Whether you’re back in lockdown and need a major relaxation session or you’re in need of serious beauty pick-me-up there’s no doubting the wonder that is masking. There’s just something about kicking back and relaxing, mask on, wine in hand and a great TV show to binge.
The selection of masks available right now is in one word, extensive. There’s a mask available to do everything from brighten the skin, to dealing with congestion to addressing the signs of ageing. If you’ve got a skin concern there’s more than likely a mask out there to deal with it.
So, if you’ve got a date booked in your calendar to give your skin some TLC then scroll down to check out a mask to suit every budget. From the luxe to the budget-friendly there’s definitely something here to have your skin looking it’s absolute finest. Happy masking!
If there’s an area of my life where recommendations are always welcome, it’s in the beauty department. I love hearing what products people are loving and why they rate it so highly. So when The Curated panel offered up their fave beauty go-tos used at the height of iso, I was excited to find a few new products to add to my list. Hopefully after scrolling through the below you’ll also find a new fave or two to fall in love with.
“Fake tan, always a mood lifter! At the moment I’m loving the range from Bondi Sands.”
Anna Heinrich
“For me it’s about sticking to my usual beauty regime and continue to put on makeup, for me to feel alive and somewhat “normal”. My go-to foundation is currently Too Faced [in the shade] Born This Way.”
“La Mer’s The Concentrate is my all-time favourite beauty product. It leaves your skin feeling like silk. And of course La Mer’s moisturising cream which I’ve also been using on my hands as well because they’re dry from all the sanitising!”
“Quarantine has been the rebirth of daily masking. Living make-up free and wearing tinted moisturiser for very special occasions like my bi-weekly trip to Bakers’ Delight means my skin has been able to breathe and I’ve been able to invest time and love back into it.
I’ve branched out from my usual Société Rejuvenating Peptide Masks (via The Clinic in Sydney) to exploring Aceology’s Modeling Masks (followed by a quick facial massage to smoosh the serum into my clean skin using their GuA Sha Facial Massager which is amazing [for treating things] like tension, inflammation and lymphatic drainage).”
My beauty routine during isolation has become quite pared back and I’ve found myself gravitating towards the same products. I’ve been focusing on the basics and trying to hit reset on a few things — if I’m going to be at home for awhile, I figured I may as well take advantage of it. My focus has been on nourishing hair, skin and nails (the building blocks of any beauty look) and really giving them a big nourishing boost. Hopefully by the time things go back to normal they’ll all be in top condition and stronger and healthier than they were pre-isolation. Here are some of my current favourites.
Vida Glow Marine Collagen
I’ve always believed that if you start with a good foundation for your beauty look then everything else will just sit better and the result is a nicer finish. I’m currently taking Vida Glow marine collagen supplements twice a day and I can definitely see the difference in my hair, skin and nails. It’s a really easy thing to incorporate into my routine as I just mix a sachet with water and drink.
Nivea Rich Nourishing 48hr Body Cream
I’ve tried a range of body moisturisers but this is without a doubt my favourite. I like it because it’s unfussy and does what it’s supposed to which is essentially to nourish and moisturise my skin. It’s got a great consistency, smells really nice and I lather it on and walk away with skin that feels great. It’s also the easiest thing in the world to get as it’s stocked so widely.
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails
I’m trying to give my nails a break from nail polish to restore them. With events and race days on pause for awhile I figured it was the ideal time to avoid polish and just leave my nails be for awhile. Wearing nail polish so often can really take a toll so I’m using this Sally Hansen nail hardener to try and make them strong again.
Sweating it out at the gym does wonders for our health and fitness but the flipside of smashing it out during a workout is that you inevitably end up in a less than ideal beauty state at the end of it. Contending with sweaty hair or makeup running down your face is less than ideal if you’ve got to head back to work or have event afterwards so here are some new beauty goodies worth adding to your gym bag kit.
Wander Beauty Extra Mileage Hair Refresher
You’re definitely going to need some assistance in the hair department after a workout and anything that helps refresh your locks is a must. A quick spritz of this (or other dry shampoo) will help you get your sweaty mane looking presentable again.
Agent Nateur Deodorant Stick
Of course a great deodorant is a non-negotiable in any gym bag. This one however, not only looks totally chic, it also contains no nasty chemicals and is scented with honey, lavender and eucalyptus.
Iles Formula Hair Turban
If you’re going to wash your hair at the gym then a quality hair turban like this will come in handy. Made from an extra soft microfibre, it quickly absorbs moisture while also helping to reduce static and breakage. It’s also perfect for keeping your hair off your face when you need to reapply your makeup.
Missoni Towel Set
When you’re trying to get yourself ready for the outside world again, a chic towel set will make it all the more luxe.
Clinique Fit Workout 24-hour mascara
The last thing you want during a workout is for all your mascara to be running down your face. This is where this little gem comes in handy. It’s sweat and humidity resistant and is designed for wearing while exercising so you won’t have to contend with any panda eyes the next time you train.
The Nue Co. Magnesium Ease Spray
Magnesium is commonly used by athletes to combat aching muscles and this spray will do just that. Spritz it on post-workout to help relieve any aches and pains.
Invisi Bobble Hair Ring
One of the annoying things about having to tie your hair up during a gym session is that you inevitably end up with a little kink in your hair from tying it up. If you want to sidestep this, this hair bobble will pull your hair back without leaving a telltale mark.
Yunni Beauty Flash Bath No-Rinse Body Cleanser
Don’t have time to spend ages in the shower after exercising? This almost too good to be true cleanser is the answer. It lifts that post-workout sweaty/dirty residue off your skin without the need for water. Perfect for when you need to get back to your desk but can’t bear the idea of not having showered.
Clinique Fit Workout+Face Hydrating Spray
Throwing yourself into a workout means you’ll likely end up a red, sweaty and hot afterwards. The answer? Spray this on to instantly feel refreshed and hydrated.
There’s a seemingly endless array of supplements available out there and it’s hard to know what’s actually worth trying and what might be best left on the shelf. When it comes to Aussie supplements there’s generally a more stringent process involved with what gets approved for sale so you’re much more likely to find something that’s worth introducing into your routine. That said, I’ve tried my share with varying results. Now that I’m a busy mum juggling family and career I want something that delivers, something that enables me to see and feel a noticeable difference, especially if I’m making the effort to introduce it into my already hectic routine.
For this reason I recently started working with Aussie ingestible beauty brand Vida Glow and love the results I’m seeing so far. Founded by Anna Lahey, the brand started with an ingestible marine collagen supplement in 2014, and has grown exponentially and now has an online presence in over 50 countries. Along with their marine collagen range, they’ve recently released a new supplement called Vida Glow Anti-G-Ox which is an effervescent powder designed to fight the signs of ageing caused from environmental accelerators (sleep deprivation, stress, pollution/climate). As a friend of the brand, I’ve introduced it into my health routine and have really noticed the difference.
Collagen is the protein which binds cells and tissues together and is naturally produced by the body, however as we age it decreases which can in turn affect the condition of our skin and hair. Vida Glow’s marine collagen helps to boost the body’s natural ability to produce collagen. Since I’ve introduced a collagen supplement into my routine I’ve noticed my hair and nails are stronger, my skin feels more toned and hydrated and it even helps with muscle recovery. It’s so easy too—I just pop a sachet into a glass of water and I’ve had my daily dose without even really needing to think about it.
As someone who invests in their skin and hair a lot, everything from regular visits to the hairdresser to facials and skincare, it’s good to be able to boost the effects of those efforts from the inside out. After all I’ve always said that if you start with a good base of healthy hair and a great complexion then the rest of your beauty routine will fall around that.
The newest addition to the Vida Glow family: Anti-G-Ox which fights the signs of ageing.With Vida Glow founder Anna Lahey at the recent launch of the Anti-G-Ox supplement
This post was produced in collaboration with Vida Glow
It’s always great to be invited to host an event and I was thrilled to be asked to do so at the recent Vida Glow launch. The setting was in Sydney’s Botanic Garden so I was after an outfit that was both polished and on trend but also light and airy in keeping with the natural surroundings. I came across this Kate Spade dress in my search and it definitely fit the brief. The crisp white colour was perfect for a day event, while the beautiful floral detail was just the thing to really lift the dress and give it an elegant touch, and who can ever resist a pretty bow?
I wanted to maintain a uniform look throughout so instead of a contrasting heel, I went for a white minimalist shoe which helped tie the outfit together. Also, I can’t resist wearing white from head to toe as it’s such a strong look and looks really fresh. Simple jewellery and subtle waves were all this ensemble needed to complete the look.
Photography by Chloe Paul
Shop the Look:
Dress: Kate Spade (soon to be released); Shoes, Tony Bianco (soon to be released)
Michael Brown is my go-to makeup artist for many an event. He’s worked with me on everything from Fashion Week to the races and many a launch, and one of the great things I’ve learned from him is how to ensure makeup lasts. For long days trackside, you want to take the proper steps to keep your face looking as fresh as it did when you walked out the door. There’s nothing worse than being all dolled up, only for your makeup to let you down because your eye shadow’s all but disappeared or your T-Zone is looking shiny. But there’s an art to makeup longevity and here’s how to do it, with tips from the man himself.
Prep your skin
As with most things, the more you prep the better the result. Michael says, “Trackside beauty needs to go the distance and it all comes down to good skin prep, so your makeup has that perfect bond.”
The combination of a long day and standing in the harsh sunlight can mean that your makeup is very visible and that means you need to ensure that you hydrate your skin as much as possible for a nice finish. To do this Michael says, “I recommend a sheet mask before you apply foundation/concealer. Sheet masks hug the skin, trapping all the moisture and goodness so that it can be absorbed correctly.” The more hydrated your skin is the better your makeup will look.
Have the right finish
All good makeup needs to look polished and if your skin has a tendency to go shiny Michael suggests using “a mattifying or blurring primer on your T-Zone to minimise shine coming through your makeup as the day goes on.”
It’s also important to ‘set’ your makeup. “[Use a] translucent powder and dab into shine prone areas with a Beauty Blender — this can really lock powder to skin. But you don’t want to be over powdering all day, as this can look dry, so invest in an appropriate primer to match your skin’s habits, such as going shiny when wearing makeup.”
Blend, blend, blend
Adopt the right technique when applying your eye makeup and you’ll find that most of the time it won’t budge. “Eye makeup generally stays put, once it’s applied, if its really pressed or blended correctly,” says Michael. “Try smudging and really blending product into eye skin, so there is a bond, rather than just dusting on top where it can easily fade.”
Dab your lipstick
A beautiful pout is perfect for a day at the races and Michael suggests opting for a long lasting lipstick which will stay in place throughout the day. “For those that prefer comfort over long wear (as they can feel dry) try dabbing your lipstick with your fingertip for application. This will bond and drain the pigment, so it’s actually in the lip, not sitting on top,” says Michael.
Carry concealer
What’s the number one thing every girl should have in her bag at the races? “Concealer! You never know when you might need a little brighten around the nose, mouth or under the eye, it can be that instant fresh effect we all sometimes need,” says Michael.
So if you want your makeup to stay Insta-worthy throughout the day, it’s worth investing the time and effort to ensure that you’ve locked your look in with the right prep. A few extra minutes spent in front of the mirror will avoid any makeup dramas and keep you looking fresh faced whilst trackside.
I have my hair and makeup done a number of times throughout the year and as a result I am always introduced to new products. And whilst it’s always good to see what’s currently out there, it’s the ones that make it into my makeup bag that are really special. Because if a beauty product is currently a part of my beauty collection, it means that I love it and rate it highly. So what am I obsessing over right now? Here they are…
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
I’ve been a fan of this forever. It glides on beautifully, doesn’t feel heavy and gives me the skin of my dreams.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Accomplice concealer & touch-up stick
When you find a concealer that you’re happy with it, hang onto it! I discovered this gem this year and rate it for its ability to cover all manner of beauty issues from a pesky pimple to the tell-tale signs of a big night.
Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega bronzer
I always love a sweeping of bronzer to add a little “I’ve just been on holidays” glow to my face and this does the job beautifully.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Accomplice Instant Blurring Beauty Powder
Yes, another MJ winner! This one is good for touch-ups and getting rid of shine, setting makeup and just generally giving myself a glowy finish.
Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid
Yes, I like using more than one kind of foundation. Whilst Armani Luminous Silk has been a long term favourite, I was recently introduced to this Clarins Foundation and have quickly embraced it. It makes my skin look nice and dewy and also offers great coverage.
Benefit Precisely My Brow pencil and Maybelline Total Temptation brow pencil
I’m rotating between these two and love them both equally. If you’re on a budget though, the Maybelline pencil is a steal.
Benefit, Brow bar or MAC eyebrow gel
I can’t live without eyebrow gel to keep my brows in place for a polished finish. All three do a great job.
Covergirl Lash Blast mascara
This is one of those mascaras that is super affordable but does such a good job that you think it should be really expensive. It provides a really great finish and achieves beautiful lashes.
Marc Jacobs The Big O! mega eye shadow for everyday
I really rate Charlotte Tilbury makeup but particularly love the subtle flush of colour this gives my eyes.
Makeup Forever pro sculpting palette (cream blush)
Who else loves a product that does a host of different things? This palette has a cream blush that I use regularly and is also perfect for a bit of contouring.
Charlotte Tilbury contour wand and beauty light wand for contouring
Another contouring go-to. Love the texture, finish and ease of application of these.
Mecca Max lipstick in Reality Check or MAC Lychee
Both of these deliver a really nice flush of colour to the lips. For those looking for the ideal peach shade, the MAC lychee is well worth checking out.
MAC liner or Charlotte Tilbury eyeliner in Rock n kohl
As you can see, I like to go between products to mix it up a bit. I’m a fan of both of these. Both offer a great finish and are so easy to use.
MAC lip liner in Spice
I like using this lip liner when I’m wearing lipstick but it’s also fine to use on its own to add a hint of colour to your lips.
Diorshow mascara
If I’m not using the MJ mascara, you can bet I’m using this. I love the falsh lash effect it gives.
I’ve been shopping around for investment pieces of late so this month’s round up features a few designer buys that I’ve had my eye on. Bags and shoes are usually what I splurge on because of how versatile they are so I’ve been scouring my fave brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton for new designs. That said, the rest of my list involves some practical wardrobe updates that I know I’ll wear to death. It’s all about a high-low mix when it comes to my wardrobe.
Skin and Threads have always been a fave brand for jumpers and I come back to them every winter. Oversized knits are great as they’re comfy and cosy. I like the baggy look of this and the gorgeous pink shade.
I can’t go past the classic look of these Chanel pumps. The iconic beige/black combination is a versatile colour pairing and the comfy heel make them great for wearing during busy work days.
I saw the bubblegum pink shade of this bag and immediately fell in love. Even in such a striking colour I don’t think you can ever really go wrong with a Chanel bag — it’ll hold up well and have longevity, not to mention the bucket style is a classic.
These white t-shirts are a new fave of mine. I’ve actually been wanting to stock up on them because they’re just the right shape, they’re a really thick fabric and they don’t look worn just after a few washes.
If you’re like me and are a fan of going handsfree when it comes to your bags then this is a great, affordable option by The Daily Edited. And I’m always on board with any kind of monogramming.
The only difficult thing when it comes to these shoes is deciding which colour to get. I like the rust tone of this pair and its minimalist style makes it extremely versatile.
One of the best parts of going to Fashion Week every year is handing my hair and makeup over to a professional to look after. Not only is it nice to just sit back and have someone make me up, it’s also a great opportunity to pick up some ideas for new beauty looks. Since my haircut, I’ve been looking for fresh ways to style my hair and working with makeup artist extraordinaire Michael Brown not only provided me plenty of new hairstyles, but he also gave me lots of tips and tricks for doing daytime and event makeup too. If you liked one of my looks, here’s a breakdown of what Michael used and how he did it.
Day 1
“Using colour on the eye can be scary, but when applied as concentrated pops of colour, it is modern and not overpowering. This look was made fresh with pops of pink, mainly inspired by this outfit by Aje.
When using colour on the eye, it’s best to use your go-to base eyeshadow shades as a starter, then add colour on the mobile eyelid as a pop and brightener to your usual daily shadow shades.
With a 25mm VS Sassoon ceramic curler through the hair, it made the look fun and playful. We normally always curl away from the front of the face, but for short hair, I curled into the face on the short length part side, so the overall look of hair wasn’t too wide.”
Day 2
“This beauty look was a bit of daytime elegance, inspired by Kate’s black dress. Always think about where and what you are attending, before going overkill on the beauty.
With hair simply pulled back into a low messy bun and lots of Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray to create a lived in feel, the beauty needed to be simple yet chic.
To do this, it’s about a polished brow and a little shadow wing on the eye to lift and elevate the outer eye. My two go-to base eyeshadow shades are from Marc Jacobs Beauty, O!Mega Shadow in shades The Big O! and Perfect-O! One a shade tone and one a highlight. I use them as a base on pretty much on every makeup I do.
I then added a touch of metallic light in the inner corner and then using a darker shadow, O!Mega Daddi-O!, with a pin point brush, I applied this on the lower outer lash line and slightly wing it with the brush to create a day time winged liner. It’s lifting the outer eye, but not as dramatic as an actual liquid liner.
“I loved this look! We were working with very neutral tones outfit-wise and starting with khaki, so I wanted the beauty to have a touch of modern colour to lift the look. We had a bit of fun!
A new look for hair is a modern take on the beach wave. We used a straightener to curl the hair, using the tool in a vertical manner, so it creates almost a barrel curl.
But, with the VS Sassoon Straight to Curl brilliance, you can still do this, but also create a new look ‘flat wave’ effect, by using the tool in a horizontal manner, creating up and downward bend movements through the hair, so hair is more mermaid-like and flatter to the head, rather than round curls.”
Day 4
“This look has some edge to it, mainly inspired by the outfit itself.
I wanted hair away from the face, but not totally slicked back flat, it needs some height to appear more effortless. With the VS Sassoon Digital Hot Air Styler and 3D ceramic paddle brush attachment, I brushed and smoothed hair, all back, into position.
I then sectioned a small part of the top front to mid of hair and clipped, while I then styled the sides back into a slick style using the Moroccanoil Thickening Lotion first. Then I added some styling gel to hold and have a ‘wet’ look appearance, tucked behind the ears.
The top clipped section was then very slightly back combed on the underside, then I added Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray to the roots and lightly through the hair. With this piece I wanted more of a dry appearance—it was placed back over the head, and finger combed through the rest of the hair to form a blend.
“As it was the last day of #MBFWA, we wanted a slightly more casual vibe, but still something fun and different to finish off the week on a high note. So why not crimp!!
After convincing Kate that I wouldn’t crimp the whole hair—we hate overkill—it was a subtle effect that turned out to be a talking point. And later that day, Kate pulled her hair back for the closing show with the crimp still seen, but creating a different vibe again.
I used for this the VS Sassoon Total Crimp tool and adding a light crimp to sections of the hair, in line, or at random, is a modern way to crimp for fun and texture.
I then added another Fenty Beauty metallic eye & lip crayon, (they seriously last so long) in the shade Sunfrost across the eyelids and paired lips to the eye look by using the Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored gloss in Sugar Sugar over a nude lip liner. I am loving a slightly lighter gloss just in the centre of the mouth at the moment, it creates a fuller mouth!
