Chromefingers

This is definitely a weird one but, you know me, always willing to try things so you don’t have to! You know how obsessed I am with my nails, right? Have you seen Rihanna’s nails, all done up in leopard print? Or Beyonce’s chrome nails? No? You should read more celebrity magazines then.

Nail art is a hot trend right now – think chrome, prints, patterns and things you might not normally get straight out of a bottle. There are a few options if you want to go the professional route, but who has time to spend with their manicurist (or maybe that’s just me). One of the DIY options is Manicare Glamnails nail enamel strips. It’s 16 coloured strips, or 16 coloured strips + 16 french tips, depending on whether you want to go coloured or classic. It’s essentially nail polish in strip form – peel the backing layer off, then the top protective layer, gently press into place and file the excess off. Sounds easy in theory, but it’s actually quite tricky. It took about the same time as painting my nails, only there was no enjoyable relaxing in between coats. It was also quite messy; between pulling backings off and filing excess bits away, I ended up covered in crap.

For my first attempt, I did a reasonable job. There are catches on about 5 nails, and the edges aren’t perfect on a few others. In fact, I think I only have one perfect nail. Problem is, I can’t patch the chips because it isn’t a polish. This is supposed to last for 14 days, but I’m fairly sure I will take it off the other side of the weekend (it comes off with nail polish remover). Whilst I’m sure you get better the more you do it, I can buy a bottle of nail polish for the price of 2 packets of these nails. Definitely a novelty if you want to do something like Bling Bling silver glitter, but maybe not so much for regular old pink (15 colours in the range).

Price: $9.95 for colours, $10.95 for french tips
From: Priceline, Myer, K-Mart, Target and Big W
Why you need it: Good if you want to give something new a try

Picture credit: Manicare

Pretty & Messy...words to live by

I’m loving all the hair and makeup inspiration that is pouring in from the various fashion weeks all over the world. With 2 weddings on the calendar, and subsequently 2 hens, I have been mulling over hair and makeup looks for these auspicious occasions. I have my dress and shoes already, so all I need is jewellery, potentially a belt and a kickin’ hairstyle.

When I’m bumming around at home I quite often do my hair in a French braid diagonally across my head, so I was stoked to see my 'at home' hairstyle on the runway this week at Clements Ribeiros. The hairstyle (created by Barney Martin for Pantene, I believe) is very much the ‘pretty mess’ trend we are seeing at the moment, and I am all about pretty messy, loose & textured and looking like you did your hair in 3 minutes (which is sometimes true, and sometimes it takes an hour to look that undone). Obviously the guys who created this are hair geniuses and I am not, so I’m interpreting it to suit myself and my skill level.

How did I do it? Glad you asked. Washed hair (O&M ‘poo and condy), then let it air dry just a little. Sprayed it chock full of O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz and blow dried. This thickening spray is seriously juicy. It’s one of those products that you use all the time and forget about, like a silent, unsung hero. Someone asked me the other day what my top 5 products were and I rattled off 5 and then later realised I forgot Chapstick, even though I use it more than any other product in my arsenal. This spray? Like Chapstick, but for hair. Only not.

I french braided from the top left of my head to the bottom right. I probably should have done it a little tighter, so mine is less pretty messy and more actual messy. Then once I had braided to the end, I looped it back up and pinned it into place. I had a side part and sweep across the front, although not as severe as the high fashion version. Also, I did my part with hair moving away from the start of the braid, while the proper version is the opposite. Creative license. What do you think? This hair teamed with my floral church dress for my friend’s hens at the Victoria Tea Room? I better practice stirring my tea without clinking.

Price: $27.95
From: Selected salons, Adorebeauty
Why you need it: So you can do hair like mine. Hint: it’s also excellent for heat protection and giving hair lift and texture, which is SHRN (so hot right now – I learn all my acronyms from Dolly magazine)

Picture notes: I shamelessly thieved the top picture from PRIMPED because I couldn't find another one and this best demonstrated what I was trying to do - sorry PRIMPED girls! O&M pic from O&M; my hair pic is just amusing because one is with flash and one is without. Both are me, I promise!

How to survive humidity and air-conditioning

I’m going to put it out there that my skin always turns to shit in humidity. It really hates the heat and stickiness of outside air, then the shock of my dry, gross air conditioned office. Of course, you can’t use the hardcore thick winter creams in summer because it feels too heavy, but most ‘light’ creams don’t cut the mustard.

In a total fit of frustration about a month ago I raided my cupboard looking for a solution (something! anything!) to keep my skin hydrated but not clogged, and that wouldn’t cause an allergic reaction like everything else I had tried. I came across a sample pot that I was given in the States last year; Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. I cautiously opened the lid and WOW. It’s a gel cream, with an unusual jelly-like texture that is light and slippery, but not greasy or slimy. Being Clinique, I figured I didn’t have anything to lose so I slapped it on. My skin instantly felt hydrated, and continued to feel hydrated for the following 12 hours. The moisturiser sunk in straight away, so my makeup went on fine and didn’t sink in or slide off. Relief.

The pot recommends applying a thick layer and leaving it for 10 minutes as a mask. Noted. My hint here is to throw it in the fridge first so it’s nice and cool. This product is perfect to use both as a day cream and a night cream, and you can even dab some on over makeup in the afternoon for an extra moisture hit. After using this for about a month now, I am really happy with the results, and I’m bummed my sample pot is empty because now I have to hit the counter (a trip to a Clinique counter never ends with just one product in the bag). Moisture Surge has shot right to the top of my ‘multi-function magic beauty product of choice’ list.

Price: $75 (50mL)
From: Clinique counters
Why you need it: Super moisturising, feels good, not too heavy, not too light (now I feel like cereal), doesn’t clog pores and you can trust Clinique

Picture credit: Clinique

Lola...lo lo lo lo lola...

I can’t believe that I haven’t done a birthday wrap-up, but I have to tell you about one of the best presents I got on my big day a couple of weeks ago.

This ring has been scientifically proven to increase the number of compliments you receive in a day by roughly 782%. It’s an attention seeking whore, shamelessly thieving all the adoring gazes and proudly stealing all the thunder from the rest of your outfit. Damn you, Lola, and your flirty ways.

I have already talked about how amazing Lola smells, so let’s focus on her multi-function glory instead. It’s the perfect hybrid – my love of beauty products with my love of oversized cocktails rings. Talk about a match made in heaven.

It’s light, comfortable to wear and looks fancy. Add to that the convenience of always being able to smell good and you have pretty much the most practical piece of jewellery ever. The balm holds up to the heat really well (bonus, in this weird weather were having), plus it comes in a super-cute little pouch. Pretty simple, really.

Price: $65
From: Myer, DJs and selected pharmacies
Why you need it: Like James Brown said “You look good, you smell good, you feel good and make love good". Lola can definitely help with 2 of those, maybe even 3 and potentially all 4, depending on what turns you on (please keep that to yourself though).

PS - yes, I have chipped it already. I did that the first time I wore it. So clumsy.

DDF - serious business

I have so much to say about new skincare line DDF (Doctors Dermatologic Formula) that I had to split it into two videos. If you make it through both, then cookies to you.

About DDF



Meet the range



As I mention, DDF is stocked exclusively in kit. Pop into a store or Myer kiosk to grab some samples and try it out for yourself. To give you an idea of prices:

Sulfur Therapeutic Mask: $54.95 (113.2gms)
Discoloration Reversal Pods: $104.95 (28 pods)
Wrinkle Resist Plus PoreMinimiser Moisturising Serum:$124.95 (50mL)
Advanced Micro-Exfoliation Cleanser: $67.95 (177mL)

This is a great brand for addressing particular skin concerns, and I have been pretty impressed. I have someone trialling the Sulfur Therapeutic Mask at the moment, so I will report back as to whether hardcore use really makes a difference (so far, so good!).

Thanks to Kat for helping me edit this baby into two vids.

Peanut Butter time!

I had been working on a great big post about this amazing new skincare brand that I was fortunate enough to go to the launch for, and all the hero products in the range and blah blah blah when I thought ‘you know what? Too serious for a Friday. Friday’s are for funsies!’ and so I hit save, closed the document and ate some chocolate. Ding ding ding! I’m in love like the little sock puppet on the Telstra ad.

One of my absolute favourite American candy brands is Reese’s. OMG peanut butter and chocolate were meant to be combined. On that, I highly recommend PB and Nutella on toast. Anyway, imagine my delight at learning that Lindt do a Peanut Butter Lindor Ball. Marrying sweet, creamy peanut butter with the quality of Lindt in a tasty little bite-sized morsel. Swoon! Heaven! (Better than Reeses, but don't tell them I said that. I'm not in the business of hurting feelings)

These bad boys are only stocked in Lindt Chocolat Cafe’s in Sydney and Melbourne, so for anyone up north or out west you have my deepest sympathies. If peanut butter isn’t your thing (we can’t be friends) then you might want to try a raspberry ball. So much deliciousness in one tiny chocolate.

Price: $10.49 for a 150g box, or $1.20 each in the pick and mix
From: Lindt Chocolat Cafe
Why you need it: Why don’t you need it?! Honestly! As the cookie monster would say, this is a sometimes food. As I would say, hoe in. As my boyfriend would say, you have chocolate on your chin, you dirty grub.

Picture credit: Lindt; one of the balls right before I devoured it

Pour a little sugar on me, baby

Swirl and pop. Swirl and pop. When I read the instructions for Benefit Sugarbomb I was like ‘really? Swirl and pop?’ but that is LITERALLY how you use this product! And it is so much fun!

It’s a little box of sugary goodness. After much consultation with my good friend Kat, we have decided it smells like a flower but we can’t quite pinpoint which one. It is four colours in one box – rose, shimmering pink, soft lilac and peach; and you use the cute little brush to swirl them all together before you let loose. It’s not a blush and it’s not a highlighter. It’s an illuminating powder that’s less illuminatey and more glowy. It makes you look naturally flushed and healthy.

As my crude illustration tries to demonstrate, I apply it all over. I start with the apples of my cheeks as that’s the part that I like to have the most colour (you can tell by the big arrow, right?). Then I take it upwards over the temples and across the forehead, before I sweep lightly along the nose and chin. Because it is a really subtle colour, you can build it up quite easily; that is to say, it’s pretty difficult to end up looking like a French whore.

I have been using this for a few weeks now and I love it. It’s a great alternative to liquid illuminator, and it seems to like all skin tones; it has suited everyone who I have put it on so far, which includes olive skin, asian skin and a super-whitey (guess which one was my sister. That’s right, the asian).

Price: $51
From: Benefit - on counters Feb 21st or from Adorebeauty now
Why you need it: For a sweet, sin-free sugar rush aka ‘looks like you got some’
Bonus: Adorebeauty are doing a great GWP (that’s gift with purchase for the uninitiated) when you buy this at the moment – a pocketpal Benetint and gloss that is the perfect size for clutch purses.

Picture credit: adorebeauty.com.au

Winner! Winner! Chicken dinner!

Yay! Pats on the back all round this morning...everyone is a winner. Actually, that's not true. Only certain people are winners.

Hurray for Rebecca S. and Kathleen C. who found the code word; it was shiny and it was hidden in the image next to the comb. Your parcels will be in the post as soon as I can get down to the post office.

Thanks to everyone who entered the Paraiso competition - I have loved reading all your beauty tips and I'm going to compile a post so we can all share in your wisdom. The winners were Melissa B, Joanna G, Katie O, Andrea S, Noelle L, Akisa, Joanna T, Leanne R, Anna M and Ali B. Kickass!

Thanks for playing everyone!

Image brazenly stolen from spacesick's photostream on flickr, because I use this expression far more than I should

A competition hidden in a post about shampoo

There has always been a divide between salon brands and supermarket brands. I know in the past supermarket brands have copped a lot of shit, but considering how many salon brands are now being stocked in supermarkets, the river separating them has now become a mere stream. Brands like Toni & Guy, Joico, De Lorenzo, Tigi, L’Oreal Salon and even my beloved kms are all on supermarket shelves and can all be picked up pretty cheap, so you have to think haircare is going the same route as skincare and the lines between mass and prestige are blurring into one big masstige mess.

Where was this going? Oh right. Point is, supermarket brands have come a long way. I can put my hand on my heart and say this because I have been using the Pantene Deep Fortifying Range and it’s pretty spiffy. Pantene claims it ‘reduces hair fall due to breakage’. Eh? Makes hair strong. Beefs it up. Stops it breaking.

There’s the shampoo and conditioner, and also the treatment. Remember when I raved about the 3 Minute Miracle Treatment? I would suspect the two are very similar in formula, being from the same family and all. This way it’s just in a bigger tube.

Price: $7.69 for the shampoo/conditioner and $6.99 for the treatment BUT I have seen a really cool gift pack of shampoo, conditioner, and 3 minute miracle treatments on sale for half price in Coles this week ($10 for all of that, I think?! – I can’t find it online, so it might just be my local)
From: Supermarkets & Priceline
Why you need it: Honestly, it’s quality haircare on the cheap. Save your pennies and splash out on the Benefit Sugarbomb that I’m going to post about tomorrow.

SURPRISE!

I have two sets of Pantene Deep Fortifying range to give away. And to sweeten the deal, Pantene have thrown in a Mason Pearson comb. I’ll assume you just got really excited by this (and if you didn’t, shame on you). Mason Pearson are the pinnacle of hair tools – I have had my MP brush for 15 years and it is still in perfect condition. These combs are simply a joy to use and I guarantee you will have it for years and years.

How do you win? The first two people who email me with the code word will get the packs. Simple as that. Hint: the code word is hidden somewhere in this post. Make sure you include your postal details*. Email is: sendmestuff@stuffthatibought.com. Subject line is: Pantene.

*I will never keep your personal information for anything but the competition you are entering

Don't forget!!!

'Ssup kidlets. Don't forget to enter my Paraiso lychee cocktail competition! Entries close at midnight tonight and I have TEN so your odds are pretty good.

It's super easy - send an email to sendmestuff@stuffthatibought.com with Lychee in the subject line and tell me the beauty tip that has saved you this summer. That's all. And then I'll share some of my favourite beauty tips and we can all pat each other on the back for having such great ideas and be that little bit more pretty as a result. Good idea? I thought so.

Dirty. Salty. Scruffy. Loose. (sounds like some of the girls who were at Good Vibes)

My hairstyle-du-jour at the moment (i.e. this week) is relaxed beach waves (my hair is getting long again weeeeee!!). It’s super quick and simple, and because it’s a messy style, I can look all unkempt and scruffy and just fake that it’s part of the look. And I like faking it (zing! That's totally not true). Bonus: it’s good second-day hair, and works well with dry shampoo.

I have found the best way to get scruffy waves is with evo salty dog; best sea salt spray I have ever used. Evo have the coolest packaging in. the. world. I feel like I am totally late to this bandwagon, but I go through hairstyle phases so, you know, live with it. Anyway, evo absolutely crack me up with their packaging. As an example, the bottle for salty dog cocktail beach spray says:

Give your hair that fresh from the beach malleability without having to deal with hostile crowds and riot police; be wind-blown; be interesting; be that urban fisherman...you salty dog you.

Clever, witty, self-referential, very amusing. All the packaging is plain white recyclable plastic with the text colour-coded depending on what ‘family’ the product belongs to. It’s the kind of packaging I would create if I were to make my own hair care line, so I feel like this line has been designed especially for “people like me”. Isn’t that what every brand manager wants to hear?

Just in case you’re interested in how I get my waves...

1. Shower. Wash, sing, lather, rinse
2. Towel dry
3. Spray evo salty dog
4. Flip upside down and blow-dry (I saw this in a primped video the other day and high-fived myself because I have been upside down blow drying for years)
5. Loosely tong random bits of hair from the mid-lengths down
6. Rub ends between palms in an “I’m rolling a sausage of play-doh” manner
7. Pout at the mirror and applaud yourself.

Price: $26.95
From: Salons - check the evo website
Why you need it: I hate to say this, but summer is almost over which means you have to fake the sea salt rather than getting the real thing. Plus it smells good.

Picture credit: www.evohairproducts.com

Primped VIP review - Olay Professional Pro-X Anti-Ageing Protocol Kit

Olay really are the shiznitz when it comes to anti-ageing products. Their Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream is constantly hailed as one of the all-time best face creams, and this new pack could follow in the very big footsteps of its stablemate. Seriously, it sold out in 17 minutes in the US and 7 minutes in China. They sound like numbers you would use when talking about selling out a Justin Timberlake concert, not a skincare set.

There are three products in the kit – Age Protection Lotion, Wrinkle Smoothing Cream and Eye Restoration Complex. It is designed for 35+ skin, as there is a proven ‘tipping point’ in women’s skin when they reach their mid-30s.

Age Protection Lotion with SPF 15

They said: Professionally designed to help boost skin’s antioxidant power at the skin’s surface and hydrates to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also helps shield from UVA/UVB evilness.
I said: Feels good going on – very silky and light. Smells very heavily of sunscreen, maybe a little more than I would have liked. Reminded me of Olay Complete Defence daily moisturiser. Wasn’t too oily so it was fine going on under foundation for daytime.

Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

They said: Professionally designed to help smooth uneven texture and strengthen skin’s surface with moisture, combating the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
I said: Yep. Felt very rich and moisturising, whilst not being heavy and clogging. I only used it at night as it would probably be too heavy as a day cream. Didn’t have any sort of fragrance.

Eye Restoration Complex

They said: Professionally designed to help restore the eye area by improving the look of dark circles and reducing the look of puffiness and crow’s feet.
I said: My least favourite product of the pack. I only got to use it a couple of times before it caused my skin to break out in a delightful rash. That said, my skin hates all eye creams as a result of years of psoriasis around the eye area, so I won’t hold it against Olay. One of the key ingredients of this product is caffeine, which has been proven in “de-puffing”.

Overall, I was pretty impressed. My skin hasn't reached the mid-30s tipping point yet, but I certainly saw some benefits from it, so I imagine it would do some serious damage to someone with the right molecular make-up that this is designed for. Bonus: the packaging is really cute. I’m a sucker for anything that looks cute in the bathroom.

Price: $99.99
From: Wherever Olay is stocked – Priceline, Myer etc. Not sure about supermarkets.
Why you need it: You can trust that Olay will always do the right thing by your skin.
In stores: February 18th
Get in line: Reserve your pack over at the Olay Professional website.

Picture credit: Olay

Spring Awakening. Wow.

I went to the theatre last night for the first time in ages. Loved it. LOVED IT. Spring Awakening at the Sydney Theatre Company. It is based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial play of 1891 (babies, sex, gayness, masturbation, oh my!) and takes you on the turbulent ride of adolescence to adulthood. Young Wendla wants to know where babies come from, Moritz the sensitive soul has to deal with failure, and Melchior wrecks havoc whilst trying to understand convention, his free-thinking rationalism at odds with the world around him (just quietly, I now have a little crush on Andrew Hazzard who plays Melchior. Cute!).

It is moving and powerful, oscillating wildly between the energy of a rock musical and the touching emotion of the script. You can see that the cast of young performers have absolutely poured their souls into this production, from the rousing dance moves in the ensemble pieces to the tears on the cheeks in the sombre moments.


I’m going to put it out there now and say my money is on Clare

Bowen (who plays the female lead Wendla) to become the Next Big Thing out of Australia. The whole cast it brilliant, but she really stood out as a raw talent, both vocally and dramatically. She is a blonde bombshell in the same vein as Teresa Palmer, but with a quirkiness in her enormous blue eyes. I had tears rolling down my face from her tortured solo in the second act. Runner up goes to Angela Scundi, who plays Ilsa, for her incredible powerhouse voice.

This one is definitely worth the pesos. They have extended the season, so you have extra time to get down and see it. And remember, when Clare Bowen is huge, you heard it here first.

Price: $40-$90
Tickets from: Sydney Theatre Company
Showing at: Sydney Theatre, Hickson Road Walsh Bay
Running until: March 7
Why you need to see it: To be uplifted, and crushed, and inspired and roused (and potentially aroused)

Picture credit: Spring Awakening facebook group; Clare @ the AFI Awards in December 2009

Current Obsession: golden grass

When doing my daily rounds of the internet a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across this beauty and haven’t been able to get her out of my head ever since. El Amuleto is an eco-conscious label from Melbourne, inspired by the colours and mood of Mexico. I have been to Mexico a few times and it is such a beautiful and vibrant country – add it to your ‘to visit’ list if it isn’t on there already.

They have both a fashion and an accessories line that are painfully hip, but I was particularly taken by one cocktail ring that I simply must have. I wonder if there is CRA – Cocktail Rings Anonymous, as I fear I could be addicted. Anyway, the Tijuana ring is made with hand weaved golden grass. This particular grass only grows in the Northwest of Brazil and can only be picked once a year. How freaking cool is that?! Mind you, it’s not like someone just goes running through the field picking bunches; this is one of those situations where the local community use weaving techniques handed down from generation to generation. The local community benefits, El Amuleto benefit and then I benefit. Everyone wins! No fields were harmed in the making of this ring.

If you’re looking for an occasion, my birthday is only 360 days away.

Price: $69.99
From: El Amuleto – they have a boutique at the Docklands Harbour Town in Melbourne and an online store
Why you need it: Eco-conscious, unique and sexy – it ticks a lot of boxes, right?

Picture credit: el-amuleto.com

Competition! Yay!

Remember when I gushed incessantly about Paraiso Lychee Liqueur at the beginning of spring? Well here’s something that will make your toes quiver with anticipation…a Paraiso promotion @ The Dolphin Hotel in Surry Hills. Freebie!

This is just the cutest promo too – it’s a very summery little cosmetics bag with red, green, blue, brown and yellow stripes and a rather inoffensive Paraiso embroidered in the corner. Tasteful. Discreet. Not at all promo-y and branded. It’s really practical inside too, with a clear plastic pouch that velcros out to be used as your carry-on. Smart. Perfect for a tropical holiday. Or just sit on the beach with your bag and drink enough Paraiso that you think you’re there*.

If you can’t make it down to the Dolphin on Friday Feb 12th for the promotional event then you’re in luck. Thanks to the kickass guys at Paraiso I have TEN to give away! PLUS each bag comes with the latest edition of Signature Cocktails (the 2010 Collection issue). That’s almost 200 pages of recipes, tips and pretty pictures.

OMG how do I win?

Send an email to sendmestuff@stuffthatibought.com with Lychee in the subject line and tell me the beauty tip that has saved you this summer. Make sure you include your name and a postal address** so I can post your goodies if you win. The competition will be open until midnight next Tuesday 16th, and I’ll pick the best 10 responses on Wednesday morning.


* I am TOTALLY kidding – no one likes the drunk girl.
**I will never keep your personal information for anything but the competition you are entering

Q10 + dull skin = super crime-fighting glow

I have been going pretty hardcore on the Q10 lately. Before I even start, I dare you to think about Q10 and not get that Nivea ad stuck in your head where the adorable Japanese girl says Q10 in her awesome accent, whilst doing the peace sign. Anyway...Co-enzyme Q10. Yes. Definitely excellent.

Trilogy originally had this amazing little serum in booster capsules, but to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the Age Proof range recently, Trilogy gave it a makeover into a beautiful little dropper bottle. Smart move, Trilogy. Everyone loves a makeover when there’s a celebration!

So what’s so good about CoQ10 Booster Serum? Everything, that’s what. CoenzymeQ10 is a basic human chemical that our internal organs need to function. When we apply it topically it helps to produce collagen, which helps our skin repair. This magic juice combats dull, tired skin so that you glow. Glow, I tell you! The intensive antioxidant also contains Tamanu oil to moisturise skin, boost elasticity, firm and smooth. All those horrible, yucky things that happen as we get older and don’t treat out skin right (air-con, coffee, bad diet, no exercise, total lack of sleep – I just described myself). Honestly, it makes my skin look juicy and not in an oily way, but in a plump, healthy way (like fresh fruit).

I massage it in at night after I cleanse my face so that it can do its good work while I sleep. I also apply it twice a week in the morning on the days that I scrub, although in all honesty you probably don’t need to apply it as often as I do. My skin was really dull, so I went pretty hardcore and now I just need maintenance.

Price: $43 for 20mL
From: Myer, Priceline and some chemists and health food stores
Why you need it: To rejuvenate your skin so that it is radiant and glowing.

Picture credit: trilogyproducts.com

Mother Mary in her habit

So I had to go to a Christening yesterday, which meant going to church. After 13 years in the Catholic school system, my trips to church are few and far between these days. I see a positive in every situation though, and a trip to church meant having to buy a church-appropriate dress (and Boyfriend couldn’t object, since it was his family).

What do I deem church appropriate? Floral and knee length. The ruffle was a bonus, although there was perhaps a little too much cleavage. That said, pretty much everything I wear has too much cleavage. Blessing or curse?

Good things about this dress:
* It looks nice
* Church appropriate also covers off weddings
* It matches my new Lola by Marc Jacobs perfume ring perfectly (best birthday present! Thanks Mama Bear and Papa Bear)

Bad thing about this dress:
* It was probably the only thing in Myer not on sale when I bought it

That’s three against one, baby!

Price: $89.95
From: Myer (it’s Bardot)
Why you need it: So you too can be church appropriate

I really should have photoshopped in a halo

The one in which I post an embarrassing photo

Here’s a dilly of a pickle for you – mid last year I made the commitment to myself that I was going to start getting regular facials to really start looking after my skin. Cut to 6 months later where my new commitment is to start saving money. Budgets need to be re-evaluated and priorities sorted. My solution is DIY facials and now I have to find exactly the right one for my skin.

In the quest for glory I went to SK-II, as their Facial Treatment Mask has cult status amongst celebrities and Japanese brides alike (mainly for the brightening properties – those ladies like to glow!). Each cotton mask comes in an individual foil sachet and has been soaked in 30ml of the magical ingredient Pitera. The mask has 12 different cuts so that it can mould perfectly to your face for maximum coverage (see how awesome I look?!).

You only need to wear the mask for 10-15 minutes to get the benefits, and you can pat any leftover residue into your face so you don’t miss out on anything. Bonus: if you put the mask in the fridge for 10 minutes first, it feels ridiculously refreshing in balmy summer weather. Double bonus: This is especially good for dealing with the day after your birthday dinner.

As with trying anything on your skin for the first time, go for a single serve first before you buy the whole tub. I also have an SK-II Skin Signature 3-D Refining Mask to try, which I will post about soon and then make my call as to which will be my flavour of choice.

Price: $28 or $140 for a 6-pack (quicker and cheaper than a salon facial, but it doesn't come with a massage)
From: SK-II counters
Why you need it: Pitera doesn’t discriminate – it’s good for all skin types.

Wispa sweet nothings to me...

Honestly, Cadbury should put me on the payroll. Coles are currently stocking Wispa Gold’s, which are a UK Cadbury bar and OMG SO GOOD! Wispa’s are basically aero/bubbly bars, and then the gold is added with a layer of caramel. Cadbury’s in the UK has a different formula to Australian chocolate because of the difference in climates – their chocolate is a little more powdery, whilst ours has a different chemical make up to prevent melting in the heat.

Anyway, this is usually the kind of product you would only find in Sugar Fix or Treats From Home, and there it is in Coles, with a ‘Made in the United Kingdom, Imported by Coles’ sticker on the back. Kudos to you, Coles, you are going to make me very fat.

Price: $1.85 or on special 3 for $3
From: Coles
Why you need it: So Yummy!! We don't have anything like it.

Picture credit: osde8info on flickr

Christina Hendricks and I have a lot of common:

• 
  In her day job, she plays someone who works at an ad agency. My research goes to ad agencies.
• She’s not a natural red head. I’m not a natural red head.
• She has big boobs. I have big boobs.
• She won a Screen Actors Guild Award. I liked looking at the pictures from the Screen Actors Guild awards.

See? So much in common we could be twins. Which is why I wanted to try and replicate her stunning make up from said SAG awards.

She did tremendous golden brown smoky eye with a natural flush and nude lips to go with that incredible red one-shouldered dress she wore. I’m not sure what products she used, but I’m fairly sure it wasn’t what I used! Here’s the tools from my attempt:

• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On eye pencil in zero to rim the inside of the eyes and create a shadow at the outer corner.
• Estee Lauder eye shadow in Bronze (which I’m not sure is still available? I remember it being from a collection a couple of years ago and, dammit, the label has rubbed off)
• Benefit Limited Edition Velvet Eyeshadow in Nice Melons for the inside corners and over the bronze to tone it down and give it more shimmer.
• Rimmel Glam Eyes mascara in Midnight Black
• Becca Cheek Crème in Tuberose
• Benefit Sugarbomb for a gentle flush and sheen (and this isn’t on shelves yet! I’ll post on it again soon)
• SLA Corrective Perfection concealer on my lips
• Benefit Her Glossiness in You Didn’t Hear It From Me on lips
  

Quite the tool kit. What do you think? Not quite a dead ringer – maybe cousins rather than sisters. The lips look far more neutral in person - they didn't photograph very well. Also, my picture looks kinda like a mugshot (shoddy hair, vacant expression), so don't hold it against me.

FYI - The Benefit Limited Edition eyeshadows have just hit Benefit counters and are, as the name suggests, only around for a limited time. There are 6 colours in the range (lily pink, golden turquoise, golden sienna, orchid silk, iced mint and papaya pearl) and they are lovely and, er, velvety. $34. Get on it.

Yum! Yum! Yum!

I was one of the many people who was appalled when Cadbury Creme Eggs appeared in my local Coles on Jan 2nd. Easter Eggs! The week after Christmas! The lunacy was just mind-boggling. Insert rant about the over-commercialisation of our holidays and evil corporations just grabbing for cash.

Well...I'm not totally backflipping, but the lead up to Easter is the only time of year that I can buy Turkish Delight easter eggs. I LOVE Turkish Delight eggs - if I could hook up an IV, I would mainline the stuff. They are like crack to me. Interesting fact: you can only buy a maximum of 12 bags at a time on Coles online. Not interesting fact: My Nan is going to the Edinburgh Tattoo tonight.

Price: $4.50
From: Supermarkets
Why you shouldn't buy them: So there are more for me.

Get 'yer scalps clean!

No one likes to admit they have dandruff/flaky scalps, so let’s make this quick, alright? Good.

Get down to the chemist and grab Head & Shoulders Scalp Massage Cream. We had a debate about this in the office last week and it appears you either like the smell of H&S, or you don’t. I do. I love it. It smells so fresh and clean. But then I also like the smell of nail polish and aniseed, so take that as you will.

Anyway, this cream is the shiznit. Make sure you grab a huge dollop, really dig in when you massage it all over the scalp then rinse thoroughly. You still with me? It clears away all the yuck stuff (I’m sure you’ve seen the TV commercials) and then it keeps the scalp healthy with aqua mineral complex. It’s pretty simple, really. It works too. My scalp gets quite dry at times and I find one or two washes with this gets me back to normal.

I also find a massage and a glass of wine gets me back to normal, but doesn’t do anything for my dry scalp. The conundrums, right?

Price: $10.99
From: My local chemist. You can also grab it at Coles, Woolies and Priceline
Why you need it: To keep your head clean.

Picture credit: headandshoulders.com.au

Smiley face

Yep. I don't need to say much in this post. I went shopping on my lunch break yesterday and this is the result. I bought these Mimi Loves Jimi shoes with the intention of wearing them to my friends wedding in April (it's beachside, so they are appropriate...kind of), but I am definitely wearing them in beforehand (um, today actually). Aren't they pretty? Don't they look like the plastic shoes you had for your barbie as a kid? The only way they could possibly be any more barbie-ish is if they were candy pink, but I definitely remember my Totally Hair Barbie having shoes this colour to match her green/blue/aqua/turquoise tie-dye dress (I had the brunette and my sister had the blonde with the pink dress). Funny the things we remember.

Price: On Sale! Woohoo! $50
From: General Pants
Why you need them: Party shoes!

I also grabbed another ring, because goodness knows I don't have enough cocktail rings already. Thing is, they just keep getting bigger and bigger. I'm not lying when I say this latest one takes up half my hand. Not exactly practical, but few of my purchases ever are. Do you think it's too much?

Price: $23
From: Diva
Why you need it: Just in case you end up in a dark alley, you are amply equipped to knock the crap out of the dude who tries to steal your purse. Sure beats pepper spray.

Stats amazing!

In my Real Life Day Job I am a research nerd. “But Elise”, I hear you thinking, “You are far too cool and awesome to be a research nerd. Don’t they wear glasses and carry calculators?” Yes, it’s true. I do wear glasses and carry a calculator, but I’m also busting stereotypes by wearing blue nail polish and a bold red lip (although not together, cos it kind of clashes).

Imagine my delight then, when a press release came through that was full of stats and graphs. I gobbled that shiz up like it was going out of style, carefully evaluating the sample sizes, time periods and any potential weighting factors. Probably not how the poor PR imagined her press release would be received, but combining my love of statistics with my love of beauty was just so exciting!

Sample sizes aside, I can confidently say I endorse the results because I have seen them for myself. On myself. That is to say, everything these results proved, I have also proven because rosehip oil is just that darn good.

Yes, I’m on my rosehip oil soapbox again. When Trilogy tell you that their clinical studies show rosehip oil improves the colour of scars by up to 41% and improves the visible area of stretch marks by up to 43%, you can catch me nodding along sagely. Having the DD’s that I do, I know all about stretch marks. I have been using rosehip oil on my décolletage, and not only is my skin softer and smoother, but the stretchies are definitely fading. This is Very Good News.

Also very good news is how cheap rosehip oil is. I really don’t understand how every woman worth her fine lines and wrinkles doesn’t have a bottle on her bathroom sink. Don’t make me come over there!

Price: $20 for 20mL, $35 for 45mL (go for the big bottle...more cost efficient)
From: Myer, Priceline and some chemists and health food stores
Why you need it: Fine line, wrinkles, dry skin, scars, stretch marks...the list goes on

Picture credit: trilogyproducts.com