Minimalism: Quantity

Most often, people ask the question "How many...?". For example:
How many shoes should I own? How many items of clothing is too many? To answer this question: However much you deem is just enough. No one can tell you that you have too much stuff. Only you can be the judge of that. When you are decluttering, you will reach a stage where you are totally happy with how much you own. It will be different for everyone. What might be the perfect quantity for one may not be for another. 
Be truly honest with yourself. If you can still part with a few more items, do so. Nothing is more liberating than being surrounded by things that you love and value. You'll find yourself free from worrying about all the excess. 

Instagram | Arisubeauty

Working on a Cosmetic Counter

I often receive questions from friends and classmates at school as to how I got a job at Dior working as a Beauty Consultant. I feel like this is something a lot of people who would like to get started in this industry want to know about and would like to venture into it themselves. However, there are also a lot of other things that people may not realise about this job I'd like to address. 

Starting Point

There are a variety of ways to get into working with cosmetics. The first way is to go through an agency like Marc Edwards Agency. Some counters will need extra staff during busier periods such as gift or occasions such as Christmas or Mother's Day and they will either have a traveller from their company or a agency makeup artist. Sometimes if the manager is impressed enough with you, they may ask you to bring in a resume they can forward to their retail managers. 
There are a few job listings on career sites such as CareerOne or Seek that advertise for beauty consultants. I personally haven't ever had much luck with Seek - perhaps a interview call for a non-cosmetic company - but there are jobs out there. 
Department stores are usually looking for beauty advisors. Beauty Advisors roam about on the floor and help customers. Sometimes, if your availability and skill set matches an open position with a specific brand, they might set up a second interview with a retail manager of that brand. 
Having a Diploma in Specialist Makeup is a must for some companies such as Bobbi Brown. Others will accept a Diploma/Certificate in Beauty Therapy and some don't require any formal qualifications. 

The Interview

• Appearance is Everything
  
  Make sure your makeup is on point because they are looking for people who are well groomed and polished to represent their brand. Observe the kind of makeup the people working on the counter are wearing. MAC makeup artists usually are very creative and outgoing with their makeup while a company such as Shu Uemura will be about the bright colours. Classic French beauty houses will feature very clean, every woman makeup.
  
  

• Clothes
  
  Ensure your clothes are clean and fit you well. There is nothing worse than turning up to an interview with clothes that are too big or too small. It doesn't look professional.
  
  

• Portfolio
  
  Being able to do your own makeup isn't enough. Anyone can do their own makeup with enough practice. A beauty consultant needs to be able to work on others, with different facial features and shapes. Make sure your photos are clear and feature a diverse range of styles and models.
  
  

• Personality
  
  Know that you are there because you are qualified for the job. What they want from you now, is a personality to put to the skills and qualifications. Usually they are looking for friendly, easy going personalities to put into a team. If you can communicate to them of your ability to work well in a team environment, extra brownie points for you!
  
  

• Research
  
  Do some research on the history of the company before your interview. More often than not, they will ask you if you know anything about the company. By showing what you know and displaying genuine interest in the company, it looks favourably on you.

Harsh Realities

• It is a sell job

People don't understand that it isn't just about putting makeup on people. Your job is to sell product and you achieve it by applying it on your customers and informing them about the product. Some people might not appreciate having to sell a product or they're not a 'people person'.

• Productivity Matters

Being able to apply makeup beautifully isn't easy. However, you have to be able to do a full makeup (including skincare) within 45-60 minutes. And this is while you're selling a product. You can't be doing full makeups on every customer.

• Paperwork and Cleaning

As it is a business, sometimes you'll have to do some paperwork - returns, counter productivity, communications with managers. And you'll have to clean! Cleaning testers, cleaning brushes, keeping the counter tidy and presentable.

• Loss of Magic

As exciting as it is when you first start on the counter, the magic of the makeup or skincare will start to fade. While you might retain your passion for makeup in general, you can't deny that when you are faced with the same makeup and skincare day in day out, you start to get bored of it. 

Lessons Learned

• Broader Perspective of Beauty Standards

I have dealt with many customers with a vast range of standards of beauty. It has led me to appreciate each trend and standard. This appreciation has widened my perspective of what looks good and has helped me in adapting my style to what clients need.

• Confidence 

I've developed more facets of my personality and I've become more personable. I do have a great team to support me and who I have learned a lot from.

• Interests

I have actually found where my true calling lies within the beauty industry through the amount of time spent on the counter. Working with diverse people can really tell you what you want to do. And also what you don't want to do which is especially important when forging a career path. 

I do hope this mini-guide is helpful to you in the pursuit of a career in retail cosmetics. Please do leave any further questions in the comments and I will answer them.

Instagram | Arisubeauty

Makeup Geek Eyeshadow Review and Swatches

What is Makeup Geek?

Makeup Geek is a company started by Marlena of MakeupGeekTV and it specialises in affordable but high quality makeup. The company also made it to INC 5000 Fastest Growing list which is really incredible considering its humble roots.

I was intrigued by Makeup Geek because of my need for a variety of eyeshadows but I really could not justify nor afford to get eyeshadows from MAC. I was after a company with a good reputation and helmed by someone reliable - especially after the Limecrime fiasco.

What did I order?

I bought my Makeup Geek eyeshadows in two separate orders. The first was with the first ten foiled shadows and I ordered an additional 17 so I could fill up a Z Palette (which I also purchased from Makeup Geek). When the next set of foiled shadows were released I knew I had to get my hands on them - plus I was planning another order anyway! I now have 2 Z Palettes filled and due to the fact that I can't do maths for cashews, I have an extra 2 just lying around with no home.

Price & Value 

Pricing wise, the Makeup Geek eyeshadows are a steal. At USD$5.99 for the regular eyeshadows and $9.99 for the creamy foiled shadows, you really can't get any better. MAC eyeshadows in Australia are $33 for the cased shadows or $26 for just the pan itself. Even converting the USD and including the shipping would still be cheaper. I spent about USD$500 total on Makeup Geek shadows and there is no way I could get the same quantity of eyeshadows for that money from MAC or any other company.

The Review

The shadows are well pigmented not at all chalky. The foiled ones are even better - super buttery and the shine they produce is beautiful.

From a business perspective, there is definitely a certain level of accountability where quality is concerned. Since Makeup Geek is a newer, smaller company having poor quality shadows would kill her business. However in the case of MAC, I think that they can release eyeshadows that aren't as up to scratch, label them as limited edition and give it some different packaging and it would still sell.

I am in love with these shadows and I doubt I'd ever stray. I want to eventually own the entire range so hopefully within the next year I'll make another big order. They are an excellent way to build up a varied makeup kit without compromising quality. While you can get cheaper multi coloured palettes from companies such as BH Cosmetics or Coastal Scents, I don't believe that you get quality similar to Makeup Geek. You would have to work a bit harder to get those shadows to work to the same level as MUG but when your work as a makeup artist is also dependent on how fast you work, it's better to have quality materials so you don't have to exert so much energy.

Swatches

L-R: Flame Thrower, Chickadee, Peach Smoothie, Beaches and Cream, Vanilla Bean, Cupcake

L-R: Goddess, Grandstand, Untamed, Magic Act, Purely Naked, Starry Eyed, Cinderella

L-R: Preppy, High Tea, Pretentious, Hipster, Barcelona Beach, Latte, Cocoa Bear

L-R: Mocha, Corrupt, Galaxy, Moondust, High Wire, Mercury, White Lies

L-R: In the Spotlight, Mango Tango, Simply Marlena, Whimsical, Country Girl, Bitten, Showtime

L-R: Caitlin Rose, Masquerade, Daydreamer, Sensuous, Unexpected, Twilight, Mesmerised 

L-R: Nautica, Ocean Breeze, Peacock, Sharkbait, Pegasus, Glass Slipper, Fantasy

L-R: Lemon Drop, Fortune Teller, Charmed, Jester, Poison Ivy, Envy

Purchase Makeup Geek shadows here.

Dior Fall 2015 Cosmopolite Review

I normally would not do collection reviews. However, being given ample access to this collection has prompted me to do a review of 4 items of the collection I personally own.

About the Collection

The Cosmopolite collection is the first by Christian Dior Makeup's creative and image director, Peter Phillips. Peter Phillips previously worked as creative director of Chanel's makeup and beauty lines. He rose to prominence following a photo shoot for American Vogue in 2005 featuring Lisa Cant.

What's New

There are plenty of limited edition pieces, as expected but this collection also introduces a few new permanent products and colours. Dior's Crayon Sourcils Poudre (Eyebrow Pencil) are repackaged with two new colours. Fix It is Dior's newest addition to the Backstage Pro family as a concealer.

The Limited Editions

Dior Addict Fluid Stick Top to Bottom: 455 Metamorphose, 289 Versatile, 499 Avant Garde, 784 Chic*

5 Couleurs Cosmopolite L-R: 766 Exuberante, 866 Eclectic

Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite

Dior Addict Fluid Shadow Top to Bottom: 655 Univers, 275 Cosmic, 025 Magnetic, 825 Aurora, 545 Phenix, 075 Eclipse

Dior Vernis L-R: 701 Metropolis, 785 Cosmopolite*, 791 Darling Blue, 982 Black Out, 001 Miroir

Diorblush Cheek Stick Top to Bottom: 845 Cosmopolite Pink, 675 Cosmopolite Coral, 765 Cosmopolite Rosewood

* Permanent Colours

The Review

Diorblush Cheek Stick

I was most excited for the Diorblush Cheek Stick. I first saw it featured on a behind the scenes clip for Dior Cruise 2015. Dior's permanent line does not feature a cream blush and I was on the hunt for one. I wasn't impressed by Chanel's Les Beiges cream blush and I resisted the temptation of Burberry's Cheek and Lip Bloom. 

I picked up Cosmopolite Pink which is a gorgeous bright true pink. Rosewood is a lovely medium rose colour which is far more universal but I have another blush in that colour. 

The blush is long wearing and vibrant and very much worth putting into your makeup bag. 

Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite

I often get asked about highlighters and nothing in the permanent line measures up to this highlighter for emulating the newest trend in highlighting - strobing. It produces a lovely sheen o the skin without being glittery. Nude gold in colour, it is beautiful on all skin tones. I'm glad I fell in love with this after being given a chance to play around with them. 

Dior Addict Fluid Shadow

I was given 655 Univers when I attended the training for this collection which is a brown-grey colour. It's definitely high impact but does take a little bit of time to get used to using. It doesn't dry very quickly so it gives you enough time to blend out when you apply it to your mobile lid. If you were to pick up a colour I would suggest Aurora or Cosmic.

Dior Fix It

Fix It is the newest member of both the concealer and Backstage Pro families. It is a primer and concealer in one, designed for your face, eyes and lips. I primarily use it under my eyes to cover my dark circles and it does a wonderful job at smoothing out my super tiny tiny tiny fine lines. You don't need to work too hard at applying and blending so its a nice quick solution to pop in your purse.

Top to Bottom: Dior Addict Fluid Shadow 655 Univers, Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite, Diorblush Cheek Stick Cosmopolite Pink

Have you had a look at the new Dior Fall Collection?

Project 10 Pan - Makeup Edition

I've wanted to embark on this project for a while now but now that I work in the beauty industry, I feel it even more prudent that I do this sort of thing.

What is Project 10 Pan?

Project 10 Pan is a challenge in which you devote yourself to using up 10 beauty products before purchasing new ones. You may have your own rules for the challenge if you wish. The Project is also a good way to work on achieving a Capsule Makeup Collection.

My Own Rules

1. Only makeup products qualify. Including things like moisturiser and shampoo is just lazy.
2. Makeup must be completely used up - empty pans, bottles and tubes. Over 90% of the pan must be visible.
3. Replacements may be purchased if you have no other suitable alternatives.

Why Project 10 Pan if you're a Makeup Artist?

In all honesty, while I do admire those who create beautiful makeup looks on themselves, I question whether they've expended all their creative energy on themselves and have none left to put into their work. Ultimately I work in a creative field, I can't afford to expend unnecessary energy on my own face when it is my job to come up with looks for others. 

Plus I think it's refreshing when you have only a few things in your makeup collection than every single MAC product ever released.

The Makeup in Question

Cushion Foundations

This is probably one of my favourite types of makeup. However, I went a little insane the last few months and ended up with 3 cushion type foundations. Hopefully by the end of this challenge I'll choose a favourite and stick to that.

I also have the refills to get through as well because with each of these I bought it in the refill sets. I'll try and finish these refills too but it might take longer.

Foundation

These are extremely recent purchases. I wasn't happy with my current collection of foundations - I've either thrown or given most of them away already. I was looking for a matte foundation but I couldn't find a high end foundation that did what I wanted. I'm still not sure how I feel about these but I hope I can use them up so I can replace them with the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - my all time favourite.

Concealer

I only have these concealers to use up and I'm confident that I'll use them up fairly easily. The Maybelline Fit Me concealer is on its last legs and I use the Bobbi Brown on a daily basis. The Dior Skinflash is new but I received that from training so I didn't actually pay any money for it. I'm not sure if I want to include it in the challenge since I'm trying to make the most of makeup I've purchased.  I would like to try the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage after I'm done with these. 

Pencils

Pencils do not present too much of a challenge - they're used up easily and I have no real desire to repurchase more. The Missha brow pencil is quite nice to use so I'll probably keep going back to it when I'm done with it. In terms of lip pencils, I do want to try the No7 Nude pencil since Lisa Eldridge features it a lot on her videos. 

I don't own many eyeliner pencils - only the Urban Decay 24/7 Liners but I've had those for a fair number of years (maybe 3...?). I will repurchase those but only in colours other than black. 

Eye Products

All the other categories are comparatively easy. I am extremely light handed when it comes to makeup in general. This might help me evolve as a makeup artist - having to use more eyeshadow. The Chanel palette is from a holiday collection and I have yet to use it up. I think because the eyeshadows are baked I'll be able to finish it quickly. Not to mention there's not much product in them anyway. 

The two MAC shadows (Naked Lunch and Satin Taupe) and really quite nice but I haven't made as much of a dint in them as I would have liked for how long I've owned them. I think paired with the Charlotte Tilbury cream shadow, I can get through them.

The Charlotte Tilbury palette is quite new so I won't be getting through that anytime soon but I know it's the type of palette I like to use on a daily basis. 

The Bobbi Brown gel liner I will repurchase again and again as it is my go to liner. It's very versatile and I no longer use liquid or pencil eyeliners. 

There's my Project 10 Pan. While I realise there are more than 10 products featured, ultimately these are the products I'd like to use up before buying any more from each category. I'd like to consolidate my personal makeup collection so that it's more manageable.

Minimalism

- noun; the deliberate lack of decoration or adornment in style or design

What is Minimalism?
At its bare bones, minimalism is the practice of putting more focus into what we value most and the removal of anything that distracts us from this. It is a concept that can allow for you to feel freedom and to make way for a clear headspace. There is no set rules for minimalism - do whatever it takes for you to feel free from stress, anxiety and fear. 

"Less is more."

How did I embrace Minimalism?

•  Room - I cleaned out anything I couldn't find a purpose for now. I didn't ask myself "Will this be useful later?" because the answer was most likely 'No.'
• Wardrobe - I employed the concept of a Capsule wardrobe and I designed a uniform of sorts.
• Planner - Instead of a complex Filofax with coloured pens and washi tape, I now use a Bullet Journal. The Bullet Journal is an extremely flexible way of planning ahead and it's excellent for those who find more clarity in compiling lists.
• Makeup - I no longer have a whole slew of makeup and skincare products. I keep a basic range of products for my own personal use and will refill them as required. 

How did I benefit from Minimalism?

• Less Stress - I suffer immensely when I feel stressed and/or anxious. Having a cluttered space to work in and a diary/journal that didn't work for me definitely contributed to the level of stress I felt. 
• Clean Headspace - I felt my mind was clearer, and I could focus more on what was important.
• Focus on Quality - I've eliminated a lot of poor quality material items from my life (namely clothing and shoes) so I can really enjoy what I currently do own. There is nothing wrong with having luxury while embracing minimalism. The focus is to enjoy what you have and not to fill up your life with unnecessary material goods. 
• Time - I've gained a lot of time due to not having to worry about what I'm wearing or what makeup to apply. I know whatever I pull out of my wardrobe will match, I don't have to worry about pairing certain colours. 
• My Creative Energy is being channeled into my work which is where it should be going rather than on myself. I find that I can produced higher quality work when I'm not worried about other factors in my life. 

Interesting Reads

Here are some reads that I've found helpful in my exploration of minimalism and in getting my life refocused.

• Why I Wear the Exact Same Thing to Work Everyday - Matilda Kahl for Harper's Bazaar
• Bullet Journal - by Ryder Carroll
• Lessons From Madame Chic - by Jennifer L. Scott
• The Project 333 - Dressing with 33 items or less in 3 months
• Effortless Beauty - Lisa Eldridge - Building a capsule makeup bag
• How to Streamline your Makeup - Private Life of a Girl
• How to Start a 5 Piece French Wardrobe - Afterdrk

Another resource I like to use for inspiration is Pinterest. You can find all sorts of pictures that may spark some inspiration.

The Peach Box Review

About The Peach Box

 The Peach Box is an Australian online jewelery store that specialises chic, modern and edgy jewelery. Shipping is free to Australian addressed on orders over $50 and for international addresses it is a $15 flat rate. 

 Packaging

 Each piece comes in its own box and velvet pouch. The box provides a soft velvet bed for your jewelery and the faux leather cover of the box makes it very presentable. It makes for a lovely addition to a vanity or a beautiful gift in itself without the need to find presentation boxes. 

 My Picks

Audrey Pearl-Swing Earrings

Roman Empress Necklace

From Top to Bottom: Twisted Nail bangle, Floating Crystal bangle, Urban Hardware Bangle

 Some of you may notice that Urban Hardware bangle and Twisted Nail bangle could be considered as inexpensive alternatives for Cartier's famous Love and Juste un Clou collections . However with the Cartier Love Bracelet - gold with diamonds - priced at just under a cool $20 000, you can see why it's a popular alternative. Meanwhile the Roman Empress necklace could be seen as a nod to Tiffany's Atlas Collection.

Quality

 The jewelery is well crafted and has a decent weight. The clasps on the bracelets are a tad stiffer than what I expected but it's actually a good thing. The bracelets are very secure and there is little risk of it coming undone and falling off - nightmare!



I have just put in another order for the Audrey Pearl Studs, reminiscent of the Mise en Dior earrings. I do already own a pair that look similar but another pair doesn't hurt to have.

The Peach Box is becoming a fast favourite of mine. I haven't been able to find any affordable but quality costume jewelery in styles that I enjoy. Most current trend jewelry is poor quality or too gaudy for my tastes.

Currently they are having a Mother's Day special, so it's a good time to pick up any pieces that catch your eye!

Arisu x