St. Ives Body Polish Monday, November 30, 2009

After trying St.Ives' luxe apricot facial scrub and absolutely loving it (it delivers!) I thought it would be worthwhile trying one of the products from their new range of body polishes. I picked the Oatmeal and Shea Butter and it is my new favourite.

St Ives claims: "Formulated with natural sugar crystals and Oatmeal & Shea butter extracts, this polish gently exfoliates & cleanses to leave your skin smooth, bright and moisturized without over-drying for radiant, irresistably soft skin." and I have to say that they're spot on. My previous favourite by MOR was excellent for sloughing away my dead winter skin although it was quite rough, to the point it would actually make my hands sore. Oatmeal and Shea won't do that although it is fine enough and rough enough to be effective. The best part by far is that my legs are still smooth and moisturised even though I didn't apply any moisturiser afterwards (which I wouldn't normally recommend). The paste is quite thick, you really need to dig your fingers into it to get it out of the container, actually at first I thought that maybe it had 'gone off' but once on, it smells good, feels good, does what it claims. You won't go wrong with this little gem. Absolute cheapy must have for under $10.00 (AUD). Essential party season purchase!

C. x

How to spot a perfectly made umbrella... Monday, November 9, 2009

(Some words of wisdom from fashion queen Kate Spade)

• Cane handles (tulipwodd is used for the shaft in a two-piece handle)
• Tempered Steel frame to ensure flexibility and wind resistance
• Ribs and stretchers are hand wired together
• A cover of fine quality nylon or waterproof English silk
• Mother-of-pearl button fastener

Some gems of wisdom... Sunday, October 25, 2009

1. Before applying makeup and after moisturising, USE A PRIMER. It'll help you acheive a flawless finish. It'll also help to protect your skin.

2. If your nails get discoloured from wearing nailpolish, remove the polish and soak nails in warm water for 15 minutes with the juice of half a lemon. An amazingly good natural whitening trick.

3. Always take your make up off before you go to bed. Otherwise it'll dry out your skin and clog your pores. Even if you use mineral make-up, take it off - you need to give your skin a rest! Oh and you don't want ugly make-up stains all over your pillow.

4. To help reduce frizz and flyaways, use a satin/silk pillow slip. If you can't find one, they're ridiculously easy to make, or alternatively place a silk/satin scarf over your pillow at night.

5. If you've run out of toner, splash your face with cold water after cleansing. Toner is supposed to get any remining dirt/oil/makeup off your face, reduce the appearance of pores/fine lines/ wrinkles and prepare the skin for moisturiser. A good cleanser should really get rid of makeup, oil and dirt and the cold water will help to stimulate circulation, thereby helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and reducing the appearance of pores.

6. Switch to a lighter moisturiser/treatment in the warmer months. Your face will already be getting extra moisture from increased sweating and sebum production. If you use a heavier moisturiser in summer there's also a greater chance your make-up will slide off by mid morning.

7. Eat after exercising. Exercise stimulates your metabolism which means you'll burn kJ faster. It also means you won't have your food jumping around in your stomach.

8. Whilst you can't actually make pores smaller, you can reduce their appearance by making sure they don't get clogged. A great way to do this is by steaming your face over a bowl of hot water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil (I suggest peppermint or lavender). It'll also help to calm and relax your mind.

9. Eat tomato's, spinach, fish, eggs, blueberries, nuts and pommegranates to keep wrinkles at bay. These foods contain high amounts of vitamins and nutrients essential for healthy (and moisturised) hair, skin and nails - including B-vitamins, Lycopene, Anti-oxidants, Omega fatty acids, B-Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Selenium just to name a few. It's just as important to look after your skin from the inside.

10. Wear a sunscreen (even in Winter!) UVA/UVB rays are THE major cause of wrinkles - even on cloudy days.

C xx

Lippy Saturday, October 24, 2009

Regardless of the season, lip gloss, stain or stick is a must. Here are a few of my Summer favourites...

Clockwise from top:

Sally Hanson Lip Inflation

I've already blogged about this sticky plumping gloss, still a summer fave although not really suitable for the beach or windy days. awesome over lipstick for ultra shine.  

Invisible Zinc, Tinted Lip and Cheek Balm

Love love love this product. Works like a stain/cream blush on the cheeks and is an absolute dream on the lips - although I should warn that unless you have naturally super moist lips you'll probably want to use in conjunction with a clear moisturising balm/gloss (I like to use the Vaseline Lip Therapy) over the top as it had the propensity to dry my lips out a bit. 

Clinique lip gloss in Peach Plump

Such a pretty shade, gives only the slightest pinky hugh to the lips. 

Aesop Tuberose Lip Heal

I won't go on about this one as I've mentioned it on this blog before - absolute lip must have. Abosrbs quickly, more of a treatment than a gloss. It's a conditioner for your lips.

Dior, DiorKiss in 008 Lemon Sorbet Meringue and also778 Red Currant

The best thing about this lip gloss is the smell. No. 008 smells like lemon delicious and tastes just as good. Unfortunately it was a little thicker and sparklier than I had anticipated (what was I expecting with a description like Diamond Sparkles??) It'll stay on for a good few hours though, and on the face of any loved ones, clothing, etc.

Napolean Perdis, Satin Lips in Alexis

This is such a gorgeous shade, if you want a sheer cherry hue, just apply to the bottom lip and press lips together. If you apply a few coats, you'll get a lovely dense red/coral gloss. The only down side is that if you do apply a thicker coat or two, you'll need to keep reapplying constantly throughout the day/night.

Chanel, Brillant Levres, no. 68

Sooooooo lovely. I have nothing to complain.

Vaseline Lip Therapy (clear)

My all-in-one gloss coat and lippy sunscreen, I would be lost without it! VLT stays in my bag ALWAYS and if I have dry elbows, it'll sort that out for me too :)

Lucas Paw Paw Ointment

A cult favourite. The paw paw actually acts as a tenderiser and so maked the lips feel softer, although I don't know so much about whether it actually nourishes the lips. Either way it comes in a pretty red tube. I gave it to a younger cousin for his scratched knee and it seemed to help speed the healing process along quite nicely.

C xx

Super Strawberries Sunday, August 23, 2009

One of my favourite multi-tasking super foods is the humble strawberry.

1. They taste delicious on their own or with pancakes, muesli and yoghurt, other fruit in a salad, on cakes, dipped in chocolate, in a smoothie... the list goes on!
2. They're relatively low cal so great as a snack if you're on a diet (1 cup = roughly 45 cal/188kJ)
3. They satisfy even the worst afternoon sugar cravings
4. Eating strawberries whitens your teeth! (when combined with about 1/2 a teaspoon of baking soda it creates malic acid which, when rubbed on teeth or used in place of toothpaste will remove very tough stains from teeth. Warning - you should only do this every now and again as too much may damage tooth enamel)
5. They are ridiculously easy to grow whether on a farm or a windowsil (strawberries make excellent pot plants).
6. They're packed full of antioxidants and phytonutrients to keep you healthy, including vitamin c, b-vitamins, flavanoids and calcium.
7. Research has shown that among other things, strawberries help to prevent cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
8. THEY HELP TO PREVENT WRINKLES. Seriously - strawberries contain ellagic acid which has been shown to prevent ultra violet skin damage.
9. Studies have shown that eating strawberries may help to keep your brain from aging!!

I'd like to see broccoli do all that...

Caity xx

BEAUTY KIT Wednesday, July 29, 2009

A few essential items I am totally loving at the moment...

[A'kin] Rose an Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser and Toner in One (with Shea Butter and Vitamin B5): fresh and dewy skin (suitable for all skin types). I love this beautiful cleanser because it takes off my thickest, blackest mascara without leaving smudgy panda eyes. Splodge a bit onto a cotton make-up pad and wipe the night off. Works just as well in the shower. Oh and it's almost all natural and free from sulfates and parabens!

Aesop Rose Hair and Scalp Moisturising Masque (with Rose Petal, Beta Carotene and Lavender Stem) This is the only hair mask that I've ever been totally satisfied with. Leave this rich masque on for half an hour (ideally after shampooing (with Aesop Sage Cleansing Shampoo), but if you're lazy like me then just slather it on for 30 mins before jumping in the shower), rinse thoroughly and be amazed. After a few applications, my thick and uruly hair was brought back from the brink of being chopped off due to heat and chemical damage. I use the tiniest amount (and I really do mean tiny) on my hair after jumping out of the shower and let it dry naturally, minus the frizz. Thank you Aesop!

Aesop Parsely Seed Anti-oxidant Serum (with Grape Seed)Another hit potion from Aesop. I pop this one on under my sunscreen - and on particularly wintery days I use in conjuction with a richer moisturiser. Not for those who don't like the feel of something slightly sticky on their skin - although I promise it absorbs quickly.

Aesop Parsely Seed Cleansing Masque (with evening primrose and rosehip seed)Everyone needs a slightly more thorough cleanse every now and then. This is your gal. You leave it on until it dries and then wipe off with a hot wet towel. Follow with a luxe moituriser. I try to use this baby at least once a week.

Aesop Tuberose Lip Heal (with violet leaf and Jasmine) OK so there's a lot of Aesop on this list so far - but their products really are just so beautiful, gentle and above all - effective. I use this one LOADS in winter - especially when hanging with my boy who doesn't like getting sticky gloss on his face. It absorbs in around 5 mins so when I want a longer lasting shine I'll pop a thicker gloss over the top. Smells (and tastes) soooooo good.

Bobby Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow (Heather Mauve - 23) I really love this colour. The beautiful fauny/ever so slightly lavender colour has a subtle shimmer that carries you from work through to dinner and beyond. I find my index finger works better than a brush for application.
Photo by Deane and McLoughlin

Beauty Kit - continued...

Chanel - Brilliant Levres (68) Sheer luxe to the max. Goes on oh so nicely. Matches everything in my wardrobe. I will be stocking up when I finish this tube, although it has lasted me almost 6 months now. This may have something to do with the fact that I have almost as many lip-glosses as Laura though. Won't stay on all day, but will ake your lips utterly irresistible.

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream The only ingredients in this waxy product are olive oil, bees wax, honey, pollen, royal jelly and propolis extract. Who ever knew such a simple product had so many uses? If I could only take two beauty items with me to a deserted island, this would be one of them (the other would be 30+ sunscreen). Yes, it's thick and waxy (think slightly harder vaseline) but really is a cure all. I slather this all over (especially arms and legs) after showering - usually before jumping into bed and by morning it's soaked in. This is the stuff they use on models in photo shoots to make them look uber shiny and works perfectly as a shimmer/highlighter on the face. I even use Egyptian magic on my hair as an overnight mask. I'll melt a bit in between my hands until it turns into an oil and then coat my hair. Wrap in a towel and thoroughly wash out in the morning. Thank you ancient Egyptians, thank you bees.


Guerlain Aqua Allegoria - Pivoine Magnifica MMmmmmmmmmmmm violets, peonies and pink grapefruit. My favourite citrus fragrance. A little goes a long way, careful not to spray too much!

L'Occitane, Hand Cream (enriched with 20% Shea Butter): for dry skin.
Beautiful to use every day - especially on dry hands in winter. I keep this one in my top drawer at work.

Natio Nail Colour (Mystic) A cheapy, but a goody. Colour is rich and intensifies with a second coat. Will last the week if coated with Sally Hansen Hard As Nails. I've had this bottle for almost 4 months and it hasn't glugged or caked in the bottle. Very happy.

Nivea Sun Light Feel Daily Face Veil (SPF 30+) For a 30 strength sun screen I was thrilled to find that it really does have a barely-there feel. I put it on over moisturiser, under make-up. A little bottle goes a long way. And EVERYONE needs a 30+ sunscreen. Especially one that won't cause your make up to slide off in the sun.

Sally Hansen Lip Inflation (Clear) If you want to really feel a product work on your lips, SHLI is for you. A fairly generous application (recommended) will make your lips super cold and tingly (and presumably bigger looking). With a stickier than normal consistency it's perfect for glam occasions but not for windy days (your hair WILL stick to your face). Boyfriend alert - he probably won't like the stickyness or tinglyness transfered to his own lips. Don't take it to the beach either, unless you like crunching sand.

St. Ives Apricot Srub I purchased this gentle facial scrub when in a rush and strapped for cash, but I have to say it's one of my more successful impulse buys. The first thing I love about this product is that it's gentle enough to use on my skin every second day but still sloughs off my dead winter skin cells effectively. The second thing I love about this scrub is the smell - so good I double it up as an all over body scrub.

The Body Shop - Natures Minerals Eye Shadow (02 - Radient Graphite) Yes, minerals in make up products are all the rage right now, but that isn't what made me buy this product. Being a super fine powder means you can apply a sheer dusting for day wear or pat it on a bit heavier for night wear. It has sparkle but not in the sense that you'll look like you're on your way to a year 9 disco.

And finally...

Tweezerman Tweezers An absolute beauty must have. Careful - these WILL hurt you and MAY scar you should you accidentally stab yourself in the face in excitement for the fact that these will pluck even the thinnest, shortest hairs (yep including brow stubble regrowth). You're not supposed to tweeze in between waxes but I say you can get away with it if you use these.

C. x

Feet Treat! Wednesday, July 22, 2009

If you're like me and wear shoes that are far too small, with a heel far too high and have many resulting blisters, this cheapy foot treatment is a must!

Need:
1 bucket/shallow bath
Warm-Hot water (just enough to go up to your ankles)
1/2 cup rock salt (the rougher the better)
Scented oil of choice - my favourites include rose, peppermint and lavender
Towel

Method:

1. You firstly need to make sure you'll have at least 10mins to yourself so that you don't have to keep jumping up and getting water everywhere.
2. Pop the salt and scented oil into the bath/shallow tub and then pour the hot water over the top.
3. Feet in! Be careful the water isn't too hot, you don't want to scald your feet!
4. Swish salt and oils around with your feet.
5. After 10 or so minutes take your feet out, pop them onto the towel and dab dry.
6. Apply yummy moituriser of choice! Be generous.

For a super sweet feet treat take the opportunity to groom your toe nails as they will soften after being soaked. Apply a pretty coat of hot pink nail polish, clear top coat and you're set!

C. xx