EMERGENCY. STOP AND READ.

I don't mean to send anyone into a tailspin, but please refer to my post yesterday RE the impending Nars goodness at Mecca on Monday, and please let it be known that apparently some stores already have the illuminator on counter. If you too are desperate to get your mitts on it (it's not just me... surely?), CALL YOUR STORE NOW and reserve one. Here's a handy little store locator for you. The kindness never stops around here, clearly.

On that note, this is how I feel about Mecca customer service right now and always...

Seriously. Mecca and Kit staff are always so freaking lovely. It's bizarre. I mean, it's wonderful.

Carry on. Happy weekend! x

I hate to sound alarmist, BUT..

I emptied out one of the side pockets of my bag this morning, in my neverending personal vendetta to exact revenge on wayward bobby pins, and this was what faced me. This pocket of my bag houses all my high-rotation lip products I'm loving lately, to ensure they are always within easy reach. A girl's gotta be able to gloss on the go, y'know?

I was a tad alarmed for a second at the lipgloss mountain that ensued, and then I realised that I have actually been using each of these products lots lately, and so I took solace in that for a second, and then I found THAT fact a little more concerning, because surely it's not normal to consider such a whopping amount of pinky-peachy glosses for immediate regular use in my arsenal as normal. Please reassure. It is completely normal to need TWELVE glosses within easy reach, right? Right.

So this is what has been gracing my pout lately:

(from left to right)
Stila lipglaze in Pinkle Twinkle
Bloom lipgloss in Tangerine
Lipstick Queen Fifteen Minutes of Fame gloss in 3 Minutes (could they create a longer name for a gloss? Urgh.)
Stila lipglaze in Jewel Barbie (I just realised this is almost a year old, it might be time to chuck. Sniffle.)
Stila lipglaze in Peach
Mac dazzleglass in Steppin' Out
Lipstick Queen Fifteen Minutes of Fame gloss in 5 Minutes
Nivea lip care in Pink Grapefruit (scoff all you want, but I use this for the smell alone)
Kit lipgloss in Wildest Dream
YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Orange Shiver (fab lipstick, bad colour for me - I keep on trying this again to see if my skin tone will change its mind...)
MAC slimshine in Long Stem Rose (if anyone has seen my Grenadine slimshine, please holler, as I am missing it dearly)
Lipstick Queen medieval tinted lip treatment

I shudder to think of how many more lip products are swimming about in the depths of my actual BAG, all clamouring for their own little corner of lining to snuggle up to.

Oh and don't stress - my actual lip CARE products, you know the Lanolips, Badger Balm, Kiehl's etc, are all housed in the other side pocket. Um.

I believe they call this kind of life conundrum A FIRST WORLD DRAHMAH.

Other mindless news I'm sure you'll be grateful to hear:

I used up my tube of Aveda Hand Relief cream today and almost cried. This is such a delicious hand cream; sweetly scented and keeps my paws soft and non-greasy as I bang at my keyboard all day long.

I have been painting the shiz out of my talons lately with Essie Mademoiselle. I think I have talked about how much I love this polish before, and it needs more support - it is without a doubt the hardest working polish in my stash. It's the perfect I'mnotwearinganypolishmynailsarejustasweetsoftshinypinkokay. It even forgives manky cuticles because it's not so showy that it screams attention to them. Swoon.

I have resolved to finally perfect a smokey eye as it is becoming increasingly apparent to me that my fave celebs just will not quit with it, and in the interests of following celeb trends without hesitation or reserve, I need to get on board. See Kate and Lily out in London last week:

   

(Please note, that Kit lipgloss pictured earlier is the perfect accompaniment to a smokey eye. Such a lovely milky pink.)


I saw The Blind Side last night and it was nothing short of amazing. Sandra had better pick up a swag of awards for this. She played the hell out of her southern belle role - there is some killer styling to be had here, what with her big over-highlighted hair, frosted lipstick and Southern drawl. LOVE. Her accent is awkward for a few minutes and then you are totally into it. I got very teary during this film but don't let that deter you. GO SEE. Arrive with tissues. Leave with bleary eyes and a renewed love for your round hairbrush and hairdryer.

I am sure you're well aware that there is only FOUR sleeps until a very exciting day in my world, and no, that's not because it's a PUBLIC HOLIDAY and I can indulge in a traditional public holiday sleep in (what does a sleep in look like these days, anyway? I can't remember). And NO, it's not because boyfriend is off on an early-morning fishing (ew) jaunt to celebrate this Day of (non) Labour, which is very exciting for HIM. It is, quite simply, because THE NARS ORGASM ILLUMINATOR HITS COUNTERS AT MECCA AND IT'S LIKE THE VICTORIAN STATE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO LET ME (JUST ME, ONLY ME) HAVE THE DAY OFF SO I CAN SNAFFLE ONE UP AT 9.01 AM.

I talked about this illuminator, and then soon after that, I got to have a bit of a play with Em's, which involved a lot of cooing and oohing and ahhing and rubbing her precious product all over my dirty paws to get a feel for it. I can report:
It has a beautiful colour, true to the Orgasm signature glow
It has a beautiful texture and feels very fluid
And in summary, I can't wait to get my hands on my own tube.

Not ONLY will Mecca be serving up this little gem for your purchasing pleasure, but at a little beauty counter nearby called MAC (I am not sure if you've heard of them), two of the fiercest divas are unleashing their MAC Viva Glam lippies unto the the world, in all their bright pink or watermelony red glory. Don't Cyndi and Gaga look amazing? Albeit photoshopped to the hilt.

Don't stress if you can't be bothered hotfooting it to MAC straight away - the lippies will be available for a whole year.

RIP McQueen.

 

I was so shocked to wake up on Friday morning to the news of of Alexander McQueen's death. He was one of my favourite designers and even if you didn't love his ridiculously brilliant creations, you can't argue with the fact that he was a fashion visionary.

The 40 year old British designer (known as Lee) was found dead in his London home on Thursday morning. Obviously, I didn't know Mr McQueen personally (let's not lie, we would have been FIRM friends), but it makes me blue to think of all that sadness and desperation he must have carried. He lost his mother earlier this month and lost his dear friend, the fabulous Isabella Blow (she made him) in 2007.

He took his own life on the day of his mother's funeral – doesn't this just make your heart ache? I wholly understand the pain of losing a parent and the overwhelming sadness. It is nothing short of crushing. I hope he has found some peace.

He has left behind an amazing fashion legacy. His influence was epic. On a frivolous note, do you remember the bumster jean? (Haha.) He was responsible for the first influx in 1996. The skull scarf? His doing. He staged elaborate theatrical catwalk shows, pushed boundaries and could always see ten steps forward. He created extreme silhouettes and was a stalwart of the impeccably tailored look, thanks in part to his apprenticeship on Savile Row.

He was a trailblazer, a brilliant fashion genius, and I am sad that I'll never see another crazy McQueen design hit the runway and give me something to giggle over.

Just a few of my favourite McQueen moments…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember when Kate Moss, riddled with 2005's drug scandal and teetering on the edge of fashion Coventry, hit the catwalk again for McQueen – not walking, but as a filmed hologram? McQueen closed his show sporting a tee emblazoned with 'We Love You Kate'. Aw. Friends 4eVa etc.

 

 

 

 

(Yes, that's Bjork.)

 

And let's not forget, of course, Gaga's Bad Romance vid. I am really quite fond of those lobster claw heels…

 

 

 

As my homegirl, British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, so eloquently summated…

"Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."

RIP McQueen – and if anyone knows where my McQueen-inspired skull scarf is, please holler. I have been searching high and low for it all weekend. x

Be my Valentine.

 

My wonderful, long-suffering boyfriend knows that there are many ways to this girl's heart. Food. Perfume. Flowers. Rugby. Lipgloss. Pugs. I am also a sucker for a Hallmark Holiday (you already know my thoughts on embracing a Retail Christmas and Easter). I know there will always be Valentine's Day haters out there – and you can't deny it is a commercial holiday in the extreme – but I personally find it a really sweet excuse to remind someone that you love them. Not that you should need a day or an occasion, you fool!

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be exclusively for Lovers and their neck-nuzzling in public, canoodling at the restaurant, extreme PDA offender selves. I am going to stop short of quoting my favourite chick flick ever – love actually is all around – but why don't you take your best friend to the movies, or make a sappy homemade card for your mum or sister? I choo-choo-choooose you! They had better show that Simpsons ep on Sunday, it's my fave.

 

 

Valentine's Day is perhaps the only time of year I am vehemently against buying flowers. Hello, why is the ACCC not concerned about the blatant 400% markup on roses at this time of year? It's abhorrent. Save the flora for another time of year when it will be completely unexpected – you'll earn way more brownie points when it comes out of nowhere, I promise.

 

 

 

So, an urgent memo to Cupid:

Hey buddy, instead of hitting the lay-dieeezzz with your stupid bow and arrow, why don't you swap that weapon for any of these love-inspired beauty buys? While you're there, ditch the overpriced flowers and the predictable chocolates. You'll thank me later, I promise.

 

 

 

Jurlique Love Balm, $15 from Adore Beauty

This is a multi-purpose balm that smells like tangerine and can be popped in your handbag to sort out any of life's little dramas that crop up along the way. Chapped lips? Dry, raggedy cuticle? Rogue patch of dry skin? It's an everything balm!

 

 

 

OPI Chapel of Love, $19.95 from Adore Beauty 

Hello, I have this and it is such a lovely kinda-watermelony pink. I always get comments when I wear this and it brightens my day to see this on my fingers as I'm banging away at my keyboard. Other OPIs to tug at the heart strings: Hopelessly in Love, Heart Throb, Pink-ing of You, Sweet Heart. Aww. 

 

 

 

Too Faced starry eyed liner in Mad Mad Love, $34.95 from kit cosmetics

When I saw this on the kit site, my heart melted a little. Glitter. Love. Mad love. Winner.

 

 

 

Evo Love Touch finishing shine spray, $26.95

This has 'love' in the name and pink in the packaging. Seriously – what more do you expect me to say?

 

 

 

Lush Be Mine gift, $33.95 from Lush

Gosh I love Lush. Forget rubber ducky, it's Lush that makes bathtime fun! This set has Love Soap, Sex in the Shower emotibomb (excuse you), Soft Coeur massage bar and Flying Fox shower gel. I have Flying Fox in my shower at the moment, it's lovely. Very jasmine-y!

 

Lanolips SPF15 lip ointment in Sunshine, $13.95 from Adore Beauty

As in you are my sunshine, my only sunshine! Okay, lame, corny in the extreme, but I need a new one so it was on my mind. Get on this. It's a luscious sheer orangey coral. Mmmm.

 

 

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship collection

Okay, I had to include this just for the name. You already know my thoughts on this range (hint: good) and I have been using the treatment lots lately. It's worth a purchase just for the amazing smell alone!

 

If Valentine's Day really isn't your thing, and you are rolling your eyes and mocking my every word in this post, or you have a chip on your shoulder about love gone bad, why don't you try…

 

 

 

Lush Ex Factor bath ballistic, $6.50 from Lush

Exorcise your Ex. Drop your little blue man into the bath to work his vanilla scented magic.

Cute, Lush!

 

And me? I'll be painting my digits in a striking red, maybe OPI Big Apple Red, baking heart-shaped lemon tarts for boyfriend (that is not a joke, people), going to see Valentine's Day (CORNY, SO EXCITED) and then going out for dinner with the man. I promise we won't pash and canoodle at the table next to you and put you off your meal. Happy Valentine's Day! x

 

UNICO AND ME: An Australian Love Story.

Things to love about Unico, an eco friendly hair care line born and bred in my very own Melbourne. (I love this city!)

It's homegrown

Let's give a big shoutout to those fabulous Australian (sorry, Ozstrayyyyyan) brands that are proudly waving the beauty flag – Bloom, mor, Lanolips, Aesop, Jurlique, Grown… the list is endless and it is Proud. I am quite happy to now add Unico to that stellar list.

Unico was created by Melbourne hairdresser Sofia Basile. Melbournians might be familiar with the Unico hair salons, and finally they have their own darling product line to add to their empire. Applause.

It's eco friendly

Greenies, unite and give thanks – Unico products are designed, sourced and manufactured in our fair land. They don't have to be imported from overseas, so if you like to fret about your carbon footprint, this should help you sleep a bit better at night.

The products are chemical free and contain lots of sweet ingredients like vitamins, pure plant ingredients and essential oils.

Unico are living proof that hair products don't have to be created by some foreign hair guru with no understanding of our dry, barren land – I do love a sunburnt country, Dorothea Mackellar, but golly goshballs I hate what my hair does in an Australian summer. It's like it gets a free pass to play hookey and thinks it can spend the summer blissfully unaware of tress-tamed commitments I might be running in my social calendar. Let me tell you, mop: It Is Not On. You will behave and I will employ all manner of styling products and tools to whip you into shape.

They actually work

They put their money where their mouth is. Or their product where their promise is. Or something to that effect. I was lucky enough to choose a couple of products from Adore Beauty to try and honestly, I have been nothing but satisfied with these gems. For the purposes of this incredibly detailed investigation into the line (I take my hair seriously, people), I trialled the Leave In Spray and the Hair Serum, both with dazzlingly successful results.

Oh hello lovers – don't you look nice today.

In the green corner:

Leave in Spray, $21.95 for 250ml

Unico say:

Ideal for those who lead busy lives, designed to add shine and protect hair with the convenience of not having to rinse.

I say:

Spot on, dudes. How did you know I'm so busy?

I am, quite simply, allergic to leaving my hair product-free once I'm out of the shower. I can't remember the last time I let my unruly curls dry without some product slapped in to tame the beast.

This is rich in UV filters and ideal to protect your precious mane from a harsh Australian sun – it's all very well to slip, slop, slap your body and face, but hair is important too! It also has apricot (no overwhelming smell here, though) and protein (hint: good) to strengthen your hair, and repair it from any heat abuse you've been inflicting on your hair lately.

I have had these products for awhile and have been using the leave-in spray constantly – whether I straighten my hair or let it air-dry. It detangles. It makes it feel a little bit softer and more manageable. It plays nicely with my other styling products, or holds its own solo. I have only used this on wet hair but allegedly, you can also use it on dry hair. Further investigation required, obviously.

It's very light and doesn't give my curl any crunch, which is my pet hate. I was nervous to begin with about overloading my hair with this – I have fine hair that gets weighed down by too much product – but I could spray to my heart's content without greasy ramification. It's fine to spray this on my roots liberally.

Enter contestant number TWO:

Hair serum, $22.95 for 50ml

Unico say:

Designed to seal in moisture to split ends, adding shine and gloss (most effective when used before and after hair drying).

I say:

Hmm. I'll pay that. I really put this stuff through the wringer – I used it on wet hair, dry hair, mixed it with my straightening balm, mixed it with my curl products, used it with the leave-in spray, used it before AND after blowdrying, let it fly solo. It held up to all situations. I have to say I love this most used for a post blow-dry shine – honestly, a few drops after all that hard work gives me a lot of shine for minimal effort.

I have to keep reminding myself to be careful with this – please note: Less Is More. Literally, a few drops is ample. One pump is more than enough. I warm it up in my paws for a second and then get it into my mop.

The thing I like most about this stuff is that it isn't greasy in the slightest. It doesn't make my hair feel slippery. I don't feel like my hair's on product-overload on the second day. So many finishing serums just make my hair feel slimey but this one, using just a few drops, doesn't give me any grief.

It smoothed my hair wonderfully after straightening, tamed any frizz and was a sweet little antidote to any flyaways. Allegedly it's also very good for split ends, but I don't really have a good 'before' case to judge this. Given that it's been such a little star in all other areas, I'm just going to take Unico's word for it.

And in conclusion…

May I please remind you it does NOT say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty! Cue gum pulling.

My Cher Horowitz moment aside, I feel it's time for one big squishy pool of love for this range. I think the products are very well priced and the sizes are substantial – I've been using them heaps and have barely made a dent in them. Next up, I think I'll be buying the volumising shampoo and protein treatment. They're Australian. They work. They have slick packaging that looks nice in my bathroom cabinet. All in all, I would have to say two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

I need to watch Clueless this weekend.

You can view the entire Unico range at Adore Beauty here. Get. On. It.

STOP PRESS!

It has come to my attention that Rihanna was wearing Nars Orgasm Illuminator at a pre-Grammy awards party. (And then after this, some highly-paid minion advised her to wear that atrocious white feathered get-up to the main event. Rihanna, you can pay me squillions of $$ to tell you to LEAVE THAT SHIZ THE HELL ALONE.)

I had a squiz at the Nars Spring 2010 deets when they were up on Temptalia not long ago, I took firm note of the eyeshadows (that lilac is luscious) and went on with my day, making a mental note to go perve on the shadows in Mecca further down the track. Little did I know this little pocket rocket of glowy love was involved in these Spring release shenanigans:

Hello, lover.

Points for discussion:

Why, for the love of cheek illuminators, did someone not tell me there is an Orgasm Illuminator coming out in this collection?

Did you know I have been wearing my Orgasm Multiple to death lately?

Do you agree it's a perfect glow-get-her cheek colour for me and it plays SO sweetly with a bit of South Beach Multiple for some gentle contouring?

(Please note I mentioned gentle contouring. As much as I am loving Miami Social sick - it's my new favourite sobaditsgood show - I really don't want those concave cheekbones all those hags are sporting.)

Did you know Nars Spring hits Mecca on Feb 22nd?

Did you know the Orgasm Illuminator is out here on the 8th March?

Did you know they created this product especially for me? (Cheers, Francois.)

Did you know that's one big fat fib?

Did you rate RiRi's look at the Grammys?

Am I being overly critical of her white feathered thing? I didn't mind the shoulders, actually.



Cue visual:

Do you think if I whip up some feather-loving, sharp-shouldered, booty-enhancing mess on the Janome, RiRi or Gaga will come beating down my door?

What did you think of Beyonce's metallic hair piece tinsel things? I thought they were very Carolina Herrera (see further reading) and after I got over my initial eye-rolling, I then resolved to dig out some Christmas remnants and whip some up with tinsel. Watch this space.

(Is that some cleavage contouring gone awry on her underboob, too?)



Let's reflect.

Oh hai, loyal reader.

 

What up?

 

You may have noticed I've been a somewhat sporadic (try to use it in a sentence today, Tai) blogger lately. I know. I'm well aware.

 

I detest people using the 'hi love! sorry no contactzzzz lately! work hellish! spk soon xxxx' excuse for not actioning basic leisure tasks, but Imma whip it out now without fear. So much has been happening in beauty/pink dress/gaga/lilo-land lately but I just have not had the energy to bang out blog posts. Have I lost my will to blog? I'm not sure. Work has been absolutely hellish for awhile now, and honestly, generating editorial for eight hours a day on topics that don't interest me is a bit of a creativity killer. I come home from work (I'm going to start referring to it as the Coalface a la Faux Fuchsia, I've decided) after staring at a computer screen all day and all I want to do is eat something comforting, have a hot bath, snuggle on the couch and watch bad (awesome) reality TV.

 

To be 110% honest with you, I'm not really sure what direction I want to take with this blog anymore. I never want it to feel like a chore. I love the act of blogging and I love the immediacy and narcissistic pool of love it becomes to the blogger. Comments are like a blogger's crack, you know. When I started this blog, I feel like I had SO much to say and not enough blog entries to do it in. I've thought about chopping and changing and exploring something else entirely. I am madly passionate about other things and contemplated bringing those things to the blogosphere.

 

I toyed with the idea of starting a rugby blog, but then I realised rugby fans probably wouldn't want to read a blog with prose like 'OMG what's with the away jerseys? White does nothing for the 'pecs' of a prop. Hello is Chis going to be ok?? Wow, his guns are looking super massive this week. Ew, blood. OMG! Knock forward. What is with Drew's hair?? Wow Stirlo what a trooper! Wow, Marto is so funny. Oh! Coopy! Coopy! Coopy for PM!'

 

I thought about starting a baking blog, but let's face facts, I ain't no Pioneer Woman or Bakerella. I thought about starting one of those outfit-of-the-day blogs, but I'm not an exciting dresser, and how many pussybow blouses/prim cardis/cute ballet flats can a girl blog before it starts to feel tired? I thought about turning this blog into a Project 365 type affair, I do so adore reading those, but then I realised that given my current motivation levels, posting a picture daily might prove to be a bit too labour-intensive.

 

What I'm trying to say, in my roundabout, self-adulating way, is that I'm not sure what I'm doing right now. I simply adore beauty blogs but have never really considered my own blog to strictly be one. I'm not sure what kind of direction I'm going to take, but I promise, you'll be the first to know. I have some product reviews I need to post soon because I feel these impending raves are an urgent memo to the Australian people regarding some wonderful haircare, and in the interests of public education, I should not delay! I honestly don't know if this blog is going to become something else, and I hope you'll stick with me while I figure it out.

 

Meanwhile, I recently read Poppy King's book, Lessons of a Lipstick Queen, and it was amazing. I really adore Poppy and she has a great story. I have such fond memories of those Poppy Shine pots, and I had that Shine postcard on my noticeboard in my room for so many years. She is a brilliant entrepreneur and I highly recommend this book:

 

 

 

 

It also helps that as I read, I got serious about constantly reapplying Lipstick Queen Medieval Tinted Treatment and Five Minutes of Fame Gloss in 3 Minutes. Get amongst it.

 

 

Some burning life questions I'm pondering right now:

 

When did 'Stacie The Bartender' become 'Stacie, Kristin's Friend' on the Hills?

 

Why am I not sitting in a cushy corner office with a team of assistants at my beck and call? I've toiled at this corporate game for long enough.

 

Why does Ke$ha have such awful hair?

 

Why is the MAC in Lillyland collection going to be an online exclusive? I like perving and playing with new collections on counter.

 

Where is my stila kitten eyeshadow? It has seriously gone MIA.

Will we be getting Jersey Shores here? I am simply aching to watch.

 

If you can help me to solve any of my current first world dramas, I'd be much indebted to you. xx

An open letter.

 

Dear Serena,
 
I'm not going to lie, I was a little bit sad when I realised I wouldn't be seeing you tonight at Melbourne Park. You're meeting Samantha Stosur soon and look, I like her, but she is severely lacking in the blingy manicure department. I hope you win and keep bringing that glama to the court.
 
I notice you've been in Melbourne for days now and you still haven't called me to go get our nails did. S'orright. I understand you've been busy, frolicking on centre court and setting up for another Aus Open win this year. You go, girlfriend. I support you. 
 
We talked about your leopard nails last week and I'll be honest - I've been a bandit for the photo agencies lately, checking madly to see what kind of manicures you've brought to Melbourne.
 
I can't find anything, and judging by this shot from the other day, I'm guessing you're in a similar boat to me right now - lamenting the horrid state of your cuticles, cursing your hellish schedule lately, and pining for a much-needed manicure?
 
 

 

 

Call me, okay? You can't possibly think of winning that title again without a statement manicure. I'm totally free for some pampering. xx

Be still my beating heart.

I am not ashamed to say I am loving Serena Williams' leopard print nails SICK.

(In Sydney on Jan 10.)

They are so trashy and so right.

Meanwhile, not long now until I am sitting courtside at the Aus Open! Serena, please ensure that you and your fabulous manicure are on centre court when I'm there. Okay? Cheers.

image thanks to daylife.com

Really just a whinge-fest masquerading as a blog post.

I returned to work this week after having a blissful ten days off, where the only activities I actioned were delightfully idle ones like lazing around the house, flexing some credit at boxing day sales, watching chick flicks whilst happily ensconsced in my lounge room with an icypole for company, making best friends with the airconditioning. You get the picture.

The process of returning to my corporate prison this week, to the dreary mundanity of 9-5 life, is getting me down, people. Suddenly I'm back to wearing clothes with a real waistband, waking up before the Today show has finished, and slapping on a full face of makeup every day. Before 8am. It's hard to believe this time last week I was probably curled up on the couch having an afternoon disco nap.

I am hopelessly envious of all you layabouts who still have the good fortune to be swanning around leisurely on holiday time. It feels like everyone else is enjoying a lazy January while I bask in fluroscent light all day long. This week has been so ridiculously difficult. Do you know I let my hair go unwashed for three days after Christmas? I know what you're thinking. Revolting. Truth be told, it is Liberating. Thank the heavens for dry shampoo and ballerina buns.

This morning, as I slapped on foundation (stila oil-free natural finish FYI - it's lovely), patted some cream blush on my cheeks (MAC sweet william blushcreme, in case you're interested) and carefully applied my lippie (MAC long stem rose slimshine - so pretty), I suddenly felt so tired. I know first world dramahs like post-holiday-blues do pass eventually, but right now, I need to wallow. Good thing I slapped on some fake tan and nail polish last night – imagine how low my spirits would be if I were pasty and unmanicured right now!

Let's pop into a time machine and revisit my time off. Let's all dream of sweeter and happier days, where daytime TV reigns supreme, bulging Outlook calendars are but a distant memory, and there's always leftover Christmas pudding in the fridge.

  

Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 in Shade 01, $69 from Mecca

Last week I used this stuff nonstop. Sure, It doesn't have the oil-controlling, superbly mattifying prowess that my work makeup does. It doesn't look good on me past a few hours, it makes my face look like an oil slick when it's decided it's had enough of playing nice on my face. But jeepers, while it's good, it's GOOD. It's uber dewy so I set it with MAC blot powder (my saviour) and chucked some bronzer on over the top (I was loving my stila sun pressed bronzing powder last week). You know those times when you just want to pop out of the house for a spot of shopping, or a catchup with a girlfriend, or a movie? This was perfect for those times when I just wanted to look like I had great skin, if only for a few fleeting hours.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer body mist sunblock

This stuff is my favourite sunscreen for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it's an aerosol spray can! Welcome to the future. Things don't get niftier than this, truly. This stuff is light and easy and reliable and convenient and I tore through my supplies of this stuff last week. I strongly believe I used almost a whole can on New Year's Eve. (Happy late year everyone, by the way!) I also like using its older sister on my face, the dry touch ultra sheer something sunscreen with helioplex thing. I'm far too lazy to look up the exact name, cut me some slack tiger, I should be snoozing in front of Oprah right now.

  

Sportsgirl 'You can't judge a book by its cover' palette for lips, eyes & face

Ohh, hello lover. Last week it just seemed that things like coordinating colours and choosing eyeshadow shades might be too taxing on my fuzzy, post-Christmas brain, and then this little palette came into my life and made things right again. Look at those colours! So summer worthy. These palettes remind me so much of the Too Faced quickie palettes (which I LOVE) – they are just so nifty. There's no guesswork involved. There's no opening compacts and looking for that blush shade and wondering where that eyeshadow disappeared to. I couldn't save a photo off the Sportsgirl site, so I even took my own picture to show it to you. That's how much I care. (Spot my pink leopard print mousepad in the background. It's amazing.) I spotted these on sale on Boxing Day so if you're lucky to find one, do yourself a favour and snap it up, quicksticks. And may I just mention, how impressed I am with Sportsgirl's very excellent makeup range? I have loved everything from the range. Interesting trivia: I used the Sportsgirl mango bodywash this morning. I bet you're grateful I shared that.

 

Unico leave in spray ($21.95 from adorebeauty) and hair serum ($22.95 from adorebeauty)

I am going to be quick here - this stuff is amazing. Let's be honest people - holiday hair, it doesn't always look good. It's generally messy and lazy and low-mai, and my hair was all of those things last week, but in the best way possible. I barely blowdried my hair all week, instead embracing my natural curl and using that hair-styling time to action more important tasks, like baking a birthday cake for my sister and reading overseas mags on the verandah. Both these products kept my hair smooth and happy and unfazed in the face of high temperatures. These products are SO good they deserve their own blog post, which they will get. ASAP. (Bosses who tack on ASAP to the end of every sentence - Fools.)

Lipsmacker in Cotton Candy

Nostalgia is the most powerful aphrodisiac, people. I was given a pack of SIX lip smackers for Christmas and golly, it takes me back. Remember collecting these in primary school? Cotton Candy makes me feel like a little girl again. Don't think I didn't also use the Bubblegum one all week, too.

OPI Chapel of Love and Zoya Barbie nail polishes

I do believe I mentioned how pretty Zoya Barbie is in my Christmas post - I was loving it sick last week. It is such a gorgeous pale pink that made me feel like a lady. No mean feat, people. Chapel of Love is the most adorable pink that has a tinge of watermelon or something in it and made my toes look like they were born to be on holidays.

  

I am off to the beach this weekend (mini break!) and am packing all of the above to take with me! I'll be spending the weekend on a magical little island where penguins roam free and teen superstars dine at local cafes - too bad Miley has gone home, I honestly thought her and I would galpal around Phillip Island together. Sigh. There's always next year. In the meantime, picture my beach weekend as looking something like this:

Happy weekend! x