Pretty Material Things has a new home!

I am SO excited to finally share with you that this blog, Pretty Material Things, has a BRAND NEW home! 

You can now find this blog and so much more on my personal domain at www.whyhellobeauty.com! 

You will see more regular blog posts, my social media links, banners, links to other websites and so much more! 

Cannot wait to see you at www.whyhellobeauty.com ❤❤❤

A Change Is Coming!

.....................

A big reveal is coming to prettymaterialthings.blogspot.com.au!

Watch this space beauties!

A face a day - part two!

Hi beauties!

Today I felt inspired by Carli Bybel in this picture!

So out come the make up pallet, brushes and all my arsenal!

And here is the end result. Dear Santa, please bring me a makeup tutorial- friendly camera that show amazing definition for Christmas, I have been extra good this year! xxxx

Step 1. Prime with Arbonne's primer, once skincare routine is completed, and let set for a few minutes.
2. Apply foundation all over, conceal with Benefit's Eyeshadow Primer under the eyes and smudge in once the liquid has gone tacky.
3. Contour with Arbonne's bronzer (one shade suits all!). Apply with contour brush from the top of the ear down about a third of the way in, depending on the depth of contour you wish to achieve.
4. Using my Too Faced eye shadow pallet, I applied a base shadow all over the eye area and then a dusty pink shade over the lid area. I then applied a brown shade over the top as to not make it to pink based and create red eyes! I then used a fine tip eyeshadow brush to place a gold shimmer right in the corners of my eyes for a little something extra. Fun!
5. Mascara was applied - my favourite lash length extended by Arbonne (It's a Long Story Mascara) once I had curled my lashes.
5. Eyebrows were filled in with the NP Brow Set as usual and set in place with the wax.
6. Lips are Arbonne lipgloss in Rose and thats it! A very simple face but I am quite happy with the result!

What are your thoughts? Is this heavy enough for work, or could I create more drama? Any advice on camera shopping?

Talk soon!

E xxxx

A face a day!

Hi beauties!

Today I wanted to start a new regular post called A Face A Day! I will run through all products used and a how-to achieve this look yourself!

I went for a bright hot pink lip today, a natural eye and shimmery tanned cheeks.

1. After cleansing, toning and moisturising I used Arbonne's primer and let it set for a few minutes.
2. I then used a foundation brush to stipple my foundation in (Arbonne foundation in shade Buff also SPF 15!) and apply my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Natural to reduce oiliness and shine. This morning I also used a small amount of my Time Balm concealer in Light / Clair on a few imperfections.
3. I added Arbonne's bronzer to the top of my ear and about a third in towards my mouth to add dimension and slightly define my non-existent cheekbones! Jaclyn Hill - thank you for the tip!
4. I dusted a small amount of a nude eyeshadow over the entire eye to open up and add a little glamour.
5. I curled my lashes with my cheap eyelash curler (must invest in a Shu Uemura holy grail eyelash curler!) and apply two coats of Arbonne It's a Long Story mascara, letting dry between coats.
6. I then filled in my brows with my NP eyebrow set and brushed on the brow gel included to keep any unruly brows in place.
7. Lip time! I apply my Hourglass lipstick in Fever with the lipstick itself (shhh) and use a lip brush to clean up any mistakes and ensure a perfect pout. I do like a matt lipstick so I didn't add any gloss this morning.
8. Dry and style hair, which is another blog post in itself!

Please note, while I am an Arbonne Consultant and have such a passion for the brand, I do use other brands and am always open to trying new products. I have so many other beauty products which I didn't use today but keep checking in to see other faces I create!

I have added a picture of the finished look and also a snapshot of the products used today.

Please share with me your thoughts and I always welcome comments!

E xxxx

Who is your celebrity inspiration?

Who do you look up to or admire, beauty wise? Do you have just one beauty icon?

For me it's a few people! Lets go through them one by one.

Beautiful hair - Debra Messing. Grace brought the style to Will and Grace!

Glowing makeup - Jessica Alba. Her makeup always looks so flawless and fresh.

Body - Lars Bingle / Kate Upton. Their bodies are curvy, realistic and totally hot! So great inspiration for wellness and fitness.

Style - Gotta go to Christine Centenera! Christine works at Vogue Australia so check her out!

Please share with me your beauty and style icons! 

E xxx

YSL Touché Éclat

Thanks to my Elle magazine subscription, I am now the very proud owner or the YSL Touché Eclat. Cue crowds clapping, nope that's just me!

This product will change how your face looks, you will GLOW.

From the official YSL website, here is the lowdown on the product.

The beauty secret of the world's top makeup artists and models, Touche Éclat is the original must-have for a radiant, flawless face.

Capture 8 hours of sleep with the click of a pen. With a few strategic strokes of this award-winning complexion highlighter—dark circles, fine lines and signs of fatigue virtually disappear. Powered by the radiance-boosting Luminocaptide Complex, skin is instantly illuminated, so you look rested and refreshed—even if you’ve been up for hours. Sleek and sophisticated, it discretely slips into a makeup bag for quick touch-ups anytime. It’s the one beauty essential no woman should ever be without.

New Shades: 2.5 Luminous Vanilla, 3.5 Luminous Almond, 4.5 Luminous Sand, 5.5 Luminous Praline, 7 Luminous Mocha. 

I use this product under the eyes, under the brows, on my Cupids now and around my nose. I like to really brighten up the middle of my face and keep the sides/temple and hairline that bit darker. I do find the Touché Éclat a little easier to blend with my finger tips, the warmth of the skin allows the cream to blend better.

I feel I look brighter and much more awake when using this product and my friends have also asked to be made up with this genius product!

Myer sells this product in Australia and it retails at $55. I also noticed it on strawberry.net at a similar price. Ebay would also be an option, just check the authenticity of the seller and products as usual! 

What do you use for highlighting? Are you a YSL fan?

E xxx

Who do you follow on instagram?

For all of the beauties who love to trawl instagram for style (clothing and interior) / fashion / makeup / hair inspiration and techniques, you MUST be following the below people!

Celebrity beauty

@jesintacampbell 

@mslbingle

@kimkardashian

@khloekardashian

@kourtneykardash

@rosiehw

@nicolerichie

@laurenconrad

Hair / hairdressing

@dillahaj  

@daniloborgeshair 

@natalieannehair

@hairstylist_lizzieliros

@valonzhaircutters

Makeup artists

@heidimakeupartist 

@shevkellymua

@jaclynhill

@lindahallbergs

@beautybuffx

General style inspiration

@sheis_sarahjane

@intothegloss

@beautyby_e

 @geenicole

@kelleybakerbrows

@popsugaraucelebrity

@leighacampbell  

Please share, who do you follow? Am I missing out stalking opportunities? :P

E xxxx

Arbonne Bronzer! A must have item!

Everyone wants that glowy, sunkissed, tanned look for summer right?

Try the Arbonne Bronzer RRP $47.

One shade suits all and I find it can take on a bronzier or even coral-y color on different skin types!

Here is a picture of me this morning, trying to channel a bit of summer time fun in this hideous weather we are having right now! Bring. Back. Summer!

I do not have visible cheekbones but with this product I can achieve fakies! Just a light dusting about one third of the way down from the top of your ear creates definition and a fresh glow!

Which bronzer do you use? Have you tried Arbonne before?

E xx

A non-whitening and non-greasy SPF 30 facial sunscreen!

If you require a hydrating, non-greasy and non-whitening facial sunscreen with a high SPF factor, look no further than Ultraceuticals Ultra Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30.

This product is perfect for summer holidays and lazy days on the beach.

I used this product whilst on my cruise travelling around Vanavatu and I was literally one of the only people out of 1800 that did NOT get burnt to an absolute crisp! Needless to say, I was pretty bloody proud of myself and Ultraceuticals!

Once applied, you really would not know that it was on your skin. Even when/ if you sweat (and in Vanvatu you will like nothing else!) it doesn't leave that oh-so pleasant drip lines! It also doesn't clog products and produce a breakout.

You can purchase on http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/skin-care/brands/424-Ultraceuticals for RRP $65. 

Please see the below paragraph on Ultreceuticals taken from beautyheaven.com.au.

Ultraceuticals was created by Dr Geoffrey Heber, an accredited cosmetic physician that has specialised in non-surgical cosmetic medicine since 1988. Australian made and owned, Ultraceuticals multi-active skincare products are for use and recommendation by medical and skincare professionals.

What facial sunscreens do you use during the warmer months?

E xxx

A perfect facial exfoliant.

One of my favorite exfoliants is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. LOVE.

This exfoliant is so gentle (!) and soothing, it doesn't even feel like I have used a exfoliant. It can be used daily but I find for my sensitive skin, every few days is enough otherwise I get a little bumpy rash around my chin and jawline.

It sloughs away dead skin cells, brighten the skin and leaves a plump fresh face behind!

I often alternate between this product and my Clarisonic, a day of each. Winner winner!

It can be brought online at adorebeauty for $58.65 as they have a discount going currently, please see the link http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/dermalogica/dermalogica-daily-microfoliant.html.

Do you online shop from adorebeauty? Have you purchased anything after my previous blog post?

E xxx

Osis Dust It

Good morning / evening lovelies!

Do you feel that sometimes your hair just needs that ooomppphh but not a scratchy hair spray way?

Exhibit A. Osis Dust It. Image from google.

This hair dust is just that, a finely processed dust. Just a little bit mixed between your hands will produce great texture, beachy waves and that boof (haha) that everyone needs. The bigger the hair, the better for me!
I have even used on wet hair and let air dry, still gave me great texture and dried very boho chic - winner!

I purchased my hair dust from a hair salon for $25-$27AUS approx but I am sure you could purchase on eBay.

What do you use for hair texture? What do you use for damp hair whilst air drying?

E xxx

Lip tints - my easy, breezy makeup look!

A lip tint and a swipe of blush can be one of the best makeup looks, so natural, fresh and glowing.

This morning I didnt feel like a full face of makeup so I opted for bb cream, mascara, blush, eyebrow powder and a lip tint (specifically Benefit's rose-tinted lip and cheek stain). Such a pretty combination. I may have uploaded a selfie on instagram for those interested.....

I also adore the Modelco Lip Cheek and Lip tint. It is a much thicker formula than the Benefit tint, almost like a sauce type consistency. The Benefit is much lighter and water-like.

I might add - the fact that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is now the face of Modelco certainly doesnt hurt it's appeal! Picture below for reference.

Both tint's can be purchased online, Myer/ David Jones/ airport terminals - you know the drill :)

Please see the mentioned products below. Let me know your thoughts on lip tints!

Arbonne's Its A Long Story Mascara

Are you on the look out for a lengthening mascara that won't break the budget?

I may have a solution for you - Arbonne's It's A Long Story Mascara :) RPP $46

Here is a before and after I borrowed for google, apparently when I try to take mascara selfies I look like a big raccoon ugh!

I use it daily for a natural look but it can be layered for darker, fuller look. It is a non drying formula and I have had my mascara for 4 months now and no sign of clogging in the tube - score!

Keep in mind Arbonne is vegan beauty and wellness brand with no nasty chemicals like acetone, waxes, parabens, mineral oils added to their products!

This mascara, and so much more, can be purchased through me and ask me about 20% - 35% of Arbonne products!
www.arbonneinternational.com.au

What's your favorite mascara brand? Have you ever tried Arbonne before?

PSST - wanna grow your hair long and strong?!

I feel I need to let you all in on the secret for growing your hair long and strong!.........

ANSWER: Kerastase Initialiste Serum approx $68AUS.

Now before you go praising me, I DID find this holy grail hair product from the oh-so beautiful and glamorous she-is-sarahjane.blogspot.com so head over and have a squizz of her blog!

Right back to the product! This serum is amazeballs for so many reasons. It is a leave in serum, to be applied after washing and conditioning your hair. It comes in a droplet form and is to be used sparingly all over your scalp and massaged in. It will strengthen your hair, nourish your hair from the roots down, reduce static, increase shine, increase thickness and manageability. The softness of your hair after using it is second to none!

Directions - 2 pippetts for fine hair and 4 for normal to thick hair to be used 2-3 times per week.

I promise you it will change your hair and increase hair growth! I have very short hair but when I use this regulary, by four weeks I am a shaggy dog and am desperate for a haircut!

If you are also interested in whitening your teeth, Dr George is a godsend! This whitening gel can be used in mouth guards or just with your regular toothpaste and produces great results! I use a few times a week to keep my teeth pearly white and if they look a little yellow; I will apply, leave on for 15-20 mins and rinse out. Easy.

Dr George's Dental White can be bought online from the US, eBay was my source and only around $20AUS including postage.

Have you used either of these products? Do you also have a secret for growing your hair long? Do share! :)

E xxxx

Eyebrows - ahhhhh!

Eyebrows = a face framer.


Welcome to my newest addiction - eyebrows! It's a common condition, just hashtag #eyebrowporn on Instagram! Or #kelleybakerbrows / #eyebrowsonpoint #tintingeyebrows - the list goes on!

To explain why I love eyebrows, just look no further than this pic courtesy of @kelleybakerbrows. Perfection.

My favourite product for darker, bolder brows is the NP Essential Brow Set which I purchased from @yasmins_beauty on Instagram for $25AU . BTW - be sure to check her insta out, Yasmin is so talented and her work is fabulous!

The NP Set has 2 shades, a light brown and a dark brown. The shades can be used on any eyebrow color, just use the different colors when choosing a natural or bold look. The brow wax is perfect for taming unruly brows!

I have even been looking into feather touch eyebrow tattooing by Amy Jean. By tattooing tiny, natural looking hairs on your eyebrows, it thickens up any eyebrows and looks so natural. It lasts up to 2 years and will never fade to a different color.

Amy Jean perfects the eyebrows of the fabulous Dannii Minogue so if it's good enough for Dannii....!

This before and after was borrowed from Amy Jean Eye Couture's facebook page and you can see for yourself how revolutionary this technique is!

The before and afters are incredible, please check them out for yourself! To go from having barely there, sparse eyebrows to a full natural eyebrows - WOW!

See her website http://www.amyjean.com.au/ and also check out her instagram @amyjeaneyecouture.


E xxx

Bright bold lips!

Today I felt like breaking into my stash on lip products and found a lipstick that I hadn't used in months! 

The lipstick chosen being Hourglass in the shade Fever. I brought this lipstick when I was in the US just over 2 years ago from Sephora for roughly $30 US.... if you are interested I can do some research on how/ where to purchase from Aus!

Here is the shade on my lips.

And below is a photo of the lipstick and packaging. I did need to google a pic as mine was not as picture perfect as this image!

Are you a fan of a bold lip? Red, pink or orange a winner for you? Leave me your thoughts!

E xx

A sneak peek of Lauren Conrad's office!

Just thought I would share the below link for those interested. Love me some LC!

anddddd Justin Bobby - "Homeboy wore combat boots to the beach" LOL!

http://www.whowhatwear.com/lauren-conrad-new-office-paper-crown-domaine-2013?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WhoWhatWear+%28WhoWhatWear.com%29

*Image courtesy of google

Bloglovin!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11233489/?claim=5f23xcgvg4u">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com">Hypersmash.com</a>

How to: Lara Bingle's Hair

Lets face it, Lara is one hell of a style icon. See below how to get that famous sexy, effortlessly tousled look yourself!

http://maxmade.com.au/larabinglesfabuloushairhowto/

This one of my favorite photos of LB - all bronzed and glowy blonde goodness!

Youtube bloggers!

Who is your favorite youtube guru?

Hands down, mine is Jaclyn Hill (jaclynhill1). Her personality is so infectious and happy! She is also stunningly beautiful and has persuaded me to buy quite (okay fine, a lot) of products!
www.youtube.com/user/Jaclynhill

I have also listed her blog.
www.jaclynhillmakeup.com/‎

Who do you watch on a regular basis? Is there any you do not watch at all?

Beauty shopping online!

I am always on the lookout for great deals when online shopping for hair products, makeup and skincare. Some may call it an addiction... I call it 'spare time'!

Below I have listed some websites that I have either used personally or have heard about/ researched!

v  tarazz.com.au

Tarazz = SEPHORA! 

It is has a great range of all things US and comes straight to your door, which means you can forget about package forwarding like other US websites. It has brands like NYX, Urban Decay, Lancome, Illamasqua, Nicole by OPI, Tarte, Anastasia Brows, Josie Maran and so many more.

Note: Shipping can be expensive so I do suggest purchasing a bulk order or sharing an order with a friend to cut on costs.

v  adorebeauty.com.au

I used to purchase a lot of cosmetics from Adore Beauty before I had the luxury of purchasing Arbonne products at 35% off, oh the benefits of being a consultant!

Adore Beauty have a great selection of brands, including a lot of Australian and also have free delivery. I often receive emails with specials and promotions, i.e spend $70 and receive a 5 piece goodie bag! 

I purchase a concealer through Adore Beauty about 6 months back and received the wrong colour (my own fault, late night online shopping...) and the customer service I received through emails was faultless! Couldn't speak more highly :)

v  ry.com.au

ry.com.au are a great hair care  skincare and cosmetics beauty store. Also, they send you free samples with every order - score!

They have a pretty great rewards scheme which I have linked below.

RY Rewards

Be rewarded with RY’s free loyalty program. Available to all members, simply sign up, or log into your existing account to earn, and save!  

Earning points is easy

Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on products online at RY.  Points are automatically calculated based on your shopping cart, and applied to your RY Rewards account once your order has been processed and sent. 

How to redeem points
Redeeming 200 points = $1
Redeeming your RY Reward points online is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Sign into your RY account

2. Add the products you wish to order to your shopping cart

3. Proceed to the checkout, on the Payment Method page simply tick the box “Tick this box to redeem Reward Points” and hit "apply". You will then see the rewards points discount applied to your order.

Credit: ry.com.au

Cheap shipping, fast service based in QLD and with brands like Redken, Moroccan Oil and TIGI you can’t go wrong!

v  kissandmakeupny.com 10/10

This website stocks brands such as NARS, Laura Mercier and Beauty Blenders with all prices listed in US dollars. kissandmakeupny.com has a FLAT RATE OF $9.99 SHIPPING! For Australian buyers, that's amazeballs!!

v  lookfantastic.com

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING! To include tracking to Aus, add an extra $4.99. Brands lookfantastic.com stock include ghd, Redken, Aveda, TIGI, St Tropez and Urban Decay.

v  beautybay.com.au

beautybay.com stocks brands such as Urban Decay (love their eye primer), Mario Beduscu, bare minerals, OPS, Too Faced, nails  inc, Murad and so many more! It has free shipping within Australia and the prices are listed in Australian.

Worth a squizz!

Please comment below if you know of any other websites that are worth mentioning! Also please share any experiences you may have had with online beauty shopping. 

E xxxx

The obligatory introduction post!

Well, here goes! Drum roll.....

This is my first attempt at a beauty blog and I'm a little nervous!

My name is Emily, I've just turned 25 and I am OBSESSED with anything beauty related. The majority of my free time is spent trawling instagram, Pinterest and Beautylish! I actually go through more than 6 GB of internet data on my phone monthly ... opps! I think I am paying Telstra's staff wages with my overusage charges!

Apart from my administration day job (where I reapply lipstick far too much!), I am also a Independent Consultant for Arbonne International. Arbonne is a vegan skincare, makeup and wellness range with no products containing mineral oil, waxes, parabens, acetones or chemical fragrances.

I cannot rave more highly about these amazing products, from the (holy-grail!) cleanser, night cream and even the lip polishes are just luscious! If you havent heard about Arbonne, please check out www.arbonneinternational.com.au and research the range in further detail!

But fear not, this blog will not be solely Arbonne based - as much as I love these products and the philosophy behind Arbonne, I still love MAC / NP set / Chanel / Lancome / Laura Mercier etc so I will be reviewing these products as well!

If you have any requests, comments or advice PLEASE feel free to pass on! This blog will be worthless without the interaction from all the lovely people in the world of beauty.

Here goes! Thanks all xxxx

P.S - my instagram is beauty_obsesseddd if you would like to follow me!