4 TIPS & TRICKS (PLUS EXTRAS) TO HIDE YOUR "I-AM-SO-EFFING-HUNGOVER" FACE

Sometimes, the life of a beauty blogger can be tough, especially when you have a full time job and gym commitment (Yes, working out is part of my full time job too :P)

I am not sure if I am actually being sarcastic there because truth to be told, I quite enjoy the events and launches (can be found on Through Beauty Eyes Social Diaries ). I mean, what's not to love when you get to check out and play with new products, catch up with the lovely bloggers over a glass (or perhaps a few) bubbles or vino and meeting new peeps?

[My latest wrap up of the recent events around Sydney can be found HERE. ]

Whilst I do enjoy attending these social events - let's be real here, I am turning into an old hag and ain't 21 anymore. AND, rocking up to an event looking like Amanda Bynes isn't an option either.

THANK GOD for my fav HG products and a few tips and tricks that prevent that from happening - which I will be sharing with you girls today!

How do I hide my "I-am-so-effing-hungover" look and look fresh the next day?

1. HYDRATE the f*ck out of your skin

It's a no brainer that alcohol sucks up every possible drip of H20 in your body - especially when you go a little overboard with them wine. (It's rude to say no when the waitresses kept coming back for a top up :P) Apart from skulling heaps of water and coconut water (this stuff works WONDERS when you're feeling the aftermath of wine), don't forget to give your skin some extra hydration. 

My recommendation: Hada Labo Moisturising Serum

I love this serum - one of my must-purchase items every time I am back in Asia for holidays. Its texture is in between a cleanser and serum, which feels extremely hydrating on the skin. I apply this before applying my moisturiser - an instant hydration boost to the skin! 

2. Use an eye "cooler" to reduce puffiness of the eyes and cover it up with hydrating concealer

My recommendation: Benefit #FakeUP Concealer* and Make Up Store Moisturising Eye Roll-On*

The Eye Roll-On has a cooling effect and reduces the puffiness under your eyes. Perfecto! The last thing you want is bringing out your eye bags with the wrong concealer and adding that extra "lines" cos your under eye is so dry! Benefit #FakeUp Concealer is life-changing and has been my to-go-to concealer most days, especially after a big night out.  I have raved about it on my Love List 5 - Beauty Edition post.

3. Bright and bold lips makes everything better.

True story dot com. 

I have always been a huge fan of bright lips - and the fact that it instantly brightens up my look makes me love it even more.

My current favorite picks are: 

From left to right:
CK One Glorious (deep red)

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 107 (perfect berry/ wine colour for autumn)
Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 111 (chilli red)

Models Prefer Infinite LipLiner in Forever Pink (Bright Coral Fuchsia)
Maybelline Lipstick in Vivid Rose (Bright Coral Fuchsia) 

MAC Candy Yum Yum (Cool Barbie Pink with Purple Undertone)
Make Up Store Sparkling Lipstick in Blackcurrent (Not pictured)

 Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 107

CK One Glorious

Rimmel Lasting By Kate Lipstick in 107 on top of CK One Lip Rouge in Glorious

Maybelline Vivid Rose on Top of CK One Glorious

MAC Candy Yum Yum

Make Up Store Sparkling Lipstick in Blackcurrent 

4. Highlight the high points of your face to brighten your look and give you an instant "lift"

My pick: Illamasqua Supernatural Gleam Cream

This bronze "illuminator" is a little different from your usual pearly/ white highlighter. It's a coppery-bronze highlight with "iridescent pearlescent pigments", which can be used alone or with foundation. I usually apply it on the apples of my cheeks (and apply my blush of day on top), cheek bones and nose bridge for that coppery glow. Perfect for giving your look a warm lift! 

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A little advice from the Editor: 

Don't forget to take some time off the social scenes and pamper yourself. Be it a facial (if you have extra cash to splurge) or "mask time" at home or a massage.
Invest in scented candles, a good magazine and enjoy it with a cuppa tea in bed.
Don't #FOMO 24/7!

Currently loving:

Dermalogica Hydrating Masque 

I pamper myself with a mask session once every 2-3 weeks (I know I should be doing it weekly but did I mention I am kinda lazy? :P) and have been loving Dermalogica Hydrating Masque!  It's extremely hydrating and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated after getting in touch with my skin (see what I did there? :P) for a good 15 minutes!

Glasshouse Fragrance in Galapagos (Lime and Cocoa Butter) - quite a refreshing scent but I am loving my new Glasshouse Triple Scented Fragrance in Tahaa (Vanila Caramel) I recently bought! My room now smells like Peter Alexander <3 nbsp="">

CollectiveHub Magazine 

If you haven't already heard of this magazine, you should get on it like, right NOW. 

Renegade Collective is the love child of Lisa Messanger - which focuses on inspirations and entrepreneurship. So, I am quite a sucker for glossy covers and pretty magazines and more often than not, I always end up purchasing magazines with mediocre content. Renegade Collective is the first and only magazine that I actually look forward to the next issue before finishing the final page of the current issue.

Lean start up, successful entrepreneur stories, strategies, inspiration.... all in one magazine.

Whilst the price is a little on the steep side (retailing at$12.95) compared to most magazine, its well worth every penny of yours. And not to mention, a highly engaging community too where Lisa actually replies to your Tweet and Instagram messages! 

DMK Enzyme Facial @ The Laser Lounge*

Enzyme facial is designed to remove dead protein, toxins and other effluvia from the epidermis using a process called 'reverse osmosis'. The enzymes aim to strengthen the structural integrity of the skin, exercises facial muscles and works to leave the skin feeling firm.

(My apologies for the unedited, gross photo - but that's how it looks like when the enzymes "harden up")

This reminds me of homemade egg mask, except better. It does feel a little uncomfortable when the enzyme "hardens up" (as pictured above) but it felt like I was given a set of new skin after removing all my dead skin. I was fortunate enough to be given a complimentary treatment by The Laser Lounge a while ago - but it seems about time to book in my next "relaxing" sesh soon?

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Models Prefer Infinite Lip Liner in Forever Pink + Maybelline Lipstick in Vivid Rose
(another new favourite combination of mine!)

Bright lips DOES make it better :)

Those are my few tip & tricks as well as some fav products to hide my hungover face after a big night out!

What are yours mini tricks to hide your hungover face?

Disclaimer: Products and services marked with asterisk* were provided to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,
A

#LiveAspireBlog #2 + How Alison Morgan & Connie Chapman build and grow their online businesses

Can you believe that we are already 1/3 through the second quarter of 2013? Unbelievable. After a shitty 2012, I am determined in making 2013 a better one and hoping to cross out at least 70% of my lists of goals by the end of this year..

Hence, spending an entire Sunday with a bunch of inspiring women, churning out random ideas and connecting random dots together over martini is exactly what I needed after my pretty damn hectic weekend which started since Thursday. (More on that in my next #ThroughBeautyEyesSocialDiaries wrap up).

That being said, I attended the second #LiveAspireBlog event at IKU WholeFoods in Darlinghurst.

(You can read about the first #LiveAspireBlog event HERE)

As opposed to merely just a networking meet up, the second #LiveAspireBlog was even better with inspiring speeches from Alison Morgan, the Director of Relauncher, an Australian destination that encompasses all areas of the expanding health, beauty and wellness industries and Connie Chapman, a certified Life Coach on how they build and their grow their online businesses.

Here are a few takeaways from the amazing ladies for those of you who have missed it (because I am awesome like this :P):

IF YOU WANT IT, YOU GOTTA WORK HARD FOR IT. 

It wasn't an overnight success for both Alison and Connie. They were once amateur too. They are where they are today through hard work, dedication and passionate about what they do. 

"If someone tells you it is easy, RUN" an epic quote from Jack Delosa. 

See what these successful entrepreneurs have in common? YOU JUST GOTTA FUCKING WORK FOR IT! #period

Alison Morgan

BE FLEXIBLE.

Just because you have a million-dollar business plan, if you aren’t flexible, it is not going to work. With the dynamic and everchanging business environment, you need to be able to adapt and follow your heart. Alison’s business today is a complete 180degrees change from her original business plan.

CUSTOMERS, CUSTOMERS, CUSTOMERS

Always strive to provide great customer services, connect with your readers and customers and listen to what they want. Isn’t that what the whole new media/ digital marketing is all about? You really have no excuses not to engage with your customers. Fun fact, a substantial portion of Relauncher’s sales is made through Instagram.

Connie Chapman

TAKE THE RISK AND TAKE THE LEAP 

There will never be the “right” time for you to quit your comfortable 9-5 job and be your own boss. It’s all about taking chances. If consistent income is your main concern, take up a casual or part time job as your safety blanket! “You will never arrive”, said Connie.

ONLY TAKE ADVICE AND SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THE SAME PAGE AS YOU ARE 

If you are sharing your new ideas/ light bulb moments with a co-worker who’s happy with his/ her 9-5 corporate job and has no interest in entrepreneurship, chances are – your potentially great idea Is probably going to get shut down.

Damn straight, sista! In this recent post, I vowed to get rid of the negative people in my lives and surround myself around with more inspiring people and it is going great so far! TRUST ME, it really helps when you’re feeling unmotivated and on the verge of giving up!  I have taken my first steps by being part of #LiveAspireBlog and also dedicated an entire Saturday to The Entourage Unconvention to learn more about entrepreneurship. I hope you have taken your first step out of your comfort zone too! If you are naturally shy or getting butterflies, Katherine from Through My Looking Glass has some pretty good tips for you on how to network #likeaboss. 

Jess from LiveHealthySimply, Connie Chapman, Alison Morgan & Ursula from The Aspirer.

Thank you for yet another inspiring and lovely weekend ladies!!! 

I am already looking forward to the next event! 

Looking to more of these networking events in Sydney but you missed out on the first two due to commitments? Fret not! Jess & Ursula had release the  #LiveAspireBlog dates for the remaining of the year!

The dates are: 26th May, 30th June, 11th August, 22nd September and 24th November! 

 Start bookmarking your diary now just so you aren't missing out! 

PS: Remember how I said my enthusiasm for make up isn’t as strong as before? Well, I lied. I got myself a few goodies during Priceline 40% cosmetics sales! (More on that in the next post :P) 

Hope you had some useful takeaway from this wrap up of mine!

HAPPY FRIDAY LOVELIES AND HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND! 

(Having to go back to work after a Thursday public holiday is just plain cruel.)

XOXO,

A

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The Entourage Young Entrepreneurs' Unconvention Wrap Up (Part 1) - Jack Delosa on Entrepreneurial Success!

"99% of success is about showing up"

Once again, I got a little carried away on my usual Friday night shenanigans and was just a wee bit tempted to skip The Unconvention by The Entourage on Saturday. I am quite a morning person but a 9am start on a Saturday with tonnes of accumulated sleep debt can be quite a mission, ya know. 

But HEY, I am another step closer to success since I did show up. :P

On a serious note though, I am SO glad I did as I walked out of the convention with a highly information-saturated brain, feeling inspired and motivated with a few ideas popping up in my head. Definitely the kick I needed to achieve my 2013 goals. :) 

So, just a little background of The Entourage - which I came across by accident via one of the Facebook groups I joined. 

The Entourage is Australia's largest group of real entrepreneurs and executives under 40, which provides a place for entrepreneurs, high-growth business and executives to network, connects Australia's best entrepreneurs with Australia's next entrepreneurs and offers real business education by people with "been there done that" experience.

The Young Entrepreneurs' Unconvention is the largest event for entrepreneurs under 40 (also known as Gen - Y entrepreneurs) in Australia with leading speakers like Jack Delosa (founder of The Entourage), Petar Lackovic (Entrepreneur & Business Coach who generated half a billion in sales for his clients) and Katherine Sampson (Founder of Australia's largest sandwich franchise - Healthy Habits). 

Jack Delosa is the founder of The Entourage - a Gen Y Entrepreneur who has been named in Australia's Top 10 Entrepreneurs under 30 for 4 consecutive years. He is also named "The Young Aussie Millionaire That Didn't Finish Uni" by the Sunrise.

Please handover a blade so I can slit my wrist kthxbai.

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SO, what does this down-to-earth bloke have gotta say about Entrepreneurship?

HARD WORK AND ON- GOING LEARNING ARE THE KEYS TO BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR

HARD WORK

Talent is overrated, said Jack. You want to be successful - you just gotta work hard. There's no easy way. Period.

Whoever tells you it is going to be easy - RUN.

ONGOING LEARNING

Jack cannot emphasise enough the importance of on - going learning and personal development. 

Ask yourself:

How much have you invested (both time and money) in learning in the last 3 years?
How much have you invested into professional and personal development?

*Just because the guy tells you he has 20 years experience doesn't mean he has 20 years worth of experience. It could probably just be the same experience, repeated 20 times.*

ALWAYS ALWAYS invest and dedicate time into learning.

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Lets have a quick look at some stats from the 2012 Dun and Bradstreet Business Start-Up and Failures Report before Jack's Tips to Entrepreneurial Success:

1. Business bankruptcies have increased by 48% in the last 12 months alone.

2. The number of businesses starting has decreased by 98%.

3. Of the business that started between 2007 and 2009, one third have already failed.

What should you be doing (or shouldn't be doing) to make sure your business is not one of the ones that went bankrupt the ones that failed?

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JACK DELOSA'S 7 STEPS TO ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS:

1. Lean Start Up

Discover quickly what works and what doesn't.

Jack's #1 rule to start up: To fail and fail fast.
Enter the market fast and find a viable business model before you run out of business funds.

Failure is not the main reason start ups failed - the inability to fail fast and find a viable & sustainable business model is.

2. Branding

Develop a brand that compels people to do business with you.

"When you establish a personal brand and business brand that is visible in the media, opportunity starts to find you"

3. Business Development

Create leveraged ways of generating business through strategic partnerships and leveraged PR/ media coverage.

THREE QUESTIONS when it comes to identifying SYNERGY OPPORTUNITIES and DEVELOPING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS:

- WHO is your complementary business/ partner?

So how do we identify a complementary business?

1) Where do my customers go BEFORE they buy my products?
2) Where do they go AFTER they buy my products?
3) Who services the same target market as I do but offers different products and/or services?

- WHAT is the compelling reason for this strategic partnership?

Always lead with what YOU can offer when it comes to establishing strategic partnership.

"If its not free, it has gotta be a SHIT HOT DEAL" 

- HOW to develop compelling offer to consumer that benefits both parties?

The Maccas and Disney partnerships which benefit both businesses over the years, from Happy Meal deals to setting up McDonalds at Disneyland theme parks.

Always remember: 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing.

4. Online Strategy.

Aim for market leadership online.

That translates to drive more traffic to your website and convert more traffic on your website.

Everything is possible on the internet in today's world - all you need leverage the web technologies to build strong relationships online. 

5. Management.

Implement efficient management that enables growth and this could be done via centralised systemisation. 

Centralised systemisation ensures that the operations are synchronised across the business, employees have clear instructions and understanding on tasks they are required to perform and most importantly, to maximise efficiency. 

According to Jack, The Entourage systemised almost everything - from operations manuals to reporting and letter templates to the EXACT direction to the nearest post office. I shit you not.  

"Everything that happens twice, we systemised" 

- Jack Delosa on centralised systemisation of The Entourage - 

6. Capital Raising and Acquisitions. 

Know how to raise funds for your business and acquire other business (when the opportunity arises).

CAPITAL RAISING

Only 1 succeed out of every 4,000 businesses that tried to raise capital.

Many would put the blame on "insufficient funds in the Land Down Under" when it comes to failure to raise capital but really, the #1 barrier to raising capital drills down to not finding the right opportunity and entrepreneurs are often not prepared when the doors open.

Entrepreneurs should ALWAYS be prepared with the answers to these THREE QUESTIONS ON EVERY INVESTOR'S MIND:

1) Will I lose my money?

The investors want to know if you have a solid foundation and business model. What's the concept of your business? Do you have any proof to back these up? Who's driving the business? Do you have a mentor to guide and coach you?

2) When wil I get my money back?

The investors want to know if you have a clear and defined exit strategy which will guarantee their return. What's the timeline/ lifecycle of the business?

3) Will I make money?

The investors want to know if there's any growth opportunity within the business. What are the milestones achieved to date and how likely will the investor make a return? Is the projected future real and realistic?

If you have got these questions covered, your success rate will definitely be higher the next time you meet your potential investor(s). 

ACQUISITION

Why should I acquire another business when I am planning to sell my business in the short term anyways? One may ask.

According to Jack, the valuation of an average business sold is 2X its profit. 

For example:

A business is worth $200k, you bought it for $400k and sold it for $800k. You made an arbitrage profit of $400k. 

Such arbitrage profit seems so much more straight forward compared to all the arbitrage profits made through shares and stocks (per my finance textbooks), don't you reckon? 

7. Exit Strategy.

Build significant value (via acquisitions) and sell for the highest possible price. 

"#1 difference between a good and a great company - the leaders of great companies have LONG TERM perspective"

A great business with long term perspective will think of an exit plan at an initial stage.

Whilst you weren't expected to think of selling your business before it is launched but an exit strategy should definitely be included in your business planning as it might potentially affect your business model.

There you go ladies and gets, lot's of information consumption there. I hope you managed to have some takeaway here - just like I did and feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions. Also - since sharing is caring, (pretty please) spread the love via the "Share" and "Tweet" buttons below.


"YOU HAVE A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF YOU!"


XOXO,
A

FOTD & TIPS: Simple tricks to create a "done up" look!

Whats up buttercups? 

It has been a while since I last updated this humble space of mine. As some of you may already know, I have been living in a sea of tax textbooks, slaving away for my CA last week. Thank god, it is now over , for now. 

Hence, ThroughBeautyEyes.Com will be back and active again. No more solely Photolog and Instagram posts. :) 

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Have a party to attend but in a hurry? Wanna rock your favourite Kim Kardashian's smokey eyes but running out of time. Fret not, here are a few tips on how to create a "cheating" eye make up that looks more done up than it actually is. 

You can play around with different eyeshadows and lipsticks to look like you have created different look everyday but the basic techniques are the same! 

 Step 1: After applying an eyeshadow primer, apply a cream shadow which matches the eyeshadow colour you will be using later. It helps the eyeshadow stays better and makes it more vibrant. I used Bloom Eye Crayon in Taupe. Chanel D'Ombre in Illusoire is a my other to-go-for cream shadow. 

Step 2: Apply a dark-based eyeshadow such as taupe, grey, dark purple... anything that gives you the smokey effect all over your lid. I used my INGOT taupe e/s here but Minx from Smashbox Girls On Film Palette (swatched and reviewed) is also my other all-time favourite. You may pat on extra eyeshadow on the outer corner to create a more smokey effect. Don't forget to blend away the harsh edges! 

Step 3: Line the lower lashline with a waterproof pencil liner. The last thing you want is have your eyeliner smudging halfway through the day. My HG eyeliner pencil is Milani Liquif'eye Eyeliner Pencil in Black. 

Step 4: Set the eyeliner with a black eyeshadow. My favourite combination now is Milani Liquif'eye Eyeliner Pencil and the black eyeshadow from NVEY ECO Eyeshadow Palette. 

Not only does this step help your eyeliner stay in place, it softens the look and makes it smokier too. Double bingo! 

Step 5: Apply waterproof liquid liner on your upper lashline. Don't forget to wing it. I am using Maybelline Hyper Sharp Liner in Black.

Final step - Apply generous coats of your favourite mascara to complete the look. My current favourites which give me those luscious lashes are Australis Voluptulash and Australis Killer Curls. 

VOILA - the complete look! 

Don't forget to put on your favourite coloured contacts/ circle lenses. It does make a difference. I am using EOS J203 Adult Green (reviewed HERE) but EOS G201 Max Pure Gray(reviewed HERE) is also my other favourite when I want to go for the more dolly/Japanese look. 

On my FACE

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Soft Nude

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory (as highlighted)

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Make Up

Hello Kitty Compact Powder in Pashmina Ambre (as bronzer)

ELF Natural Radiance Blusher in Glow

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

On my LIPS

Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait

As it was just another casual Sunday, I decided to go with a more neutral-toned lips rather than a bold one. But feel free to swap it with a loud fuchsia lip or a bloody red lips if you wish to - whatever that floats your boat. 

Another version - using Minx from my Smashbox Palette and MAC Watch Me Shimmer lipstick PLUS falsies :)

This is what I like about make up - there is so much room for creativity - as long as you don't go overboard, mix and match fun times always give you a pretty final result. 

Running out of getting-ready time before a night out with the chicas? Here's the wrap up for a few tips that could come in handy :P

* Put on some coloured contacts/ circle lenses

*Use darker eyeshadows (swap taupe for grey or dark purple) for a smokier effect

* Smudge your lower lash line 

* Coat on LAYERS of mascara (Or you might add on some falsies if you wish)

* Play around with your lipstick collections 

What are your cheat-tricks when you are running out of time to get ready?

Have a great week lovelies!!

XOXO,

A

FOTD & TIPS: The Glasses Make Up ft Jane Iredale Lips Fixation in Passion

Had a long and epic weekend and find it a little hard to put on your contact lenses on a Monday morning? Remember, just because you need to rock those glasses on a Monday, doesn't mean you have to look any less gorgeous than any other day. :)

There's always the glasses make up look! Can't make your eyes pop? Go for a bold, bright lips!

Here's my take on the glasses make up look and some tips for you: 

Simple eye-make up but enough to pop behind those frames and bright, chilli red lips.

 My favourite Ray Bans :)

Neutral lid - champagne coloured lids and a hint of dark olive outer corner for some dimension.

 A slight twist from my usuals - double-winged liner with bright silver liner in between. 

On my EYES

Urban Decay Primer Potion

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study

NVEY ECO Eyeshadow Palette

Maybelline Hyper Sharp Liner in Black

Shu Uemura Shimmer Eyeliner in Commet Silver

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Kiss Me Heroine Volume & Curl Mascara

 Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Hazelnut

On my FACE

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Soft Beige (foundation)

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Make Up

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory (as highlighter)

Flomar Terracotta Blush On

Hello Kitty Compact Powder in Pashmina Amber (as bronzer)

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

Jane Iredale Lips Fixation in Passion

On my LIPS

Jane Iredale Lips Fixation in Passion

(a GORGEOUS lip stain with great pigmentation)

 The completed look without glasses. 

Can't leave the house without your Ray Bans or Dior glasses today? 

Just a few simple tips to keep in mind:

- Neutral eyes

- Double-winged liner with bright silver liner in between

- Cool-toned/ subtle baby pink cheeks

- Bright chilli-red lips

AND, you're good to go!!!

Do you wear make up when you wear glasses?

Let me know your fav glasses make up look! 

Is the framed glasses + bright chilli-red lips your cup of tea?

XOXO,

A