Friday 15 July 2011

DOES YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER 'SELL OUT'?

Did you see the article on 'Eco-Glamour' in Indulge Magazine last weekend (July 9)?  One of my week's highlights was seeing my makeup on the cover and in the promotional photos inside.  The range used for the article was Inika - a certified organic and vegan (animal product-free) mineral makeup range from Australia.

Did you know many of the product-focussed articles in such magazines and even newspapers are paid promotions?  Or at least, the brand has paid a PR company to get them in the press?  Even the giveaways are paid product placements; the brand supplies their product for the giveaway and pays for the feature!  The editor is not promoting the product because it's particularly effective, trustworthy or news - it's just an ad - or a press release from the brand itself - and as such, the information and claims should be treated the same way you'd read an advert, aware the information may be biased and ready to do your own research.

So does your local newspaper sell out?  Yes.  But in reality, most radio stations, magazines and newspapers are not in the 'news' industry, they're in the advertising game.  Keep that in mind when you read the beauty features in your next favourite magazine or community newspaper.

For your beautiful education, Lillybeth Melmoth.

WANT YOUR LOCAL BEAUTY BRAND REVIEWED?

Want to know what I thought about Inika?  Like to hear my opinion on a beauty product you've read or heard about lately?  You can!  Just reply to this email with the brand and name of the product and I'll email you my honest opinion within 48 hours, or tell you where you can find more information.

You'll be able to read through my personal review database in the near future, with a focus on NZ and local brands.  This is currently in creation and will be accessible exclusively to Beauty Bulletin subscribers through my website.  If you'd like to see me review your favourite products, email me now to request they be added to the database.

Next month:  My review of the Inika makeup range.

FACE OF THE MONTH - Hope from Matamata

My FACE OF THE MONTH is Hope Gillingham, who - after I commented about her striking bridal makeup in her wedding video posted online - tracked me down and booked a private makeup consultation.  She wanted to learn makeup artist techniques for herself.  Surely the power to apply gorgeous makeup should be in the hands of every woman for everyday - not just the paid professionals?

Hope booked the private lesson by email and, a couple of days later, we met in the cute home-salon of Beautiful Hair, near Bayfair Mall.

In the two-hour consultation Hope gave herself a makeover using her best colours and application techniques, discovered how to enhance her eyes, choose her best lipstick shades, find a perfect foundation match and more.  She took home her customised beauty profile 'Smarts Swatch' - a clever portable swatch of cards containing her best colours and personalised advice for future reference.  

Read what Hope said after her consultation, below:

BEFORE & AFTER: Result of Hope's Consultation

"Now that I have learnt some new tricks and techniques, when I put my makeup on, I put it on feeling confident the outcome is going to be good, and when finished, I feel much more beautiful.

I wanted to have some one on one tutoring to expand my knowledge and upskill on the little I knew already. I really enjoyed my time learning all the skills.  Lillybeth made my time fun and educational.  She is very encouraging, good at what she does and made me feel comfortable.

I would highly recommend Lillybeth and her ‘beautiful education’ service.  Lillybeth is down to earth and it makes for a fun day, and you walk away better off with take-home notes you can refer back to, which is a bonus." - Hope Gillingham, Matamata, June 2011

Read more testimonials on the website >

PREVIOUSLY UNADVERTISED BONUSES!

Have you considered booking me for a makeup lesson but were concerned the results wouldn't 'stick'?  Along with the 2 hour consultation and your customised Smarts Swatch, here are three previously unadvertised bonuses you'll receive when you book Lillybeth for a private makeup consultation:

1) WRITTEN SUMMARY of your best application techniques for foundation, blusher, bronzer, eyeshadow, lips and any 'a-ha' moments not already contained in the Smarts Swatch.

2) Personalised INSPIRATION BOARD that contains the brand, name and shade of every product applied in the lesson, pictures of those from the Mary Kay brand for reference (as these are not sold in stores but customers can access MK through Lillybeth), suggestions for customising your look (eg. to relax it or intensify it) and links to online resources such as animated application tips or valuable references.

Hope used products from Bobbi Brown, Jane Iredale, BYS, Rimmel, Max Factor and Mary Kay in her consultation and these were noted with prices on her inspiration board, above.

3) NEW!  ONE-HOUR REFRESHER SESSION.  At no extra cost,  this follow-up lesson can be booked 6 weeks or more after the initial consultation and is designed to refine your skills and ensure you keep your 'beautiful education' for life.

Learn more about makeup consultations >

Expires July 31st: FREE MAKEUP BAG AUDIT

FREE Mini MAKEUP BAG AUDIT (worth $57) when you book any makeup service in July!

Mini Makeup Bag Audit FREE with any of these services, until July 31st:

• Small Group Makeup Workshop ($67 pp)
• Private Makeup Lesson with FREE refresher session ($167)
• Professional Makeup (from $70)

To book, use the contact form on my website or call me on 578 4226.

SUBSCRIBER-ONLY SPECIAL: July & August

Order any Mary Kay product through Lillybeth's personal shopping service and be eligible for 40% off all your makeup brushes, tools and refillable compacts - that's wholesale prices on the already reasonably-priced Mary Kay Cosmetics.

40% discount applies to all refillable compacts, brushes (singles and sets), applicators, tools etc.  No minimum or maximum spend.  Expires August 31st.  Payment by internet banking, cash or credit card details.

Discover best-selling brand, Mary Kay Cosmetics >

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