The BECCA Experience: Special Occasion Makeup

Becca @ David Jones in the heart of Melbourne's CBD

Becca @ David Jones in the heart of Melbourne's CBD

Becca and I don't go back that far, so when I was asked if I would like to pop in to my local Becca counter for a proper getting to know you, I jumped at the chance.

Last Saturday Kristi of Becca educated me about the brand's history -- Becca was started 10 years ago in Perth by Rebecca Morrice, whose mainstay focus has always been on beautiful skin. Everything else is a thoughtful, yet secondary, addition.

In 45 blissful minutes I was naturally elevated from no makeup Nicole to a better version of me.

Here's a picture heavy walk down memory lane.

Before

Before

Need a brush?

Need a brush?

The One Perfecting Brush (foreground)

The One Perfecting Brush (foreground)

Kristi (left) and me

Kristi (left) and me

Discussing Becca's Compact Concealer, complete with two types of coverage (medium and extra) for those days when you need a little less or more.

Discussing Becca's Compact Concealer, complete with two types of coverage (medium and extra) for those days when you need a little less or more.

Blend, blend, blend.

Blend, blend, blend.

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Which Shimmering Skin Perfector did I pick: Opal, Moonstone or White Pearl?

Which Shimmering Skin Perfector did I pick: Opal, Moonstone or White Pearl?

Using Moonstone (Pale Gold) as a highlighter

Using Moonstone (Pale Gold) as a highlighter

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Contouring my cheekbones 

Contouring my cheekbones 

Brow action

Brow action

Lips like sugar.. That's Becca's Beach Tint in Watermelon for lips and cheeks.

Lips like sugar.. That's Becca's Beach Tint in Watermelon for lips and cheeks.

Checking out Kristi's handiwork

Checking out Kristi's handiwork

According to Kristi this particular mirror has the best light.

According to Kristi this particular mirror has the best light.

The goods! There's an in-depth rundown below...

The goods! There's an in-depth rundown below...

The final look

The final look

Here's a list of everything Kristi used in the look above:

Skin - 

Eyes - 

Lips & Cheeks - 

Miscellaneous - 

And how did the makeup perform? In a word, great! Everything lasted, never budged and looked just as fresh as when it was first applied. 

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for BECCA's Special Occasion Makeup Service:

  • $75.00 AUS redeemable booking fee

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

  • 9 out of 10 bags — I loved learning about and experiencing Becca's makeup range.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

  • Before leaving, I bought myself The One Perfecting Brush, Beach Tint in Watermelon and Mineral Blush in Damselfly.

A special thank you goes to Kristi for all her tips, tricks and time, as well as my husband, Scott, for taking pictures of silly ol' me.

*PR sample (Special Occasion Makeup session) provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

What's in your (makeup) bag? Vol. 1

Ever wonder what's in your friend's bag? Want to take a peek and see what others are wearing? Please join me each week to find out 'What's in your (makeup) bag?' Karen, my secret cheerleader, shh! Goes way back, we're talking pre-me; she's my Mom's best friend and a lovely lady too. Let's take a look inside...

Karen (left with her husband Brian) and her makeup bag (right)

Karen (left with her husband Brian) and her makeup bag (right)

Karen

Karen

Want to share the contents of your makeup bag? Send me an e-mail -- nicole at bagful of notions dot com.

Trend watch: Eyeshadow Sticks

2012 was the year of Beauty Balm, Lip Balms / Butters and nail art & glitter, but what will 2013 have in store for us? Cream Shadow Sticks! Bobbi Brown and Clinique are launching these suckers in a store near you!

Clinique's Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes

Clinique's Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes

Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

Katie Holmes is pimping Bobbi's brand and Clinique is using the effervescent candy theme.

Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Eyeshadow Sticks (retails for $28.00 USD) are available for purchase online now. Clinique's Chubby Stick Shadow is due to hit counters this February and they will retail for $16.00 USD (double that price for Australians). Although, I did read an article about price harmonisation, but when will that happen?

Will you give these newbies a go?