Welcome back to my bathroom, Mr Perdis!

Do you have a brand that just doesn’t seem to agree with your skin, no matter what? Me too. Mine is Napoleon Perdis. I adore Napoleon and the way he pushes boundaries with the use of colour (I’m still referencing the Camilla Franks RAFW Avatar-inspired slap) but every time I use NP products I break out in a rash. Ergh.

Remember that PR/blogger panel I did two weeks ago? And remember the day before when I posted that a huge pimple had taken residence on my forehead? One of the girls who looks after Napoleon, who is just the sweetest girl in the world, read my post and took pity on me. She sent me an NP Set concealer pen to help hide Vesuvius. Honestly, I was feeling so frazzled and nervous at the time, had she been in front of me I may have cried!

I decided not to risk it on the night, just in case I had a reaction, but I figured that it was worth giving Mr Perdis another shot, and concealer might be different on my skin than blush or eyeshadow. The Fiance was going to be overseas for another 2 weeks, so if I broke out in a rash it was no drama, right? With much trepidation I swiped it under my eyes. Nothing. Well, it concealed. It hid my dark circles. I looked awake. But no rash. Same thing the next day. And the next.

I have been using it for two weeks now and I love it. It’s a twist pen with a sponge applicator, so I just twist out a small amount, swipe it straight on and pat it into place. Easy. I’m not sure if I’m ready to brave eyeshadows and blushes yet, but hopefully I can cross Napoleon off my ‘do not use’ list. Welcome back, good sir!

Price: $30
From: Target
Why you need it: To hide all your sins. Bonus: it contains Australian myrtle oil (anti-bacterial and anti-septic) so it will help heal your nasty pimples while also hiding them. Clever.

This product was a very gratefully received gift

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On the matter of hair removal...

I had a conversation with the lovely chick from Braun a few weeks ago that went a little something like this...

Her: Did I tell you about the new Braun Silk Epil Xpressive 7681 Wet/Dry epilator?
Me: I’m still kind of in love with my current Braun Silk Epil Wet/Dry
Her: Did you want to try the new one out?
Me: Is there reaaally any difference between the old and the new one? Like, really?
Her: Yep, there is. It’s less painful, I promise! AND it picks up all the teeny-tiny hairs. Your legs will be smooth as a babies bottom.
Me: I dunno. I’m pretty sceptical.
Her: I’ll send it to you to try just to prove there is a difference!

After being a hardcore leg waxer for so long, I have been loving my epilator sick for the last year because it saves me time and money. That said, I got a little lazy towards the end of winter and things got a little, erm, shall we say, out of control? That first epilation after a break was a little uncomfortable.

Then I tried the new one. I hate to admit this because I thought it was just a gimmick to sell more epilators, but the new model actually does hurt less! I think it’s the different massage roller on the head. My legs are also definitely smoother than they have been since I used to shave, because it picks up all those annoying grain-of-sand sized hairs that epilators and waxing usually miss. If you’re a waxer I can’t recommend enough that you make the switch. If you’re a shaver, then you’re totally missing out. I epilate once a week (usually Saturday, for those playing along at home) and the hair grows back so slowly these days that it’s a quick and easy job.

Price: $208.95
From: Myer, David Jones and electrical stores
Why you need it: If you’re going to invest in an epilator, this is definitely the top of the range. Plus being able to epilate in the shower makes all the difference in the world.

As an aside, I’m not totally anti-razor. I am very much in love with my Venus Spa Breeze for under the charm-pits. It has a built in shave gel bar so you don’t need to overdo the shaving cream, and the handle is all ergonomic-y and stuff so you don’t drop it (and believe me, I am clumsy). I bought a green/blue/aloe gel one 2 weeks ago from Coles for 50% off (score!) or there is a new pink one out and the gel smells like white tea. Scrumptious! Best razor on the market by a country mile, in my opinion.

Price: $13.59
From: Supermarkets
Why you need it: Two words...hairy pits. ‘Nuff said.

These products were offered to me for review, along with spa goodies to make the experience more enjoyable.

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Beauty inspiration AND affordable YSL - the ultimate two-in-one

I popped into Kinokuniya last week to pick up an engagement present and stumbled across a sweet find – the Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Official Book with bonus YSL tote bag. Delicious!

The book is in Japanese so I’ll be damned if I can understand a single word, but the still-life styling is incredible! There are also lots of makeup looks for me to rip off WITH step by step picture instructions – you don’t need to be able to read anything to understand pictures. 

I needed another tote bag like Octomum needs more kids, but as if you’re going to say no to affordable (read: cheap) YSL. It’s a cute bag and will be totally appropriate for carrying my yoga gear and lunch to work. Bonus: it has a magnetic clasp, which is something a lot of tote bags lack and is much appreciated when I’m juggling 2 bags on the bus (nothing worse than your lunch/gym gear falling out mid-ride and seeing your apple role down the aisle - happened to me last week).

Price: $29.40
From: Kinokuniya – Galeries Victoria, Sydney
Why you need it: 1 – an affordable luxury tote (stealth wealth) and 2 – lots of beauty inspiration

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Was it really a good idea to send a sugar addict a sugar lip scrub?

A few weeks ago the good kids from Lush sent me a couple of different products to try out (thanks Lush!) Now either they know me too well or it was fate, because they sent me a product that was most definitely made with me in mind.

If you’re a regular reader then by now you would know I’m a sugar addict. Like, a full blown, need it in my veins, punch your mum for a Twix kind of addict. When I opened up the Lush Bubblegum Sugar Lip Scrub my pupils dilated and my heart beat a little bit faster...what a rush.

Think about it – a sugar lip scrub, flavoured with bubblegum. It’s like giving crack to Lindsay Lohan.

Beyond the obvious yummy factor, this is actually a really good lip scrub. I love wearing bold lipstick (my current favourites are the orange and fuschia from the Innoxa Couleurs D’ete Summer Matte Collection) and this gets rid of all the dead skin and smoothes my lips out without being harsh or abrasive. Plus, obviously, it tastes good. Call me predictable, but it’s a total winner in my book.

Price: $9.95
From: Lush
Why you need it: For smooth, healthy lips and a sugar rush


This product was offered to me for consideration

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Stressful time eats: Peanut Butter Brownies

Oh boy. This week is going to be a really stressful week at work and I deal with stress the same way most of us do - baked goods. Sunday night I mentally prepared myself for the week ahead by baking Peanut Butter Brownies. To share, of course.

I found the recipe on the blog of Callum Hann, runner-up on this years Masterchef. I have perfected my own brownie recipe, but this looked so good I decided to go out on a chocolate-coated limb and give it a crack. People, it did not disappoint. Maybe that kid learnt a thing or two on that little cooking show.

I could blah blah blah with the ingredients and the steps, but instead think of this as a photo-essay. A visual feast, if you will.

Butter, dark chocolate and peanut butter

In the oven

Following the instructions and licking the spoon

The anticipation...

Fudgey centres

I don't normally like nuts in my brownies, but it is like the salty peanuts were put on earth just to dance with the dark chocolate. Magic.

Check out Callum's recipe here, or pop over for a visit this week to sample one of mine.

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WIN! Need new nail polish for summer?

Well I've got you covered. Head over to The Nail File and fill out the quick 3 question survey for your chance to win one of two China Glaze Up & Away collections. That's 12 kick ass polishes - enough for a new colour every week this summer.

 

Two for one - face serum that helps you sleep

My darling Fiance has been away for a couple of weeks, which means I have been sleeping alone in our big ol’ bed. I’m a rough sleeper at the best of times, so this has just exacerbated it – hello bags under my eyes and even shorter attention span than usual.

One of the things that I have found has helped me, besides cups of tea and late night skype, is Antipodes Joyous Night Serum. Or technically, Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum (mouthful). It’s a night serum that repairs damage, boosts collagen production, sloughs dead cells, plumps skin...yada yada. It’s packed with antioxidants and it’s good stuff. Makes you glow. But beyond that, it smells amazing – goji berry, raspberry seed and blackcurrant.

It’s these sweet summer berries that have been helping me drift off to sleep. I apply it all over my face, but I pay particular attention to under my nose so that it stays with me once I crawl between the sheets. Think of this as a modern day lavender hanky under the pillow – it’s sweet, comforting and helps me relax. Which is exactly what I have needed the past couple of weeks!

Price: $56
From: Myer, David Jones, Antipodes site
Why you need it: To help you catch some zzz’s when you’re a bit stressed and uptight.


This product was offered to me for consideration
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Hot pants and blogger/PR talk on a Friday

I feel like I should provide some feedback on the PR/Blogger Meet Up that happened on Tuesday night. But first, I want to talk about the awesome pants I wore. So awesome.

It is insane how many compliments I got on my pants. They really are gorgeous though. The label is I Am and I got them from a local boutique called That Shop Everyone Talks About. They stock lots of local emerging designers and always have interesting pieces and cool jewellery (there is a knuckle duster ring I have my eye on). Anyway, as everyone keeps telling me, printed pants are in and these have a really flattering cut so I’m feeling pretty proud of myself right now.

Price: $100
From: That Shop everyone Talks About – 652 Bourke St Surry Hills

As for the PR/Blogger event, it went really well. Speaking in front of 100+ people is incredibly nerve-wracking and I was sweating like a pumpkin on Halloween beforehand. The feedback was all really positive though, and hopefully we gave all the beauty and fashion PRs a bit of insight into why we blog and how to best communicate with bloggers.

If you’re a blogger, I highly recommend you jump on over to iBlogFashion.com and download the first issue of iBlogBeauty – it’s worth reading through my article on what PRs think because there are lots of great insights from some of Sydney’s leading beauty PRs. And if you’re a newbie to the beauty blogging scene, my inbox is always open if you have any questions! Our community isn’t regulated like it is in the States, so it’s up to us to self-regulate with disclosure and honesty policies. Being recognised as a serious and credible medium is an uphill battle, but if we all work together and sing from the same songbook (preferably something with 80s power ballads in it, cos I like belting a good 80sPB) then it benefits everyone.

Whoa. Too much serious business for a Friday. We need to break this up with some light relief. I have just the thing...

Have a good weekend!! And Happy Halloween if you're that way inclined.


Picture credit: Huge thank you to the incredible Hayley of www.fashionhayley.com for the event picture. The other one was taken by some random Disneyland staffer, who I guess I should say thank you to as well.

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All aboard! Get some bus scroll action on your couch.

I really need to stop shopping online. Parcels keep turning up at work and I think ‘when did I order that?’ Bad.

BUT. I have to say I was pretty pleased with one late night Etsy order (and it kind of felt like Christmas when it turned up – oh look! Past Elise sent Future Elise a surprise gift!). I’m a little bit in love with bus scrolls and found this cool London bus scroll cushion cover that I had to have (read: didn’t really need, but wanted). Three days after I ordered it, it already lives on the couch. Welcome, new addition, I look forward to napping on you while I watch late night TV.

The INKTdesigns cushion is heavy duty cotton with the backing piece being lighter weight. One thing I was a little disappointed about was the finishing on the backing. Sure, no one sees it because the cover is envelope-style, but I’m kinda fussy about seams and things being even.

Now I just need a New York bus scroll cushion and a Sydney bus scroll cushion and my couch will be complete.

Price: US$35 (even though the designer is in Sydney – this is one of the things I don’t like about etsy)
From: INKTdesigns on Etsy
Why you need it: The perfect gift for your pommy friend who has everything.

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Time to get inspired

One of the most wonderful things about celebrating our engagement was all the beautiful cards we got from family and friends. Sweet and genuine messages of love and support that made my heart swell and even brought a tear to my eye. I'm a huge believer in writing sentimental messages on cards and I love when other people do the same for me (us).

I can't leave the cards up in the loungeroom forever (as much as I would like to), but I wanted to have a constant reminder of that special time and all the important people in our lives. Inspiration wall.

I'm forever gathering photos, images and bits & pieces to pin onto my inspiration board, but I figured why not turn a whole wall into one giant bastion of inspiration. Fun, right? The wall between my bedroom door and my bathroom is now a mix of engagement cards, photos, fashion images and other random cool stuff. Everytime I look at it, I smile.

The frames came from Ikea and Target, the lettering and giant pegs from Typo, and the bulldog clips from Officeworks - all stuff I had at home that just happened to be perfect.

Ikea - $2.99 for pack of two small frames, $3.99 for larger frame (all Nyttja range) - the quad frame is actually the inner from a bigger Ikea frame.
Target - $9.99 for two thin black frames (glass and backing discarded)
Typo - $2.95 for giant wooden pegs, letters $4.95 each or 3 for $10
Officeworks - no idea how much the bulldog clips are (I bought these ages ago)

Santorini Sun Tanning Lotion - the Greek Island tan without the jetlag

 Fake tan is one of those things that everyone is on a never-ending quest for. The amount of SMS’s/tweets/phone calls/morse code messages I get from girlfriends (and the odd malefriend) asking me for the best brand for bronzing/best brand for staying power/best brand for non-stinky is crazy. My answer is always different depending on who I am talking to for one reason – skin tone.

Let me start by saying that I only use fake tan on my legs. I am far too uncoordinated to use proper fake tan on my torso, so I use gradual tan moisturiser. Specifically, Garnier Body Summer. It works for me, is the right shade for my skin and it’s klutz-proof so I can’t mess it up too much. Legs are a whole other ball game. I desperately love Garnier Amber Solaire Gloss Bronzer gel, but I’ll try anything.

Enter Santorini Sun Organic Tanning Lotion. I think they sold me when they said I would get a natural Greek Island sun-kissed glow, so I gladly accepted the sample on offer. I tried the liquid and it sprays on brown so you can see where it goes but disappears as you rub it in. My tan developed over about 8 hours and was just the right shade of golden brown with one coat (and not a trace of tandoori to be found!). Two weeks in a row and my legs had a perfect tan. Kapow! Shame about the weather.

It’s infused with Cecropia Obtusa Bark, which is a slimming and anti-cellulite ingredient. To be honest, I don’t think spraying it on once a week is going to be enough to get rid of my cellulite, but the colour is good and it gradually faded rather than doing that horrible patchy thing some other tans do. This is a total win in my book because I hate having to scrub tan off. I’ll be using this one until the bottle is empty and recommend it for my fellow fair friends. It would probably also be good for those who have olive skin, but maybe not for anyone fairer than me or with yellow undertones.

Price: $29.95
From: Diva Society
Why you need it: So you don’t get frightened of your own reflection when you’re trying on swimsuits in David Jones. OMG there’s a ghost in my change room! Oh wait, that’s just me.


This product was offered to me for consideration

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This week I...

...was a very bad blogger. Sorry for neglecting you, but I have been rather ill. I spent most of last week sitting in focus group viewing rooms or sleeping on the couch, neither of which is very conducive to writing blog posts. I’m sure you understand.

...tried Grass body wash from Lush. I didn’t think I would like it, but I really do. High five, bergamot, neroli and wheatgrass.

...tried Turkish Delight body polish, also from Lush. I really thought I would like it, but I really don’t. Too rose-y. Bummer.

...am speaking at the Sydney PR/blogger meet up. Naturally, a giant pimple is currently unpacking his bags and making himself cosy on my forehead.

...have two fab comps for here, and another amazing one over at The Nail File. Good times ahead, my friends. Good times.

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