I know next to little about the products you use for highlighting, let alone where to highlight. That’s where my friend Celeste comes in. She works for one of my faaavourite danger zones – I mean, hair & beauty stores here and I thought she’d be awesome in sharing her hints and tips about brightening your face and not becoming a human disco ball.

Shiny things are pretty things. When I see something shiny, I am automatically drawn to it. However, when I was in Year 12 at high school (old enough to know better, really) I learnt a valuable lesson.

Never, EVER apply a shiny illuminating product over your whole face. I had bought a Sugar Baby sparkly powder thing after school one day and thought it was just gorgeous. I used the powder puff that came with it to buff the product in to my skin. Come lunch time, I was sitting outside in the courtyard with friends, worshipping the sun, when my sense of bliss was interrupted. ‘Celeste! You’re sweating like a PIG!’ my best friend kindly pointed out to everyone. (Because, you know, teenage girls are so nurturing and warm.) I was horrified. I wasn’t sweating. I was reflective! If you’re a Twilight fan… think of Edward dazzling like a diamond when he is in the sun. Really not the look I was going for.

I ditched the Sugar Baby powder and over the years, learnt about different types of illuminating and brightening products which enhance rather than merely reflect – and are used modestly for an overall look, as opposed to slathered on with reckless abandon.

Working at Adore Beauty, I am lucky enough to be in a position to experience lots of different products. Here are my top picks when it comes to bringing subtle luminosity to the skin… and don’t forget, a lot of it is in the application!

FOR THE FACE

A bit of sheen and luminosity in the right areas can take years off your perceived age. Just start with a light hand, and as you gain confidence and start reeling in the compliments, feel free to experiment a bit more and develop your own signature illuminating look!

1. For someone just starting out – you cannot, CANNOT go past Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. This gem of a product is so natural it makes your skin look like it just glows from within. Technically, it’s not an illuminator, but it definitely brightens the tone of your skin. You apply this after moisturising and before applying foundation. You can still use the other products I’ve mentioned for extra ‘oomph’, but this will give your skin a wonderful lift.

2. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector: My favourite shade is Opal. It suits all skin tones. If you have normal/dry skin, you can mix a pump of this in with your tinted moisturiser or foundation for a subtle, dewy look. As I have combination skin, I want to make sure I only have a gorgeous sheen in the right places; cheek bones, cupid’s bow and on the brow bone. I use a very small amount and gently pat on my cheek bones in an upwards motion, towards my outer eyes. Pretty as a picture.

3. Benefit High Beam: This is another sterling product for the cheek bones and cupid’s bow. High Beam comes with a little brush (like nail polish) and you put 3 or 4 tiny dots of this on your cheek bone and gently blend it in. It comes in more compact packaging than the Becca, which makes it preferable for travel – or if you want to take the product out with you, for touch-ups during the evening.

4. St Tropez Radiance Mousse: This is a great highlighter for those who are olive or tanned – whether it is natural or faux. You can use this on your cheeks, down the bridge of your nose, on the brow bone and on your décolletage for a gorgeous glow.

FOR THE EYES

Never underestimate the impact a brightening powder can have when used under your eyes. It will set your concealer (so you won’t go to the bathroom and realise with fright that you have little ‘cracks’ under your eyes, where your concealer has moved into your fine lines), but it will also reflect light which minimises the appearance of dark circles and adds a youthful, ‘well rested’ look. No one wants to look sleepy.

1. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder: This is a white powder which you apply with a brush (I use the Camouflage Powder Brush – it makes light work of it) after you’ve applied concealer. It will set the conceal beautifully ALLY DAY LONG and it gently brightens the under eye area. This also comes in a big tub – it will last you forever, considering how little you need to use per application.

2. Benefit Powderflage: This little beauty is a very light pink powder, which you lightly apply under the eyes to help conceal any discolouration and fine lines which have begun to appear. It comes with a mini fan brush to apply the product with, and is a very compact container – handy for on-the-go brightening!

3. Becca Bird of Paradise Gloss: You can apply this clear gloss over eye shadows to make them stand out and have that gorgeous glossy, bright look. This nifty little product can also double up as a cheek illuminator, by swiping and blending it over your cheek bones, and you can also use it on your brow bone. It’s also a gorgeous lip balm!

4. Jane Iredale Eye Glosses: The beauty of these eye glosses are they they are gorgeous and shiny and look amazing on; but they won’t crease. If you like the glossy eye shadow look (I love it), you will understand how frustrating it is when you constantly realize you’ve got big creases on your lids! No longer. This stuff is awesome.

FOR THE BROW BONE

1. Benefit High Brow: This is a handy linen-pink pencil which will give the appearance of a lifted brow. It highlights the area and will add a very polished finish to your makeup look. You can add a little bit of High Beam, Becca Bird of Paradise Gloss or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector on top of this to get a lovely luminous sheen happening.

I hope this little compilation of luminising products helps you discover your most radiant self! Please post a comment if you have any questions – I will get back to you as soon as I can!

x Celeste

Edited to include: Oh! Sidenote – Celeste just created her very own blog here which is awesomely centred around achieving things on a list before she turns 26.  Go! Check it out!

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 :)

And what better way than to celebrate in song? There was no way I could come up with a list of all the songs that have coloured my year, given me goosebumps, made me shimmy, or bop my head on the train. So I’ll leave it to the experts. DJ Earworm has become a bit of a YouTube sensation for putting together mash-ups to the extreme. This year.. the top 25 songs according to Billboard.

Have a happy new year, and let’s look forward to a fun and fabulous, adventurous 2010!

With the year coming to an end, and this year marking the end of a decade (that I like to refer to as the 00s – pronounce it Ooze – way better than ‘Noughties’) I love lists. I love all of the creative lists no matter how broad or specific. There is no way that I could narrow down a top 10 of the decade though – no. WAY. I can barely think of a sole movie when anyone asks me what my favourite movie is! It depends on the day, on my mood, and if I’ve started the day off with a white chocolate mocha.

But in the spirit of sharing what movies I’ve loved, what movies have utterly surprised me, and one which I have seen twice at the cinema (its been a while since I indulged in that!) here are my favourites of 2009. Please note, there are a couple which may have come out in the U.S in 2008 – but I live in Australia. Suck it up. (In a loving and caring way)

District 9
Paranormal Activity
(500) Days of Summer
Star Trek
Balibo
The Hangover
Changeling
State of Play
Rachel Getting Married
Milk

What a surprise District 9 was. I went in not knowing what it was all about – honestly. I love anything shot ‘doco style’ and it had aliens, and was just intruiging. I honestly couldn’t expect a doco/sci-fi/drama about aliens and humans trying to co-exist and all the real world metaphors that could be so well layered within the plot. And WOW. The characterisation of an adorkable South African government agent. I couldn’t even write a review on this film – because so many of the best qualities are just better left unwritten. Just watch it.

Paranormal Activity. Yes, I’m largely a follower, and I’m one gullible enough to always believe the hype. (Except, I have standards and this does not include The Twilight Saga: New Moon) But believe the hype. If I already love Blair Witch and any film that followed in its wake – Paranormal Activity makes use of an disgustingly sweet and ‘normal’ couple in surely a reasonable explanation? Scratching on the walls? Keys on the floor? Surely, just hooligans. Each unexplainable event was just paced beautifully, whilst the audience watched the clock, eyes open wide waiting for the absolute unknown and unpredictable. Brilliant, clever cinema.

As much as it was not a ‘love story’ in the traditional sense – I’d have to say (500) Days of Summer was my romantic musical/comedy/drama of the year. The chemistry between Joseph and Zooey was electric and as magical as the sparkling light atop of my Christmas tree, but the heartbreak that we know from the start of the movie just made it all the more intriguing as we followed the relationship from end, to beginning, to middle.

The rest of the films on this list all stood out for their true stories, stories close to my heart, lessons to learn, amazing soundtracks, or a new extreme take of ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’. A strong year for film – and I can’t wait for 2010!

What were your favourites for 2009?

Merry Christmas to one and all, thankyou for your support throughout the year and sharing in my love for all things under the pop couture banner! xo

I’m easily distracted. In this world of technology, and hectic day jobs that suck our souls much like a dementor does in the Harry Potter kingdom, any distraction needs to be immediate and suitably pretty. Shiny! Oooh, colourful!

I am such a stationary whore fiend, its ridiculous. If it wasn’t bad enough loving films, music, TV, books.. I have to be just as passionate about having unique stationary and having a knack for collecting notebooks without realising I’m ‘collecting’ them.

Then comes along Paper by Forget Me Not, aka Kirsten from the Blue Mountains in NSW, making eco friendly handmade paper craft. I will share with you a mere tiny selection of what makes them stand out.

These Matchbook Notepads are brilliant. I never remember to bring random scraps of paper when you need to take down address details, or phone numbers (in an ideal single girl world) and the texture of the paper, and the way it folds into itself makes it such a great purse addition rather than annoying bits of scrap paper that you’ll lose anyway!

As much as its lovely to get spontaneous emails, comments on my blog, and twitter replies – if I received a little note or ‘thinking of you’ on one of these cute cards (with a butterfly, or cutesy ‘hello’ as in the first picture) wouldn’t you want to go back to the old snail mail?

It just feels more sincere to get something handwritten, and something tangible in the mail, when just about anyone can send an email. But to get a little note.. on such gorgeous handcrafted paper, it’d certainly inspire me to send mail more, rather than ‘click’ send. I already have a matchbook, but I know I need more. And look at the colours! (I told you I get distracted easily) And she’s just released shopping lists, as well as a ‘very important things’ to do list.  I am a listmaker. This is dangerous. I could go on.. instead. I’ll leave it with you to indulge. .

There’s always sadness and violence in the news, crappy days at work, and other issues that everyone can relate to. It’s hard not to think about, and even harder to ensure you can keep seeing the positives that far outweigh the negatives.

My friend, the uber talented Kelly Zarb through her talent with colour, and craft (and love of chick flicks & chocolate) can cheer me up when I need it most. I have a few of her pieces (still yet to adorn my walls – need to find the right frames!) but this is another piece I think I must own, to be found in her Etsy store.

Soar is a piece representing getting rid of anxieties, and breaking free from the gilded cage that these negative feelings can feel like. I love Kelly’s use of bold, bright colours, as well as with this particular piece a small, vintage paper heart cut from a French novel. How cute is that?

Take the time to look around Kelly’s store – she makes adorable handcrafted singlets, brooches, bags – the sky is the limit. (And she’s teaching me a few things along with crafty gal Em!)

Faves for the week

If I thought last week was crazy, no wait; was that the weekend before? I know I haven’t done a Friday on my Mind for a while, but can I make up for it with a Lazy Sunday Musings?

Fave Song – Sweet Silver Lining by Kate Voegele. I have been going between quite a few songs on the album, but this one is sticking with me more because of the way it tied in with Peyton’s storyline on One Tree Hill as well as just the lyrics and the way they speak to me at the moment.

Fave Lipgloss – Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Debut. I don’t know why I only own one; I love this creamy, sheen of a gloss; but its another ‘neutral’ warm colour that I absolutely love.

Fave TV Show – Masterchef & So You Think You Can Dance (US). Masterchef has taken me by surprise. If I’m not mimicking the way George Columbaris says ‘Yeah’ at the end of every second sentence, or the weird menacing glare that Matt Perry seems to look at food with; it has made food and cooking it more exciting. Less intimidating. Heck, I even attempted a tarte tatin (using my sister’s recipe) and whilst it didn’t look pretty, it was delish! Ah, the power of television.

Secondly; the best, superior version of So You Think You Can Dance is back. The American version. SO excited. The choreographers are better, the music used is better, and the host is better… everything is done infinitely better than the Australian version that the wait for each episode is harder to wait for! Watch this space for some favourite dance routines in coming weeks.

Fave Music Clip – You Belong To Me by Taylor Swift. Love this cute song & video about pining after a cute guy that may be with a girl but all the signs point to him belonging with me. Or you. Or.. Taylor! Fun, playful self-deprecating clip! 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 – John Cusack meets Ryan Reynolds guy on the Melbourne train Okay, so this isn’t a TV crush but if only there weren’t rows and rows of seats between us, and if I had courage to actually do so; I might have said hello to the guy that could have been a hybrid of John Cusack & Ryan Reynolds. Nice combination, huh? Melbourne transport isn’t all that bad sometimes..

Latest beauty purchase – I decided to go dark for winter; and went to my favourite, favourite Aveda hair salon; and was absolutely pampered, having a lovely chat with a gorgeous German girl who entertained me whilst she made my hair look very futuristic as she ‘painted’ the colour on; a mix of dark chocolate, with black/blue just to take over the ‘auburn/red’ qualities of my natural hair. Then, as the colour developed; I had a hand treatment. Hand massages ftw.. I never realised what I was missing! It was luxury!

Had a great time….. – visiting the National Gallery of Victoria for the first time! Pssshh, bet you thought I had no cultural instincts aside from television, movies and/or eye candy right? I had sooo much fun; I’ve decided I love impressionism. Though.. now I really know the true meaning of that infamous ‘Monet’ reference from Clueless!. I bought a few postcards of the paintings I loved most, and really, I could have bought more picture books based on what I saw. Loved it!

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!