Thursday, June 20, 2013

Daily delight: Georgia May Jagger for Sisley



Wednesday, June 19, 2013

All about: Spring FootSpa Queenstown’s Bliss wedding packages



I’m a huge fan of Spring FootSpa Queenstown after visiting there last year, and also a huge fan of US-based spa brand Bliss whose products I lust after on a very regular basis. Every time I visit the States I try and get along to a Bliss spa for a treatment (the San Francisco location is my fave), and have always lamented the fact that they aren’t available in New Zealand - until now.
In a wonderful meeting of beauty minds, Spring FootSpa Queenstown are now offering new menu of wedding packages, which is made up of some very special treatments courtesy of Bliss. The Bliss brand prides itself on advances in skin and body treatments that deliver real results, and Spring FootSpa is the first spa to bring Bliss treatments to New Zealand, and also have a wide range of Bliss retail products for sale.
The five decadent new packages are custom designed for preparing brides-to-be, grooms-to-be, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride for the big day. Spring FootSpa’s expert wedding spa planners have put together the packages to ensure the whole bridal party sparkles. They include Aisles Ahead, The Prenup (for him or her), Perfectly Groomed, M.O.B. Mentality and All Maid Up. And for your special day, the spa is also offering 20% off the regular retail price of the treatment packages.
Spring FootSpa - and East Day Spa - owner Ina Bajaj says that her favourite treatment is the complexion-reviving Bliss Instant Radiance Oxygen Facial, which features a resurfacing peel, oxygen wrap, extractions, massage, and finishes with Bliss’s famous Triple Oxygen Cream face and eye mask. A series of six of these facials is reportedly the perfect way to ensure smooth, glowing skin on your big day, and it sounds like pure heaven to me - the woman most definitely knows her stuff!
The full line up is:
 Aisles Ahead - $456.00 ($570.00 value)
A series of six one hour Bliss Instant Radiance Oxygen Facials, approximately one facial every month. This complexion-reviving facial starts with a resurfacing peel, followed by an oxygen wrap, the necessary extractions, facial massage and Bliss's famed face freshening Triple Oxygen Cream, face and eye mask. It's like a breath of fresh air for your face - literally.

The Prenup (for her) - $244.00 ($305.00 value)
Signature Spring Pod Massage - Either full body or concentrated on a particularly achy area, they combine long flowing strokes, rhythmic movements and yogic stretches for a marvelous muscle release.
Bliss Hot Almond and Milk Pedicure - Milk (or, specifically, lactic acid) does a pedi good in this hour-long sole-spoiling treatment. Following an intensive dry-buffing, feet are softened in steamed whole milk and mega-moisturising almond oil, then sublimely scrubbed and taken to the pinnacle of ‘pedicure’ with punctilious preening polishing.
Shellac Manicure with French Polish - Like any quality polish application, the Shellac system features a base coat, colour coat and top coat. Together with a UV Lamp, they comprise the breakthrough in resilient colour that remains flawless for two weeks, dries instantly and removes in 10 minutes.
Brazilian Wax (under six weeks)

The Prenup (for him) - $166.40 ($208.00 value)
Signature Spring Pod Massage - Either full body or concentrated on a particularly achy area, combining long flowing strokes, rhythmic movements and yogic stretches for a marvelous muscle release.
The MANicure - Ideal for hard working hands. Nails are tidied and cleaned for a well-groomed, spotless appearance.
Full Back Wax

Perfectly Groomed - $188.00 ($235.00 value)
Bliss The Youth As We Know It Pod Facial - Their ultimate anti-aging treatment targeting tone, elasticity, volume, fine lines and wrinkles - all the way to your décolleté. Includes a gentle but effective peel, extractions and a high tech soothing mask. Also suits sensitive skin.
The MANicure - Ideal for hard working hands. Nails are tidied and cleaned for a well-groomed, spotless appearance.
The Sole Man Pedicure - Men’s pedicure with callus remover add-on treatment.
Brow Grooming

M.O.B. (Mother of the Bride) Mentality - $192.00 ($240.00 value)
Bliss The Youth As We Know It Facial - Their ultimate anti-aging treatment targeting tone, elasticity, volume, fine lines and wrinkles - all the way to your décolleté. Includes a gentle but effective peel, extractions and a high tech soothing mask. Also suits sensitive skin.
Shellac Manicure - Like any quality polish application, the Shellac system features a base coat, colour coat and top coat. Together with a UV Lamp, they comprise the breakthrough in resilient colour that remains flawless for two weeks, dries instantly and removes in 10 minutes.
Bliss Hot Almond and Milk Pedicure - Milk (or, specifically, lactic acid) does a pedi good in this hour-long sole-spoiling treatment. Following an intensive dry-buffing, feet are softened in steamed whole milk and mega-moisturising almond oil, then sublimely-scrubbed and taken to the pinnacle of ‘pedicure’ with punctilious preening polishing.

All ‘Maid’ Up - $96.00 ($120.00 value)
Shellac Manicure - Like any quality polish application, the Shellac system features a base coat, colour coat and top coat. Together with a UV Lamp, they comprise the breakthrough in resilient colour that remains flawless for two weeks, dries instantly and removes in 10 minutes.
Spring Pedicure - Warm sugar scrub infused with exotic oils buff away old, dull skin on the feet. Nails are shaped; cuticles cared for, and then experience a taste of East massage and nail polish. Heels may be buffed if you wish, as time allows.
To find out more of book for any of the above, visit here.

Daily delight: Miranda Kerr for Vogue Korea


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Love it: Good Green Stuff


Choosing supplements can be confusing – there are 1000s to choose from, so many brands, take once a day, twice a day, pill form, liquid form, gel or powder form… all with different claims of how they can help our bodies and brains function better, work faster and (fingers crossed) last us that much longer. How do we know that what we are taking is going to help us though - let alone be actually good for us?  
At the moment people seem to be mad for anything “green”, with almost every supplement company known to man offering a variation of “green powder,” which is basically a powder made with dried grass, dried grass juices or dried vegetables and occasionally, algae. Most of these powder are designed to make your body more alkaline and give you nutrition you can't find elsewhere, because despite our best intentions it’s often hard to stick to a flawless diet every day of our lives, and it’s nice to know there is someone out there watching our backs!
I found out about New Zealand made Good Green Stuff from Julia Matthews of the blog juliaandlibby.com that she writes with her sister, and thus far I am loving it. Behind it is local naturopath and author Cliff Harvey, who formulated Good Green Stuff along with renowned Naturopath and Nutritionist Kira Sutherland. They like to call it “nutritional insurance”, and treat it as a green superfood that effectively replaces a multi-vitamin/multi-mineral as it’s super blend of all your essential nutrients in one place. Good Green Stuff comes in powder form and you can mix it just with water (the blend of fruits combined with added stevia, pineapple juice and vanilla mean it is pretty palatable), with milk or throw it in a smoothie - my favourite option. One of the best things about Good Green Stuff is that it is alkalising.  When your body is more acidic, it is more susceptible to disease and illness, and alkalising the body can help keep things in check. 
So... get your greens the easy way - you need this little baby in your life, so get to it! You can grab some here.

Daily delight: Gisele Bündchen for Brazilian Intimates


Monday, June 17, 2013

All about: the NEW Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+


When you’re a product that hasn’t been messed with in 45 years AND created by a company as scientifically backed as Clinique, you know you’re doing something right and that it’s not complacency that still has you looking and feeling exactly the same as you did all those years ago. And when you’re universally loved by millions of women around the globe, why fix what isn’t broken?
Well in the case of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, it was just its time. And the “fix” has been six and a half years in the planning, and completed with some serious consideration in mind. The iconic lotion has been dermatologist-reformulated to deliver even more dramatically different results, as in a 54 per cent improvement in skin’s barrier strength in 8 weeks without changing the famously silky texture.
Clinique scientists work closely with Clinique’s guiding dermatologists Dr. David and Dr. Catherine Orentreich, the son and daughter of the celebrated dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich who worked with esteemed magazine editor, Carol Phillips and the Lauder family to develop Clinique in 1968. Dr. David and Dr. Catherine run the Orentreich Medical Group in the same Fifth Avenue offices that their father practiced, and see patients of all ethnicities, skin concerns, skin types and ages from around the world. “Patients were coming in more and more with manifestations they described as redness, itching, burning, breakouts, dryness, dullness…in other words; unhealthy skin. The dermatologists attribute these symptoms to one thing: a weakened barrier,” says Pardo. Skin sensitivity can be the result of everything from environmental aggressors to climate change and travel, as well as lack of sleep, a poor diet and coping with the stresses of daily life.  All of these culprits take a toll on the skin.  As a leader in treating dermatological concerns, Clinique felt a responsibility to address the skin’s barrier to counteract all of the above, as well as boost the moisture levels of the iconic DDML.
The Barrier Strengthening Complex in the new DDDM+ is a blend of sunflower seed cake, barley extract and cucumber extract that helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier, imparting resilience and resistance to environmental stresses. The new moisturising ingredients are Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin (a well known humectant that attracts moisture to skin) and Urea, a naturally occurring component in the production of skin’s own natural moisturizing factor (NMF). NMF ingredients mimic the function of healthy skin.
“You can have the best moisturizer in the world but if your barrier is not intact - moisture evaporates,” says Pardo. “The two actions, moisturizing and barrier repair go hand in hand.”
So, for its fans, how does Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ feel in relation to the original? From my few days trialing it - pretty much exactly the same, which is what you want! Hydration levels are definitely up though, with the initial boost that comes with application lasting well on into the eve. And last but not least - the new formula is the same size at 125ml, but retails for just $69.00. Yep, that’s a price decrease - unheard of!
So get your excited pants at the ready - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ will be landing August 2013 at Clinique counters nationwide. 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Love it: Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Mega Plush Mascara


As a contact lens wearer, many mascara formulas that sound amazing prove to be the bane of my life. They certainly curl/plump/lengthen and pretty much everything bar doing the dishes, but this can come with flaking which isn’t ideal when you’re dealing with lenses and trying to keep things as sparkly and clean as possible.
So, when I was at a launch yesterday for Maybelline New York’s latest and greatest for release in July, the product that really caught my eye - quite literally - was the Volum’ Express Mega Plush Mascara, which is a clever little wonder with a really rather reasonable RRP of $23.99.
Maybelline New York is famous for their mascara, and for the innovation and thought that goes into each release. This new baby is the world’s first gel-mousse mascara – great news for those that can’t tolerate the flakes. With a unique formula that contains 40 per cent less wax, Mega Plush conjures up maximum volume without the downside of dry and hard waxes - as in no brittle or flaking lashes. It also has a flexible stem brush - their biggest yet - that absorbs shock to caress lashes for massive volume, and I couldn’t wait to give it a go.
Over 24 hours later I am officially in love with this little tube of goodness, pretty much only taking it off to sleep! It is definitely a new favourite and one that is highly recommended - come July get in there and grab one fast! 

Daily delight: vintage Stephanie Seymour in Alaia


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Giveaway: Pureology Highlight Stylist duo


I was already a huge fan of the Pureology range of shampoos and conditioners when they launched their Colour Stylist styling collection, and fell equally in love with it too. This autumn they are introducing two new blonde-specific styling products to the mix, which is great news as I’ve just had a bunch of cheeky highlights put back in!
Called the Highlight Stylist range (leading me to believe that it will grow in number pretty soon), it is enriched with a lightweight texture and highlight enhancers to create natural-looking hair with reflective shine and long-lasting multi-tonal colour. It replaces lost lipids and protein to strengthen and hydrate the hair follicle using the likes of porosity fillers  olive, apricot, and jojoba oils to reduce light  and deliver shine and natural food grade Red algae extract for lightweight touchable texture over the entire hair surface without dulling, mattifying or weighing it down.
The first product is the Highlight Stylist Bodifying Luminator, which is a lightweight foam texturiser that boosts body and shine from root to tip without weighing down finer hair types. You just scrunch it into damp hair before styling for some serious body and even more serious shine - too easy.
The second offering is the Sea-Kissed Texturiser, which is a non-stripping, salt-free tousle spray that boosts shine as it strengthens the hair fibre. It can be layered for as little or as much texture as desired without any weight or stickiness. Simply spray on to wet or dry hair and style as usual.
I have one set of the Pureology Highlight Stylist range to give away, valued at more than $75.00. To enter just email your name and courier delivery address to helene@mshelene.com before 5pm next Wednesday, June 19 and you’re in the draw!

Love it: Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser


As I have raved about many a time, I’m a sucker for a beautiful cleanser. I’m a huge fan of Antipodes’ offerings in particular, and use their Butter cleanser almost religiously during the winter evenings when my skin needs a ton of hydration and love.
So, I was VERY excited to hear news of their new addition to the Antipodes cleansing range, and even more effervescent when a sample arrived in the post!
Known as Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, it is a core component of the New Zealand-made, internationally adored brand’s Sensitive Skincare Collection, which was created especially for those who suffer from sensitive or sensitised skin conditions, due to genetic or environmental reasons.
The soft and delicious, fully organic cleanser utilises a selection of New Zealand’s unique natural ingredients to do its job, such as manuka flower and award-winning Waiwera artesian spring mineral water. Add to that marigold flower, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and as an astringent, a blend of nutrient-rich avocado oil and Vinanza Oxifend - a super-antioxidant sourced from sun-drenched pinot noir grape seed kernels - and you have a soothing treat for anyone with skin that needs a little extra TLC.
It is also a joy to use, with a creamy, luxurious texture and no need to use loads to get a result - although feel free to, it’s that good!

Daily delight: Karlie Kloss for Vogue Turkey



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Love it: Weleda Refreshing Citrus Bath Milk


Yesterday I was all about starting the day right with a luscious shower blend… today I’m all about baths - long, warm, deliciously fragranced ones! The reason is Weleda’s Refreshing Citrus Bath Milk, which is a reason to keep soaking if ever there was one.
 Reportedly “religiously used by Simon Cowell” to unwind and refresh each day (don’t hold it against them!), this beautiful formula is bursting with essential oils extracted from Biodynamic Lemons from Sicily that give the milk its revitalising and enlivening citrusy fragrance.  Lemon naturally regulates the skin's pH balance, cools and stimulates the skin and has an astringent and cleansing effect, so as well as smelling good this does lots more besides.
Weleda Refreshing Citrus Bath Milk can also apparently be used as a refreshing pick-me-up at any time of the day by adding a few drops onto a moistened face flannel and either dabbing or wiping it gently over your face. I think this would be the perfect pick-me-up post-flight in particular - and a bath is always top of my list when I check into a hotel, no matter what time of day it is!
Weleda Citrus Refreshing Bath Milk has an RRP of $29.50 for a 200ml bottle and is in store now.

Daily delight: Natalia Vodianova for Glamour France


Monday, June 10, 2013

What a steal: the new Dr. Hauschka Body Wash range


When you choose to use Dr. Hauschka products you are given the opportunity to go beyond beauty and depart on an aromatic journey - the fragrances of their formulas are just that delicious and evocative.
The beautiful Body Moisturizer range that they launched last year was the most perfect example of that, and the newly formulated Body Wash collection that has just hit the stores takes that feeling one step further - and into the shower!
Wake up each morning and choose to begin with one of the following:
* Lavender Sandalwood Calming Body Wash - soothes and relaxes
* Rose Nurturing Body Wash - harmonises and nourishes
* Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Wash - firms and refreshes
* Almond Soothing Body Wash - calms and balances
Creamy, soft and soap-free, they are ideal for fragrance layering with Dr. Hauschka Body Moisturisers and/or Body Oils, and now come in a sleek new 200ml bottle. All have an RRP of $29.00, which to me is a major steal given their amazing qualities and credentials - they were created by Jörg Zimmermann, perfumer for Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, and are independently certified to NATRUE and/or BDIH standards.
At the moment I’m using Almond, which Zimmerman describes as “delicate and floral”, and evocative of “the early days of spring, when the radiant blue sky shimmers above a sea of delicate pink blossoms that appear to dance in the mild air. The idea represented by the composition with almond is the chiffon-like transparency of a pink rose.” He used bergamot, ylang-ylang and rose to interpret this floral chord, whilst a balsamic base of tonka bean and vanilla “sweeps us away to a sumptuous oriental palace and awakens memories of sweet, pleasurable indulgences.”  Totally divine, really… and the perfect way to start the day.