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Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Beauty destination: a list of Ponsonby's beauty best
Mecca Cosmetica - one of the first stores to truly put
Ponsonby on the map as a bonafide beauty destination, the incredible Mecca
Cosmetica is the perfect place to get lost for an afternoon sniffing and
testing brands like NARS, Stila, Byredo and Serge Lutens. The in house makeup
artists are both knowledgeable and damn charming, and a regular makeover there
is more than worth it.
M.A.C’s first Ponsonby location boasts the latest New York designed M.A.C fit-out and is home to well-trained M.A.C Artists and M.A.C’s lineup of trendsetting colour collections, tools, brushes and skincare.
Stephen Marr - one of the first truly innovative hair salons to hit the Ponsonby strip, Stephen Marr - headed by the inimitable Stephen and Lucy - is still one of the busiest, most loved and creative spaces around. Loved by loyal clients, the media and the New Zealand fashion cognoscenti, and their ‘healthy’ approach to the business of hair has never wavered.
D&M hair design - a huge success from the minute it opened its doors, the always fun and always most definitely fabulous D&M on Redmond Street is like a glimpse into another world: one where everyone has way too much fun and the best hair on the block.
WORLD Beauty - a veritable treasure trove of unique perfumes and beauty finds - as well as Australian cult skincare brand, Aesop - WORLD’s beauty store is always a great place to while away the time with the wonderful Mary Castles, discovering a new scent that you never knew you needed but now absolutely must have.
Bianka at Mollie’s Spa - Since therapist Bianka Seputich took the helm this beautiful destination has become a force to be reckoned with. She does the best St. Tropez tans in town and a fine line in dreamy massage.
Smashbox - the local home of the iconic LA-based beauty brand and manned by clever makeup artists seven days a week.
Aroha Healing - whether you book in for reiki, an organic Phyt’s facial or a Kahuna massage, time spent with Rosanna and Benton at Aroha Healing is always time spent well cared for.
Loxy’s - the only place in New Zealand (in my humble opinion) offering truly beautiful and wearable hair extensions, Loxy’s also do a brilliant blow wave that I can personally vouch for being one of the best around.
Room Nine - although technically in “Outer Ponsonby” (AKA the Surrey Crescent end of Grey Lynn), Amelia Story at Room Nine beauty therapy is who I visit for regular Osmosis Vitamin A Infusions beyond compare.
Harvest Wholefoods - for their extensive range of high performance, organic and/or 100 per cent natural skincare, including brands like the iconic Dr. Hauschka.
Little Bird Unbakery - for creating food that is the perfect choice for nourishing skin from within and tastes pretty damn fine too!
Kirsty Gregg Studio - situated within re:ab on Selbourne Street, the charmingly tough Kirsty is my personal trainer of choice, and will have you whipped into summer - or year round - shape in no time.
Olivia at Enrich Massage Therapy - for massages that will leave you feeling - and looking - like you can take on the world.
The Urban Ashram - the Brown Street yoga studio headed up by wellness powerhouse Nikki Ralston is a beauty destination due to leaving with the best post-workout glow.
SPQR - because their carefully considered lighting makes everyone look their best!
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M.A.C’s first Ponsonby location boasts the latest New York designed M.A.C fit-out and is home to well-trained M.A.C Artists and M.A.C’s lineup of trendsetting colour collections, tools, brushes and skincare.
Stephen Marr - one of the first truly innovative hair salons to hit the Ponsonby strip, Stephen Marr - headed by the inimitable Stephen and Lucy - is still one of the busiest, most loved and creative spaces around. Loved by loyal clients, the media and the New Zealand fashion cognoscenti, and their ‘healthy’ approach to the business of hair has never wavered.
D&M hair design - a huge success from the minute it opened its doors, the always fun and always most definitely fabulous D&M on Redmond Street is like a glimpse into another world: one where everyone has way too much fun and the best hair on the block.
WORLD Beauty - a veritable treasure trove of unique perfumes and beauty finds - as well as Australian cult skincare brand, Aesop - WORLD’s beauty store is always a great place to while away the time with the wonderful Mary Castles, discovering a new scent that you never knew you needed but now absolutely must have.
Bianka at Mollie’s Spa - Since therapist Bianka Seputich took the helm this beautiful destination has become a force to be reckoned with. She does the best St. Tropez tans in town and a fine line in dreamy massage.
Smashbox - the local home of the iconic LA-based beauty brand and manned by clever makeup artists seven days a week.
Aroha Healing - whether you book in for reiki, an organic Phyt’s facial or a Kahuna massage, time spent with Rosanna and Benton at Aroha Healing is always time spent well cared for.
Loxy’s - the only place in New Zealand (in my humble opinion) offering truly beautiful and wearable hair extensions, Loxy’s also do a brilliant blow wave that I can personally vouch for being one of the best around.
Room Nine - although technically in “Outer Ponsonby” (AKA the Surrey Crescent end of Grey Lynn), Amelia Story at Room Nine beauty therapy is who I visit for regular Osmosis Vitamin A Infusions beyond compare.
Harvest Wholefoods - for their extensive range of high performance, organic and/or 100 per cent natural skincare, including brands like the iconic Dr. Hauschka.
Little Bird Unbakery - for creating food that is the perfect choice for nourishing skin from within and tastes pretty damn fine too!
Kirsty Gregg Studio - situated within re:ab on Selbourne Street, the charmingly tough Kirsty is my personal trainer of choice, and will have you whipped into summer - or year round - shape in no time.
Olivia at Enrich Massage Therapy - for massages that will leave you feeling - and looking - like you can take on the world.
The Urban Ashram - the Brown Street yoga studio headed up by wellness powerhouse Nikki Ralston is a beauty destination due to leaving with the best post-workout glow.
SPQR - because their carefully considered lighting makes everyone look their best!
Monday, December 22, 2014
Marvellous multi-tasker: Smashbox’s new Telephoto Brush
It’s holiday time, so I’m more passionate than ever about
making beauty options faster, easier and more-on-the-go. The latest tool that I
have been lucky enough to have a good old play with – and fall in love with –
is from the Smashbox stable, and comes in the form of their brand spanking new Telephoto
Brush.
Whether it’s full coverage, medium coverage or a sheer swipe
of colour that you’re after, this multi-tasking brush will help you apply your
powder and liquid foundation like a pro. With one swift twist, you have a
full-coverage tool for sweeping on an almost airbrushed-looking layer of
foundation for evening. Click it a second time if you prefer to let your
natural complexion shine through. Give the tool a third and final twist for the
full Kabuki brush, which is perfect for applying loose powder. Magic!
The first setting stops the brush at a pretty dense setting,
which allows you to use the brush like a kabuki. Whether it be for powder or
liquid foundation, this setting will buff the product into the skin, giving you
the most flawless coverage possible. I’ve been using this a lot for Christmas
parties and the like, but come days off in the sun and I’ll be dialling this
baby all the way out I reckon for Sheer Coverage. This setting is great for
finishing powders, or powder foundations. I don’t recommend using this setting
with liquid however, because it really just moves the foundation around, and
ends up eating most of the product into the bristles.
The middle setting is for Medium Coverage. This one is great
for again liquid and powder foundations, and also works for blush application,
if you are travelling and need to do double duty.
This brush is super soft, and I love that it comes with a
cap. Super travel friendly, and it can stand in for your Foundation, Powder,
Blush and Bronzer.
This will be an awesome brush for the Summer time, when
everything always just gets thrown into a massive tote bag, and brought all
over the place. The beach, the bach, the city… everywhere!
The people at Smashbox recommend that to keep your brush
clean, rinse every two weeks if using to apply powder, or every week if using
to apply liquid foundation. I always carry a bottle of on-the-spot brush
cleaner when I travel either way, so I can swap in between formulations no
problem.
Smashbox Cosmetics are available from selected Life
Pharmacies, beauty spas, the Smashbox Concept Store in Ponsonby and www.smashboxcosmetics.co.nz and
this awesome little baby has an RRP of $89.00.
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Friday, December 19, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Christmas Countdown: the M.A.C Keepsakes collection
For the M.A.C fan in your life (and we all have at least
one, most likely more) my pick for a Christmas gift that will be loved and much
cherished is absolutely anything from the makeup mega brand’s Keepsakes
collection. A little bit posh and a lot wearable, the collection is made up of
a number of beautiful gifting options whether your M.A.C is all about eyes or
lips, or just needs a new set of brushes.
The M.A.C Keepsakes Face Palettes have everything you need
to create the perfect party face and are available in two colour palettes,
Natural and Smoky. Each features three Eye Shadows, one Iridescent Pressed
Powder, a Cream Colour Base, and two Lipsticks housed in glittering cameo
medallion-accented compacts.
The M.A.C Keepsakes Eye Kits are three limited-edition
compacts that each contains an amazing eight coordinated shades in palettes of
Plum, Smoky and Beige. The sleek, mirrored compacts sparkle in glittery grey,
black and white, each accented with a chic cameo, and are perfect for
travellers as they really do cover it all.
For something smaller but still perfectly formed, M.A.C Keepsakes
Lip Bags feature posh shades of Lipstick, Lipglass, and Lip Pencil in two
colour palettes: red and nude. As an alternative, M.A.C Keepsakes Eye Bags are
made up of Eye Shadow, In Extreme Dimension Lash and Eye Pencil in three
majestic palettes: smoky, plum and brown.
For a little extra sparkle, the Keepsakes Gold Lip + Eye Bag
and Keepsakes Silver Lip + Eye Bag feature quads of four Mineralize Eye Shadows
accented with Mineralize Rich Lipstick and frosted Mineralize Glass, packaged
in a sleek glittery grey clutch with a cameo-embossed zipper pull. There are
also three M.A.C Keepsakes Brush Kits in Mineralize, Studio and In Extra
Dimension for the most practical but still fabulous gift of the bunch.
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Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Love it: Ashley & Co’s beautiful Soothe Tubes
Both the perfect stocking stuffers and a product I know that
I will seriously go through multiple tubes of, Ashley & Co’s Soothe Tubes are
beautifully crafted, luxe feeling, intensive hydrating creams from the stellar
New Zealand brand.
A rich, yet non-greasy aromatic natural blend designed for
giving some love to parched hands and cuticles, Soothe Tubes come in a
convenient 75ml size, making them perfect to take anywhere and highly qualified handbag essentials. The formula is packed with pampering natural ingredients
like chamomile, shea butter, borage oil and Vitamin E, and the tubes are
available in Ashley & Co’s own captivating signature scents: Tui &
Kahili (Wild Ginger, Lily), Blossom & Gilt (Costa Rican Tuberose, Wild
Jasmine), Mortar & Pestle (Exotic Elemi, Cedar, Black Tea) and the newest
kid on the block, Once Upon & Time (Fig & Black Gardenia).
With an RRP of $22.00 and available right now these make the
perfect stocking stuffers and cheeky gifts to self, and smell and look amazing.
Love it!
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Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Hair how To: Sara Donaldson of Harper and Harley’s signature wave
One of the most impeccably groomed Southern Hemisphere
blogstars must be brunette beauty Sara Donaldson from Harper and Harley, whose
take on monochromatics has many a reader enthralled on a daily basis.
As well as a sweet take on the perfectly put together outfit
for pretty much every occasion, she has fabulous hair – which for once took
centre stage on Fashion Bloggers TV, a new reality TV show now showing on E!. Sara
recently demonstrated how she creates this go-to style on the show, and I bet
the demo was just as eagerly lapped up as her regular flatlays.
The show’s official hair sponsor is ghd, and the
always-awesome team there sent me some instructions on how to create the look
at home using their stellar tools and products:
1. Prep hair with ghd total volume foam and dry in with ghd aura professional
hairdryer
2. Section hair in half with clips and spritz with ghd curl hold spray
3. Using the ghd curve classic wave wand take small sections of hair and
gently wrap the hair around the barrel, starting from the base towards the cool
tip
4. Hold for 5-8 seconds then gently release the hair and leave to cool
5. Once the entire head is complete loosen curls by brushing hair with the ghd detangling
comb for a shiny softer look
6. To finish, spray hair with ghd final shine spray
And if you still haven’t got it nailed go a step further and
check out Sara’s how-to video here
or steps on her blog.
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Christmas Countdown: the Jo Malone Frosted Fantasy collection
The hero of Jo Malone Christmas 2014 is Frosted Cherry
and Clove, which comes as a beautiful deluxe candle – gorgeous in both appearance
and fragrance. The new Christmas scent, which Jo Malone describe as 'rich with
winter spices' is guaranteed to please, and also available is the Pine &
Eucalyptus home fragrance , which includes the candle option so popular in my
house for the past couple of years.

Last up, the Incense and Embers Home Candle is on the top of
my personal wish list, and is one of my all time favourite scents. I have heard
whispers that Jo Malone will be bringing out a Cologne version of this in time
and I for one can’t wait.
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Monday, December 15, 2014
Love it: Elizabeth Arden’s Ltd Edition UNTOLD Colour Collection
One of the prettiest colour collections to
have hit for the holiday season is Elizabeth Arden’s new Limited Edition UNTOLD
Colour Collection. Inspired by the brand’s newest fragrance, UNTOLD, the
collection celebrates the multi-faceted, ever-complicated beauty life of the
typical modern woman with a versatile range of highly pigmented, long wearing
products that can be used created a look for every occasion and an
ever-changing mood – from soft and
subtle to intense and intriguing, you name it, you can do it! The collection includes two limited
edition Beautiful Color Eye Shadow Quads, two limited edition shades of
Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss, as well as new Beautiful Color Natural Eye
Brow Pencils and Beautiful Color Precision Glide Eye Liners.
The quads are infinitely wearable and
unabashedly pretty as usual, but my favourites from the collection have to be
the two offerings that are almost purpose built for the holiday season. The
first is the Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss shade collection (RRP$49), the
shades from which are both universally flattering and built for long, hot
evenings outdoors. Multi-dimensional and moisture-rich, they feature a
lip-plumping, long-lasting formula, with a hint of vanilla scent, for a pillow-y
pout that’s drenched in high pigment colour and lasts and lasts. They are infused
with the company’s “Maxi-Lip” ingredient, which has been clinically proven to
increase the appearance of lip volume by 40%, reduce the appearance of furrows
by 30% and increase moisture by 60%. Love that! They also contain conditioning
and hydrating ingredients that soothe and comfort lips like a balm, so are
great when you’re feeling a bit battered by sun and long days. The limited
edition Beautiful Color Lip Gloss for the UNTOLD collection is available in two
shades, Glamorous Gold and Intriguing Violet. A soft tip paddle applicator
deposits the perfect amount of gloss and a built-in mirror allows for convenient
on-the-go application and makes it beyond teeny tiny handbag friendly.
My other fave is the collection of Beautiful
Color Precision Glide Eye Liners (RRP$46), which are long wearing (up to 14
hours), slide on like silk and come in beautiful, strong hues. Featuring an
ultra-fine tip, the waterproof, smudge proof and transfer proof formula
seamlessly glides along the lash line and can be easily blended - bonus! - for a more dramatic look. Shades
available are Black Velvet, Slate, Java, Sapphire, Blackberry and the absolutely
bewitching Emerald.
The UNTOLD collection is available right
now at Elizabeth Arden counters nationwide.
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Friday, December 12, 2014
Beauty news: today is Clinique Happy Day!
From the minute it hit the counters in the late 1990’s, the
fragrance Clinique Happy was a hit. Created in 1997 by Jean Claude Delville and
Rodrigo Flores-Roux, it received a 1998 FiFi award and iconic images from their
advertising campaigns (like the ones from 1999, above) defined a generation.
Clinique Happy is still hugely popular, and still is the
epitome of “a fragrance of joy, the essence of a sunny, happy morning”. Wear
Happy and be happy was the goal from the get-go, and the fresh apple, plums and
bergamot mixed with the likes of freesia, lily, rose and morning orchid still make
people smile every day.
Which brings me to today - Clinique Happy Day, a global
initiative and an opportunity to focus on making people happy in small but
meaningful ways. This year New Zealand Clinique counters have partnered with
Look Good Feel Better, and will be offering women who have benefited from the
Look Good Feel Better program with special skincare and makeup experiences on
counter all day long. They will also be gifting a 15ml Clinique Happy Body
Lotion in return for any donations made towards the organisation, which is the
perfect chance to fall in love with Happy, if you haven’t already.
From Clinique employees working in store, to Clinique Happy
Helpers providing Random Acts of Happiness, the aim is to bring a piece of
happiness to as many people as possible. Love that – get thee to a Clinique
counter ASAP!
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Thursday, December 11, 2014
Love it: Bobbi Brown Extra Rinse Balm cleanser
At this time of year I’m sporting more slap on my face than
probably at any other, so a double cleanse at night is essential. I’m always
aware of over-cleansing my face however, so always make the first step a
cleansing oil or balm, for the emollient and comfort factor.
When I first declared love for cleansing oils and balms a
while ago I had people telling me “Try the Bobbi Brown one! Beautiful to use! Smells
amazing!” So one day, when I was given the opportunity to try the Bobbi Brown
Extra Rinse Balm I couldn’t wait to break it out and see how I felt about it.
And I loved it. Immediately. A super soft, conditioning
cleanser, it removes all traces of makeup and impurities quickly and
completely. I leaves your skin feeling plump and amazing, and was designed to
be used daily for dry skin, or as a nighttime treatment when skin needs more
hydration.
The yellow balm is as the name implies, a balm texture. You
will notice that the texture is slightly sticky. Warming it up in your palms
makes it easier going on your face and minimizes any tugging at your facial
skin, and as you massage it in, the balm will feel softer and it gets easier to
handle. It stays as a balm too – unlike a few that turn into oils or milks when
warmed up. Then when you’re ready, it is easily washed off without using a face
cloth. You can just rinse it off after emulsifying it a little with warm water.
I prefer to use a muslin face cloth but that’s just me – it is top notch either
way. Oh and I love the scent, which is citrus-y and clean.
Sold usually in a jar, it now comes in the generous 50ml
tube that I have - perfect for travel and especially at this time of year. If
you haven’t tried this beauty then I highly recommend that you do – love it.
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Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Christmas countdown: the new Baby-G leopard print collection
I rocked a Baby-G watch when they first hit the stores over
20 years ago, and I’m proud to say that I still rock one now. When the time is
right (pun intended) they are the perfect timepiece-slash-statement, and my
black and gold number accompanies me on many a day and night out.
I’m also a huge fan of splashes of animal print here and
there, so when I saw the new Baby-G leopard collection I was immediately
hooked. If not completely obsessed… and then some.
Available in super cute hot Pink, cool White and – my fave –
a traditional Beige bold leopard print design, the CASIO BABY-G BA-110LP is
definitely on my Christmas wish list. The seriously awesome leopard print
design wraps around the entire watch including the band and bezel, so it’s a
definite statement and perfect if you’re into tees and jeans on an all too
regular basis like me. It’s also perfect for a monochrome look too, adding a
pop of colour and print without being too obvious about it. What a little
wonder!
As with all G-Shock and Baby-G models, the collection is
Shock and Water Resistant and has an RRP of $249.00.
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Tuesday, December 9, 2014
All about: Smashbox 2014 Holiday Collection - On The Rocks
Before we get into the Smashbox Holiday 2014 On the Rocks
collection of eye palettes, liners, tools and lip sets, let me say this:
Smashbox eye shadow palettes are always full of enticing shades that often
include bold brights, yet they’re quite non-threatening, totally wearable
and unabashedly pretty. This makes them go to’s for me a hell of a lot of the
time, and why the makeup mega brand is such a success.
It also makes them great gifting, so I was pretty excited to
see that their lineup for the 2014 Holiday Collection – titled On The Rocks –
includes a very impressive eleven different gift sets, definitely something for
everyone! I’ve narrowed my picks down to a few favourites, but you can see the
whole lineup (and more) on the Smashbox New Zealand website here.
First up I’d like to give some love to the Smashbox on the
Rocks Always Sharp Liner Set. Never having to stop and sharpen an eye pencil is
a big deal for a girl who nearly always does her makeup in a furious hot mess,
and fumbling with a sharpener eats up valuable time! These pencils, nicely
loaded with pigment and staying power, are perfect for lining along the
lashline, and this set of five shades will definitely have multiple makeup
looks covered. I particularly love the 3D Orchid shade and 3D Night Gem, both
of which contain a hint of pearl for a pretty and flattering sheen.
The Smashbox on the Rocks Brush Set will definitely be a
gift that will impress, and is made up of Smashbox’s signature brushes but with
festive handles. Clear plastic resin embedded with magpie-pleasing silver
glitter replaces the usual Smashbox red, and the set includes a
powder brush, angled shadow brush, double-ended shadow brush, double-ended brow
brush and a lip brush.
But my absolute fave – although it’s not quiet as
glam-tastic as those above - is the Smashbox On The Rocks Photo Finish Primer
Duo, which is what I definitely need at this time of year when days are long.
It includes their award-winning Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Photo Finish
Hydrating Under Eye Primer, a dynamic duo if ever I saw one!
Christmas countdown: the gift of a clean house for Christmas
Parties, present shopping and prep for
Christmas lunch – if you’re anything like me right now then getting ready for
the festive season is busy enough without worrying about cleaning the damn
house as well. I’m knee deep in work stuff and cool stuff for sure, but come
Christmas Eve it’s my living space that will have suffered. And then bring on
the guests!
Hence, top of my Christmas countdown for
today is a thorough house clean from convenient new cleaning booking service
SpongeHero, which I am going to gift to all in sundry ASAP. You can have quality,
professional home cleaning sorted in as little as two minutes for your mum,
grandparents, or whoever is hosting the family celebrations this year – leaving
them more time to make the Christmas pudding, baste the turkey, stock up the fridge, and get
those pesky stocking fillers ready.
The country’s newest professional on-demand
residential cleaning service, I think the clever people at SpongeHero are
absolute magicians. So feel free to give the gift of a clean and tidy home this
Christmas, I for one will be welcoming it with open arms!
For further information and to book your
cleaning service visit www.spongehero.co.nz
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Monday, December 8, 2014
Top of the blocks: getting serious about sun
Finally we’re seeing a little sun of late, which for me is a
reminder that summer is - maybe? - on its way and new sunscreen needs to go on
the shopping list. Whenever I’ve asked beauty experts – be they dermatologists,
make up artists or cosmetic surgeons – for their pick when it comes to anti
ageing skincare, they all agree that the most important thing you can do to
keep your skin looking good well into old age is wear a sunscreen. Daily. No
arguments, no forgetting on a cloudy day, no saying, “my olive complexion is a
sunblock in itself”! Most last twelve months max after being opened too, so if
you’re still got some sitting around in your beach bag or glove box from this
time last year then chuck it - ASAP!
The warmer days also mean I get a few new sunscreen formulas
coming across my desk, but one that I go back to year on year is Osmosis Shade
SPF 30 Sunscreen/Moisturiser. Designed for daily use, it is a broad-spectrum
physical sunscreen that protects against the damaging effects of both UVA and
UVB rays whilst providing great hydration. All natural, it works by utilizing
micronized and coated zinc oxide and titanium oxide, making it a safe sunscreen
option that provides transparent coverage while ensuring that your UV
protection remains harmless and non-toxic. The high-performance, luxurious
sunscreen-meets-moisturiser is ideal for all skin types and can be applied
under makeup or after a shave, and has a vanilla, grapefruit and coconut scent
that brings the tropics inside even on a cloudy day.
I couldn’t cover suncare without reiterating once again how
awesome the COOLA brand is. This is the baby that I recommend to anyone who
asks me advise on sun protection for their whole family, and that fact that
their products are a seemingly effortless mix of high perfomance and beautiful
to use formulas makes them loved by everyone who tries them. A beautifully
packaged collection of organic sun essentials produced out of Southern
California, the COOLA range includes a plethora of yummy products that are high
performance yet delicate and kind on the environment. It is produced in limited
quantity batches in California (where the company is based), meaning that the
range can be reformulated often, taking advantage of new developments in sun
science and labelling regulations almost as they happen.
The COOLA range has three distinct organic sunscreen
collections to choose from: Plant UV, Mineral, and Classic, each based on
different active ingredients. The Classic Sunscreens use organic active ingredients
(commonly referred to as “chemicals”), while the Mineral Sunscreens use mineral
(“physical”) active ingredients like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to scatter
and reflect UVA/UVB rays. The mineral sunscreens are effective right after
application, making them perfect for the whole family, whilst the Plant UV
collection protects the skin with naturally protective plant cells that contain
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Their newest offering is the Sport SPF50 Continuous Spray
Sunscreen, which is a clear, continuous spray in an all-new SPF 50 unscented formula.
It offers Broad Spectrum SPF 50 protection, and will nourish, repair and
hydrate skin with 70%+ certified organic ingredients like Cucumber, Algae and
Strawberry extracts, and thus far I am in love with it. It has 80 minutes of
water resistance too, which is amongst the highest I have seen.
French beauty brand Guinot have also launched too -
naturally - beautiful sun-focused formulas for the new season, the first being
the Guinot High Protection SPF30 Spray, which is a sun-protecting spray with
full broad spectrum protection that also happens to smell like pure vanilla.
Seriously! It is a paraben free formula and the light formulation doesn't leave
white marks or a sticky residue, and an added bonus is the 360-degree spray
nozzle for covering off those hard to reach places. As befitting an
award-winning skincare brand, its ingredient list include the likes of
Heliotropine - a molecule which helps to prevent the appearance of brown spots -
and Litchi extract, which is derived from a tropical fruit found in southern
China and helps to protect the skin against photo-aging. Horse Chestnut and Seaweed
extract are there to soothe and combat redness, whilst Hydrocyte Complex is a
blend of sugars that help to deeply moisturise the skin.
The second Guinot offering is the very French Glamour Sun
Gel SPF15, which is a gel formulation with a light and silky satin oil finish
that works to protect against UVA and UVB rays as well as promoting even tanning.
It leaves skin smooth and nourished, while light-reflecting particles leave a
gentle gleam… this baby really makes you glow!
Lastly, on the supermarket front, Garnier Ambre Solaire
Sensitive Advanced is the popular European brand’s newest offering, and
features Sensitive Advanced Adults SPF 50+ for those that find many suncare
options too harsh for their skin. As well as absorbing more than 90 per cent of
total UV rays, it is hypoallergenic, with no perfume and no colourants and
dermatologically tested. It is available as a water resistant lotion or spray,
and they also offer a lotion and a spray in this range for kids whose skin is
too sensitive for their traditional Resisto range.
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Top Picks
Friday, December 5, 2014
Thursday, December 4, 2014
All about: Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Illusionist Rapid Lift Mask
At this time of year it’s all about having a gay ol’ time…
and then putting on a brave face the day after. Too many late nights, too much
of the good stuff and waaaay too much champagne make me a dull girl, and so I
reach for a number of great quick fixes to keep me looking at very least above
par when the Christmas calendar is fit to burst.
One I’ve tried of late already has two awards under its belt,
and comes in the form of Manuka Doctor’s new ApiRefine Illusionist Rapid Lift
Mask. The company call it “an instant facelift in a jar”, which has been designed
to have skin photo-ready in just minutes.
Included in the fast acting, skin-plumping mask is a unique
combination of Manuka Doctor’s clinically proven Purified Bee Venom (PBVTM),
Certified UMF 18+ Manuka Honey (can’t get enough of that stuff), Shea Butter,
natural waxes and Vitamin E to deeply nourish the skin, stimulate collagen
growth and renew damaged skin cells. Add to that Chicory Root and Caesalpinia Spinosa
Gum to provide skin with instant and medium-term tightening effects while
promoting collagen synthesis and you have one hell of a cocktail. A skin-loving
cocktail that is!
It also works in about ten minutes’, so is the perfect pick
for throwing on before yet another big night. Apply it to clean, dry skin and
then wipe off excess with a clean cloth just ten minutes’ later… the end
result? Tired skin that looks and feels a whole lot better, and is plump in all
the right places.
If you don’t know the brand then get this: Manuka Doctor was
honoured in 2012, 2013 and 2014 within the beauty industry internationally, winning
‘Best New Brand’ at the annual beauty awards hosted by Cosmetic Executive Women
UK (CEW UK). They know their stuff and this little jar of magic dust is the
stuff and so much more.
Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Illusionist Rapid Lift Face Mask has
an RRP of $59.95 for a 40ml jar and is great for all skin
types, apart from people allergic to bee stings.
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Love it: Xen Tan Transform Luxe Daily Self-Tan
Elle UK said of Xen Tan’s Transform Luxe: “it is one of the
easiest gradual tanners to apply - it won't streak and it smells remarkably
good too,” which is no faint praise. We they right? You bet, and I have fallen
totally head over heels for the product.
I am a huge fan of gradual tanners for ease of use and their
buildable qualities, and this baby delivers the warmest, most beautiful holiday
glow I have seen in a while. The
luxurious lotion goes on clear and develops into a wonderfully natural-looking
tan after just a couple of applications too – and boy they last and last.
As well as a gradual tanner it’s an ideal ‘tan extender’
that can be used in between tanning with any of Xen-Tan’s other professional
products, which I haven’t tried as yet but am gagging to now.
It is a great transitional product from winter to spring, and
it’s packed with nourishing moisturisers for skin that's deeply hydrated after
being bundled up in woollens for the last few months. It’s suitable for all
skin types for those who prefer to build their tan gradually, and the fact that
it’s refreshingly Paraben free means that it is ideal for face and body use.
Bonus!
Last up, as with so many of their products it comes with a
wonderful scent of fresh vanilla – not the ‘wet dog’ smell that so many faux
glow products come part and parcel with.
To use just apply in a circular motion, blending evenly onto
your skin. Wash your hands after application with soap and water and wait three
hours before showering or swimming…. Et voila! Great, glowy skin.
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Labels:
Daily Self-Tan,
Elle UK,
faux glow,
Love it,
summer,
Transform Luxe,
Xen Tan
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Beauty news: the M.A.C AIDS Fund donates $63,000 to local HIV organization
Working once again within their own community, the M.A.C AIDS
Fund - M.A.C Cosmetics’ philanthropic foundation –has presented Positive Women
Inc. with a $63,000(NZD) grant to support their efforts in working with women
and families living with HIV and AIDS in New Zealand. The majority of the grant
will be specifically used to enable the community house, Rose House, to remain
operational. Rose House offers services to women and families affected by HIV
and AIDS in New Zealand, and this is the tenth year that Positive Women have
received funding from the M.A.C AIDS Fund.
“Since the inception in 1994, M.A.C has raised more than
$340 million (USD) through its VIVA GLAM initiative, which directs 100 percent
of the purchase price of VIVA GLAM Lipstick to M.A.C AIDS Fund and other
organizations dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS, here in Asia Pacific and across
the world,” commented Raffaella Cornaggia, Vice President and General Manager,
M.A.C Cosmetics, Asia Pacific. “As a brand, M.A.C is known for its constant
innovation but one thing that never changes is our commitment to the M.A.C AIDS
Fund –it’s the heart and soul of our brand.” Locally, M.A.C has raised over
$1.7million (NZD) for the MAF and has donated the majority of those funds
locally to New Zealand non-profit organizations fighting the epidemic here in
New Zealand.
In addition to the grant, M.A.C makeup artists like those
above have been participating in local volunteer initiatives in the lead up to
World AIDS Day. Last Tuesday 25th November nine of the beauty
wonders put away their makeup brushes in place of cleaning tools and
volunteered their time at Positive Women’s annual Spring Cleaning Day. Clean up
activitie sat Rose House included water blasting, gardening, painting and
window cleaning. On Friday 28thNovember over 60 M.A.C makeup artists nationwide
participated in the red ribbon bucket collection in Auckland, Wellington,
Christchurch, Hamilton and Dunedin. These locally tailored programs help to
break down barriers and build relationships within communities in our annual
company-wide volunteer effort for World AIDS Day.
And as a reminder… what buying one Viva Glam can do:
•Purchase 254 condoms to prevent the transmission of HIV
•Provides client andnutrition services for 13 people living
with HIV/AIDS
•Provide fresh fruit, vegetables, and grocery essentials to
a mother and child affected by HIV for a full week.
•Purchase 200 new syringes, which are given to injection
drug users in exchange for used needles to prevent HIV transmission
•Purchase 151 safer injection kits (cooker, cotton,
tourniquet)
•Provide 32 Safer Sex Kits which include condoms, lubricant
and instructions
•Provide a clean, safe place to sleep for two nights for one
resident living with HIV/AIDS
•Provide 45 minutes of lifesaving HIV prevention skills to a
group of 75 women and girls
•Buy 10 individually tailored, nutritious meals for a person
affected by HIV/AIDS
•Purchase one rapid oral HIV test
•Provide crisis counselling to a person living with AIDS who
is also struggling with drug addiction, mental illness and homelessness
•Provide a new job interview shirt and tie for one resident
at an HIV/AIDS housing organization
•Provide 30 minutes of training for 20 medical providers on
integrating HIV prevention and reproductive health
•Provide a move-in kit for a client moving into new housing,
including cleaning materials, toilet paper, laundry soap, dishes for one
person, lightbulbs, etc.
•Buy 24 female condoms to prevent HIV, sexually transmitted
diseases and unwanted pregnancy
•Buy a pair of school shoes for a child orphaned by AIDS
•Test 14 pregnant mothers for HIV
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Labels:
$63,
000,
AIDS Fund,
Beauty news,
HIV,
M.A.C,
M.A.C Cosmetics,
philanthropy,
Rose House,
Viva Glam
Monday, December 1, 2014
Sunday, November 30, 2014
All about: Plantae Vanilla Bean Day Cream
I’m a sucker for pretty
much anything that includes a whiff of vanilla, which is one of the most
universally loved scents and one of my faves. The minute I sniff it I feel
instantly more at peace with the world, which is why I love burning vanilla
candles and whatnot to keep my equilibrium intact.
So, my interest was most
definitely picqued when Plantae’s new, exquisitely balancing Vanilla Bean Day
Cream came across my desk. I’ve used several of the New Zealand skincare
company’s products in the past and have loved them, and like the rest of their
collection the entirely plant based day cream includes only the finest natural extracts
packed full of phyto-nutrients, to deliver healthy, great skin.
It includes scientifically
tested potent superfruit extract Vinanza® Grape Seed Extract, which ensures that
it definitely means business. Used in more and more high performance skincare
products of late, the super duper powerful ingredient contains exceptionally
high levels of antioxidants to enrich, brighten and revive the complexion. The
extract is sourced from Marlborough, New Zealand grape seeds (Vitis vinifera), which contain twice the level of
antioxidants of those grown elsewhere in the world. Extracted via a patented
process using only water, grape seed extract strengthens capillaries, improves
circulation, reduces redness, and lightens the skin, significantly improving
its texture and appearance. Sound like a bit of you? Add to that certified organic extracts
of my fave Vanilla, Jasmine, Camellia, Shea Butter, Myrrh, Safflower and Lemon Balm to leave skin protected,
rejuvenated and balanced. Just magic! And yep, smells incredible.
Last up, it’s suitable for normal
to combination skin types and a little goes a long way.
For more information or to
locate your nearest stockist, visit the Plantae website at www.plantae.co.nz.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Beauty destination: the new Dry & Tea Britomart
I have been known to rave about boutique grooming bar Dry
& Tea both here and in my Ponsonby News column, and can honestly say that
it consistently appears on my official list of “Happy Places”. That is not a
title I bestow on a location lightly, but the company’s serene spots around
town all quite literally blew me away from first visit.
As soon as you set foot into each Dry & Tea premises you
feel welcome, as well as lulled into a sense of peace by it’s wonderful shades,
smells and furnishings (a fur rug gets me EVERY time!). So, I was pretty
excited when I got the invite – thanks to the wonderful Kérastase - to try the
salon’s newest location, in Auckland’s popular Britomart precinct. The salon
space is located on Tyler St and includes access from Atrium on Takutai, with
easy parking just over the road at the Britomart carpark or - if you’re lucky – just outside. Designed
by Cheshire Architects, the blow-dry bar is complemented by their now signature
bespoke print created by New Zealand artist Paul Hartigan.
“We are
thrilled to be in the very cosmopolitan Britomart precinct and feel Dry &
Tea fits perfectly here,” says Dry & Tea owner Amy Sznicer. “The Britomart
salon stays true to the DNA of the already much-loved concept; however evolved aspects
give our newest space its own identity.”
Naturally, they have a wide selection of Harney & Sons
tea and favourites from T2 on offer, as well as top notch coffee. Clients can
pick from a variety of services, including the salon’s renowned signature blow
waves, dry styles and hair ups, along with cut and colour services. Amy has
recruited a talented team of hair specialists who are passionate not only about
blow waves and session styling, but also have exceptional experience in the
latest colour and cut trends. The expanded services menu includes special event
packages, hair and makeup and wedding packages. Too good!
The Britomart salon also boasts a Kerastase spa, offering
clients the full Kerastase back basin experience – a definite recommendation if you have the time,
your hair will love you for it.
Dry & Tea Britomart is open now, and offers extended
hours an amazing seven days per week – Sundays never need be a blow wave free
zone ever again! For bookings phone 09 3092128 or email: britomart@dryandtea.com
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Labels:
Beauty destination,
Britomart,
Dry and Tea,
Kerastase,
Love
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