Night cream dream

I’m not the only one whinging and moaning about crappy skin caused by crappy weather (although I am possibly the loudest whinger). My dear friend Kat has also been experiencing the same side effects from this glorious almost-winter wind and rain fest. To help ease her pain I threw her a tub of Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream and instructed her get hydrated. Then report back, obvs.

“During the night your skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients is at its peak, so by using a cream which is designed to nourish and moisturise the skin you are giving your skin a high-5. Night creams contain more nourishing anti-aging active ingredients that stimulate cell renewal, restore skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. And since winter has come along with a cold and wet vengeance, my skin has been freaking out and looking a little lacklustre. My combination skin is also very dry in certain areas - talk about an identity crisis!

It’s Clarins to the rescue! Specifically their Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Cream which contains kiwi extract, organic carob extract and other incredible ingredients which boost cellular renewal and encourages the production of collagen. All of which helps reduce the appearance of early wrinkles and make makeup go on easier and last longer - score! The cream itself is pretty dreamlike; it wasn't oily or too heavy (three little bears? Just right). It was also really easy incorporating the night cream into my daily routine. After some teeth brushing and face cleaning, the night cream goes on and I'm ready for some z's. Then when I wake up, my face is smooth and moisturised – ready to fight another day of air con and wind.

It's definitely a winter essential, right next to my bed socks and dressing gown. Go forth and have wonderful wrinkle free dreams.”

Good one Kat. No wonder you have been glowing!

Price: $89/50mL
From: Clarins counters, pharmacies or adorebeauty
Why you need it: To fight wrinkles while you sleep.
Extra stuff you need to know: Kat tried the lightweight cream for normal to combination skin. It’s also available in a rich cream for normal to dry skin.

Picture credit: Clarins

I have the flu...

...and it's not pretty. In fact, it's the worst flu I have had in a long time. Damn you, flu shot! Ergo, todays post is brought to you by:

• Cenovis Garlic and Horseradish + C Complex (on sale this week at Coles - score)
  
• Robitussin Cold & Chesty Cough
  
• Salt, sugar, bicarb and warm water gargle
• Lucozade (has to be original flavoured)
• Kleenex
• Allen's Jelly Beans
• Seasons 1, 2, 3 & 4 of 30Rock
• Vapodrop Butter Menthols

Have a good weekend and stay warm!

Picture credit: kleenex.com

How crap is this weather?!

I don’t know about you, but my skin is angry at the moment. There is no other way to put it. It’s the change of season and my face is screaming at me – and it’s no wonder, really. Get up. Hot shower. Go outside into the cold. Hot, stuffy bus. Cold walk to office. Hot, stuffy office. Cold walk to bus. Hot, stuffy bus. Cold walk to house. Turn the heater on. Lather rinse repeat.

I have been working overtime to keep hydrated (both inside and out) and I figure I’m not the only one battling this dilemma so I may as well share my wealth in the hopes it might work for you too.

My “beat the freeze” routine consists of Clinique Even Better serum, Antipodes Divine Face Oil and Olay Total Effects moisturiser, but it’s really the Antipodes Divine Face Oil that is doing most of the hard work (everyone else, lift your game!) This little battler is chock full of avocado oil, macadamia oil, rosehip oil (my one true love), jojoba oil and all other manner of soothing and calming bits and pieces to relax the skin after a hard day. Remember, face oil is your friend! I squeeze out a few drops and lightly massage them into my face, neck, décolletage and then my hands (you can’t forget your poor hands!) It seems to be working a treat on my skin (touch wood) but has failed to prevent this terrible cold I have at the moment. If I disappear for a few days, you know why.

Price: $33

From: David Jones

Why you need it: To keep your skin hydrated and fighting fit during MayMayhem. Curse this stupid weather.

Picture credit: www.antipodesnature.com

All I need is a Harley

I currently have a list in my notebook of all the big, expensive things I want to buy myself. Whilst I have been frequently adding to it, I had not been able to cross anything off until this weekend. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing something off a list, agreed?

My sister and I were catching up with an old friend for lunch and a couple of drinks at one of my locals (Hi Louise) and while we were waiting for her we did a few laps of all the vintage/secondhand/recycled stores down the Oxford St end of Crown St. I have found some amazing things in U-Turn and Cream on Crown in the past (hello, black leather skirt and silver cardigan) but this is by far the best. A black leather hoodie jacket. I think (and I’m not certain here) that they take old leather jackets and refashion them with hoods and pockets on the front. My sister bought a very similar jacket last year at General Pants; as an aside, now we have two matching leather jackets (I would say she idolises me, but it might be the other way around).

The jacket fits me snugly, it is beautiful soft leather and it looks bitchin. I can almost guarantee I’ll wear it every day for the next 4 months.

Price: $130
From: Cream on Crown
Why you need it: To keep you warm this winter AND look a little bit badass

All lit up

Clinique had a competition on their website a couple of months ago when they launched High Lengths mascara. Incidentally, good mascara. I like. Anyway. I won this competition because I wrote some kickass 25 words or less answer and the prize was pretty damn impressive. Clinique sent a tidy little haul of products my way AND I got a trapeze lesson. Yep. I haven’t had the trapeze lesson yet, but I will be going in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for pictures of me hanging upside down.

Amongst the goodies in the bag was possibly my new favourite product. It might not have attained number one status yet but it’s definitely in the top 5. It’s Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator and it’s lovely. There are four colours – blush, natural, peach and bronze. I got sent the peach and it’s the perfect shade for a nice shimmery glow on the cheeks with just a hint of colour. I have been wearing it with my bronzey coloured Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick glow blush for a “healthy glow” (as opposed to glowing from being actually healthy). I like the illuminator so much that I asked my Mum to buy me the natural colour overseas to mix with my foundation. Overkill? I’m going to end up looking like a disco ball.

Price: $48
From: Clinique
Why you need it: For delightfully shimmery cheeks and a radiant glow.

Tick Tock on the clock (the party don't stop)

So I bought a clock and I’m kind of in love with it. Yes, a clock. I have been obsessively flicking through home magazines (hello, Real Living) and planning a total overhaul of my lounge room to match the clock. That said, I did just blow a very huge payload on a new couch (cream, leather, sofa bed, commmmfortable) so right now it’s all about Mi Goreng and quiet nights in.


Perhaps I should just go back to sitting on my new couch and admiring my clock.

Price: $24 (on sale reduced from $80 – yikes!)
From: Victoria’s Basement
Why you need it: It’s a sweet hybrid of modern and shabby chic. Would look cute in any lounge room.

These ain't no men in tights!

I hate to admit this, I really do, but I thoroughly enjoyed Robin Hood. I only hate to admit it because I am staunchly anti-Russell Crowe. However, I saw it because for the first time in over 5 years Boyfriend wanted to see a movie and since I always pick what we see I thought I should let him have one win.

So like I said, I am anti-Russell Crowe. No matter what he is in or how many awards he wins, I have no desire to see anything he is involved in because I think he is a big fat douchebag. I feel exactly the same way about Tom Cruise. Don’t even start me on my anti-Tom Cruise tirade.

Anyway, I was completely engaged in this movie right from the start. I went in expecting a remake of the 1991 Kevin Costner Prince of Thieves, but it was totally way better. Sorry, K-Cost.

What makes this different is the fact it is essentially a prequel. It’s the Robin Hood story before the Robin Hood story we all know; what happened to turn Robin Longstride into the Robin of Loxley we are familiar with. Visually it is a stunning movie – the countrysides, the costumes, the intense fight scenes. I’m sure it will be up for a few awards next time award season rolls around. I wouldn’t expect any less from Ridley Scott though – boy knows how to put on a good show.

I have to say that one of the first things I commented on when we walked out was the fact that the two lead actors – Crowe and Cate Blanchett – both had wrinkles on their faces. What a novelty! Leading ladies and gents that show real emotion and real life! Granted, I’m sure they exaggerated Cate Blanchett’s crows feets with powder, but it was still a detail that added an extra dimension to the story. I loved it from start to finish and I never thought I would say this but I am recommending a Russell Crowe movie. I think I need a lie down.

Price: $17 (or cheaper, if you go on a tight ass day)
From: Cinemas
Why you need to see it: Mark Strong as Godfrey is worth the ticket price alone

Organic mascara vs organic mascara

There is such a huge move towards organic in cosmetics right now. I did a big analysis of key trends in the beauty industry recently and organic was definitely top of the list. I figured I may as well jump on the bandwagon and see what all the fuss is about.

Livinia
Certification: Not tested on animals (cruelty free), Vegan
They say: A gentle natural mascara to enhance the lashes, achieving a soft natural look. No clumping or flaking and Livinia Mascara is excellent for people with sensitive eyes.
I say: The first time I used this I loved it. The more I used it, the more flakey I found it though.
Comes in: black
Fattening: No
Lengthening: Yes
Staying power: Moderate
Brush: Thick and round
Price: $32
From: certain spas and chemists – check their website

Suvana Bio Lash
Certification: ECO CERT, Cosmebio, Not tested on animals
They say: Suvana’s Bio Lash has been specifically developed for sensitive eyes and is hypoallergenic and opthamologically tested. Not only is Bio Lash perfect for sensitive eyes it also has a special formulation that is nourishing and protective, and a blend of organic ingredients designed to care for the delicate eye area. Bio Lash thickens and lengthens, whilst it encourages the growth of strong and luxurious lashes.
I say: It didn’t make my lashes grow strong and luxurious, but it did feel nourishing. It was a little clumpy, but was easily brushed out.
Comes in: Cleopatra Black and Tiger’s Eye Brown
Fattening: No
Lengthening: No
Staying power: Reasonably good
Brush: Fine and round
Price: $25.95
From: Myer, pharmacies and health food stores - website here

You should give one of these a go if you have sensitive eyes, allergies or wear contacts and are concerned about irritants. Also good to know there are vegan options.

If you live in Victoria, this one's for you!

Dear Victorian Readers,

I hate you. Here is why. Twice a year HEAT have their big warehouse sale. This means you can jump in your cars, drive to Mt Waverley and buy Max Factor, Covergirl, Bourjois, Red Earth, Elite and Ulta3 for as little as $2. That's kind of a big deal. Foundation for $5? Mascara for $5? You could essentially buy an entire new makeup wardrobe for well under $100. Jerks.

When Heat had their warehouse sale in November last year over 5,000 went. That's a lot of people, so you should probably get there early. Just don't tell me about it, because I'm really jealous up here. Actually, that's a lie. I hope you go and I hope you have fun and get lots of bargains!

The Heat Warehouse sale is for three days only - this weekend!!
Friday 14th May 4:30pm – 8:30pm
Saturday 15th May 8:30am – 4:30pm
Sunday 16th May 8:30am – 4:30pm

Location: Heat Warehouse Building C, 18-24 Ricketts Road, Mt Waverley
If you have any questions, call the Heat Customer Service line – 1800 181 040

Go! Have fun! Buy lots!

Make a good hair day even better

You remember how I was banging on about the Colour Collection ghd straighteners last week? They hit shelves on Tuesday just passed and they are schmick. You may have seen the ambient ads in bus shelters? The colours are to coincide with the launch of Sex and the City 2 – ghd is a sponsor and has firmly sat itself in one of the front seats on the bandwagon.

Each straightener set comes with a black sun-glass style case (long, hard, flips open) and a heat-resistant quilted pouch. There are four colours – Purple Indulgence (Carrie), Green with Envy (Miranda), Blue Serenity (Charlotte) and Red Lust (Samantha, natch). Not sure about the SATC tie in, but the straighteners look amazing – if you check out the ghd website you can see they are going for this moody and mysterious vibe with their marketing, which I totally dig.

No surprises these are limited edition. I’m not in the market for a ghd right now (touch wood I haven’t just jinxed myself considering the week I have had) but if I was I would totally be splashing out on a green one. They look so slick and shiny, and have just that bit more personality. Plus it’s a ghd, so you know it does the job.

Price: $309
From: Selected salons or the ghd website
Why you need it: To have a good hair day (you know that’s what ghd stands for, right? You didn’t?! Well there you go)

Picture credit: ghd Australia

The facial that saved my sanity

Just before the Anzac Day long weekend I was invited to experience a Decleor Aroma Infusion Facial. At this point in time I was stressed out, wiped out and so highly strung that the simplest thing may have caused me to snap. By the time I got to my facial I was barely functioning.

My amazing therapist assessed my skin and state of mind (the tense shoulders were probably a giveaway) and started off with a Signature Back Diagnostic Massage. This involved warm Spa Relax Aromatic Massage Balm down my spine and across my shoulders. This one simple act instantly started to melt the rocks that had taken residence around my neck. Next was a Pressure Point Massage using Ylang-ylang Aroma Essence oil, which the therapist picked for my congested and combination skin. The thing with an aroma massage/facial is it’s not just using various oils because they smell nice, but also for their therapeutic benefits. Ylang-ylang has a euphoric and sedative effective on the nervous system, and helps with anxiety and tension. Hello, new best friend.

Next up she used some more regenerating oil on my face with a bit of a massage (heaven) and slapped my face with a clay and herbal mask to draw out the billions of toxins that had been having a party in my skin. She then popped another mask on top of the first one – crushed linseed for hydration. As she was putting this on my skin my senses actually started tingling (spidey senses?) – it’s that aromatherapy at work and it’s magical! Couple this magical aromatherapy with a head massage and it’s all over.

Final phase was a hydra floral hydrating moisturiser and eye & lip moisturising mask. By this time she could have covered me in cockroaches and I probably wouldn’t have cared because I was so blissed out. I tried to have a conversation with the therapist after the treatment but I couldn’t even concentrate enough to pull out my notebook let alone form a sentence. And you know what? I'm ok with that. This is how I want to feel after a treatment!!

Once I got the power of speech and the ability to hold a pencil back I started to make notes and all I could think was “When she dribbled hot oil down my spine, I sighed. When she started massaging my head, I drooled. When she started rubbing my feet, I audibly groaned. Did I just have an affair?”

Yes, I audibly groaned. The sign of a good treatment, no?

Price: From $140
From: Decleor belongs to the Spa Universe family – check their website for salons in your local area. Most of the products used during treatment are from the professional range, but you can also buy their retail versions at Myer and DJs.
Why you need it: For complete and utter relaxation, and glowing healthy skin. I don’t think I have ever felt as relaxed after a treatment as I did after this one.

Special thanks to Gwen and Mia at True Solutions for having me in for this treatment. I think you saved my sanity!

Picture credit: Spa Universe - That's totally what I looked like, although probably with more drool.

One to share with the Grandkids

Whoa Mama! Talk about the ultimate lust list item. Bulgari is celebrating 125 years by releasing an exclusive super special limited edition (all the important stuff) Eau Parfumée au thé vert 125th Anniversary Celebration Coffret (translation: box set). This is 350mL of glorious perfume in a pump atomizer engraved with silver filigree work, an extra refill bottle and a Bulgari silver funnel. Lush.

This is real family heirloom stuff. It doesn’t come cheap though at $329 AND it won’t be on counters – you have to buy it through the Cosmax office. Mainly because there will only be ten of these sets released in Australia. Talk about exclusive.

On a completely unrelated note, does anyone have $330 I can borrow? I promise it’s for a good cause...

Price: $329
From: The Cosmax office – call (02) 9695 5678.
Why you need it: To celebrate the history and class of an iconic fragrance brand. The ultimate must have for the perfume addicts collection.

Picture credit: Cosmax

Superfun nail art for a Monday!

After seeing the gorgeous polka dot nails ORLY did for Karla Spetic at RAFW last week, I went home that night and polka-dotted the sh!t out of my nails! I will warn you that doing polka dot patterns, or any patterns for that matter, is not the easiest thing in the world. Of course, one hand always ends up looking better than the other (easiest way to tell if someone is a lefty or rights is to check their mani) but it’s such a fun trend and I got so many compliments!

I started with a base of High Hopes – this is a vivid bright orange-red, almost orange-coral colour from the new China Glaze Up and Away collection. This whole collection is gorgeous and I’ll give you the rundown of it soon. Anyway, I wanted to do black polka dots so that they really popped. I started off by using the end of a bamboo skewer and black nail polish but because the wood wasn’t soft enough I couldn’t get a decent flat and round circle. Hmmm...conundrum.

At this point I switched to a Sharpie. Yep, a good old black permanent marker. It was quicker than fiddling with nail polish and a slick of top coat meant it lasted a couple of days. What do you think? Using bright colours gives this cool dinosaur egg effect and as long as people don’t look too closely, you’re sweet.

China Glaze
Price: $14.95
From: Salons – check the Hawley website for stockists
Why you need it: Great colours with a really strong formula that lasts.

Sharpie
Price: $8.19 for pack of 4
From: Office works
Why you need it: Quick and easy nail art!

My Ruby lover

Oooooh lordy, did I fall in love last night! Ruby Smallbone’s collection was just gorgeous – very fun and very wearable. The clothes, the makeup, the hair...it all worked and I walked out of the show wanting to tie my hair up and hit the shops.


Just on the hair, Jayne Wild did a bang-up job for ghd. The brief was cool, edgy party girl who has just thrown her hair up to hit the dance floor. The result can be described as ‘Elise’s favourite hairstyle ever’ and it has made me reconsider the hair chop I was about to make an appointment for. I grabbed the How To for it and I can pretty much guarantee this is how I will do my hair every day next week. Just you watch.

1. Lightly mist the hair with ghd Thermal Protector and dry into the hair. If hair is fine
then add some ghd Maximise Mousse in also, this will help give volume to the root. (my hair is insanely fine, so mousse it is!!)

2. Section off an inch in from hairline all the way around the head and clip away. (this sounds weird, but basically just move the outside bits away so you can get the middle)


3. Taking fine sections, lightly tease the whole length of the hair and spray lightly with
ghd Creation Spray before running a ghd Styler through and leaving to cool.
Continue throughout this section then brush out all the ‘tangles’ enough to run your
fingers through. This creates a lot more volume or ‘bagginess’ to the top knot. (translation: make it all full gritty so it has body and is easy to style)

4. Next gather all the hair in your hands on top of the head, making sure the front
section is slightly to one side, giving a softer more feminine feel, and tie at root. (self explanatory?)
5. Then loop the mid lengths through an elastic and wrap excess hair around the roots,
fastening with a bobby pin. Make sure the root area of the hair is nicely ‘baggy’ not
taunt. Lightly spray with ghd Ultimate Hairspray where needed. (also self explanatory. Might be a bit tricky if you don’t have long enough hair though)


6. Finally gently rub the hairline of the head and encourage hair to gently fall before
misting the roots with ghd Reflection Spray to give a naturally ‘danced out’ hairline. (I’m heaps good at messy! Usually by accident though)

Notice the green hair straightener in the pics? Pretty darn cute. I still can’t decide if I want red, blue, purple or green.

How cute is the makeup too – Napoleon did a simple, clean look, with just a hint of nutmeg to contour the mega cheekbones of the modules. Everything else is highlighters, peach, bronze, mascara and soft peach lips. All stuff you probably have in the bathroom already. Go forth and be beautiful this weekend!

Picture credit: ghdfashion

Not the Wisp-a effect I was after

One of the many items that was in the goody bag from the Cleo Bachelor party last week was a pack of those new Colgate Wisp brush/breath freshener/toothpick things. They have a cute TV ad and I’m a sucker for a gimmick so I was excited to try them. WRONG. It was a pretty horrible experience.


The freshening bead, aka little ball thingy in the middle of the brush, is the main cause of my displeasure. It’s a horrifyingly intense mint that burns your mouth and leaves a horrible aftertaste (and I tried spearmint, which I generally find to be the less intense out of spear and peppermint).Not fresh. Not good. Also not good is trying to actually get the liquid out of the little bubble. Do you just press it against your teeth? Pierce it? Lick it? What’s the protocol?! Breath mints shouldn’t need to come with an instruction booklet.


The mini-brush is fine, although you really do need to rinse after using it otherwise you’re just moving the gunk around, and the toothpick at the end is quite useful. Actually, I would say the toothpick was the highlight for me.Sadly I wouldn’t recommend these. The freshening bead is just too unpleasant and getting fresh breath should not be an unpleasant experience. It should be fun, like Wintergreen or Cool Cherry Tic Tacs (both of which I bought earlier in the week and both of which are awesome!)


Colgate Wisp
Price: $3.80 for a 4 pack
From: the supermarket
Why you need it: Go for it if you want an intense and awkward breath freshening experience


Wintergreen and Cool Cherry Tic Tacs
Price: $2.50
From: The convenience store at Moore Park Entertainment Quarter (Fox Studios)
Why you need them: They are AWESOME!

Ps - If you spotted my nails (zing) then well done, you eagle eyes! They are painted with China Glaze High Hopes from the new Up and Away collection AND THEN they have black polka dots on them. they are powerawesome!

How to get posh hair like Little Joe Woman

I have been intently watching Rosemount Australian Fashion Week this week (or RAFW for those in the biz) and I am loving all these new hair, nail and makeup looks. I went to a show the other night, and I’m going down to another tonight and I tell you what – it’s just as much fun watching the passing parade of the guests as it is watching the actual show. Anything goes and there are some people with great style out there. Inspiring.

(I'm tracking down the how to for this makeup - HOT!)

So talking hair, I was totally taken by the tresses at Little Joe Woman. This is classic posh hair. The ‘I don’t wash my hair, I get blow-dried every second day dahhling’ look. Renya Xydis is a genius – she created this beautiful look for ghd and it complimented the clothes and the makeup perfectly. I grabbed the How To for this look from ghd (cheers guys), so not only can I tell you how to get it, but I can also try it myself for going out tomorrow night (I don’t have a birthday pressie for my sister yet, but at least my hair will look nice for her dinner)

1. Apply ghd Fat Hair Lotion to the hair and shake the hair dry for a natural result. (looking at the pics, I see they also teased the hair a bit to give it hold and body)
2. Starting at the top of the hair, use the ghd Styler to add soft waves to the hair. (this part I can do! Yessss)
3. Mess the hair up, particularly on top, and mist with ghd Ultimate Hairspray to set. (Messy hair? My forte! Oh, not proper messy, but fingers through it for movement messy. Gotcha)
4. Lightly spray with ghd Reflection Spray to add shine.


Can I get a heck yes? Will you give this a try? I would like to try it AND I would like one of their new coloured stylers please. They will be launching blue, purple, red and green in a few weeks time and they look sexy as all get out. Do you reckon red goes faster? (too obvious, sorry) Once I get more details I’ll let you know.

Picture credit: ghdfashion

Show some love on Mother's Day

Quick poll: does it sound dirty if I give my Nan Love Balm for Mother’s Day?

I only ask because Jurlique are doing a gift pack of Rose Hand Cream and Love Balm, and I know my Nan would love the Hand Cream, and the Love Balm would come in handy in winter to protect her lips and other dry skin, but it just sounds kind of...wrong? Maybe I just have a dirty mind.

I bought my Nan a beautiful set of tea cups and saucers from Victoria’s Basement (such a Nana present, right?) They were on sale so I feel like I need to get her something else as well. Does anyone else ever feel like that when they have bought gifts on sale, or is it just me? Anyway, the Rose Hand Cream seemed like a good idea but I just wasn’t sure how she would take the Love Balm.

As for my Mother? She gets a card in her suitcase. I love her dearly but she will be travelling so all she gets from me is a list of all the stuff I want her to buy me. Sorry Ma...you know the rules!
Jurlique Roses Gift Set

Price: $49
From: Jurlique (stores, David Jones and various chemists and health food stores)
Why you need it: It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your Mum or your Nan, as long as you don’t feel a bit cheeky with the whole Love Balm thing.

Picture credit: jurlique.com.au

Stuff in the Media - me in DOLLY mag!!

I was happily sitting at my desk last Friday when Kat came bounding up to me brandishing an advanced copy of today's DOLLY magazine. She thrust it in my face and it seriously took me a good 5 seconds to realise it was me. ME! It's very disconcerting to see your face in a magazine like that, especially when I was expecting a small picture, not a whole dingin page!

I was shot for this story (not literally, obvs) about 2 months ago, so it felt like an eternity waiting for it to come out and now it's here!! Weeee!!! It's a feature called Beauty and the Blog and it's four different types of beauty bloggers giving their top 5 favourite products under $25 and different pieces of beauty advice (mine is how to get 5 different products to perform double duty). I am definitely amongst illustrious company - Zoë Foster of Primped (idol!), Eva Chen of Teen Vogue and Carissa Passerella of Hooked on Beauty. Please pop down to your newsagent and grab a copy of DOLLY - not only does it come with a free Gossip Girl umbrella, but it's a kickass magazine (especially the hot bird on page 123).

Updated: got the high res digital version.

Thanks again a million times over to DOLLY for having me, and specifically thanks to Zoe, their beauty editor, sartorial hotpot and all around fun chick. I had so much fun having my hair and makeup done and bombarding the makeup artist with a million questions.

Ooohhh pretty!

I'm not normally one to post gossipy and news bit, or campaign imagery (I leave that in the able hands of the super sweet Sassi Sam) but I was so pleased to hear yesterday that Taylor Swift had been announced as the new face of Covergirl. I am totally a closet T-Swift fan (my favourite song is Our Song - don't judge me) and she is the perfect face for this brand - gorgeous, appealing and good values, just like Covergirl. Plus, the green dress she was shot in is not only darn cute but also very age appropriate. Let's hear it for our favourite country girl, y'all!



Picture credit: Covergirl

Smashbox primer totally smashes it!

After gushing about the Smashbox O-Glow last week, I was going to tell you about how great the Photo Finish Foundation Primer is today. Instead of telling you about the great blend of vitamins and antioxidants that keep your skin fresh or the fact the primer fills in lines so you look flawless all day, or even that it feels all silky and smooth when it goes on, similar to the O-Glow, I’m going to tell you about its incredible staying powder.

Picture this: last Wednesday at work and I’m a busy beaver, preparing presentations, checking spreadsheets and making phone calls. I was on the phone to one of the very important people and she casually says, “Oh hey, do you want to come to the Cleo Bachelor party tonight”. I was just as casual back with a, “Oh hey, you can’t be serious? That’s kind of a Big Deal”. “Hang on”, she says, and then *tap tap tap* “okay, you’re on the list”. Some days my job is super.

This all went down at about midday which led me to a mad dash around the city at lunch to find something to wear, then a mad dash home at the end of the day to get changed, throw on some extra eyeliner, a fresh coat of lippie and a pair of heels. Jump in a cab and back into the city to party with 50 of Australia’s most eligible bachelors, drink ridiculous Vodka O cocktails and eat mini food.

The point of this post comes at the very end of the night. As I was washing my makeup off I discovered my foundation had not moved. at. all. This was about 11:30pm and I had put my foundation on at 8am. I didn’t touch it up when I dashed home to get changed (no time) so it was one coat applied in the morning over a layer of Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Impressive. Plus it looked pretty good in pictures! Check out how glowy and even my skin looks (except for a bit around the eyes, but this photo was taken pretty late in the evening). This is probably the best endorsement I can give a product - it took me from the office to the party of the year and I still looked fresh.

Price: $52.95
From: kit Cosmetics
Why you need it: So your foundation doesn’t move and you look fresh when you’re meeting bachelors.

Picture credit: Primer - smashbox.com, Me with the charming Jesse Martin - Kat

Clinique Even Better is now even better!

If you’re not watching the video (or even if you are), here’s what you need to know:

• Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector – $89 – now on counters
• Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturiser SPF 15 – $90 – also on counters
• Kickass cream – fades pigmentation so you have a lovely, even complexion (and look younger – bonus!)
• My Mum trialled it and now won’t give the bottle back because she likes it so much (she says she ‘wants to keep trialling it to be sure it works’ but that sounds like a fib to me – I’m on to you lady!)
• I’m really excited about the Glee Madonna episode (I know it has nothing to do with the video, but it’s going to be awesome!)

Around the web

The gorgeous Gemma over at The Showpony tagged me in a post last week – it’s a game making its way around the blogosphere where you post the sixth picture you ever posted on your site and then tag 3 more people. I’m going to break the chain slightly (oh no! Will I get junk mail? A plague of clowns? A gaggle of Gaga impersonators beating me with a broom?) but I *will* give you some recommendations of awesome bloggos you should be visiting.

First – the picture. It is from a post I did about Tom Ford for Estee Lauder Azuree Soleil eau fraiche back in November 2007 (yes, I have been blogging that long). I still use and love this perfume, and I will be gutted when it eventually runs out. Damn you, limited edition fragrances!

Now for the blogs you need to visit.

The Showpony – Gem has her finger on the cool pulse and discovers trends before they have even discovered themselves. It’s like she is from the future.

Sassi Sam – The awesome Miss Sassi will be covering RAFW next week, so keep locked to her site for all the inside bits and pieces.

Kat Did Whaaat?! – I’m kind of biased cos she’s my desk buddy, but Kat writes witty words about life in the Inner West. She’s a westie haha!

The Style Tyrant – This is a bitchin dudes only street style blog. I continually marvel over the washed out colours in the photos that make me think of late afternoon sun bathing Sydney in a golden white light. It also makes me wish my loafers didn’t hurt so much so I could wear them more often.

Have a great weekend!

PS - I bought a clock today. It’s well awesome.

PPS - there is a FULL PAGE picture of me in a magazine next week. I am beside myself excited and I will reveal all next Wednesday.