or ‘Snacks on me?’ What does ‘stacks on deck’ mean?!

Fave Album – Sounds Like This by Eric Hutchinson. A great start to any morning, cheerful and soulful I cannot stop listening to this!

Fave Lipgloss – M.A.C Plushglass in Plus Luxe. This plumping lipgloss smells like fresh vanilla spongecake. Plus its a gorgeous mid-tone pink colour.

Fave TV Show – Robin Hood Season 2. Just a whole lot of fun, and a more enticing reworking of the legendary tale.

Fave Music Clip – Don’t Forget by Demi Lovato. Apart from the song itself which I loved from first listen, she looks a far cry from the teenager in Camp Rock. Her makeup is gorgeous..

I got my eyes on you..

As implied by the heading, these are just things that I’m sighing over in magazines, or on TV. Sighing because to use a cliche, ‘oh.. this damn global economic crisis’..

Current crushes – A wave of teenage fan-girlyness coes over me seeing Zac Efron do any sort of promo for 17 Again. Its quite the malaise.
Then, in watching Robin Hood, my crush on Jonas Armstrong has returned. I mean, the legendary character, the cheeky rebellious and fiercely protective nature, and the way he looks at Marion. Are you hearing me whimper? Yep. Its love.

Current Makeup Wishlist – Anything from the upcoming M.A.C Rose Romance collection. Sure, I might have thought the Hello Kitty collection was cutesy, buuut.. everything lipstick or gloss related in the Rose Romance collection is calling to me. Also the ModelCo FiberLash Mascara. I mean.. if they look like fake lashes without having to get the tweezers, and lash glue out; I’m sold!

Looking forward to… – going to see Jason Mraz at Rove Live on Sunday, and then catching his show on Monday night. But uh.. have to admit, I’m slightly, teensily more excited to see Eric Hutchinson as his support than Jason himself (who I have seen twice before!). I am SO hooked on Eric’s cheerful folk-pop.

Feeling Like..I really need to clean my room, and be my own nagging mother/sibling/housemate. Seriously. Tomorrow. I will!