Cathy's Niche - Make-up and Image Styling

30/10/2018

Welcome to my world! I LOVE Shopping. Do YOU?

If the answer is NO or you feel like you've lost your way & need some help, that's OK. This post if for you.

NEW for November & December just in time for the 'festive season' - 2 Hour Express Shopping Sessions for you and a friend!

As a Colour & Style Consultant with over 15 years experience and formally Sydney Stylist for Diana Ferrari clothing & shoes, these sessions will be fun, productive and an opportunity to know what colours & styles suit you once and for all.

What: 2 Hours Shopping for you and a friend with yours truly.

Where: (your choice)
- Westfield Warringah Mall, Brookvale
- Westfield Hornsby
- Westfield Chatswood or Chatswood Chase
- Macquarie Centre Ryde

When: Weekends in Nov & Dec (your choice)

Investment: $250 each (normally $295 ea) PLUS you each receive your own Personalised Colour Swatch to help choose clothes and make-up PERFECT for you (worth $99).

BOOK NOW: Limited places so please call me on 0421 186 581 to book your chosen date or you can send me a PM on the page.

Yours in Colour & Style Confidence, Cathy.

09/07/2018

Many don’t enjoy Winter as a season due to the cold, but I love it due to the fashion. I enjoy layering and using texture to create different looks. I love wearing patterns, tights, boots, jackets and scarves... the list goes on!

- What are your fav dressing tips for Winter?
- What’s your ‘go to look’ when the chill factor increases?

08/03/2018

2 more sleeps to go to the Novotel Manly Pacific Bridal expo. This Sunday 11 March, 12-4pm. So much to see and so many amazing wedding specialists to meet.

A must see event for newly engaged couples. Come and say Hi!

Imagine if you tick off all your wedding "to do's" in the one day!

11/02/2018

Foundation Perfection 101

If you struggle with applying your foundation for a natural look, don't worry - it's a common problem. You’ll need to prepare your skin by cleansing and applying a moisturizer. You can also add primer too which will minimise pores and ensure your make-up lasts (12 hours coverage usually).

6 Steps to Foundation Perfection:
Step 1 - Choose the right colour. As the name implies, your foundation is the basis for the rest of your makeup. To make sure that it acts as a blank canvas, choose a foundation that matches your skin tone identically. Try multiple shades of foundation on your jawline (rather than your hand or your neck), and choose the colour that matches your skin tone without blending. Let the foundation absorb for a minute before checking the colour as it may change slightly when dry.

Step 2 - Start with a small amount. You don’t want a heavy, caked-on look, so it’s best to start with a little bit of foundation and add more if you need to. Dab the foundation on the centre of your forehead, under your eyes, and on your nose and chin.

Step 3 - Spread the foundation outward. Start at the centre of your face and spread the foundation toward your hairline and neck. You can use your fingers, a brush, or a sponge to blend your makeup. No matter what you choose, you want to use a dabbing technique, which means gently tapping it into your skin, rather than rubbing or wiping.

Step 4 - Blend your foundation. Use your tool of choice to blend your foundation around your face. There shouldn't be any noticeable lines where your foundation starts or ends; it should blend smoothly into your ears, neck and hairline.

Step 5 - Conceal blemishes. Concealer should be applied after your foundation. Cover up pimples or other blemishes with a bit of concealer. Squeeze a small amount onto the back of your hand and dot it onto the blemish with clean fingers or a concealer brush. Be sure to blend it by lightly tapping the concealed area with a sponge or brush.

Step 6 – Set with a loose or pressed powder to minimse any shine and ensure longevity of your look.

You are now ready to apply the rest of your look and add some colour to your face.

04/02/2018

Dress to Impress!

Some days you just don’t want to spend time on your hair and makeup before taking another 20 mins finding the right outfit. It can show when you leave the house. Dressing to impress, no matter what the occasion is a reflection of your inner drive, your self-worth and character. Taking the few extra minutes in the morning to look your best, even if you’re not leaving the house changes your path to productivity. When you look good, you feel good and perform well. I’ve ‘experimented’ with this is it's true.

I’ve had reason to dress to impress for two important ‘first time’ meetings of late and even I can struggle with ‘what am I going to wear?’ What will they think of me? Do I have the right look? Am I what they are expecting? This is most common when going on a ‘first date’ or in a ‘job interview’ situation. A potential employer may be looking for a specific look that ‘complies’ with the company/ office culture. Will you fit in? It seems very shallow but statistics show that 55% of a first impression is based on appearance alone.

When you need versatility in your wardrobe but your wallet has other ideas, use these wardrobe tricks to minimize your spend. Your wardrobe should fit your lifestyle, personal dressing style and the occasion/ event you are dressing for. Look for 60% of solid colors with 40% of pattern and have multiple types of accessories. For example, you can really dress up a simple black dress by adding a statement necklace or coloured pair of heels. When you have variety in the accessories department, you can make any outfit or combination of two “old” items look like a brand new outfit.

21/01/2018

They say not to prime is a crime! Do you have this makeup must-have in your beauty bag? Arbonne's primer glides on like silk to visually diminish the appearance of fine lines and pores so your makeup goes on flawlessly. Your first step to a great makeup is Primer. Not a product to skip! My favourite product and a winner with all my Brides and clients too.

17/01/2018

One of the things I enjoy most about traveling is the new and unique styles of clothing and accessories you can enjoy in another country. Fiji is a great example.

While most resort boutiques will cater to tourists, you can always find some 'local' gems to tempt you and make a 'tropical statement'. Hope you enjoy these pics with gorgeous hand made bags, beautiful jewellery made with stones, pearls and gorgeous shells. Spectacular.

15/01/2018

Looking forward to the first Wedding Expo of 2018 in gorgeous Manly!

Cathy's Niche - Make-up and Image Styling, a long-term member of NBWE has been offering her mobile make-up services for over 15 years to Northern Beaches brides. Napoleon trained, Cathy looks forward to your enquiry at the Novotel Manly Pacific Bridal expo, Sunday 11th March.


As a NBWE Expo Special, all trials booked at the Expo will receive a FREE Lipstick or Gloss worth $37 for touch ups on the wedding day.

11/01/2018

Make-up Brushes made Easy.
Some simple tips to keep your application fast and easy (& make-up kit in check).
1. Streamline your brushes - you only need a few to help you with the key areas of application. If you are unsure what it does, get rid of it.
2. Buy the right brushes for you - as above, only have the necessary brushes in your kit.
3. Clean your brushes often - a simple wipe on a wet paper towel will work but clean well at least fortnightly with shampoo and conditioner - lay them flat to dry.
4. Don't soak your brushes.
5. Pay attention to bristle length.
6. Use a brush for foundation and concealer - this will allow better coverage and a more even application.
7. The wider the brush, the wider the coverage - put simply use a small brush for small areas of the face, big brush for bigger area.

09/01/2018

Pre-wedding relaxation, ceremony, reception, photos, honeymoon ....the Novotel Manly Pacific is THE perfect wedding destination. Minutes from clifftops, beaches and bays, and affordable. Visit the NOVOTEL MANLY BRIDAL EXPO on Sunday 11 March @ 12-4pm and meet 40 local wedding suppliers to help plan your big day, including ME with my mobile bridal make-up service.

Over 15 years experience in the industry, it's worth using the services of a professional.

MARK YOUR DIARY!