Weee!! New lip gloss

This gloss is totally making me happy right now. I love it! Make sure you run tomorrow and buy all 5 of them.

Price: $34

From: Benefit

Why you need it: For glossy, shiny, kissable lips.

Picture credit: Benefit

Getting my urban on for winter

I went a little nuts a couple of weeks ago when the dollar was so good. I did a huge Urban Outfitters order and wrote a massive list for Victoria’s Secret and Sephora since my Mum was going over. Sadly, by the time my Mum went shopping in LA the dollar had significantly weakened (don’t worry, that didn’t stop her though) but I was far more successful with my exchange rate on my Urban Outfitters order. I love that being seasonally opposite means I can pick up their end of season stuff for a steal.

I bought two dresses, a jacket, a pair of legwarmers and 2 gifts. The jacket was a bust – first time I have been disappointed with UO. They have a range called Urban Renewal that is recycled vintage stuff, and the jacket they sent me was nothing at all like the jacket on the website. If anyone is a size 10-12 and 5’5”+, then have I got the vintage grey tweed blazer for you! Email me. But I digress.

The two dresses kick ass. I have worn the green one half a dozen times already – it’s a sweater dress so it’s warm and it has cute shoulders. The other dress also has cute shoulders but it’s super short so I can’t wear it on days I intend to bend over a lot. It’s an important consideration.

As for the legwarmers...well, I look at them a lot but I’m not sure about wearing them with tights (faux pas?) and it’s too cold for bare legs. This is quite the conundrum. Maybe I can just wear them on my arms?

Price: legwarmers $4.99; green dress $14.99; dot dress $19.99 + shipping (all in USD)
From: Urban Outfitters
Why you need it: At those prices, you’re crazy not to grab some end of season bargains!

Picture credit: All from urbanoutfitters.com

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