Ardency Inn

Ardency Inn. I heard about this French cosmetics brand a long time ago. After seeing swatches on Temptalia's site I really wanted to try this brand out. Alas, here in Australia we miss out on the majority of really cool stuff but Mecca, (the gods that they are) are now stocking it! It's an online exclusive at mecca.com.au and Mecca have it exclusively in Australia. How exciting!!!

Ardency Inn's brand "theme" is about the Modster and Punk look. They boast a full range from foundation to lipsticks but it's apparent that eyeliners are definitely their "thing", which obviously works in with the punk theme they've got going on.

 It's very reasonable priced and along the prices of other popular brands like MAC and Urban Decay ($30 an eyeshadow, $28 for eyeliners etc). The only thing that I've seen that I think is WAYYY overpriced is the cute little Punker crystal studs at $57. I really wanted to grab them but definitely not at that price. 

Here's what I bought from Mecca: 
Modster Manuka Honey enriched pigment eyeshadow in Punch ($30):

Modster Smooth Ride Supercharged eyeliner in Lemon ($28):
Modster Smooth Ride Supercharged eyeliner in Turquoise ($28):

Modster Long Play Lip Vinyl in Original Mix ($34):

Swatches: Original Mix, Punch, Lemon and Turquoise

Available: online exclusively at Mecca.com.au
RRP: from $28 to $57

MAC Techniques: Trend 2015

On Thursday the 19th, I attended a MAC Techniques workshop. I haven't attended ones for YEARS, so it was nice to go to one and learn something new. The Technique class I went to was "Trend", which is based on the recent Melbourne Fashion Week trends and what we'll be seeing, and doing in the new season.

These are the top tips we learned for taking our makeup into Autumn:

* Natural but pretty makeup is key this season. Less drama. Less harsh lines. 

* Skin is returning to a velvety powdered finish ~ however, this is only through the t-zone. The cheeks are still taking on a glowy, more dewy finish.
* Contouring is still in, but rather than a straight line, its focus is much more angular, think 135° angle vs 100°

* Brows are still remaining defined, however, it's with less harsh lines/ more natural. Using a MAC 239 brush is perfect to create these brows. 

* Bold eyeliner is still in, however, it's being paired with minimal lashes ~ nothing dramatic here!

* Or in reverse: Massive, thick, voluminous lashes with little, to no liner. 

* Burgundy is the next big thing in colour! 

Other great tips I learned:

* Highlight before you contour. This will naturally shadow you, so you know exactly where you should contour! 

* Try fluidline as an eyeshadow base. like duh right? I can't believe I have never thought about doing that. 

* Try a MSF with some fix plus as a nice sheen over eyeshadow, or as a highlight. 

* A nice combo: A cream colour base with strobe cream sponged on over the top as a cheek highlight.


After the demonstrations, the MAC artists made themselves available to answer our questions or queries about the products that were used or any techniques people may have wanted to master. It was a really good night, and I'm appreciative that I had been invited to it (not that you have to exclusively be invited, a work colleague had asked If I wanted to go). 

If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these master classes, I highly recommend it. You also get nibbles and drinks to snack on throughout the session and a cute little "study book". There are different types of master classes, like beginner classes, glamour, trends etc. 

Technique classes are $120 but is completely redeemable in products.
Each class runs for 2 hours. 

Call your local MAC store to find out more, or when the next class is.