Bye Bye Dry Hair: Natural Hair Styling with Yarok

I am always trying to use the most cutting edge, luxurious and quality products from around the world in my kit to create effortless & natural hairstyling. My latest discovery is Yarok from NYC. Developed by editorial stylist Mordechai Alvow, this line really works. A completely natural, green hair care and styling line developed for health- and fitness minding New Yorkers that were after professional results in the founders high-end salon in NYC's Chelsea. Since it has been used backstage at several fashion shows on New York Fashion Week's catwalks. While the range is fairly small, I was able to create all looks that I imagined with the few Yarok products I tried. I quickly learned that you only require a very small amount for these products to work, as they are packed with quality ingredients and rich botanical oils. Most mainstream hair products can damage the hair with frequent use and many models have extremely damaged hair due to the frequent styling. I know hair stylists that have dermatitis and skin other problems due to the exposure of harsh ingredients in hair styling products, so Yarok is a product range many have been waiting for.

Yarok is super gentle on hair and scalp and every product nourishes and protects the hair. My hair is very long and can get pretty dry at the ends, so I really loved how moisturizing the products are. All the packaging is sleek and minimal and the all the products have fun names, which describe what they do for your hair. I am already quite a fan of their FEED YOUR ENDS leave in conditioner, which doubles as heat protection. The FEED YOUR ROOTS mousse which gives an instant root lift is perfect to create volume for fine hair. The FEED YOUR HOLD hair spray creates natural hold and is perfect for setting any look. And then there is FEED YOUR DO a styling whip, perfect for short hair cuts or to texturize and enhance strands in longer hair. All products have a very beautiful uplifting smell, which is subtle enough not to be overpowering or to interfere with other products. I find these products perfect for personal and everyday use and also as hair stylist for all normal hair types. Especially for sensitive scalps and dry hair this is revolutionary. I have not yet tried them on challenging hair types, high humidity locations etc. and I will keep you up to date on how they perform under extreme conditions. I am also excited to try out the treatments and masques and other hair care products in this line soon. Read here how to create the Wild Braids look, that I have created for White Magazine. Yarok is available in Australia via one of my favourite luxury organic beauty stores: I Am Natural Store

Hot Lips with ILIA Lipsticks

Makeup by Liv Lundelius using ILIA Strike It Up Lipstick for White Magazine/ Photo by Scarlet&Sage

ILIA lipsticks are a new staple in my pro makeup kit. As I am revamping my kit after extensive research I am so excited about each new addition to my healthy & luxurious product selection. The ILIA range of lispticks is simply mind blowing, filled with modern and versatile shades. I have been on the hunt for a goregeous peachy nude like "Funnel Of Love" for a little while now, "Neon Angel" is a true magenta colour which is just perfect for that bold bright lip and works so well as a pink stain, when softly dabbed on with a finger and then there is "Strike It Up" a classic true red which is SO...striking! The beautiful high-end packaging that doesn't break when traveling in my kit is another advantage and makes them super chic for your own handbag too. The Lipstick colours are highly pigmented which means, that they work really well as as stain as well, and will last beautifully. I am beyond impressed with them and think most pro makeup artist would agree, that they are a dream to work with. I actually have a hard time taking my hands off them and have lately used them in every photo-shoot. Here in Australia a selection of their products is available via Mecca. Peeking on their US website, I just saw they came out with a concealer and tinted moisturizer range and I can't wait to try them as well. For now I have tried their Lipsticks, Lip Crayons and Multisticks , which can be used on cheeks, lips and eyes. Have you tried ILIA yet? Feel free to share your experience.

ILIA uses only the highest quality non-toxic ingredients, is certified organic and cruelty free.

The Foundation Hunt: A flawless finish with Adorn Creme Foundation

Photo by Scarlet & Sage, Hair&Makeup by Liv Lundelius using Adorn Foundation for White Magazine

Always on the hunt for a good natural foundation I recently tried and worked with Adorn Cosmetics Hydrating Creme Foundation. The Foundation: It's a mineral foundation with organic ingredients that comes in a convenient little compact. I was very impressed by the coverage, possibly the highest coverage I have seen in a natural foundation and it blends like a dream. I really liked the finish, it certainly has enough coverage for to conceal redness and light scarring. It does have a glow without being oily or shiny. It's not dewy but it's also not matte. It is completely unscented, which is great for sensitive skins and noses and I prefer products to not be scented, which gives this foundation extra points. The colour range is limited to 5 colours, I found a good match for myself, but I am not sure if it would cover all skin tones for professional use. The product is very high quality and easy to use. The only downside was the packaging: It comes in a round plastic compact with mirror, which is good for travel, however the quality of the packaging could be a little sturdier for my liking. I would love to see Adorn improving the packaging a little, but that's just me being picky.

The Brush: I used the super soft Vegan Kabuki Foundation Brush to buff the foundation into the skin, which worked extremely well. As makeup artist, to work on others I would use a brush with a longer handle. This is certainly a high quality brush that would recommend, it feels very luxurious. The Primer: As recommend to be used with the foundation I used the Hydration Plus Plumping Primer underneath. The primer feels very smoothing and lightweight on the skin, everything I want from a good primer, plus this one is silicone free, which I personally prefer. Another amazing quality product that comes in a travel friendly bottle.

The Iluminiser: For some extra dew and radiance I used the Loose Illuminiser which gave a golden sheen to the cheekbones. It's a great colour with a bit of a tan, as it has a yellow golden tone to it. Although I usually prefer liquid or creme highlighters, this is a very good product. Only the tiniest amount is needed, which makes it great for professional use as well. I have a feeling the little jar will last me a long time.

My final Foundation thoughts: Perfect for: Nighttime: It has great coverage and no SPF, Photo shoots: It photographs beautifully and evenly, making skin look virtually flawless Weddings: It does last and last and last at least on my skin. It was still perfectly in place after many hours of wear and without touchup's. It's also water resistant, so perfect for humid days. Daytime: For problematic skin that requires good coverage, with additional mineral powder for SPF Travel: Easy to carry and perfect for travel as it comes in a compact. An amazing high Quality foundation with high-end finish. All Adorn Products are crueltyfree, vegan and Australian made. The are free of parabens, talc, Bismuth Oxychloride and other nasties.

Holistic Bridal Beauty Prep: Hack For Happiness & Radiance

Don't we all want to be the best version of ourselves on our wedding day?

Besides getting fit, looking after your skin, getting healthy shiny hair and beautiful nails there is one more element to my bridal beauty prep. And this is possibly the most important for me: MEDITATION and self care. I want to feel happy and relaxed on the day, I want to be patient with my family and my partner. I want to feel comfortable in my skin, I want to be healthy and filled with energy. Marriage is a new exciting chapter in life and I want to feel ready for it.

In my job I have seen many brides that have burnt themselves out in the lead up to the wedding. Which so upsetting to see. Brides with severe breakouts, flu, colds, anxiety, stomach issues or anger and emotion overload, deprived of sleep and feeling anything but beautiful.

Just as important as our beauty routines are our thoughts and beliefs. We all know that stress can cause breakouts and other problematic skin conditions, therefore it is super important to take time out for little self love rituals along the way. Take a deep breath and take my advice: You can not afford NOT to do this. Meditation will change your life for the better. Taking only a few minutes a day it's the quick fix you have been waiting for. The benefits are even scientifically proven,just in case you are skeptic.

Benefits for the physical body:

Lowers high blood pressure Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks Decreases any tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems Increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior Improves the immune system Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy

Meditation is probably the easiest and most amazing way to prevent stress from manifesting in your body. If you have trouble quieting your mind it can be a good idea to exercise prior to meditation. This is a great way to release tension first so that you can really relax during your quiet time. Another perfect time is first thing in the morning when you get out of bed. Meditation truly improves your stress related skin issues and overall helps to find your true and positive self image.

Mental Benefits of Meditation

Anxiety decreases Emotional stability improves Creativity increases Happiness increases Intuition develops Gain clarity and peace of mind Problems become smaller Meditation sharpens the mind by gaining focus and expands through relaxation A sharp mind without expansion causes tension, anger and frustration An expanded consciousness without sharpness can lead to lack of action/progress The balance of a sharp mind and an expanded consciousness brings perfection

In my freelance schedule it can be tough to take time out for myself, so believe me, I know it is a big commitment when you are busy, but it will serve you and save time in the long term. I found out that I just simply can't sign up for any regular classes, as my schedule changes often with very little notice. I signed up for an online yoga channel, which is genius. I can practice whenever I want, right here in my living room, which works extremely well for me. They also have great meditations and overall info on their website. I am sure there are many great similar sites, this is the one we are using: Gaia. Yes, my man uses it too. :)

If you are happier to join a live class, do a little search in your local area and ask around for recommendations. There are also some great guided meditations online for free or you can buy some audios by teachers that speak to you. You can also simply sit in stillness by yourself without any guidance, but most beginners find that a little tricky to start of with. Have you tried meditation yet? Feel free to share your experience.

Unique, Artisian & Holistic: Miskin Organics

Sometimes you stumble across an indie skincare label and everything about it feels right. This recently happened to me with the lovely line of Miskin Organics, an Australian made organic skincare line with a holistic approach. The minimal apothecary bottles, pretty photography and inspiring quotes on their website show the love for detail that goes into the products. Everything is very chic and minimalistic. But before I keep rambling on I better tell you about the actual products and my experience with them:

The Smooth Cleanser is a real winner, I have already mentioned and recommended it here. Suitable for all skin types it melts onto the skin and emulsifies into a milk on contact with water. It removed all makeup with ease and leaves my skin very soft and hydrated. I am a fan of cleansing balms and love the ritual of using a cloth or my Magic Mitt by Jane Iredale, it feels so good at the end of a long day.

I also tried the Detox Face Mask, which was a very intensely purifying treatment, I recommend this to everyone struggling with breakouts or congested skin. You have to mix it with water into a paste first, which is not the most convenient ready to use application, but I found it was well worth it. It's a really amazing natural alternative for problematic skin.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Then you can't go past the lip balm with chocolate and honey. Safe and edible and ultra moisturizing.

Last but not least to my absolute favourite in the line: The Silk Body Oil it doubles as an all natural fragrance with it's beautiful exotic scent of the Monoi de Tahiti oil. To me it smells of Summer and holiday and it makes me very happy. Beside that I personally LOVE the smell, it was one of the best textures in body oil that I have tried, it absorbed beautifully leaving the skin silky smooth with a lovely sheen. I used it as perfume, body moisturizer and hair treatment and will certainly get myself the larger bottle next time. I am currently on the hunt for all natural perfumes and this is so far my favourite.

Of course Miskin Organics does not test on animals and all products are filled with only the highest quality ingredients.