More lazy holiday grooming

As if I can be bothered with makeup on a beach holiday. I'm not even going to take my foundation with me. It's going to be fresh face, bright lippie and bronzer. Namely MAC Skinsheen Bronzer Stick in Tan-Tint (from the upcoming Surf Baby collection - so friggin cool!) and Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in bronze. As an aside, friends had been telling me for years about how great Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks were and it was always on my 'I'll get there eventually' list. I was given one when I went to a Bobbi Brown makeup workshop a few months ago and HOLY SHIT I regret not buying it five years ago. Amazing. Such a beautiful fine shimmer, and really flattering. You only need a tiny bit so the cost per use is ridonkulously low - maybe 0.02c per use*

The two lippies I am taking are MAC Venomous Villains Cruella DeVil Heartless (which I have romanticised about before - best red I own) and Estee Lauder Fuschia Fever which a - lasts for about 11.5 hours without having to reapply b - smells amazing (am I the only one who sniffs their lipstick?) and c - is the most incredible pop of colour. I'll team these with Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme mascara because it makes my lashes F.A.T (but for night time only, as the mascara isn't sweatproof.) 

And just on lazy holiday grooming regimes - dry shampoo. End of story. I might not take both of these giants cans, but at least one of them is coming with me, plus a mini batiste for the beach bag. Have you used either Tresemme Freshstart or Evo Water Killer before? Which would you pick? Do you think I'm crazy? I kind of you, so I don't mind if you do too.


*totally made up estimation, which may or may not be right.

One suitcase for clothes, one suitcase for beauty prods...

I am definitely my Fathers daughter. My parents just took a month-long sojourn through Europe and I was in hysterics when my Mum was sending me text messages saying that everything coming out of my Dad’s suitcase was brand new with tags on. The man has an entire backup wardrobe in the spare bedroom, just in case his first one vapourises. He also has a penchant for the colour purple, but that’s a whole other post.

As I started to write my packing list for my trip this week (I’m off to Hawaii on Wednesday, don’t hate) I realised that I was doing exactly what my Dad just did but with beauty products. I have been stock-piling products, both that I have bought and been sent for review, to take with me. Of course I am going to raid Sephora like the rapture is upon us and it’s my last chance to shop there, but I figure if I’m only taking a pair of shorts, a singlet, a dress and a pair of thongs, then I have plenty of room in my suitcase to take stuff with me.

This is just a taste of what I’m packing. Yes, I seriously am taking 7 different types of sunscreen with me, and with good reason. I go through a lot of SPF on a Hawaiian holiday (a can of Banana Boat spray every two days), and each sunscreen I am taking has a different purpose. When I’m lying on the beach reading a book or a magazine, I’ll be covered in (4) Auscreen Coconut Spray because it’s 30+, 2 hours water resistant, sprays on and smells like coconut. All big ticks. When I’m hitting the outlet stores at Waikele, my limbs will be lathered in (7) Nivea Ultra Beach Protect. It has a hardcore 30+ that is capable of enduring many hours of shopping (hopefully my travelling companion is just as capable). Sunpouch (6) is the perfect handbag size sunscreen for reapplying to arms and legs in the late afternoon. It’s also a good one for the beach bag if we decide to hit up Hanauma Bay for some snorkelling.

Face is a different story. My skin doesn’t like sunscreen very much, and I find the best way to stop it going nuts on me is by constantly switching between brands. I’ll start the week alternating Olay Complete Defence 30+ (3) and Ella Bache Everyday Zinc 30+ (2). True Solutions All Day Moisture Tinted (5) will be my foundation substitute, because as if I can be bothered with slap on a beach/shopping holiday. I’ll round out the trip with Dermalogica Super Sensitive (1) because by the end of the trip my skin will need the sensitive-ness.

You will notice that everything is 30+. Did you know Aussies have different standards to the US when it comes to labelling sunscreens - I got into an argument once with an American about 100+ SPF and how it really wasn’t any more effective that 30+. True story. Google it.

I’ll show you the rest of the packing tomorrow. And maybe Wednesday. There is a lot to pack!
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Your scalp is skin too, you know!

Bloody weather. This is the time of year when my sinuses go nuts, my skin goes nuts and my scalp goes nuts. I am currently suffering through my annual bout of sinusitis, whilst also switching from serum and a light moisturiser to something a bit more hardcore on the visage. Just on that, so far Terre & Mer by Thalgo Vital Cream with Organic Olive Leaf gets a big tick of approval - my poor old dry skin has been sucking up all the sweet almond oil and olive goodness. But I'll get to that another day.

Bauhaus Hair must have felt my spidey senses scalp tingling at the change of season because they invited me in for a scalp analysis and blow-dry a few weeks ago. My hairdresser Alex started off by doing three different tests on my scalp; using a little science kit, he tested the pH of my scalp (5.5 means too much sebum, 6.5 means not enough sebum, my scalp was 6.0), the quality of the sebum (A1 5-stars) and finally whether there was any flakiness (there wasn't, amazingly). Most of my scalp issues were down to my skin being dehydrated so Alex selected a La Biosthetique scalp treatment that was highly moisturising and sent me home with my own little bottle so I can apply a few drops whenever my scalp is feeling tight or itchy.

It's called La Biosthetique Ergines B and it's all about scalp regulation - lubricating, soothing tightness and hydrating. Perfect for anyone who sits in an air conditioned office all day and gets dehydrated or dry over winter. You just squeeze a few drops straight onto the scalp, give it a little rub and keep going about your day. Alex recommended keeping it in my handbag or on my desk so that I can squirt whenever the urge strikes. Considering I spray Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist on my face all day to fight the air con, and I keep a line up of lip products, I have quite the air con fighting arsenal on hand at all times.

My scalp has been feeling a lot better since I started using Ergines B - much less of that tight, dry feeling, and definitely less itchy. How many more months is winter? What? We're not even in winter yet? Bummer.

La Biosthetique Ergines B
Price: $36.95 (give or take, depending on the salon)
From: Bauhaus Hair - 293 Young St Waterloo - check the La Biosthetique website for other salons
Why you need it: Your scalp is skin too…it also needs moisture!

This product was offered for consideration - for more details, please see my disclosure policy

Joico vs Mother Nature - this time the hair prodz win!

- by Shay

I don’t know about all of you guys, but I am so happy that the warmer weather is now behind us. Living on the East Coast of Australia means I was hit with the full-force of the Queensland Summer including but not limited to, extreme humidity, stifling heat and torrential rain. This was compounded by semi-regular beach and pool visits, with salt and chlorine also making an appearance to wreak just a little more havoc on my poor locks.

All of these things don’t add up to picture-perfect hair. In fact, they caused a minor disaster to take place on my head. I was in struggle town from late October right through to early March, fighting with a frizzy, unruly, damaged and generally lifeless mop.

I thought my annual war against the weather would play out the way it always does – I get angry, frustrated, sad and ultimately resign myself to having crap hair for an entire season. I resort to throwing it into pony-tails and trying to hide it at every opportunity…hello cowboy hat!

That was until I was sent a tube of Joico KPak Sun Therapy Treatment Masque.

It contains the miracle ingredient known as ‘Hydroxy Sun Complex™’ which apparently fills holes burned into the cuticle of the hair by the sun. They’ve also used universal wonder-ingredient Aloe Vera to heal and soothe the hair shaft. All I know is the first time I used it my hair practically let out an audible sigh of relief.

The masque has left my hair feeling soft, supple and nourished each time I’ve used it, although it’s important not to overdo it, especially if your hair has a tendency to develop oily roots like mine. I have been using it once per week, that is once every two washes, and I find it’s been working beautifully.

Hair needs to be damp to receive the full benefits, and it’s recommended you leave it in for at least 3 minutes. I generally throw it in after shampooing and conditioning my hair, and then complete all of my other varied shower tasks (like shaving, exfoliating, singing badly etc) while it’s working its magic.

Can I also just mention that it smells freaking amazing? I tend to judge most products on their scent (or lack thereof) and this one is definitely a winner. I get strong coconut and pineapple, so Summery – so yummy! I also find that the scent sticks around for a good amount of time afterwards, and I’ve been complimented on my lovely smelling head quite a number of times after using it. (Elise: I’m telling you, boys like nice smelling hair!)

I find it to be generally quite economical compared to other lines on the market. It sits right in the middle in terms of price, and I don’t need to use a huge amount of product with each application.

I’m not sure if this stuff is only designed to treat hair damage caused by the sun, but it has done a pretty great job at combating every other environmental factor my hair has come up against this past season. Now to tackle the hair challenges that Winter brings…

Joico KPak Sun Therapy Treatment Masque
Price: $26.95
From: Joico is a salon brand, so check your local salon or call 1300 764 437
Why you need it: To counteract all that damage you did during summer.

Picture credit: Courtesy of Joico -
This product was sent to Stuff That I Bought for consideration - for more details see the Product Disclosure Statement 
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Stay off the blacklist with Blacklist

Now that my sister's birthday is over and presents have been delivered I can show you what I bought her.

I came across Blacklist Studio Prints via the lovely Justine Cullen's tumblr Mumming In Heels (definitely excellent and highly amusing, fyi) and I have been obsessing over the beautiful and whimsical prints ever since. Fate - my sister recently moved into her own apartment and needed something for the walls. A house never feels like a home until there is something on the walls, don't you agree? Anyway, the print I originally wanted sold out before I could nab it (limited edition gold foil You Are My Sunshine) so I picked out my second favourite, Look At You, and hauled ass to Ikea to buy the frame. Ah Ikea, my love affair with you will never die.

Don't you think it's cute? I love it and was inches away from keeping it myself and giving my sister some soap instead (Sister of the Year right here) but I did the right thing. Lucky.

I also bought her a caramel and vanilla Glasshouse Candle from Peter Alexander. I had it sitting in my room for about a week before I gave it to her - even wrapped up in the box, it was throwing its sweet and tasty scent my way. No wonder I have had a hardcore craving for caramel slice.


Naturally, I can't go shopping without picking up a little sumpin sumpin for myself. While I was in Peter Alexander I grabbed quite possibly the cutest little hot water bottle you ever did see. It has been keeping my tootsies warm in bed this past week while the weather has been heinous. Probably the best $20 I'll spend all winter.

Blacklist Studio Prints - Look At You
Price: $49.95 + $10 for shipping
From: Blacklist Studio Prints

Ribba Frame - 42 x 52cm
Price: $29.95
From: Ikea

Glasshouse Candle - Tahaa
Price: $34.95
From: Peter Alexander

Owl hot water bottle
Price: $19.90
From: Peter Alexander
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Quick Comp - Sydney Fashion Weekend

Massive apologies to all my lovely readers outside of the 2000, but I have a great comp for my Sydney readers. Sydneysiders - you need to get in quickstix, because this one will only last a couple of days!

Thanks to Essie, I have a bunch of double passes to give away for Sydney Fashion Weekend. If you haven't been to Fashion Weekend before then you're missing out - mani's, champagne, fashion shows and huge discounts on designer duds. So girlie and fun. I have tickets for Thursday and Friday opening nights, however if you can't make the evening, they can also be used on the weekend.

In honour of Mother's Day, simply tell me "What is the most embarrassing outfit your Mum ever dressed you in?" My sister will be picking the winners since my Mum is off galavanting across Europe. Cow.

The comp closes at 10am Wednesday so that I can get the winners their tix in time. Sound good? Get entering!!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
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I'm not above begging and bribery you know

I thought I would gently remind you that voting for Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Female ends on Sunday and I would really love it if you could throw an extra vote my way. Cosmo have had over 150,000 votes so far this year. That's mind-boggling when you think that the average monthly circulation for Cosmo is just over 150,000 as well. I'm hoping to have more than 3 votes (myself, my mum, and my fiance) so please click click for me. Otherwise it could be a bit awkward.

In all honesty, I'm so chuffed to have been nominated that if I don't get through to the final 3 it probably won't matter. But, you know, it would be kind of cool, right? Especially when I start nagging you to vote for me again in the next round (oh wait, maybe I shouldn't say that...)

Do you need some extra incentive? I'm giving away over $500 worth of nail polish over on The Nail File, or I'm giving away a buttload (technical term) of passes to the Sydney Fashion Weekend next week. Have I bought your love yet?
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What to buy your Mum if she isn't on a European cruise (again)

What Mother's Day? For the third year in a row, my parents are galavanting around Europe on Mother's Day while I hold the fort back here and celebrate my sisters birthday without them (really sore point in our family, don't mention it when my sis is present). That's not to say I don't *think* about gifts for Mum, but I usually end up buying a card and sending it off with Dad while I buy a nice gift for myself for being awesome. That's how I roll.

This year one of the things that slid across my desk was this beautiful Queen Bee gift pack from Aurora Spa Rituals. I have used Aurora Spa Rituals Peppermint Pedi Repair Cream before and it is dy-na-mite on sore feet (note to self: pack it in your suitcase when you go away in 3 weeks) so I was stoked to try out the Queen Bee set. I figured Mum wouldn't mind if it was in the name of research.

First up, the packaging is freaking adorable. The gold foil honeycomb pattern on apricot is the kind of
packaging you gingerly put aside after you open the box and then cut up to stick on your inspiration board. Inside the box is Grapefruit and Seaweed Body Cleanser that smells delish (I'm a sucker for grapefruit), Ultra Firming Body Cream (also zingy - sweet orange, grapefruit, ylang ylang, and lemon) and an exfoliating mitt to make sure aforementioned cream can work its magic.

Just going back to the Body Cream for a second, the lid on the tube is wooden, which just adds an extra layer of luxe to already luxe spa products. Like luxe-squared. If you're a Melbourne reader may I suggest skipping the gift pack and just going straight to the Aurora Spa Retreat at The Prince in St Kilda. Your Mum will love you like a fashion blogger loves the front row. Meanwhile I'm going to keep enjoying the Queen Bee gift set - my Mum has no idea what she's missing.

Aurora Spa Rituals Queen Bee Gift Set
Price: $90
From: Mecca Cosmetica
Why you need it: Because it's Mother's Day in 4 sleeps and I know you haven't bought anything yet.
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Romantic Romance - some visual candy for a Monday

Morning! (if you're not reading this in the morning, then change that introduction to be relevant to your time of day please) No product reviews and no self indulgent rants today, just some good old-fashioned visual inspiration to celebrate the first day of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. I went to the off-schedule showing of Romance Was Born courtesy of ghd and was utterly blown away by the theatrics of it all. 

I've been to fashion shows where everyone sits there stoically, occasionally nodding in approval and politely clapping at the end. This was different. There were gasps. There were audible oohs and aahs. There were hoots and hollers and lots of loud applause. I sat behind a magazine editor who has probably been to more fashion shows than I've had hot chocolates and she was visibly moved by the collection, jumping up and down in her seat. Incredible. 

Designer: Romance Was Born

Venue: State Library of NSW

Collection: The Oracle

Inspiration: The Neverending Story

The Finale

Click through for more pretty pictures!