Tweet
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Love it: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation
It’s not secret that Hourglass’s Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is a worldwide beauty phenomenon - with the coverage of a concealer, the fluidity of a liquid, and the weightlessness of a powder in a long-wearing waterproof stick formula The unprecedented concentration of pigment in this foundation provides maximum coverage with minimum product, and it is so damn travel and handbag-friendly it’s not funny!
So, it was with high expectations that I greeted the arrival of their brand new Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation, which most definitely lives up to the hype surrounding its predecessor.
A highly concentrated, liquid foundation, it really does “deliver instant full coverage for virtual skin perfection”, as the description says. Better yet, the seemingly weightless formula applies like a second-skin and in just a few careful swipes of the brush, leaving a radiant satin finish that is super flattering in a crazy quick amount of time.
This baby really does provide full coverage with minimal product, meaning that you don’t need much and can barely feel its there. It has light-reflecting microspheres that pretty much blur and create a soft-focus finish (no filter needed), and the non-comedogenic formula is waterproof, transfer-proof, and sweat-proof so perfect even on the most humid of days.
I’ve been applying mine with a foundation brush for a super simple approach, but I’m guessing fingers would work just as well at a pinch. I’m a freak for a good brush application so that could be just me, and I have to confess I haven’t tried with a Beauty Blender as yet. I almost forgot to mention that it’s also vegan and cruelty free, which are majors for me.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation lands soon in 32 shades at Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima and meccabeauty.co.nz with an RRP of $83. It ain’t cheap but a little goes a long way, and for a formula this great? It’s totally worth it.
Tweet
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
All about: Aesop’s new Protective Facial Lotion SPF25
Visiting one of legendary skincare name, Aesop’s New Zealand stores is always a treat – a riot for the senses and a good way to discover more about the beautiful brand.
Aesop is not your regular high-end skincare, haircare, home fragrance and more company. There are no big promises, no celebrity endorsements, no glossy packaging and no advertising. As a brand, they are committed to celebrating science by integrating both plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients, and the efficacy of their product formulations is world-renowned. Therefore, when they unleash something new upon the market, chances are it will be stellar, and an immediate must-have.
The latest formula to land is Aesop’s new Protective Facial Lotion SPF25, a hydrating moisturiser with antioxidants that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. In addition to helping shield skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure, the hydrator contains Green Tea and Tocopherol (Vitamin E) to deliver antioxidant benefits and keep your skin protected and nourished.
“The skin can become stressed by a number of environmental aggressors, including UVA and UVB rays, resulting in the proliferation of free radicals which can impact our skin,” says Dr Kate Forbes, Aesop’s General Manager, Products and Research & Development. “Topical application of antioxidants alongside UV filters in sunscreen is a crucial factor in helping to protect the skin.”
“When free radicals occur in greater numbers, oxidative stress results. Protective Facial Lotion SPF25 contains skin-fortifying anti-oxidants and UV protective ingredients to help the skin function optimally in any environment.”
The formulation also contains skin-soothing Panthenol, which works in concert with light yet nourishing emollients Coco-Caprylate and Squalane to hydrate and soften the skin. The result of three years dedicated research and development; the carefully constructed formulation delivers a breathable texture without a weighty finish and is designed for daily use.
After a few days of application I have to say it’s a joy to use, and thus far, not a hint of sunburn or sensitivity has reared its ugly head. To use, massage generously from forehead to neck, 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapplication is advised every two hours onwards, to ensure comprehensive UV protection through the day.
While I’m here I also have to give a shout out to a couple of Aesop’s other sun-focused formulas, which I have been using for a while now. The Protective Body Lotion SPF50 is one of my favourite blocks, a broad-spectrum moisturising sunscreen with high protection that was formulated to provide up to four hours’ water resistance. Follow it up at the end of the day with their Petitgrain Reviving Body Gel, an after-sun hydrator enhanced with Aloe Vera and Panthenol to soften and soothe, and extracts of Petitgrain, Grapefruit and Lemon to cool, balance and refresh the skin. Just gorgeous.
The new Protective Facial Lotion SPF25 is packaged in a 50mL bottle and is available at Aesop Signature Stores, select department store counters and at aesop.com right now. RRP: $73 NZD.
Tweet
Friday, January 11, 2019
Beauty news: L’Oréal Men Expert signs Adam Levine
Let’s hear it for the boys! This time it’s to congratulate Adam Levine, who has been named the new globl spokesperson for L’Oréal Men Expert’s Hydra Energetic range. Representing all facets of the modern man, few artists are as tireless as the multi-talented front man of Maroon 5, making him the perfect partner for the anti-fatigue range.
A musician, actor and mentor with over 11.7 million Instagram followers, Levine is known for his irreverence and sense of humour as well as his grit and determination and between tours, family time, and The Voice he perfectly embodies the Men Expert man.
“Adam Levine is one of the greatest musical artists in the world,” says L’Oréal’s Pierre-Emmanuel. “He’s an icon that reaches all generations as the lead singer of Maroon 5. The unlimited energy he brings to his performances and life makes him a powerful spokesperson that embodies our vision of the modern Men Expert man. We are delighted to welcome him to the brand.”
Levine gave the following interview upon the announcement of his role, which gives a little more insight into the man, his motivations and what to expect from the match made in heaven…
What was your first reaction when L’Oréal Men Expert asked you to become a spokesperson?
“I was excited. Everyone, everywhere, knows L’Oréal Paris – it’s an iconic brand. It’s an honour to represent this world-class skincare brand for men. Being a spokesperson means representing the brands values but also bringing my point of view. L’Oréal Paris is a brand committed to empowerment, excellence and self-worth, which I respect. I also admire the philanthropic work that Men Expert does for the fight against men’s cancer with The Movember Foundation. That’s a cause I can really get behind and it feels good to represent a brand that doesn’t stop at making great products – but is trying to also make a positive difference in the world.
Who is the Men Expert Man, according to you?
“I think he is a guy who is living his life 200%, like most of us. His life is full-on but he’s still got that healthy energized look going on, thanks to his easy skin regimen. He cares more about what he says and what he does than what he looks like, which is why he relies on expert products that take care of that for him.
What’s the secret to improving with age?
“Don’t take yourself seriously. Laugh at yourself a lot. Be grateful. And hydrate. For everything. Your skin, your body, your health.
What’s your morning routine?
“My routine needs to be easy and it needs to be fast because life is busy! I take a shower, cleanser on my face, a touch of moisturiser and let’s go.
What are your top L’Oréal Men Expert products?
“The Hydra Energetic range is perfect for me… they are easy products – and fast. They are all about giving skin an energy hit and feeling fresh. My hands down favourites are the 24h Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser and the cool-down of the Anti-Fatigue Icy Eye Roll-On to undo late nights and jetlag around my eyes.
What is your inspiration in life?
“It’s two-fold… Making great music I’m proud of and that my fans will hopefully love too. And being the kind of person my family and friends are proud of.
What’s your greatest reward?
“It’s not my career, though I’m obviously proud of how far Maroon 5 has come as a band. When we started out, we were kids dreaming of global success and I know I’m blessed to have come on this journey with my best friends. What I’m most proud of is my family, my wife who is just the most awesome human being and our two daughters. The learning curve is steep but being a dad is the most fun, coolest reward a man can have.
How do you keep yourself in shape?
“Through the years, I have been into different activities. For a while, yoga was my thing. It takes what you have, moulds and sculpts it, in a more natural way than working out. It helped make me more agile, flexible and energetic that I was 20 years ago. Lately though, I’ve been into CrossFit and strength training. I like to shake things up. In addition, I think about what I eat. Health is 90% nutrition.
How do you have so much energy all the time?
“I do what I love. Music rocks my world and being wholly into that feeds my energy. I live for adrenalin and being on-stage. And off-stage, I have my family and friends to kick back with and enjoy life.
What are your upcoming projects?
“The Voice US Season 15 for the rest of 2018 and then some time off until, the end of February we fly to Australia to take the Red Pill Blues Tour International. Then we’re touring Asia and Europe, our last European date is Paris, June 11th. Then I’m back filming The Voice US Season 16 and working on a bunch of other projects I can’t tell you about yet!
You are vocal about LGBTQi rights and marriage equality, why is this important to you?
“Because it is right. Sexual preferences are our own business, involving no one else. Love is for everyone. End of story.
Why is it important to you to be actively involved in campaigns?
“As a public figure, I think you’ve sometimes got to try to use your platform to speak about important issues. As musician, we can do that through our music. That’s exactly what we aimed to do with the ‘Girls Like You’ video. We wanted to give a platform for some of the most inspirational women out there, to the messages they stand for and give a whole new level of meaning to that song.”
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Hair how to: Rosamund Pike X Moroccanoil at 76th Golden Globes Awards
Nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture for her role in The Private War, actor Rosamund Pike stunned on the red carpet at the 76th Golden Globe Awards.
Wearing Givenchy Haute Couture like an absolute boss, the statusesque beauty completed her look with a sleek and contemporary hairstyle created by Moroccanoil Celebrity Hairstylist Bryce Scarlett.
Speaking to the inspiration, Scarlett said, “the look was inspired by Rosamund’s custom black and silver Givenchy Couture dress. Her detailed gown was modern and super graphic, and we wanted to make sure that her hair felt sleek sophisticated to go with her gorgeous dress.”
I think this look is perfect for summer nights when your hair may not be looking its best and oily roots a factor, and it will definitely add an air of sophisticated chic even if you’re just sporting a simple slip dress and flats. To recreate the look created by Scarlett for Moroccanoil, follow the - surprisingly simple - step-by-step instructions and products below…
1. On damp hair, use a two dollar coin size amount of Moroccanoil Treatment Light to provide the perfect foundation for styling.
2. Next, apply Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse at the roots of the hair and Morccocanoil Blow Dry Concentrate at the ends to create a smooth and sleek blowout.
3. Create a centre part and sleek the hair back into a low ponytail, then secure the hair with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong.
4. Wet the remaining length of the ponytail with the Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong and comb the hairspray through and then mold the damp hair into a small tight low chignon bun.
5. Lastly, mist hair with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine to finish the look and give it shine.
Photography: Kevork Djansezian
Tweet
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Beauty news: Giorgio Armani taps Ryan Reynolds for Armani Code
The start of 2019 brings exciting news from Giorgio Armani beauty, and for Canadian actor and producer Ryan Reynolds. The brand has announced the ‘Deadpool’ star – and most excellent Instagrammer and prankster - as the new face of its Armani Code fragrances, which I think is a great move all round.
Super likeable, witty and pretty damn easy on the eye, Reynolds will first appear for the brand in a new Armani Code campaign to be released worldwide in February 2019. It will be followed by the launch of what Giorgio Armani beauty calls an ‘addictive’ new fragrance, Armani Code Absolu, coming to New Zealand mid-2019.
The film has been directed by Reed Morano, the Emmy Award winner responsible for the binge watch phenomenon of 2018, “The Handmaid’s Tale” with stunning still shots by photographer Matthew Brookes. Code Absolu is being described as a “sparkling” and “sensuous” scent, and I for one can’t wait to see the visuals that accompany its release.
“With his status of modern male figure of self-fulfilment, Ryan Reynolds perfectly embodies the modern sensuality of the Armani Code man: someone with charisma, authenticity, an effortless style, and the right dose of irony”, said Mr. Giorgio Armani.
Reynolds reportedly also knows a thing or two about scent. In a recent interview with WWD, he described his relationship to it as such: “Scent is important to me. Scents can bring you back instantly to a childhood memory, a relationship, a moment in your life. They bring you back to moments of great transitions, to moments as you grew up in the world…” I like it!
Originally introduced in 2004, Armani Code ranks in the top 10 of men’s fragrances worldwide, and with the help of Reynolds, Armani Code Absolu will undoubtedly go stratospheric.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Hair how to: Gaga, Charlize and ghd at the 76th Annual Golden Globes
At yesterday’s 76th Annual Golden Globes event, the hair and beauty looks served up by the stars in attendance were definitely more hit than miss, with two stand out looks created by ghd ambassadors and celebrity stylists Frederic Aspiras and Adir Abergel.
Lady Gaga’s periwinkle blue locks were the work of Aspiras, and gave a definitely aristocratic vibe. The stylist says, “Gaga wanted to feel like herself for the Golden Globes. I was inspired by the incredible blue colour of her Valentino dress, and chose a sleek style to complement it.”
To create the look, he combed through the hair with the ghd detangling comb, then used a ghd natural bristle radial brush size 1 and trusty ghd air hairdryer to prep the hair. “I then ran the ghd platinum+ styler throughout the hair to create a smooth finish,” says, before spraying a smoothing serum throughout and using the ghd oval dressing brush to sweep the hair up into ponytail. “I wrapped and twisted the hair into a half bun, leaving the end of the hair out and parted to each side of her head. I then wrapped the ends of the hair around the ghd curve soft curl tong to create long lasting curl. I finished by spraying hairspray.”
Charlize Theron’s sleek style was totally her, and created in collaboration with Abergel. For the statuesque star’s edgy and timeless style, the stylist was inspired by the duality of her beautiful linear Dior gown. Abergel notes, “The colour blocking in the dress inspired me to create complimentary contrast in the hair with the half up style. I played with dual textures; high shine in the back with soft texture through the front.”
To create the look, Abergel began by creating a deep side part and using the ghd air® hairdryer to blow dry with a brush. Then, using the ghd platinum+ styler, he flat ironed Charlize’s hair in sections for a shiny finish. This was followed by the application of a de-frizzing cream, smoothing throughout from roots to ends. He then clipped the top side-swept section away from the rest of the hair and brushed the remainder of Charlize’s hair away from the face so it would lay flat against her neck.
To complete the style, Abergel took sections of hair from either side of the temple and secured it below the crown with an elastic. The hair was bound tightly with a black thread and needle. To lock in the look, Abergel generously spritzed hairspray for perfect hold and memory.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Christmas countdown: Votary's miraculous Super Seed Facial Oil
Anyone that checks in here regularly will know that I’m a huge fan of oils - body oils, hair oils and facials oils - and love the fact that nine times out of ten, they are brilliant multi-taskers and are great travel companions too.
Cleansing your face with one is a given with me, but for many, using oils on the face in particular may seem counterintuitive, especially those who associate it with breakouts and the like. Well it just ain’t true, and there are more and more great facial oils arriving on the market all the time that are making their way into bathroom cabinets across the globe.
The latest I’ve fallen in love with harnesses the power of Super Seeds, which aren’t just for healthy eating. They’re for healthy skin, too. It’s Votary’s Super Seed Facial Oil, which I discovered after the most heavenly Signature Yoga Facial a while back at East Day Spa.
Celebrity makeup artist Arabella Preston launched the Votary line of skin are in 2015, consisting of a cleansing oil and three types of moisturising oil. The line grew from Preston’s interest in organic facial oils, which she had been using on her clients as a base for their makeup and on herself as a way to soothe her skin. She formulated the products and started Votary at the urging of her business partner, Charlotte Semler, and it wasn’t long before the fragrance-free collection called Super Seed joined the pack.
The Super Seed Facial Oil nourishes dry, sensitive skin with a fragrance-free blend of 21 different oils, each with their own important properties. As you age, you might experience a whole host of new skin issues such as dryness, redness, loss of elasticity and plumpness, or just feeling like your skin has lost its glow (not ideal). Super Seed addresses all of these issues as naturally and gently as possible while packing a powerful punch that enhances your skin’s nourishment and long-term recovery. I also love that it’s fragrance free – the cause of sensitivity in even the ‘cleanest’ of beauty products – and that it really does nourish and protect.
Anti-irritation, anti-inflammation, deeply nourishing and anti-ageing, Super Seed Facial Oil has been the perfect choice for my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, which over the past twelve months has been insanely unpredictable. It us created using primarily organic ingredients too, which gets another big tick from me.
Preston, who reportedly gave Kate Middleton makeup lessons before her wedding to Prince William (although she is not allowed to talk about it), says she loves using natural plant oils to prep clients’ skin because it gives the best base for makeup. People think the opposite - that oil is going to make your makeup slide off – but natural plant oils absorb directly into the skin, and with a little massage make for an absolutely flawless base.
To use it, place 4 to 5 drops of Facial Oil onto your palms. Now massage the oil into your face and neckline using gentle upwards motions. Use your fingertips to gently pat the oil into the area around your eyes. You can spend a few seconds or several minutes on your facial massage – depending on how much time you have. Like all Votary’s natural facial oils, Super Seed absorbs into your skin as you massage leaving it deeply hydrated but never oily. It’s the perfect way to prep skin for makeup or sunscreen, and gets my vote for one heck of a great last minute Christmas gift that will NOT disappoint.
Next on my wish list is the matching Super Seed Cleansing Oil, which has all of the same properties and sounds incredible! The Votary range is in now at East Day Spa and Spring Spa locations.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
