For the last 2 months, I've dropped everything and put life on hold to cram for my CPA exams end of October. While I may now be a qualified makeup artist, there's still that transition period between juggling a full time job, an escalating career, and professional studies. I don't see why I can't be both a certified accountant and a makeup artist. Who else can answer your tax questions while giving you a makeover, huh? :P

Roundup of news for the last month or so:

IMATS
Flew down to my favourite Australian capital city (Sydney) a week prior to IMATS to catch up with friends, enjoy the night life, and blow my money on pretty things.

Royal & Langnickle brushes. I spent way too much time here. Their selection was quite formidable!

Hakuhodo brushes. They're like my holy grail brushes at the moment. But comes at a steep price!

Plenty of seminars and demos to sit in on. I picked up so many good tips!

Makeup student competition. One of my friends was chosen to participate. We support you, Sami!!! <3

I bought a whole bunch of cosmetics back (mostly brushes), some which I haven't yet opened.

DMK Cosmetics foundation palettes and creme glace primer

Crown and Hakuhodo brushes with Ben Nye loose dust samples and clear makeup bag

Royal & Langnickle eye and face brushes

Super glittery lip glosses. I couldn't choose between the first 3 so bought all of them for $7 each!

CC and I have decided to celebrate after my exams with a ceremonial opening of our Hakuhodo brushes. Yes, they are THAT awesome! And this is prior to even using them. I had plenty of opportunity to play with the products at IMATS and spent 2 hours picking out 6 brushes. Did I also mention they're displayed on a decorated pedestal back home? Well no, but they could have! (You makeup artists will understand this brush love)

MAKEUP WORK
I've recently teamed up with Porcelain Face Makeup Artistry for makeup on weekend weddings, which suits my schedule perfectly right now. It's fantastic experience and Rachel is a great mentor, as well as a brilliant hair and makeup artist in her own right. :) I generally assist in doing makeup for the bridal party (bridemaids, mother-of-the-bride) while Rachel does all the hair styling and puts her focus on the bride.

LIFE AND OTHER THINGS
I had the good fortune to come across some very inspirational people during my recent Sydney trip. They gave me a much needed motivational kick to strive harder for my goals. It's only the start, but getting up an extra 30 to 45 minutes earlier in the morning to have a unrushed breakfast and do my makeup and hair with more care has been uplifting. Not only that, it's been a real confidence boost.

I've actually been watching Lisa Elridge's videos lately (and being blamed for overuse of our internet download quota this month). Specifically, her no-makeup makeup look is absolutely amazing. CC had previously chided me for being a makeup artist who barely wears makeup except on nights out. She's right; if anything, it's keeping up the practice (and appearance). While I've more or less come to terms with my bare face (I mean, I'm kind of stuck with it for life), it's always good to fit in more practice. So while not everyone notices the change, I feel my overall look is now fresher and more alert. 16 days until this become habit-forming! :)

xxEva