CONGRATULATIONS.....

The lucky winner of the Rae Morris EXPRESS MAKEUP book giveaway is.....

Chanele Rose Flowers!

Please email your postal address to info@makeupbymegan.com.au to claim your prize.

Thank-you for entering the Make-up by Megan EXPRESS MAKEUP giveaway.

Megan xoxo

This draw was facilitated by random.org. You will find the full record of this drawing here:

http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=7705

ETHEREAL: when angels collaborated & danced barefoot amongst the trees

collaboration: working together to achieve a common goal

• A recursive process where two or more people or organisations work together to realise shared goals.
• A deep, collective, determination to reach an identical objective.
• An intriguing endeavor that is creative in nature —by sharing knowledge, learning and building consensus.
• Teams that work collaboratively can obtain greater resources, recognition and reward when facing competition for finite resources.

One of my favourite parts of my job as a make-up artist is collaborative shoots. Through collaborations I have made some incredible new & equally passionate friends, and together we have created some stunning images and gained invaluable experience. A lot of us are small business owners, and we all share the common goal of wanting to create something timeless & beautiful.

Todays post is a collaborative effort between Photographers: Luisa Brimble & Jessica Ruisan, Designer: Erin Louise, Floral Warrior: Clementine Posy, Hairstylists: Julianna Marcs & Stacey Stasos, Models: Bronte Cincotta, Mary Gordon-Thomson, Shannon Lawson & Natasha Shoory, Photographer's Assistant: Alice Boshell and of course moi. The result is a stunning ethereal styled shoot which has been picked-up by bloggers across the globe & has resulted in our 1st ever international feature (queue applause)! I hope you enjoy these images as much as we loved creating them.

With love,

Megan xoxo

See more of the images here: http://serendipitycornerblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/fashion-sneak-peek-of-ell-by-erin.html

And more again in our 1st international feature here: http://greenweddingshoes.com/woodland-chic-bridesmaids/

Make-up by Megan's Top 10 Tips for brides

ABOUT MAKE-UP BY MEGAN:
I am a mobile freelance makeup artist and bridal make-up specialist servicing Sydney & surrounds. I will also travel interstate & overseas on request.

WHEN I BEGAN MY BUSINESS AND WHAT INSPIRED ME TO START:
I was artistic from a very early age, began my working career as a graphic designer at 16 years old and have always been infatuated with make-up and beauty products, so it was no surprise to anyone who knew me when I started my business.
It was after attending an event and watching a make-up demonstration that I finally decided to bite the bullet and book my 1st course, and from the very 1st day of training I was hooked. I held a senior role in a prestigious events management company at the time, and my intention then was to run a small weekend business specializing in bridal make-up services while working full-time. But I fell pregnant with my son shortly after, and was made redundant shortly after that - which was devastating at the time, but gave me the push I needed to pursue my passion full time . As they say – “everything happens for a reason”, and I see now that that is so true!

MY FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WEDDING MAKEUP IS:
The creativeness of it. Every face is a blank canvas. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction when an apprehensive bride walks through my door with a bare face and leaves elated as a perfectly painted and enhanced version of herself. It is humbling to have a bride select you to play such an integral part in one of the biggest days of their lives.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT MAKE-UP BY MEGAN THAT SETS US APART FROM OTHER MAKE-UP ARTISTS?
I listen. The most common complaint I receive from brides is that makeup artists don’t listen. I have an extensive questionnaire that my brides are asked to complete prior to a pre-wedding trial, and I take every one of their answers into consideration when designing their look for the day. I then run through their answers verbally with them at the trial and discuss their options while providing advise & suggestions. Once that is done I apply a look that we have agreed on, and if necessary make alterations until my client loves their reflection.

There is so much more involved in a great wedding make-up than most people realise. A lot of makeup artists will apply a primer, some foundation (many only have one kind), concealer, powder, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, blush and perhaps some lippy or gloss. A great make-up artist will assess your skin type and apply a suitable primer & foundation accordingly. As a staple your make-up artist should carry at least 3 styles of foundations to cover most skin types. And by styles I do not mean brands. I carry a sheer light weight liquid foundation for normal skin, a medium weight liquid foundation for normal to oily skin and a heavier crème foundation for dry & mature skin, or anyone wanting a full coverage foundation. If your makeup artist arrives with one style of foundation in 4 colours to accommodate your entire bridal party..........RUN!

I also highlight & contour to give your face dimension, and work to enhance the features that you love while camouflaging your areas of concern.

HOW I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE EVER CHANGING TRENDS IN THE BRIDAL INDUSTRY:
I am addicted and am forever reading blogs, magazines, attending seminars, classes and networking events.

MAKE-UP BY MEGAN's STYLE IS:
Flawless!

WHO INSPIRES ME:
Kevyn Aucoin was a legendary make-up artist that is spoken about as much for the genuinely gorgeous person he was inside & out as the brilliant make-up artist he was. That is how I would like to be viewed. As an exceptionally talented make-up artist and an exceptionally lovely person too.

HOW I MAINTAIN THE PASSION FOR WHAT I DO:
My passion comes from deep within, and is difficult to verbalise. Whenever I think about applying makeup or walk up to a makeup counter, a surge of adrenalin hits me and the excitement takes over. This is what drives me. A deep sense of knowing I am doing what makes me supremely happy, and that I still wake-up excited to be painting faces everyday.

THE NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF ADVICE I CAN PROVIDE FOR BRIDES IS:
Shopping around for the lowest price is not the best way to select a makeup artist. Look at their portfolio, and phone them with a prepared list of questions about the products they use and their experience. If they won’t take the time to chat with you and answer your questions, then they are probably not the right make-up artist for you. Chatting with them also gives you the opportunity to gauge wether or not they are going to be the right personality fit for the day. Your wedding day should be as relaxed and fun as possible. Surround yourself with people you like!

MAKE-UP BY MEGAN's TOP TEN TIPS FOR BRIDES:
1. Lock a make-up artist in earlier rather than later. Most people leave make-up artists until the last minute. The best make-up artists like the best venues & photographers book up quickly.

2. Ask the makeup artist how long they stay. Do they stay with you until the photos are taken and you depart for the church/ceremony? Try to avoid booking a make-up artist that books several weddings on the one day. You want someone who is focused on you and can take their time ensuring you look flawless, without staring at their watch and racing off to their next bridal party.

3. Start a skincare regime earlier rather than later. I recommend monthly facials from 6 months, increasing in frequency from 3 months until the day. Do not decide (having never had a facial before), to get a deep cleansing facial the week before your wedding. You would be surprise how many people do this and end up with a major breakout!

4. Exfolliate your lips regularly. Lightly brush over them with your toothbrush morning & night while brushing your teeth, to lift dead skin. And smother them with rosehip oil before going to bed. Get your bridesmaids into this routine too. Smooth lips make for beautiful lipstick/gloss application!

5. Don’t neglect your hands & feet. Many brides and bridesmaid are furiously painting their finger & toenails the morning of the wedding. Do yourself a favour and book a manicure & pedicure appointment for the day before the wedding. Let the professionals take care of this allowing you to relax on the wedding day, and lessening the chances of smudged nail polish on the day.

6. Prepare for your consultation with your hair and make-up artists. Collect images of styles and colours that you like, and have pictures of the dresses and fabric samples where possible as well as any hair pieces you are planning to wear on the day. Images assist with the communication process and ensure you are on the same page before you start. Makeup, like art is interpretive. There are a million versions of a smokey eye, so telling your makeup artist that this is the look you want will not necessarily result in the finished look you are after.

7. Try and book your make-up trial, hair trial and a dress fitting on the same day. This will allow you to see the entire look together, and make more informed decisions regarding your overall appearance.

8. Ask your make-up artist what lipstick brand and colour he/she has applied, and if she can sell you one on the wedding day. If your makeup artist doesn’t sell the lip colour they apply, I suggest you purchase one from a department store for touch-ups on the day. No matter how well you are told your lip colour will last, it will need to be re-applied at some stage during the day or night.

9. Invest in blotting papers. Powder will cake up your make-up by the end of the day while blotting papers remove excess oil & shine without lifting, moving or caking your makeup.

10. Have an area reserved for your make-up artist on the wedding day that is well lit with the most natural light possible (near a window or under a skylight is preferable), and with enough room for he/her to lay out their kit. If the weather is warm it is also advised to have the air-conditioning or a fan running to cool the room before the make-up artist arrives.

WHERE I SEE MYSELF IN 5 YEARS TIME:
In 5 years time I will be represented by an agent and will be providing wedding make-up services of a weekend while working with the world’s best fashion photographers and the world’s top fashion magazines and design houses internationally during the week.

FINAL WORDS:
Take time on the day with your new husband to just sit back, absorb your surrounds and enjoy the moment together. Your wedding day is like a whirlwind but you will ALWAYS remember that one moment you shared together xoxo

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Summer is....

watermelons, bronzer, pina coladas, turquoise jewellery, hibiscuses, beach holidays, tinted moisturiser, Summerblossoms in my hair, cicadas singing, afternoon thunderstorms, sarsparilla, Erin Louise maxi dresses, bejewelled thongs, chilli-con-queso, frangipanis, mojitos, Christmas lights, Benefit Benetint, relaxing with family, mangoes, Turkish Apple iced tea, paddle pool dates with Noah, sunscreen, Bobbi Brown Beach perfume, coconuts, lemon curd tart, swimming, siestas, coconut lime verbena moisturiser, palm trees, brunch with friends, moon stones, luke warm baths, Weis bars, DiorShow waterproof mascara, lemon, lime & bitters, afternoon strolls and....

days spent on the beach with my best friend in the world, followed by evenings at the bar of my favourite restaurant Bel Mondo, sipping fresh fruit cocktails!

ALMOST HEAVEN
Lychees, strawberries, mint & lime muddled up with absolut citron, lychee liquor & cranberry juice, topped with ice lemonade.











{images via RI PhotoMan; Another Day Closer; Chelsea Chen; We Heart It}

Win! Bloom Disco Night Make-Up Pack

Win! Bloom Disco Night Make-Up Pack

Make-up tips for travelling this Christmas

When you are travelling over Christmas, the make-up that you wear and pack will depend on the holiday location and length of stay, as well as the duration of the flight (if applicable) and what you will be doing once you land. Overseas flights can be incredibly dehydrating, with the air-conditioned environment of the plane making skin feel dry and uncomfortable. Avoid eating salty food, soft drinks and alcohol which dehydrate the skin. And drink plenty of water!!!



Ever wondered why celebrities get off planes looking so fresh and hydrated? It's not just because they travel first class. You too can look well rested, relaxed, and effortlessly flawless as you disembark simply by following these few steps:



1. TRAVEL LIGHT:
- Decant your beauty products and sunscreen into travel size containers. This is especially beneficial for flights where liquids on board are restricted.
- Pack facial wipes to remove make-up.
- Pack multi purpose products to reduce the bulk.

2. PACK THESE ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Tinted SPF moisturiser and a cream concealer to cover any blemishes (this should replace your regular moisturiser and foundation)
- Waterproof lengthening mascara
- Hydrating moisturiser (for evenings and the plane)
- Blotting paper instead of powder to remove excess oil from your complexion.
- Compact of natural eye shadows. This can be used for brows, contouring and to line the eyes too.
- Instead of a lipstick and blush, use your lipstick for both. Alternatively invest in a combined lip & cheek tint.
- Hydrating eye gel
- Wax based lip balm (to seal in moisturiser)
- Eye drops

3. PRE-FLIGHT:
- Cleanse as normal
- Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells
- Moisturise as normal
- Apply a tinted moisturiser, cream concealer and a coat of mascara for the airport.
- Apply a tint or stain to cheeks and lips followed by lip balm

4. DURING THE FLIGHT:
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Use facial wipes to remove any makeup
- Apply a hydrating moisturiser
- Apply a hydrating eye gel
- Apply lip balm
- Use eye drops to prevent eyes from drying out.

5. BEFORE LANDING
- Use facial wipes to cleanse skin
- Apply tinted moisturiser and cream concealer to even out skin tone
- Apply a coat of lengthening waterproof mascara
- Apply a tint or stain to the cheeks for that fresh faced look
- Apply a tint or stain and lip balm to the lips



{images via: Breakaway; Knight Cat; Vanity Mama

The Vintage Princess

I have recently collaborated on a photoshoot with some of the most talented, kind spirited and generous people. So lucky to be in the industry where people help each other. In the coming few days I will post through some photos from the recent photoshoot.









Make-up Artist: Megan Vaughan of Make-up by Megan
Hair Stylist: Melissa Cauchi of Melissa Cauchi Hairdressing
Photography: Luisa Brimble of Serendipity Corner
Model: Naomi Wiesmann
Photographer's Assistant: Marione Lozano & Location Host: Claudette Wijangco
Naomi was wearing a Summerblossom headpiece

Sweet & Salty Brownies

An addiction I discovered on a recent trip to the USA, from one of my favourite cities in the world - NYC. A divine combination of sweet chocolate brownie with the bite of salted caramel drizzled through. A moorishly divine delight that I hope you enjoy as much as I did xoxo



SWEET & SALTY BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS
For the filling:
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fleur de sel
1/4 cup sour cream



For the brownie:
11/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder (like Valrhona)
11 ounces quality dark chocolate (60 to 72%), coarsely chopped
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1 inch cubes
11/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the packing:
11/2 teaspoons fleur de sel
1 teaspoon course sugar

MAKE THE CARAMEL
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup with 1/4 cup water, stirring them together carefully so you don't splash the sides of the pan. Cook over high heat until an instant-read thermometer reads 176.5 degrees celsius, or until the mixture is dark amber in colour (keep an eye on the caramel at all times as it goes from golden brown and black to burnt very quickly), 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and slowly add the cream (careful, it will bubble up) and then the fleur de sell. Whisk in the sour cream. Set aside to cool.

MAKE THE BROWNIE
Preheat the oven to 176.5 degrees celsius.

Butter the sides and bottom of a glass or light coloured metal 9-by-13 inch tray. line the bottom with a sheet of baking paper.

In a medium bowl , whisk together the flour, salt and cocoa powder.

Place the chocolate and butter in the bowl of a double boiler set over a pan of simmering water, and stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and combined. Turn off the heat, but keep the bowl over the water of the double boiler, and add both sugars, Whisk until completely combined and remove the bowl from the pan. The mixture should be at room temperature.

Add three eggs to the chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined. Add the remaining eggs and whisk until just combined. Add the vanilla and stir until combined. Do not overbeat the batter at this stage or your brownies will be cakey.

Sprinkle the flour mixture over the chocolate. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until there is just a trace amount of the flour mixture visible.

ASSEMBLE THE SWEET & SALTY BROWNIE
Pour half the brownie mixture into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle about 3/4 cup of the caramel sauce over the brownie layer in a zigzag pattern, taking care to make sure the caramel does not come into contact with the edges of the pan or it will burn. Use your offset spatula to spread the caramel evenly across the brownie layer. In heaping spoonfuls, scoop the rest of the brownie batter over the caramel layer. Smooth the brownie batter gently to cover the caramel layer.

Bake the brownies for 30 minutes, rotating the pan half way through the baking time, and check to make sure the brownies are completely done by sticking a toothpick into the centre of the tray. The brownies are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Remove the brownies from the oven and sprinkle with fleur de sell and coarse sugar.

Cool the brownies completely before serving. They can be stored, tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days.

An extract from BAKED Explorations, Classic American Desserts Reinvented by Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
http://bakednyc.com/





{images via Baked NYC and Honey & Jam }

Make-up Tip

As a professional make-up artist my best form of advertising would be to leave the house everyday with an immaculately painted face including a precision liquid eyeline, flawlessly contoured cheekbones and a picture perfect cupids bow. Sadly as the mum of an active 1 year old boy, I rarely have the time to spend 45 mins applying cosmetics, and have had to find a minimalist approach that is quick but just as effective.

Following are just a few tips that you too can use to look flawless fantastic in 10 minutes or less.

The key to my routine is multi purpose products: A tinted moisturizer gives you colour, moisture and SPF protection. However if you like the coverage of a foundation at night but a lightweight cover for everyday, simply add a touch of your foundation to your regular moisturiser. It is not necessary to own foundation and a tinted moisturizer. A cheek & lip stain or tint, adds a natural glow to your cheeks and a hint of colour to your lips at the same time. A bronzer can be used to add colour to your face and body, as well as contour your cheeks and as a natural eye shadow look. A concealer can be used to conceal blemishes and highlight your brows.



Don’t be afraid to apply your make-up with your hands: Make-up brushes are fantastic tools that I could not live without professionally, however at home I apply my make-up mostly with my hands and the use of one or two brushes for eye shadow and bronzer. Brushes require constant cleaning and maintenance and unless you can dedicate the time to wash and dry them every week, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Applying foundation, cheek and lip stains with your fingers is the quickest and most effective way to get a flawless finish.



Have your eyelashes and brows tinted: An eyelash & brow tint at your local beautician every two weeks is a huge time saver when it comes to your make-up routine. Then all you need to do is curl your lashes as you race out the door.

Lime

Lime, also traditionally known as lime green or lime-green, is a color three-fourths of the way between yellow and green (closer to yellow than to green), so named because it is a representation of the color of the citrus fruit called limes. It is the color that is half way between the web color chartreuse and yellow on the color wheel and it is my favourite colour!



So much so, that when I planned my wedding nearly 7 years ago, lime was the theme, and I walked down the aisle in a stunning lime green Velani by Nicky gown. Lime is the colour of grass after rain, leaves in spring, crisp granny smith apples and spearmint choc chip ice cream. It is vibrant, it is tropical, and it is the key ingredient for to two of my favourite luxuries....mojitos and key lime pies

M
xoxo

{via Leite's Culinaria }

My muse Noah John

I am a lot of things. I am a make-up artist, a marketer, a graphic artist, an event manager, a cook, a housekeeper, and a wife, but first and foremost I am a mum, and the inspiration behind everything I do is my 16 month old angel Noah John.



He doesn't care if I am not wearing makeup or having a bad hair day, if I haven't exercised for a month or if I live in the same maxi dress every summer for 10 years. He loves me unconditionally and I love him unconditionally back. He is the motivation behind everything I do and he is the reason Makeup by Megan came to be.

You see I was not at all maternal before having Noah. I would actually go as far to say that I didn't really like children. But my husband loves them and Noah came about after being advised by a doctor that due to a medical condition, we should start trying sooner rather than later. And so we began. After surgery, 12 months of trying and a successful IVF cycle Noah was born 2 years later, and my life changed forever. I was not scared of labour during my pregnancy, but I was terrified of how I would look after the small alien like creature growing inside me. But Noah has made it simple for me, and the biggest challenge and most terrifying experience of my life has left me fulfilled in a way I never dreamt possible. It has left me with a renewed confidence in myself that I can achieve anything I put my mind to, and it is with this new found confidence that I am pursuing the career I have always dreamt about as a makeup artist.

Thank-you Noah. You are the butter to my bread and the breath to my life. I love you.

xoxo