The app itself is an interactive addition to these classes. Not only are you able to browse and book available nearby classes through the app, but once in the workshop you can photograph each step, make a list of each product used and essentially store all your must have items for the shopping session afterwards. This is all then stored in the app, so you can refer to it once you get home. Essentially it's your "own personal take home makeup artist" as stated by KieKie Stanners, the NZ M.A.C National Artist. 

I have been hearing a lot about the brand Arbonne, which recently made it's debut into the New Zealand market. I get sent a lot to review, and I don't mention everything I receive. However, I wanted to take the time to test this particular range out because of it's claim to contain naturally derived ingredients. 

Arbonne contains zero petrochemicals, no mineral oil, petroleum & SD alcohol. It also excludes known irritants like acetone, lanolin, collagen, dyes, perfumes and human/animal by products. The range is botanically based, not tested on animals, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. 

I was sent two of their top sellers, being the Makeup Primer & It's a Long Story Mascara. I was also sent the Prime & Proper Eye Primer, It's all in the Eyes Eyeshadow Duo in Amber & Forest and Smoothed over Lipstick in Iris (see swatches below).

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This is for all my ladies on a budget. I know when I wasn't working and was at home with two little babes (and being obsessed with makeup) I really would have loved to be able to treat myself to a new products as a pick me up - but alas, it was just not in the budget at that time. In New Zealand we haven't had a lot of options for affordable makeup. "Drug store" products in the U.S for example, would still be upwards of $40 for a foundation. That's if we could even get our hands on it.

Essence Cosmetics is a European makeup brand that launched a couple years back in NZ. They are cruelty free and super affordable so I was keen to give the products a go! I was sent three of the Velvets eyeshadows in Mr Mocca-Bean (a cool toned dark brown), Taupe Secret (the perfect matte taupe colour) and Fluffy Clouds (a highly pigmented true white). These shadows are all matte, velvet in texture and have great colour payoff, especially at the price point of just $4.50 each! 

The contour palette (RRP $8.95) consists of a warm toned matte bronzer, a matte highlighting powder, and a peach toned matte blush. I found the bronzer to be well pigmented, and easily blendable. The highlight powder & blush were not as pigmented as I would prefer, but ideal for those who may not be so confident with makeup or who may be heavy handed with application. The products are definitely buildable too.

Last, but not least I tried the Velvet Matte long lasting lipgloss, which is unique in the way this felt on the lips. Colour payoff was fab, longevity was great and it was actually hydrating too (unlike most liquid lipsticks on the market). I was confused at first as to why it was called a lipgloss when it has no shine whatsoever, but it feels like a gloss on the lips, even though it is essentially a matte product! These retail for just $5.20 so I will be heading out and picking up more colours for sure.

Essence Cosmetics is available at selected Farmers Department Stores.

Hello friends! 

I haven't posted for a while. I've been so incredibly busy with work & family, blogging has taken a back seat. Now that winter is well and truly here and work has slowed down I have much more time and energy to put into my writing! SO here goes.

I posted a few weeks back about trying Flash Lash serum, I have used Revitalash in the past and written about it here and on instagram, but the price point being quite high I decided to look into more affordable options. I was not blessed with long lashes, and after ceasing use of Revitalash my lashes were again their short, stumpy, selves. Flash lash has a price point of around $50-$60 for 2ml (3 month supply) and I had read positive reviews online so decided to give it a whirl.

​At first I didn't see a big change, slight growth in some areas after a months use. Now at 7 weeks they are starting to look fuller and more lush (pic top right). Taking into consideration that the lashes have a 6 week growth cycle, and full effects won't be seen until around the 3 month mark I have high hopes for incredible lashes over the next few weeks. 

With Revitalash I saw changes FAST, Like a month in my lashes had nearly doubled in length. It definitely works faster, and for the price point (3.5ml at $169 for a 6 month supply) it should do. I had less irritation (experienced slight itching at application for both) with Revitalash and if I had to pick a better product I would say this one is my fav - BUT for the price point Flash Lash will work for you too, you may just have to wait longer for those results to show.

You can purchase both, here.

http://www.thebeautylounge.co.nz/product/flash-eyelash-serum/?gclid=CjwKEAjwtLO7BRDax4-I4_6G71USJAA6FjN1ooqDjarcN8NAet-jloz7z0k_pdeIRbY3YMrbdzFvjRoCUa_w_wcB

http://www.thebeautylounge.co.nz/product/revitalash-advanced-eyelash-conditioner-3-5ml/?gclid=CjwKEAjwtLO7BRDax4-I4_6G71USJAA6FjN1VWH4lmcxE2SdGz35F1MeXsa5-r5Og0xCaGEkHWJPsRoC7FDw_wcB

#vivaglamarianagrande 💋 Today the M·A·C AIDS fund in NZ donated $148,301 to support Positive Women Inc. This donation comes directly from the New Zealand sales of M·A·C’s #VIVAGLAM lip products. 100% of the proceeds of Viva Glam go towards helping to support women and families living in New Zealand with HIV or AIDS. @maccosmetics NZ has raised $2million to date for this amazing cause! #arianagrandevivaglam shades in stores now 💋 #arianagrande #macaidsfund #sebmakeup

#thepowerofmakeup 💋 

I love my bare face just as much as my made up one... dark circles, acne scarring, pigmentation and wrinkles remind me of my 34 years on this earth and what I have learned! I have days where I am really down on myself, that little mean voice that tells me I'm too fat, or my mum tum is a disgrace, or my skin is too wrinkled to be doing what I'm doing for a job. But deep down, I really do love and accept myself just the way I am. That is mainly down to really, honestly trying to be a good person. To do what I can to change this world in the short time I am here means so much more to me than my appearance. It's down to trying to do the best I can at raising my two daughters knowing they are loved and that I will always be there for them. It also comes down to how much I enjoy empowering women, and making them feel the same way. And that's where makeup steps in... Makeup is a tool for us to feel empowered. To feel like we can take on the world. When I am bare faced I am Seb the mum, my true self, which sometimes carries and harbours insecurities and doubts. With my makeup on I am Seb the WARRIOR, I give myself power and confidence to do kick ass things, and face this world with a little more power than I might otherwise feel I have. This is the meaning of 'The power of makeup" to me. 

PRODUCTS USED 💀 @elfcosmetics acne fighting foundation in Porcelain, @maccosmetics pro longwear concealer in NC15, @thebalm_cosmetics Bahama Mama to bronze and sculpt, MLM to highlight, @nyxcosmetics @nyxnewzealand peach blush ✖ BROWS @anastasiabeverlyhills dipbrow pomade in Auburn ✖@mellowcosmetics gel liner in black & @socialeyeslash Minx on the eyes ✖ LIPS #maccosmetics Cherry pencil #sebmakeup

As a makeup artist, and more importantly as a feminist, I see makeup as a way for a woman to make herself feel good. I see it as a creative outlet. I don't wear it for praise from others, or to look "pretty." I am comfortable with no makeup on. I embrace my wrinkles, my acne scars, double chin and being plus size in real life. I don't even do my hair most days. 
We need to remember social media is not real life & that we only show what we want you to see. I make it known that my images are edited. I want my page to look like a magazine spread, it's my art. It's not my reality. 
When people say I'm pretty I actually take it as an insult. I want to be complimented for being fierce, being strong, being opinionated, kind, and intelligent... so many better things to be than pretty. I hope my girls grow up aspiring to be more than their looks. You have value as a human being, and you have so much more to offer than that.  ‪#‎immorethanpretty‬ ‪#‎sebmakeup‬

In love with these #Vamplify glosses that landed on my makeup desk this avo! 17 beautifully opaque glosses with intense, rich colour payoff.

Here I'm wearing What's Going On? (Hot intense fuchsia) & Speed Up (bubblegum pink.

These beauties launch in NZ September 21st in all @maccosmetics locations. RRP $48NZ ✖️

I love this girl!! @loeybug ❤️

I recently saw some videos on YouTube body shaming celebrities, judging what they eat and how they live from a well known vegan YouTuber (who I personally think should be ashamed of herself... I won't name names but if you're vegan you probably know who I'm talking about) 😡

Loey's YouTube vids however always make me so happy! It's not about size but about accepting yourself just how you are & I know most of us struggle with that no matter what. My body changed so much after I had kids, and I feel like I've been on a diet my whole life. I eat a wheat free mostly vegan diet and exercise 3-4 times a week and I still have trouble losing weight. I beat myself up a lot for it. It's people like Loey that make women like me, feel better. Not the judgemental body shaming antics of so called fitness guru's. Loey looks bangin because her beautiful soul radiates out of her face like sunshine, the body is a temporary vessel and there shouldn't be so much emphasis on how you look.

There is so much pressure on people to be a certain way, but IMHO, thin or thick, you're perfect👌🏻 #lovetheskinyourein ❤️