Makeup how-to video with Wink South Africa

If you follow me on either Twitter or Instagram, you'll know I've been working with a brand new girly liquor called Wink. Its an utterly indulgent custard flavoured liquor that goes down well as a cheeky shooter, as well as it does over ice or ice cream for a delicious sundowner or dessert. It officially launches in-store very soon so you can finally get a bottle for your next girls night.

The team behind the brand asked a few bloggers and personalities to get involved in a makeup "how-to" video, with makeup genius Nicole Raab. The video was shot last month at StyleBar HQ (how very chic indeed).

Each of us were located a section of the video, and my fifteen minutes of fame was all about the "bold lip". I was completely out of my comfort zone on so many levels - being in front of the camera, ON VIDEO! I also almost never venture away from nude and pink lipstick - so this was an exercise in burning some boundaries. I learned a thing or two and I'll definitely be wearing some more vampy hippies in future!

I took a few 'behind the scenes' shots to document my day in the limelight and I am so excited to share a few of these plus the video itself. I have to admit I loved every second of being a model for the day. Thank you Wink for an experience I'll never forget - I only wish we'd had a few bottles of the good stuff on set to calm my nerves....

BEHIND THE SCENES

I am so excited to share some "behind the scenes" shots from yesterday's shoot. I pulled up at StyleBat HQ with no makeup and un-styled hair as instructed (so sorry for those who I might have scarred for life with my post-gym/ no makeup face). I was nervous as hell to be quite honest. And oh-so curious as to what we were going to do and why.

Even though sometimes blogging requires it, I am still not really used to being in front of the camera, and pouting and posing was waaaay out of my comfort zone. But with the girls from StyleBar at the helm, I couldn't have been in better hands. Once I was slammed up and changed, we started rolling. Unlucky for the poor folks in post-production who'll be editing for hours thanks to my constant squinting, face pulling and general being a goof. But after it was all done, I think we got some great stuff and I'm really excited to be a part of this launch.

I can't tell you what it is all for just yet - but trust me when I say its going to make summer a whole lot sexier. I just couldn't wait to show you a sneak peak....shhhh, wink-wink ;)

photo credit: Marco Russollilo, TWO AM Agency

Long hair diaries

The verdict is in. Blondes have more fun, especially with long blonde locks. I've had my hair in every colour of the rainbow just about, and its great, but there is something about being blonde that just fits. I feel the most confident and myself when I've got some fresh highlights. After going for a serious chop about 3 years ago, I was getting mighty tired of growing it out - and if you're into this year's super chic long bob, good for you, but I am all about mermaid hair for 2015.

From side ponies, to waves and curls, to long and straight and even left to dry naturally, I am LOVING this hair. Even post-surprise-5km run with my girl Siyaam, they held up pretty well (my sweaty face not so much). 

My hair isn't particularly thick or voluminous, so previously, long hair has looked a little ratty on me and I had extensions put in for my wedding, which ended up being quite uncomfortable and caused quite a lot of hair loss in the end. So I swore I'd never use anything other than clip-in extensions for the rest of my days.
That was until I found myself listening to Tracy McGregor and the team from EasiHair Pro  describe their new generation extensions. They are 100% cuticle intact human hair, using  a tape-in method that is light, long lasting and you can barely feel that they're there. The pieces of hair move with your own hair and mould to the shape of your head so you can freely wear your hair in just about any style - including a top knot (which anyone who's had extensions would know, is virtually impossible without giving away that you're wearing extensions).

I am now over three months into using this system and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. I had mine put in at StyleBar. They know the system best and unlike the extensions of yesteryear, they only take about 90 minutes to put in. So you can have a cappuccino, read a magazine and walk out with supermodel hair. I can't stress the need to get this done properly enough. You want to be in the hands of people who not only can put the extensions in, but you need great advice. I went and had a consult, looked through the colour options and we came up with a beautiful golden blonde by mixing and matching a few boxes of extensions. My highlights were changed up accordingly, and the end result was perfection. I have never had hair like this. Ever.
Here are my before and after shots.

Like I said, we are three months into it. You need to go every 6 weeks or so to have them taken out and reapplied, but you do this when you're going for your highlights and trim anyway. I can vouch for their durability considering they have survived yoga, running, swimming in the sea, SWEAT1000 classes and plenty of styling for events and general summer madness. I remember someone at the launch saying something along the lines of, "The hair is like a pair of R5000 jeans. If you are the kind of girl who just throws them in the washing machine with your gym clothes, they aren't going to last. But if you're the type of girl who turns those jeans inside out, gently hand washes them and looks after them, they'll last a lifetime". So you need to treat these like an investment. Use salon quality shampoo. Be gentle. Take care to dry the tape bonds daily. Don't let your hair get knotty. Simple stuff really.

Seriously, if you've been considering extensions, I can't recommend this method enough. It has been a game changer for me. And lucky for you, there are StyleBar salons everywhere - so just hop on over to http://www.stylebar.co.za to find your nearest branch.

Life via iPhone

I've been pretty quiet on Instagram lately, and on social media in general. Sometimes its nice to step back and just be in the present, without needing to document it or share it with anyone other than who you're with.
Its been one of those weeks. A week about the people I love - catching up with friends, celebrating babies born, sending love and prayers to those having a rough time and mourning life lost. The older I get, the more I realise how little matters more than your loved ones. People, health and travel are my priorities, more than stuff, and the superficial bits I get caught up with. Life is short. So damn short.

On a lighter note, I've been working damn hard at getting fit again. I missed feeling healthy. We leave for Thailand next week so the pressure is on. My surgery meant 6 weeks away from the gym, so it has been tough getting back into the swing of things. I've entered a 10km and 21km run to keep me motivated to train and get out on the road for a trot.

But... seeing as life really is all about balance, I may or may not have rewarded myself with my favourite biscuits in the world. In case you don't know how to properly eat TimTams, allow me to explain:

Step 1: make a cup of tea (not coffee, only tea).
Step 2: Take a Tim Tam and bit off a corner on one end.
Step 3: Bite a corner off the other end, but on the opposite side.
Step 4: Suck some tea diagonally through your biscuit for a few seconds.
Step 5: Shovel this melt-in-your-mouth gooey mess into your face.
Step 6: Repeat until the packet is empty and all your feelings have been eaten.

Let me know what you think. (please note that if you don't love these, we can't be friends. Ever.)

On a different note, I've been to some fabulous launches lately. Sadly some I can't tell you much about yet, but one I can brag about is the Shwarzkopf Bonacure re-launch event at StyleBar. It was sinfully decadent with all of the sweets and treats lurking everywhere, and a good amount of bubbly too. We learnt all about the ranges' fabulous new packaging and all of the amazing new properties to make them even better for your hair. I've been a Bonacure girl for about 4 years now, because no other brand takes care of my butchered-by-peroxide hair better. The leave in conditioners are your future BFF, trust me on this one.

I was given a luxurious treatment and blow-out while my own personal hair guru, Claudia, gave me some solid advice on the products I should be using. Then to top off an afternoon of luxury, I was gifted all the products that she recommended! I'll share these very soon. But for now I can confirm that my hair is so incredibly soft and shiny, and considering I've just had highlights, there is not a dry, unhappy hair on my head.

Thanks for being such generous hosts StyleBar. Your salon is impossibly chic and your team of stylists are incredible. You'll be seeing me again very soon!
They have branches just about everywhere so if you're looking for a new home for your locks, check them out.

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