beauty secrets, part five: summer essentials

It is hot. Really hot. Humid, too. With that heat and stickiness comes new beauty needs. Summer calls for a pared-down, low-maintenance beauty regime that presents itself as effortless, pretty, glowy and fresh. Of course, sunscreen is a given, but here are a few of my other product suggestions for the coming months...

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20 - Illuminating 

This is one of my all-time favourite makeup products. Boasting broad spectrum SPF20 protection, it provides a beautifully luminous, even-toned complexion. It is hydrating, but feels ever-so-light on the skin, with a coverage that is on the fuller end of the tinted moisturiser spectrum. Simply put, it is incredibly pretty and if you buy one beauty product this summer, make it this one. 

2. By Terry Light Expert

As I mentioned in my last makeup post, I have a debilitating weakness for Terry de Gunzberg's luxurious products. This magical wand eliminates dull, tired skin, replacing it with a gorgeous, soft-focus glow. I love mixing this with Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser, to make my skin look even more radiant. It provides light-medium coverage but does wonders for evening out the skintone (especially redness), and has what I like to describe as a "velvet matte" finish. This click-pen with an attached brush is designed for the busy modern woman, so it is perfect for travelling and tossing in your handbag to touch up during the day. I am often disloyal to this gem, but when I return to it, I realise that it truly is one of the best foundations on the market. 

3. Nars Blush in Orgasm

Nars Blush in Orgasm is a classic, cult product - for good reason! Patted softly on the cheeks, the silky pigment imparts a perfect peach-pink glow that instantly brightens the skin and mimics a healthy, natural flush. Not too cool, not too warm, it suits almost all skintones and has won countless "best of" awards. Nars products are always of beautiful quality and this is no exception. Confession: I bought mine over two years ago and it is still going strong. Definitely a worthwhile investment.

4. Dior Diorskin Poudre Shimmer in Amber Diamond

This is a recent discovery I made after many, many recommendations from fellow makeup lovers. I dust this on the planes of my face that are naturally hit by the light - my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, chin, forehead  and cupid's bow - with my Nars Yachiyo Brush (which I lost this weekend - can you believe it?) It has a beyond lovely bronze sheen, and looks absolutely gorgeous in photographs. 

5. Stila One Step Prime Colour in Bronze Babe

This newly released tube has fast become one of Stila's best-selling products. I have always wondered how starlets achieved those perfectly bronzed cheeks I see so often on the red carpet... the bronze that is not too orange, not too brown, with the perfect balance of shimmer and matte. Well, this is it. And it is stunning. 

6. Bobbi Brown Day-to-Night Palette in Warm

I don't know how fast these have flown off the shelves so apologies if this limited edition palette has already sold out! Consisting of a matte highlighter, a matte taupe brown, a dark brown matte contour or eyeliner, two shimmering bronzes and a dark brown shimmer, this perfect array of colours can work in synergy to create an endless supply of eye makeup looks, from barely there, to a soft smokey eye, to a dramatic evening look. A must-have in your makeup wardrobe!

7. Stila Lip Glaze in Starfruit

I have tried a lot of lipglosses in my time, but this one has to be one of - if not THE - most universally flattering of them all. Not quite nude, but not too bright either, it is the perfect shade for a polished, elegant, understated summer look, all the while looking fresh and pretty.

8. Nars Lipgloss in Easy Lover

I have to add a second lipgloss because, if you are anything like me, one is not enough - we need options! This one looks scarily bright in the tube, but goes on sheer, and looks a little something like this...

Yes, it really is that adorable.

9. Hei Poa Beauty Oil

Tahitian Monoi Oil, derived from coconuts, is the Polynesian woman's secret to her beautifully long, thick, strong locks and soft, flawless skin (or so I have heard)! I use this oil to protect my hair and skin (on my body) from the horrors of chlorine, before and after my daily swim. Hei Poa's pure monoi oil is available in a selection of "flavours", including vanilla, coconut and frangipani.

10. Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion

I first bought this irreplaceable product on the advice of Zoe Foster, who has dubbed it "magic dust". All you do is sprinkle the dust onto your fingers, rub it sparingly through your roots, and suddenly you have achieved that coveted lived-in, tousled look so effortlessly modeled by ingenues worldwide. 

11. Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Milk Cleanser

Another recent discovery, this beautiful skincare product is one of those rare cleansing gems that manage to hydrate and nourish the skin while leaving it feeling fresh and clean. It is ideal for targeting the simultaneous oiliness and dehydration that accompanies the onset of summer. Korres has recently elevated itself to one of my favourite brands - its Wild Rose Face and Eye Serum and Pomegranate Cleansing Scrub are equally lovely. 

12. Diptyque L'Ombre dans L'Eau

This eau de toilette from French perfumer Diptyque is described as a "bouquet of roses and blueberry leaves". Designed to evoke the aura of a green riverside garden, amongst the trees, it is subtle, fresh and gorgeous - a perfect blend of florals, fruit and greenery. Plus it looks so charming in my room! (With its room spray and candle counterparts, called Baies.)

beauty secrets, part 4: makeup overview

Welcome to Part 4 of my "beauty secrets" series. There are still many skincare products to peruse, but I felt like deviating a little to share some of my favourite makeup products with you before I get to exfoliators, masks and targeted treatments.

When it comes to my own makeup look, I prefer a pared-down, pretty aesthetic: fresh, radiant skin, soft pink cheeks and lips, subtle bronzer and understated eye makeup. I do experiment but I always fall back on this kind of look, not unlike the beautiful Clemence Poesy in this picture (or at least that is what I would like to think!):

So here are a few of my "holy grail" products. It is not an exhaustive list, but these are definitely some of my all-time favourite finds.

1. Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Cream Foundation

I am constantly searching for the "perfect" foundation - but only because I am devoted to finding one which will make me look as though I am not wearing any! This beautiful cream foundation by Giorgio Armani is a star. It is a full coverage foundation, so perfect for special occasions or bad skin days, with a flattering satin finish. I simply dot it onto my skin and blend it with my fingers. With virtually no effort, I have a flawless complexion and subtle glow, and no tell-tale signs of foundation to be seen. Gorgeous!

2. By Terry Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid Blush in Fresh Rose

I must admit that I am biased here. By Terry is one of my favourite brands in the world. Of course, it is hideously expensive so I cannot afford many of the products, but nevertheless I do have a few stowed away in my drawer, only to be used for special occasions (such as going to the supermarket and studying in the library). The creator of the brand, Terry de Gunzburg, originally invented the much-lauded Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat.

This product is just so lovely. A sheer liquid blush that smells like fresh roses, it gives such a pretty, radiant flush on the cheeks. I deposit half a pump onto the back of my hand and use my Nars brush to sweep it onto the apples of my cheeks, then swirl the excess onto my temples and through the centre of my face for extra luminosity.

3. Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna

Most people who have never used this product tend to be very wary of bronzer, due to the common phenomena of orange, dirty-looking, stripy faces wandering the streets! Don't despair. Those poor girls are just using the wrong bronzer (and probably not using it correctly, either).

The beauty of this cult product is that it truly mimics the look of a natural tan. It is neither orange, nor green (as some tanning products are, to counteract the orange); it is just natural. The best way to apply bronzing powder is to lightly sweep a brush like the Nars (below) in a three-shape on either side of the face; along the periphery of the forehead, under the cheek bones (below your blush) and beneath the jaw line. The idea is to deposit your bronzer where shadows would naturally form on your face, to provide depth and definition, as well as warmth. You can use your bronzer as a blush, but it is not the most flattering way to wear it (and may result in the afore-mentioned stripy look).

4. Chantecaille Lip Chic in Camellia

I discovered this lipstick only recently and it is divine. (I have two tubes, just in case I misplace one!) It has the most beautiful hydrating, glossy texture I have come across and the colour I use, Camellia, is the perfect shade of nude pink. Tea Rose is also gorgeous, if you prefer a deeper pigment, and Sari Rose is an ideal warm nude.

Chantecaille is also one of my favourite brands. The products are chic and of beautiful quality, and I also love the brand's ethos, particularly their animal activism and social awareness campaigns.

5. Chanel Nail Vernis in Splendeur

I know, I know, it is ridiculous to spend so much on a nail polish. This one (a gift from my lovely friend Kimberley) is just so beautiful though... And I swear, it's not just the elegant packaging and the prestigious label that won me over. The formula is the best I have used, and the pink pigment is so vivid. Just one coat (no base coat, no top coat) gives me a perfect manicure that lasts for days without chipping. I just love it.

6. Nars Yachiyo Kabuki Brush

This all-in-one makeup brush is wonderful. I use it to apply tinted moisturiser, foundation, blush, bronzer, face powder, (a faint wash of) eyeshadow... everything! The soft bristles and dome-shaped head is perfect for airbrushing liquid foundation onto the skin, contouring the cheeks and touching up through the T-zone. Plus, it fits perfectly into a little clutch on nights out!

As always, feel free to ask any questions in the comments section. Please keep in mind that I will be gradually revisiting every makeup category (primer, foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, mascara... etcetera!) which will provide much more specific insight and information. This is just a little taste!

10 day cycle

This one will be short and sweet...

Books to read

Recipes

Nigella Lawson's Mirin Glazed Salmon

Frankie Magazine's Belgian Bun Cake

Makeup

Marion Collitard

Things to do

Shop for Elle Macpherson lingerie

Write a letter to my great-aunt

Rewatch (500) Days of Summer

(Pictures via Primped, The Outnet, Readings, Frankie)

10 Day Cycle

So another 10 days have passed, and it is time to embark on a new "cycle".

Last week went well. It was the final week of my break so I took some time to relax and get a few things done that I had resolved to do, like exercising and writing. I also fired off some emails (on the advice of the lovely Corrine at Frock and Roll) and received some heart-warming replies. I organised my desk and bought all my textbooks for uni. I attempted both recipes: Alicia's juice was yummy and Skye's mousse was delicious. I made the mousse for my friend Kimberley's Masterchef finale party - I had been on team Adam since Skye left, so over the moon when he won! I didn't get the laundry done.

Things to read

Confession... I was distracted from my reading list by Annabel Crabb's Rise of the Ruddbot... but I need to educate myself in preparation for the election! I did finish Living Dolls, which was brilliant.

So this week I'm going to be a little more realistic and just allocate one fiction book...

I have read the first chapter and been meaning to continue for a few months, and now I feel as though I am in a place that reflects the tone of the book... thoughtful, whimsy, optimistic and reflective. My friend has the audio version, which Obama narrates himself... divine.

And one non-fiction book...

I am almost halfway through this (after receiving it in the mail from Amazon last night) and it's wonderful.

Things to try

Transcendental meditation — Sarah Wilson wrote about this on her blog last week. I am very skeptical so I never thought that I would even entertain the thought of taking up meditation, but the benefits seem amazing so I have decided to give it a try. You can read Sarah's article here.

Recipes to try

A couple of recipes from Cannelle et Vanille...

• Poached salmon salad
• Chocolate, banana and teff cupcakes (gluten-free)

Hair and makeup inspiration

I am finally getting my hair redone today. I have been contemplating which colour to go for and, at this stage, I am enamoured of exquisite Australian model Samantha Harris in this Little Joe runway show.* It is the perfect, understated shade of brown that has none of that dreaded red tone that I hate (on me, I love it on other people!)

Her makeup is beautiful, too.

Things to do

Go to a dinner party tonight

Fill out the iStudiez app on my iPhone

Get ahead with my Law and Women's Studies reading; watch some movies for my English unit

*Enamoured "of" sounds off to me, but I did my research... "with" is grammatically incorrect and "by" would mean that Samantha is enamoured of ME. Just thought I'd clear that up in case anybody else thought that it sounded wrong... It's probably just me, though!

(Pictures via Primped, Amazon, Niotillfem and StartBreathing)

the beauty philosopher

I did this interview with The Beauty Philosopher a few months ago, but, in my ever-disorganised state, I completely forgot to post a link on here, until now.

I absolutely love beauty, which I'm sure comes through on this blog, but I made a conscious choice not to be, exclusively, a beauty blogger. The main rationale is that there are a lot of other things I love writing about, but there is also the fact that there are so many amazing, talented, passionate, knowledgeable beauty bloggers out there who I just cannot compete with! The Beauty Philosopher is one of them. She is also a beautiful, romantic wordsmith with amazing style.

So here is my interview, in which I chat indulgently about my love for cosmetics, where it originated and some of my all-time favourite products. Enjoy!

“People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.”

— Salma Hayek

lambada

I am a self-confessed snob when it comes to beauty products. I attribute it to my job in luxury cosmetics - if I didn't believe that expensive products give you better results, then would be incredibly hard to convince my customers to buy them (although I often find myself telling my cash-strapped customers to "just take the serum and scrub - buy a Cetaphil cleanser and Nivea sunscreen at Priceline then come back when you have some more money").

And so when I found myself falling in love with a lipgloss that I bought for only $12, I consider it my duty to pass this gem onto others. It is the Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipgloss in Lambada. It looks something like this when applied:

... but even more importantly, it tastes delicious.

winter basics

Winter is fast approaching Perth and I am determined to keep things simple. As I did over summer, I am trying to embrace the (perhaps stereotypical) French ethos of only purchasing a few key pieces each season. On a recent trip to Melbourne, I bought a gorgeous fitted jacket, ballet flats and metallic heels. In Autumn, I bought a few silk Morrison dresses that will easily translate into winter. That's all I really need, apart from a few extra accessories to jazz up my outfits.

So, to give you an idea (if you're interested), here are my winter basics.

An Ode to No One tailored black velvet jacket

I bought this at Fat, in Melbourne GPO. An Ode to No One is an Australian Sydney-based label, and I truly believe that Australia has the best modern, young, (mostly) affordable fashion in the world. Fat is the first store I walked into, and this is the first jacket I picked up and tried on. I fell in love with it immediately and avoided all jackets for the rest of the trip.

Morrison "Leticia" black draped silk dress

Morrison is a local Perth label. The fabrics are beautiful and the pieces drape perfectly. I have this dress in black and elephant (a grey colour), and they translate to all occasions and seasons. Plus they have pockets!

2 Baia Vista black leather ballet pumps

These are actually French Sole, but mine are almost identical, and so comfortable! I bought them from Zomp.

Chloe Heloise blue leather handbag

Mine is a lighter blue colour, but the same style (similar to the nail polish below). I snatched it up in the Paris sales over Christmas.

Romantic Scarlett Johanssen-esque hair and makeup

Love the soft waves, strong brows and flawless skin.

To achieve her gorgeous makeup look, I will probably use Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Foundation, By Terry Touch Expert Concealer, Nars Cream Blush in Enchanted, Nars Eyeshadows in Ashes to Ashes (eyelid) and Bali (brows), Nars Lipstick in Cruising and Nars Lipgloss in Chihuahua or Belize. I have also become addicted to touching up with the luxuriously gold-flecked Tatcha hand-made blotting papers.

Things to Buy

Leopard print scarf

Yes, this is the notorious Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton silk-cashmere scarf. I came across it in Paris and I am still kicking myself for not buying it there. The rationale was "surely, I can find something exactly the same for a fraction of the price". No, actually, I couldn't! Not even in Melbourne when I visited a few weeks ago, looking absolutely everywhere for a leopard scarf. I may have to save my pennies and buy this online.

Jennifer Behr rose headband

So pretty and romantic. I was inspired by my blog crush, Sara of Harper and Harley.

Chanel Nouvelle Vague nail polish

This may clash a little with my handbag but it is so gorgeous. See Temptalia for swatches.

That's all! I hope this has inspired your winter wardrobe in some small way. xx

(Pictures via An Ode to No One, Morrison, Primped, Beloved and This is Naive)

things to pack

Clothes:

1. Fuchsia coat. 2. 2x LBDs. 3. Black leather boots. 4. Tights. 5. Lingerie. 6. Pink leather gloves. 7. Diamond studs. 8. Black patent leather handbag. 9. Taupe tote. 10. Black and cream cashmere scarves. 11. Thermal knits. 12. Black Mary Jane ballerina flats.

Makeup:

1. By Terry foundation, concealer, liquid blush in fresh rose, liquid bronzer in sun beach. 2. Chanel laque in ming. 3. Becca mineral powder. 4. Ellis Faas eyeshadow in E107. 5. Nars velvet matte lip pencil in sex machine, multiple in copacabana, blush in desire, eyeshadows; eye shader, eyeliner and large domed eye brushes, yachiyo kabuki brush. 6. Stila mascara and black eyeliner. 7. Utowa eyelash curler. 8. Rubis tweezers.

Skincare:

1. Leaf & Rusher mini essentials pack (cleanser, day creme, night creme), resurface essentials pack (face and lip scrubs), skin tonic. 2. Mecca travel pack (body wash, body creme, sunscreen, hand creme). 3. This Works turbo balm.

Haircare:

1. Fekkai glossing travel pack (shampoo, conditioner, creme, hairspray, comb). 2. Bumble & bumble hair powder. 3. Kiehls creme with silk groom. 4. Aveda hair potion and paddle brush. 5. Ghd series IV styler. 6. MyCurl. 7. Parlux 3500 hair dryer.

Other:

1. Mecca nail colour lilac-grey (Diana/Francisca). 2. Fracas parfum. 3. ModelCo nail polish remover. 4. iPod. 5. Pens. 6. Pink leather moleskin notebook. 7. French language guide. 8. City guides/travel journals. 9. Novels. 10. Laptop. 11. Umbrella.

P.S. Please do not waste your time trying to talk me out of packing my beauty arsenal - it is non-negotiable!

life's little luxuries

1. A spritz of Fracas parfum.* 2. Curling up on the couch on a rainy night to watch Mad Men. 3. A fluffy little dog to cuddle. 4. Applying the perfect shade of Chanel lipstick.** 5. Lying in a hammock in summertime, reading and eating green grapes. 6. A fresh, glossy blowdry. 7. Spring water with a slice of lemon, served in a wine glass. 8. New Garance Doré posts and romantic text messages. 9. French kissing. 10. Being wrapped in a warm towel, fresh from the dryer, after a long bath.***

* outstanding note of tuberose, a variety of flowers (mostly white) - jasmine, jonquil, lily of the valley, white iris and a touch of pink geranium, top notes of bergamot, mandarin and hyacinth, infused at the heart with a whisper of orange and a base note of sandalwood, vertiver and musk... so lovely!
** mine is the rouge allure laque in "ming"
*** here is an opportunity for a boyfriend/lover/partner/ fiancé/husband to prove himself useful

how to get ready in five minutes and look amazing

Hair: Spray some Delorenzo dry shampoo in the roots of your hair, brush it out, sprinkle some Aveda Hair Potion through the crown and run some Bumble & bumble Brilliantine through the tips for sexy texture, definition and shine.

Skin: Use a cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating mask like Malin & Goetz Detox Mask. Rinse with warm water and follow with Clarins UV Day Screen SPF30+ (for day) or Le Blanc de Chanel (evening) to prep the skin.

Base: Pump some By Terry Light Expert onto the back of your hand and blend it all over the face and neck with your fingers, including on the eyelids and under the eyes. Do the same with the By Terry Bronze Expert, except only apply it where the sun naturally hits your face - cheeks, bridge of nose, brow bone, chin and forehead. Dust some translucent Fusion Beauty Brightening Mineral Powder all over, to set.

Eyes: Blend the Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in E107 all over your eyelid and along the lower lashline, curl your lashes with the Utowa Eyelash Curler and apply Becca The Ultimate Mascara in Bronze to your top and bottom lashes. Use the excess mascara to tidy and shape your brows. Line the lower inner rim of your eye with a Utowa Eyeliner Pencil in Nude-White.

Cheeks and Lips: Apply some blush and lipstick in corresponding shades according to the look or mood you want to evoke. Nars has the most amazing blushes and beautiful lipstick shades:

• Classic: Blush in Dolce Vita, lipstick in Dolce Vita
• Natural: Blush in Luster, lipstick in Falbala
• Fresh: Blush in Orgasm, lipstick in Niagara
• Pretty: Blush in Oasis, lipstick in Sex Machine
• Barely There: Blush in Deep Throat, lipstick in Blonde Venus
• Peachy: Blush in Gina, lipstick in Barbarella
• Girly: Blush in Desire, lipstick in Venice
• Sophisticated: Blush in Mounia, lipstick in Senorita
• Chic: Blush in Sin, lipstick in Shrinagar
• Glamorous: Blush in Exhibit A, lipstick in Jungle Red
• Bold: Blush in Mata Hari, Lipstick in Schiap

Finish with a touch of Nars Lipgloss in Triple X or Greek Holiday in the centre of your bottom lip.

Miscellaneous: Spritz some sexy, aphrodisiacal Escentric Molecules perfume, roll-on the infalliable Mitchum deodorant and inspect your nail polish - chips? Swirl your nails in a tub of Sally Hansen Kwik-Off to remove swiftly and go au naturale.