beauty Archives - Page 4 of 12

My go-to fragrances

3rd May, 2021

Fragrances are always a critical final touch to any look. Once I have my outfit locked in, I always find that the right perfume is high on my list as it ties everything together. I’ve said before that a scent is such a powerful thing, as it can evoke such strong memories. I know there are always certain perfumes in my collection that will instantly remind me of a time and place, whether it was an event, a holiday or just a fond memory.

I know there are some people who stick with a scent and have it as their signature fragrance, but I think I like too many different perfumes to really settle on my absolute number one. I would find it hard to narrow it down as I think different perfumes work for different occasions. I do like experimenting, and as such my fragrance wardrobe comprises of a few different scents. These three are my guaranteed go-tos.

Balenciaga Paris

The iconic bottle with the cracked dome is a staple in my fragrance collection. The scent is one of those impactful scents that has a presence without being overwhelming. In fact I’m such a huge fan that it’s actually the perfume I wore on my wedding day. With an almost endless number of options in front of me, I decided on Balenciaga Paris because it’s such a beautiful scent, that fades really nicely, and has a great lasting finish. It was released several years ago but I’m still a huge fan.

Jo Malone English Oak and Hazelnut Cologne

I love the Jo Malone range because the fragrances are always so distinctive, and there are so many options. At the moment, this is the one I’m wearing a lot. It’s a lovely refreshing scent, with just a hint of zestiness. I think what I like about it is that whenever I get a slight whiff of it, I want to smell it again… and for me, that’s the sign of a great fragrance.

Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Cologne

Do you have a perfume that you’re guaranteed to get asked about/get complimented on whenever you wear it? This is the one for me. The fact that it’s another Jo Malone fragrance goes to show my enduring love for the brand. This particular scent is a floral, but it’s not overpowering (a must for me). I find it to be very subtle but oh-so feminine. It’s an elegant fragrance that I enjoy wearing to events.

What are your go-to scents?

Fashion

Styling short hair: my day-to-day hair routine

2nd May, 2021

I’ve gone from long hair to a long bob back and forth over the years but recently I decided to take the plunge and go shorter. Rocking a chin length bob has allowed me to refresh my look but it also means that I’ve had to figure out a new way to style my hair on a day-to-day basis. After watching everyone from my hairdresser to my fave hair and makeup artists work on my hair since I went for the big chop, I’ve managed to hone my daily style down into one particular look.

What I do step-by-step

Relaxed and wavy for Fashion Week this year

1. Straighten

I usually make sure that my hair is dry to start with. This is so I can straighten it. To do this, I’ll simply use a straightener and run it through my hair to the ends as I like the tips to be straight before I do the next step…

2. Curl

I like to wear my hair quite relaxed and a bit wavy. To get that beachy wave that’s quite popular right now I tong my hair using my Cloud Nine curling tong. I put a slight curl in the mid lengths, which gives it a little volume. To make it easier I will usually separate my hair into sections and then curl it section by section.

3. Muss it up

It’s usually a good idea to seperate the curls a bit so they’re not perfect and have a bit more of a lived in, mussed up effect. A quick run of my fingers through my hair usually achieves that effect.

4. Finish with product

To give it some grit and texture I’ll spritz my hair with dry shampoo and use hair powder to add a little extra volume. And after that, I’m done!

Would you like to see more hair tutorials?

Beauty, Lifestyle

My pre-holiday beauty prep

20th February, 2021

When I go on holiday I like to keep it as low key as possible when it comes to beauty maintenance. Whether it’s overseas or somewhere closer to home I prefer to just focus on getting out and about and making the most of each day as opposed to having to spend time grooming my eyebrows or doing my nails. To ensure this happens, I focus on my pre-holiday beauty prep and make sure I get all the beauty maintenance I need scheduled in before I depart.

I’m sure a lot of you have a similar checklist give or take a few steps but these are the key things I always get done before I even pack my bags…

Get a spray tan

A spray tan is always a must for me before I go away on a trip. My favourite place to go is Bronzalicious in Sydney’s Neutral Bay as they always get the colour spot on. I find when you’re bronzed you don’t need to wear much makeup plus you just generally feel more confident with a little bit of a glow, especially if it’s a beach holiday and you’re in swimwear a lot.

To help with maintenance while I’m on holiday I’ll take an exfoliator to get rid of excess colour from my spray tan and a bronzing mousse for top-ups.

Get a mani/pedi

I like neat, tidy nails when I’m on vacation so I make sure to squeeze in a manicure and pedicure as part of my pre-holiday beauty prep routine. I usually go sans polish on my fingernails because I hate chipped nails and don’t want to have to worry about getting them done when I’m away from home. On my toes I will get Shellac so it lasts a couple of weeks and will usually either get a light shade such as OPI’s Bubble Bath or a deep burgundy such as OPI’s Malaga Wine.

Have my eyebrows shaped and lashes tinted

A visit to Amy Jean Eye Couture in Sydney’s CBD is a must. I get my eyebrows shaped and eyelashes tinted and curled. I always curl my eyelashes so this way I don’t have to worry about it and I’m set for the day. If my brows and lashes are looking good then I find that I can get away with minimal makeup as it helps me looked polished.

Refresh my hair

I’m usually very good at having a regular cut and colour so I always make a point of booking a session at Valonz in Sydney’s Paddington right before a trip. I get my hair recoloured and cut so it looks fresh for my trip. It’s a bit of running around getting all my beauty prep done before going away but it’s all worth it in the end as I can just focus on enjoying myself and not have to worry about a thing.

What are your pre-holiday beauty prep essentials?

Beauty

Every product I use in my hair routine

17th February, 2021

Given most people would devote a big chunk of their overall grooming routine to styling and maintaining their hair, I’ve always felt the right products and tools are so important. I love getting beauty recommendations and am always on the look out for tried and tested products that people swear by. Having tried a few in my time, both when I had long and now short hair, I’ve slowly found my hair tribe—the products and tools that I use everyday to help me achieve my go-to hairstyles.

Ever since I cut my hair shorter, I’ve styled my hair a little differently, and nowadays I tend to go between a slight wave and a slicked back bun. THe great thing is both are relatively easy to achieve and always look on point and polished. And these are the products that help me achieve them daily.

Kevin Murphy Doo-Over Dry Powder Spray

I use this spray whenever I’m curling my hair. Once I’ve styled my hair, I use this spray to hold the curls/waves in place, but what I like about it is it doesn’t have that crunchy texture of traditional hairspray. This product allows for plenty of movement but it also holds the style in place which is the best of both worlds.

Klorane Dry Shampoo

I find it really hard to style clean hair as there’s just no grip. So often, before I curl my hair I’ll give it a spray of dry shampoo to help add some texture and give any curls a little extra grittiness to hold their shape better.

Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

Heat styling and colouring can damage hair so I love this particular duo from Wella as it’s great at repairing damaged locks. I’ve found it’s given me healthier, stronger hair.

Wellaflex No.3 Hair Stabilizer

One of the things I always do whenever I am at the hairdresser is get a treatment put in, and this product is one way to do it at home. I do it once a week and it only takes a few minutes so it’s quick and easy, and the end result I feel helps extend the effect of a salon treatment.

Moroccan Oil Hair Gel

I used this product a lot during the school holidays as I found I didn’t have much time to style my hair with the kids at home. I’d go for a swim in the morning, then once I’d washed my hair, I’d tie it back wet into a low bun and use a small amount of this gel to smooth it over. The end result was a slicked back, polished look that took me minutes to achieve. It’s seriously one of my fave hair shortcuts.

GHD hair straightener

A good hair straightener is a must. I usually use my straightener to run over the my hair to smooth it out and straighten before I curl. I like the ends to be quite straight and blunt whenever I curl it so this is a great way to achieve that effect. Also, hair straighteners are great for curling so it’s a 2-for-1 deal.

Cloud 9 The Waving Wand

A curling tong is also a must in my current hair arsenal. I’ve used this one in a tutorial I did a few months ago and it’s still going strong. Such an easy way to achieve curls.

Mermade Hair Curler

I love this curler because it can achieve beachy waves in minutes. I can use this to curl my hair in no time at all and the end result is the kind of undone wavy look that’s perfect for summer.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

I don’t know what I’d do without this hair dryer. It’s seriously the best investment as it achieves a great smooth finish, it’s light and it’s quiet too. Plus I’ve found it’s really cut my drying time down which is super important in the mornings, particularly when the girls and I need to get out the door fast.

Fashion

My beauty routine for big events

25th November, 2020

There’s nothing like that clean skin feeling post-facial

In the lead up to big events I like to ramp up my beauty routine to ensure my skin and hair are in top shape. I did this for my wedding, for spring carnival when I’m on reporting duties for 7 Racing, and whenever I’m booked for hosting duties. I think skin and hair is paramount for looking great at any event, and it ranks highly in any event prep I do.

When I was filming with Channel 7 a few weeks ago, it was one weekend after another of having to be in front of the cameras so I made sure to dial up the skin treatments I did. Along with my at home AM and PM routine, I complemented my routine with the a few professional treatments to really ensure I had a healthy glow. Here’s what I did…

Invested in facials

I booked myself in to have facials with expert facialist Jocelyn Petroni in Sydney. We did a facial every six weeks. While there are several treatments on offer, I went for The Heart Chakra Signature Facial which left my skin feeling so refreshed, hydrated and glowing afterwards. The treatment involves a thorough cleanse and exfoliation followed by a steam which helped with any decongestion such as blackheads. Perfectly glowing skin afterwards!

Enjoying a facial at Jocelyn Petroni’s Sydney salon

IPL treatments

I had three IPL treatments at The Clinic in Sydney, in conjunction with my facial routine. IPL is a form of light therapy which rejuvenates the skin. It helped smooth out my skin tone and can also assist with pigmentation, discolouration, redness and broken capillaries. In other words, it helps to achieve that flawless skin effect.

One of the definite upsides is that I found my makeup would go on so much easier after the course of three treatments and it also sat better too. A must for any big event.

Hair treatments

I’ve been getting my hair cut and coloured at Valonz in Sydney’s Paddington for years. They’ve seen me through short and long hair so I trust them completely with my locks, particularly when there’s a major event in my schedule.

I usually aim to have a colour and cut every few weeks, which helps with hair maintenance and keeps my locks in top shape. The additional thing I’ve been doing is Wellaplex (number 1 and 2) which is an in-salon treatment. It’s great for strengthening hair, repairing broken hair bonds and also for avoiding breakage after having a colour. I’ve found this routine has really helped with the condition of my hair and helps it to stand up to frequent styling, particularly when it comes to using hot tools and product.

This routine has been the general blueprint for my routine in the lead up to any big event and the results are always great. I find that if my skin and hair are in good shape, then everything else like making and styling are just that much easier.

What are your go-to treatments?

Beauty

Every product in my current skincare routine

18th November, 2020

I’ve always said that great skin is the basis of a flawless beauty look, and given I tend to need to have my makeup done several times a year for work commitments, I’ve always made a point of investing in my skin over most beauty things. My routine consists of regular facials and IPL treatments, but it’s really all about having a solid skincare regimen at home.

I love trying new products, particularly those that friends recommend so my routine does change up every so often but at the moment I’ve fallen into a nice rhythm with the products I have in my kit. I’ve loved the results I’ve been getting and I think my skin has never been in better shape. So, here’s what I use from morning to night.

My morning routine

I’ll do my skin routine first thing in the morning as I’m getting ready and it starts from serums and goes to the final product of SPF sunscreen. After which, I’ll apply my makeup. I find this process to be a nice way to start my day so where possible, I like to take my time with it. Here’s what I use:

1. Cosmedix Pepoxide

This is an antioxidant peptide concentrate that can be used morning and night. It helps to smooth skin and fight wrinkles, retain moisture and fight free radicals and even out skin tone. It’s a mult-tasker in a bottle which I love.

2. Ultraceuticals Ultimate Brightening Serum

A great serum is a must and this award-winning serum helps target pigmentation and also helps with the skin’s luminosity ie a lovely glow.

3. Clarins Double Serum

Yes, I like to use two serums. Along with seriously hydrating the skin this also fights the signs of ageing by minimising wrinkles and fine lines and also smoothing and brightening the skin. I like the fact it’s is light like a gel but is super nourishing like an oil.

4. Clarins Nutri-lumière Nourishing Day Cream

Once I’ve hydrated my skin with serums, I like to help lock it all in with a great nourishing moisturiser. This one is really wearable as its light and not oily or heavy.

5. Actinica Liposomal Lotion

Sun damage is the one thing that will really compromise the state of the skin so I always, always put on sunscreen before I walk out the door. I consider this the final step in my skincare routine and do it daily. This sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin and isn’t too heavy so it makes it really wearable.

6. Marc Jacobs Under(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Face primer

Before I put on foundation I always use a primer. I find this helps foundation glide on and also helps it to last the whole day. This also has a nice coconut scent which smells a bit like a holiday in a bottle.

7. Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid

I love this foundation because it offers great coverage but is lightweight so it sits nicely. I hate wearing heavy foundations because it just makes my skin feel like I’ve caked a lot of makeup on. That second skin feeling is perfect.

My daily routine gifting me an all-day glow

My night routine

After a long day I like nothing more than getting ready for bed and doing my nightly routine. I use different products in the evening because I want to optimise the skin’s natural renewal process overnight. I go for products with actives that will help enhance this, and in turn help me to wake up with great skin.

1. Sodashi Samadara Eye Crème

Sodashi is a great Aussie beauty brand that does really beautiful luxe natural skincare. I dot this under my eyes to kick off my pre-bedtime skincare routine.

2. Cosmedix Serum 16 Rapid Renewal

This little gem contains retinol which helps boosts collagen production and helping to reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. I’ve found it to be great at improving the texture of my skin.

3. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

When a product has cult status you know it has to be for a very good reason and Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair is just that. It helps with the skin’s nightly repair process and contains hyaluronic acid which locks in the skin’s moisture.

4. Clarins Nutri-lumière Rejuvenating Night Cream

The very last step in my routine is a slathering of night cream. My skin feels so moisturised and plump after this routine. Afterwards, it’s lights out.

Beauty, Fashion

8 things you need to do in order to nail the perfect blow dry at home

18th October, 2020

Hairstylist Keiren Street shares his tips for achieving perfectly coiffed hair at home

In an ideal world we’d all wake up with perfectly coiffed hair, ready to tackle the day ahead. The reality is that it does take a little wrangling to get locks looking presentable (unless you’re really, really lucky to wake up with a great hair day). I know when it comes to blow drying my hair at home I can never quite get the same results that I do when I’m at the hairdresser. So I went in search of answers. What are the secrets to a great blow dry? I enlisted the help of professional hairstylist and head & shoulders Supreme hair ambassador Keiren Street whose work frequently features in magazine editorials and on the runway to give me the lowdown on getting salon quality hair at home. Read on to banish bad hair days for good.

Start with clean hair

“A beautiful blow dry all starts with clean, freshly washed hair. Prep hair with new head & shoulders Supreme Moisture shampoo and conditioner. Not only is this duo going to leave your locks beautifully luscious but it will also ensure you are flake-free.”

Don’t dry your hair in the bathroom

“After washing your hair, move into a different room to avoid the humidity of the bathroom which can cause frizz. Also try to avoid removing excess water by wrapping hair up in a towel on to the top of your head as it can flatten your roots, resulting in an overall lack-lustre blow dry.”

Invest in good tools

“The tools you use really will assist in achieving a salon-worthy blow dry in the comfort of your own home. The first tool I would recommend investing in is a quality hairdryer as it will make your life so much easier and the whole process much quicker. The Cloud Nine Airshot is a personal fave of mine. My other must-have tool at the moment is the Super Brush, this wet-to-dry brush is the only brush you will need throughout the entire blowdry.”

Give your hair a pre-blow dry

“People often start the blow dry process from soaking wet hair, however the trick is to loosely dry the hair to around 90 per cent dry on a lower heat setting first. Amp up the heat and use your brush for the last 10 per cent of drying as this will ensure your hair stays smooth and holds its volume and shape.”

Divide and conquer

“Dividing hair into sections will cut time off your blow-dry. Part hair from the middle of the forehead all the way back and then ear-to-ear, securing with clips. Start at the bottom and work your way up, this trick is much more efficient than tackling all your hair at once.”

Blow dry your hair upside down

“Remove the excess moisture by shake-drying your hair upside down, as this will help reduce the amount of heat you are applying to the hair while blow drying. Make sure you prep your hair with a heat protectant spray and begin blow drying with the super brush.”

Work from side to side

“Work from side to side and back to front as this will give you maximum volume and create an effortless look. Always be sure to finish your blow dry with a cold blast, as this will help lock in all the hard work you have done.”

Keep product to a minimum

“Keep it simple and don’t over style your hair. The beauty of a good blow dry is the effortless look it gives off. Too many setting products will turn your look from perfectly polished to an 80s flashback!”

Beauty

The dos and don’ts of great brows according to an expert

28th September, 2020

Pic: Instagram/@caradelevingne

Your eyebrows can change your face dramatically (good or bad!) so it pays to devote a little time and attention to them to keep them looking in top shape. Achieving Cara Delevingne level eyebrows isn’t impossible – you just need to know the right tips and tricks to make it happen. Amy Jean Linnehan, founder of Amy Jean Brow Agency and the go-to brow expert for the likes of Dannii Minogue, Naomi Campbell and Delta Goodrem shares her top tips for keeping yours looking amazing.

What are some of the biggest brow mistakes people make?

“It’s best not to improvise on how to shape your brows at home. Invest in a professional opinion, then follow their lead. I think the worst mistake on an eyebrow is too much product. You now see Instagrammers demonstrating up to 3-4 products on one eyebrow. I think this is a little “theatrical” and overdone in my opinion.”

What are the key characteristics of good eyebrows?

“Symmetry and softness. Never cut the eyebrows with scissors. This will cause a very rebellious regrowth of coarse hair that will protrude forward from the skin. Unruly brows can be awfully distracting.

Another key characteristic is a slightly elongated brow with a soft arch. This will open your eye for a more youthful appearance.”

What can you do if you’ve over plucked?

“You can learn how to use a product and softly sketch them in daily or try Micro-Feathering. Brow tattooing is nothing like a “block” of colour like the old days. We now etch fine strokes into the outer layers of the skin that mimic real hairs, and natural pigments are used for realistic “hair-like” results. This procedure is painless and lasts 12-18 months.”

What should every woman have in her brow kit?

“Brow Brush: to comb through the hairs before you apply your product.

Tweezers: to maintain your shape and de-bulk any rogue hairs within the brow line.

Your favourite brow filling product: whether it be pencil or powder you should always have a staple.”

What kind of brow maintenance should a woman incorporate into her beauty routine?

“An appointment with a brow specialist every 4-6 weeks. A de-fluff with wax helps to maintain a polished glow over the brow bone.

Tidying up your brows with tweezers at home in natural light every two weeks.

If you have no brows, then book a Micro-feather touch tattoo treatment (this is done in two stages, 4-8 weeks apart) then maintain the strokes by booking a tattoo “refresh” appointment once a year.”

What are the key things you consider when shaping someone’s eyebrows?

“The first thing I look for is making sure the arch placement is correct. If your brows are too rounded or short, this can be incredibly ageing on the face. The aim is to have them as elongated and symmetrical as possible. If someone is lacking colour definition or they are too dark, I will make a colour adjustment to harmonise with their hair and skin tones.”

What’s your biggest tip when it comes to getting good brows?

“Follow your favourite brow artists on social media and hunt down an appointment. Even if it’s a one-off appointment as an investment. A great reshape and colour enhancement for the brows has been likened to a “mini facelift”. A dedicated artist (not a different one each time you visit a department store) will guide you through a rehab regime if necessary and offer the most tailored product tutorials.”

Beauty

The beauty products I’m totally rating right now

9th September, 2020

When it comes to beauty products, I like to try new things but I’m also a loyalist—once I find something I love then I’m all about it and wear it to death. During and post-lockdown I’ve been experimenting with different beauty products and have fallen in love with a select few items that have really helped to step up my makeup game. While it’s great to trial skincare, there’s something about being able to experiment with makeup that’s even more fun. And when there’s a game-changer uncovered, I most definitely have to share it. Here’s what’s currently lifting my beauty regimen.

West Barn Co Soap Brows

If you’ve not heard of it or had the chance to try it, soap brows are definitely something for those who are on a constant quest for great, perfectly polished and shaped eyebrows. This product can be used instead of brow gel and it helps to set and smooth the brows. Definitely worth a try.

Marc Jacobs lip gloss

While lip gloss has obviously been around forever, there’s something about those from Marc Jacobs Beauty that nails the ideal gloss combination. It’s got a rich pigment, has just the right amount of shine and it’s not too sticky which means it’s actually pretty comfortable to wear. I highly recommend this, and it comes in a ton of gorgeous shades.

Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid (in Vanilla or Honey)

Once I find a foundation I like then I keep going back for more. Because am I right in saying that it is so hard to find a foundation that offers the right amount of coverage, is the right texture and just the right colour. I love the way this wears; it offers that perfect finish that only a foundation can provide but it sits lightly on the skin making it really wearable. It also stays put which always earns a big tick from me.

L’Oréal Paris Paradise Primer Extatic

Achieving that falsh lash effect minus falsies can be difficult but this primer has brought me a step closer. It’s a primer for your lashes so you pop it on before you put on your mascara and voila, SO much extra volume.

What beauty products are you currently rating?

Beauty

The little trick to looking instantly polished

29th August, 2020

No matter what I’m doing or where I’m going I always try and maintain an element of polish with my look. Even if it’s one of those days where I’m doing drop offs and errands and I’m in jeans and sneakers, I try and keep my ensemble quite pulled together from head to toe. That said, I realistically also don’t have much time to devote to an involved styling and beauty process to get myself out the door. So I’ve had to learn how to find shortcuts in the process. And there’s one thing I try and do somewhat regularly to look polished without having to do much at all and that’s wearing good ol’ fashioned nail polish.

Nail polish can often be the ultimate accessory—if you’ve got a fresh manicure it just seems to instantly pull an outfit together and can elevate almost any look. When it comes to colours I’m all about either nudes or really deep berry shades, though I do tend to opt for the former in summer and the latter in winter. I’ve shared my favourite colours here before and find that they’re great go-to colours that are also quite wearable and versatile. I think the key to nail polish is ensuring that it’s not chipped and peeling if you want to maintain that level of sleek presentation that it brings. If you’re wearing a less than perfect mani it can undermine the very polished effect you’re going for. A gel mani is often a great solution as it totally removes having to deal with chips and scratches out of the equation but if you prefer wearing normal polish and you don’t have much time to spend on upkeep, I’d stick to neutral shades as they tend to be more forgiving.

So tell me—what are your fave shades of nail polish at the moment?

Photography: Sophia Athas

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