“I know a lot of men and women who actually don't know the basics on how to do them but there are things you can do to inform yourself and learn how to do the basics."

“You could always get someone who knows how to do it to show you a couple of times and the first time you do it by yourself just get them to stand there and watch.”

She added that she thinks everyone should learn how to change a tyre.

“The worst thing I have come across is people of both genders being stuck in the middle of nowhere and not knowing how to change a tyre,” Jess said.

“Also learning how to tell if your engine is low on oil and radiator fluid - they are the two main things that are required to have a healthy engine."

“Checking your fluids is best to do in the morning before you go for a drive."

“Services are generally every 5000km to 15,000km depending on how old your car is.”

As for indicators that your car needs a trip to the mechanic - she said the following are things to look out for:

• ​Any noticeable noises or vibrations through your suspension and steering.

"It will almost always mean there is something wrong going on."

• Any oil leaks

"If you have been stopped on a flat surface, and you see oil marks on the ground - there might be a major oil leak and it's best to get it looked at."

• If your car pulls to one side of the road.

"It could be an indicator of a flat tyre or something going wrong in your suspension. The best thing to do is book in for a wheel alignment."

Jess said it is always best to get a qualified mechanic to look at your car if you are unsure, as even the smallest things can turn into something major.

“But women need to get out there and try these kinds of things,” she said. “Just because someone says you can't doesn’t mean you can't.

“If you sit there and live your life listening to people that are constantly telling you you can’t, you won't be good at these kinds of jobs to prove them wrong."

“Everyone can do it, it just takes a lot of experience, patience, studying and time, but if you put your mind to it, you will succeed.”​

With such beautiful outdoor locations available to us year round, why wouldn't you want to get some amazing boudoir photos as the sun was beginning its descent over the desert dunes? The stunning Perry Sandhills in Wentworth was our chosen location for our Sand Dunes Mini Shoot, and the location and these stunning ladies did not disappoint!

​How did you feel when you saw your images?

Whitney: I loved them, there were so many that I wanted and I was surprised how many there were considering it was a short session

Jess: Overwhelmed and so in love with my booty! I didn’t know it could be so plump HAHAHA

Kim: I've only seen some on the viewfinder at the shoot so far, but I know they are going to be killer! I can usually wait patiently to see my photos, but I seriously can't wait to see these..... I'm pretty sure I'm going to be broker than broke when I do!

Vee: I loved my images! Lauren never fails to make me smile and feel empowered. The images were truly gorgeous.​

​Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session?

Whitney: It renewed the want to accept the things I currently have and not be so negative about changes I have gone through.

Jess: I feel more comfortable in my skin and more free to let loose around my husband.

Vee: After every shoot I do I see myself in a better light then I did previously. I accept who I am and love the body I am in, I still face challenges when I don't feel great BUT I can look back at these photos and just think WOW! That's me, I look amazing and I felt fucking great. This helps that journey continue.

​Kim: I realised that I'd been hanging onto something that was dragging me down and holding me back at my last few mini sessions, and in life in general. I just totally let that go and had such a great time! I love my body and what it is capable of, and I love that Lauren captures it in all its glory, and I can truly be myself and it all translates beautifully into the images.
​

Vee Finocchiaro is a ball of infectious energy.

You only have to spend a short amount of time with Vee, or read through her encouraging and supportive posts on the Pure Beauty Facebook VIP group, to understand why Lauren decided to have her on her team.

When Vee describes herself as chatty, funny and outgoing, she is spot on. 

She brings to the group an extra level of enthusiasm and positivity in her role as Elite Ambassador.

We caught up with Vee (and believe me, it was hard to catch her in one spot) to get an insight into what makes the 24 year old tick:

I’m Virginia or Vee as most people know … obviously!

I am Australian, part aboriginal, Italian and Scottish. 

I love Halloween, Makeup, Harry Potter, Singing and many other things. 

Pure Beauty: What is your role within our team?

Vee: My role in Pure Beauty is a few things really! 

My full time role in Pure Beauty is continuing to empower myself, other women on and offline and other men, children and people in general. 

My other roles in Pure Beauty are makeup artistry for the clients who come through Lauren’s door and to be an assistant to Lauren.

Pure Beauty: Talk me through your background in makeup?

Vee: My background and passion in makeup started around six or seven years ago but I have always admired winged liner - it is everything! 

My bestie in high school (who is still one of my best friends) actually really got me into it. I learnt a lot from watching her and seeing what she used. 

I began loving it after high school and I had a real passion for coloured lipstick. I bought a couple of bold pigmented colours that really stood out. 

I basically just did winged liner and bold lips, then I started really showing an interest in becoming a MUA around 2017 and started taking on clients in 2018. 

By 2019 I was working and taking on more than I ever imagined and a massive thanks needs to go to Lauren for helping kick starting my makeup career!

Pure Beauty: As a makeup artist, what do you want to achieve for clients before they have a session with Lauren?

Vee: What I aim to achieve with every client is comfort. 

I love talking to them, seeing what they are interested in and what they have in their own mind. 

I usually chat to them about their shoot, hoping it eases their nerves, then get excited about what we are about to do.

But generally just to get the ladies comfortable and excited!

Pure Beauty: To be involved in such an amazing concept, what does that mean to you?

Vee: It is so amazing because I get to empower myself and others.

I get to be part of a movement and it means everything. 

I am able to encourage and pass on beautiful vibes and share my story and be part of others.

Pure Beauty: So be involved in something that is life-changing, how would you describe it?

Vee: It is truly inspirational

I am so honored I can be part of this life changing process. 

It can be super confronting toward yourself, knowing how hard you can be on yourself and see what other women are like to themselves. 

So seeing women grow and being able to tell them and show them how beautiful they are is just breathtaking and exciting.

Pure Beauty: What would you say your most memorable and powerful moment has been while being involved in Pure Beauty?

Vee: Being a part of an ambassadorship has been powerful in itself. 

Every moment I have had with Lauren in Pure Beauty has been powerful and memorable but personally, my own recent photo shoot changed everything.

Pure Beauty: On that, we have chatted about being the scenes, when you aren’t the focus of Lauren’s camera. But what about when you are in-front of the lens - how would you describe how the session makes you feel?

Vee: It is so hard to explain everything you actually feel having your own shoot but here goes! 

Everyone is their own worst enemy and critic so I recommend having a shoot more than anything! 

Having a shoot made me feel like a beautiful confident woman, and it still does! 
It made me emotional, happy and I laughed so much! 

It made me feel the best I have ever felt. I now look in the mirror with a smile and I am so fucking happy!

Pure Beauty: What about seeing the absolute magic Lauren creates with her work?

Vee: Seeing the magic Lauren creates is so fucking beautiful! 

That woman deserves awards; I tell you what! 

It really is like magic, seeing these women walk out differently, or sometimes seeing them in a few weeks or months - they are different women!

Pure Beauty: You are an inspirational and strong woman yourself, but who is the most influential woman in your life and why?

Vee: My mumma! 

She has always taught me to be true to myself, kind and honest.

My mum always told me that I was beautiful and to dress how I wanted, and she always said the right and empowering things.

My mum is also the strongest woman I know. I cannot praise that woman enough! She has influenced me in the best ways possible! 

I love you Mumma x

Pure Beauty: What about in the public area, who do you look up to most?

Vee: Lauren is definitely one of the females I admire most. 

She’s a beautiful woman, boss and friend! 

Her work speaks for itself and she is an idol to myself and I am sure many others.

And my friends! 

I look up to them because they are also kind hearted and empowering and seeing them strive for their dreams is inspiring as hell!

CHANCES are around town or through Pure Beauty you have come across Kim Long.

Kim’s one of those people that dabbles in a lot of things. One of those people that you wonder how she has time to do it all. But she does and she does an amazing job; from being an elite ambassador for Pure Beauty, to her full time job in mental health, to volunteering, and of course who can forget - single super mum. Kim’s been with Pure Beauty since the introduction of ambassadors.

On the Facebook groups you’ll always see her name pop up beside comments full of encouragement and wisdom.
But who is Kim? What makes her tick?

She shares the honest and refreshing story of Kim Long and being an Elite Ambassador below:

So, here’s me in a nutshell…. I’m a 47 year old, single mum of two amazing boys, who both drive me nuts, but I would kill for, in the same breath.

I work full time in Mental Health (and love it), but have a habit of over committing and am looking to sink my teeth into some part time study in all of my spare time! Ha!

I was married for 12 years, and I’m now really comfortable being on my own again after my marriage broke down 2 years ago.

I hate baths, actually like long walks, on the beach or wherever! I love Reformer Pilates and practice aerial yoga at home in my aerial hammock.

But who am I as a person?

I struggle with social anxiety and have done for the past five years - which is interesting, considering I ran my own business, was always putting myself out there and attending launches, business events and promotional events, getting up and doing speeches, demonstrations and running events either by myself or with my beautiful clients to help back me up!

I’m always the first to get up and speak publicly (for Lauren), which is why many people are surprised that I struggle with social anxiety!

I am a passionate and caring person and love to give back when and where I can. 

I volunteer, and get such a feeling of peace and happiness in doing so, usually to the point where I cry when I’m talking about the charity and what we do!

I am a fierce friend, although I’m useless at ringing people to catch up for a chat! 

I always try to self sabotage friendships (thank-you anxiety), but I do eventually manage to talk myself out of it.

I doubt and second guess almost everything I do except for work decisions and modelling for Lauren.

But I’m constantly questioning my worth to other people which is at times really overwhelming.

Even while I’m with my friends I’m still telling myself that they will figure out I’m not worth it and stop keeping me around. 

Anxiety really sucks!

I firmly believe in removing the negative and toxic relationships from my life, and living in the now and doing what I enjoy. 

Other people will always have a perception of who they think you are, and you will never please everyone, so I don’t push myself on anyone or try to change their opinion of me.

I am a confident person (even with the anxiety), but am useless at making decisions about myself.

I’m fantastic at making decisions for business and steering conversations back on track!

I talk … a LOT! (And write a LOT too!)

I love having time to myself - there is nothing quite as good as losing yourself in a great book.

I have a great imagination and I love acting - a passion I haven’t followed for many a year now, but I love losing myself in a role and being completely swept up into that character.