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Wednesday, August 31, 2016
All about: Lancôme Énergie de Vie Liquid Moisturizer
Tired of looking tired? Well thank the Sweet Lord of Great Skin then that the
caring people at Lancôme have created the rather amazing Énergie de Vie. A
super simple, efficacious routine that works to reawaken tired, dull skin, it
has been specifically formulated for younger women’s skin to get that elusive
glow – and keep it well into the next ten or years or more.
We all know that today's signs of fatigue could turn into
tomorrow's visible signs of aging, and then you’re in an ambulance at the
bottom of a cliff situation reaching for every expensive Hope In A Jar you can
get your hands on. Using Énergie de Vie however, means that you go into the
fight with all guns blazing against the likes of lack of sleep, high stress,
pollution and daily life excesses. All these environmental factors alter the
appearance of the skin over time, and as the years go on can’t be corrected by
just a big glass of water and an early night!
Key to the routine is Lancôme’s Énergie de Vie Liquid
Moisturizer, which has been designed to wake up your skin with a burst of what
they like to call “anti-fatigue hydration”. The soft, hydrating liquid
moisturizer fuels your skin for a refined texture, renewed bounce, and gorgeous
glow. Its unique formula is hydrating like a cream but concentrated like a
serum, and feels light like an essence when applied to the skin.
Reportedly inspired by Korean skincare routines and beauty
technology, the water-infused moisturizer works to address the aforementioned
first visible signs of aging and is formulated with goji berry, lemon balm, and
vitamin E to provide antioxidant protection against free radicals. With a
powerhouse of hydration in every drop, it is ultra hydrating and anti-fatigue, leaving
your skin feeling smoother and softer a perfectly prepped for make-up
application. It’s been called “a post-gym glow in a bottle” - which I love -
and its suitability for all skin types will make it a huge hit for the brand in
my humble opinion.
It’s also super easy to use in place of your normal daily
moisturiser – just apply one or two drops to clean skin, and blend in circular
motions. Shortly after, you’ll see the texture transform to a fresher, smoother
finish literally before your eyes. Pretty amazing, huh?
Last up, it is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates or Phthalates,
and even the production processes used to create it are super gentle to ensure
the active ingredients’ efficacy. Very, very cool and a great move for such a
major brand.
This beauty is in store now alongside the rest of the Énergie
de Vie collection, with an RRP of $70.00.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Let’s hear it for the boys: my pick of Father’s Day fragrances
September sees the
Father’s Day celebration dominate the first Sunday of the month, but I reckon
dads deserve a round of applause all year round. In light of both of those
statements I have rounded up my favourite men’s fragrance releases of late,
which are as unique as the line up of dads out there.
First up, a cologne
from one of my favourite brands – Jo Malone London. If you've ever been
into a Jo Malone London fragrance boutique (and if you haven’t then I sincerely
recommend that you do, and ASAP), then you'll have noticed that the much-loved
company is keen not to label its fragrances by gender. A new Jo Malone beauty
that is suitable for both genders is the heady Black Cedarwood & Juniper, a
once-limited edition fragrance - from 2014’s Rain Collection - that has just
been added to the main line. Designed to be evocative of “midnight rain”, it is
spicy and seductive with what the brand calls the “carnal” touch of cumin and
chilli leaves (I love that). The fragrance’s base note is Black Cedarwood, and
it is Jo Malone London at it most urban in my humble opinion.
I love that Jo
Malone London fragrances can be layered up with bath and body products or
another of the brand’s fragrances to create something a little more complex and
unique to the wearer. Black Cedarwood & Juniper can be combined
with Lime Basil & Mandarin to give it a fresher feel - it gives
the dark wood a herby, citrus twist - and it can also be combined
with Wood Sage & Sea Salt to give the heavy wood a really
aromatic, just-blown-in-off-the-sea vibe.
Next up is a very
new fragrance from Giorgio Armani, Armani Code PROFUMO. The latest addition to
the Armani Code range of scents for men, it is reportedly inspired by the
“impeccable excellence of a Giorgio Armani tuxedo” and the bottle even comes
with its own metal tuxedo-style belt inspired by the Armani Tuxedo Cummerbund -
one of the iconic elements of Armani’s style and a nod to the brand’s heritage.
As far as a men’s fragrance goes, it smells pretty damn good to me. Alluring,
powerful and fiery, it has the classic Code base of tonka bean but amplified by
a sensual woody fragrance and notes of cardamom and a woody amber accord.
Another new release
from a major fashion house, YSL’s L’Homme Ultime is beauty of a scent that has
definitely been designed to make a statement. A flanker to 2006's L’Homme
– which has been a bestseller ever since its release – the new eau de parfum
was the work of perfumers Anne Flipo, Dominique Ropion and Juliette
Karagueuzoglou. Notes include ginger, cardamom, grapefruit, rose, geranium,
clary sage, cedar and vetiver, making for quite the modern scent and
surprisingly fresh (for an EDP) to boot.
Last up, Ralph
Lauren has introduced a new intensity into the popular world of Polo fragrances
with the arrival of Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau de Parfum. Another great pick
for gifting, this was inspired by the classic Polo Blue fragrance but is longer
lasting, more sophisticated and intense. The addition of bergamot in the top
notes brings a fresh, uplifting and energising burst, whilst the heart notes
are enhanced with Blue Orris Accord, a powerful aromatic scent that brings a
sweet sensuality to proceedings. Finally the base notes are intensified with
notes of Vetiver for an enveloping, sophisticated dry down. The new bottle is
sleek, stylish and luxurious too, and inspired by a modern sterling hip flask
with polished silver metal surrounding the bottle.
So, where to start?
Rest easy, I think dads will love them all.
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Monday, August 29, 2016
Makeup how to: M.A.C Cosmetics for KNUEFERMANN, NZFW 16
When I mention the names “TK Store” and the label Turet
Knuefermann to most women, the first thing that comes to mind is sexy. Elegant
yet sensual styles that can work for any woman, and quality that lasts. And
lasts.
Designer Turet crafts clothes that make a woman feel sexy
and powerful for sure, but they are also completely effortless to wear – and
the two don’t usually go to easily together. They are always the first pieces I
go to in my wardrobe when I am heading overseas due to their insane portability
and power to repel creases no matter how long the flight time, and most of her
styles can be dressed down for day and then waaaaaay up at night depending on
the way you want your getaway to roll out. Dresses worn multiple ways are
another concept that has been on the Knuefermann menu for a while too - some of her styles even come with
instructions and yep, the possibilities are endless.
At the end of last year the designer celebrated 10 years’ in
the business of running her own, highly successful standalone stores, including
her iconic Brown Street store under the TK Store banner that opened way back in
2005. Her newest boutique, called just Knuefermann, extends her brand even
further. You’ll find it in the historic Kauri Timber building on Fanshawe
Street, and it is a true joy to behold. Architecture firm Fearon Hay created a
space there that reflects a luxury consumer experience along with European
style and the clean lines that the brand is known for, and it's a completely
unique shopping destination.
The sparkling new concept store was also the venue to the Knuefermann
show during last week’s New Zealand Fashion Week, and it goes without saying
that the collection was absolutely flawless. Want it all, and ASAP.
Athena Pessione for M.A.C Cosmetics created the makeup look
to work with the sexy, minimalist style, with the inspiration described by the
talented artist as “raw, refined textures embracing luxe femininity”. It was
joyously wearable, and I got the low down on how to recreate the look at home:
Face: M.A.C Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation was used as
a base, with Cream Colour Base in Tint buffed onto the lower cheekbone. Prep +
Prime Transparent Finishing Powder was then used to set.
Eyes: Pro Longwear Paint Pots in Groundwork and Quite
Natural were buffed on to the lid, before Eye Kohl in Teddy was used along the
waterline. Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Quite Natural was then applied underneath
the eye, mixed wih with Lipglass in Clear. Pro Longwear Brow Set in Brown Ebony
was used to keep brows perfectly in line.
Lips: Lipstick in Retro was used with Lipmix in Deep Tone
Nude applied over top.
Nails: Studio Nail Lacquer in Skin with Studio Matte
Overlacquer.
Photos by Olivia Hemus for M.A.C Cosmetics
Friday, August 26, 2016
Beauty news: Linden Leaves enters the Chinese market, animal testing-free
New Zealand made, natural skincare brand Linden Leaves has
announced they are now stocked in Shanghai, China – a first for the local natural pioneers.
Linden Leaves - along with many other New Zealand skincare brands - have had to
forgo the Chinese market up until now due to the long-time animal testing
policy that the Chinese Government have imposed.
"We're thrilled to finally be able to meet the huge
demand for Linden Leaves in this market without having to go through animal
testing procedures like so many other brands have done," says Linden
Leaves Founder Brigit Blair.
"I feel so proud that we did not bend our own company
ethics and policy for the greater lure of the Chinese dollar due to their
animal testing policy. It is so exciting that we have managed to enter the
market in a way that means we are able to stay true to what we stand for, not
only as a company, but also as a cruelty free nation".
The brand was able to enter the market without going through
the lengthy registration process (which includes submitting their product for
rigorous animal testing) as they have been granted exclusive authorisation by
the Chinese government. This means for the first time ever their skincare and
body care ranges will be represented in a Chinese domestic store, with a plan
for further expansion into additional Duty Free stores in China.
The range was launched into Shanghai’s largest Duty Free
Downtown store with great success and over 2000 people attended the opening
event for their new counter.
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Thursday, August 25, 2016
Makeup how to: M.A.C Cosmetics for Miss Crabb, NZFW 16
This year’s New Zealand Fashion Week kicked off for me with
the Miss Crabb show on Tuesday night. An off-schedule show filled with pieces
that just made my heart go BOOM, it all happened on Auckland’s Karangahape Road
after models alighted from a Link Bus and strutted their stuff along a 25m red
carpet. Perfection.
Kristine Crabb, the glorious woman behind the brand, said
she originally planned to throw a small party, but they wanted to celebrate
Fashion Week in a unique way. Unique it was, and beautiful to boot.
Kiekie Stanners, Senior Artist M.A.C Cosmetics, New Zealand was
tasked with creating a totally Miss Crabb makeup look to complement the
clothes, with the inspiration being: “PJ Harvey beauties with a pop of Andy
Warhol”. Colourful and unique whilst also being incredibly wearable (that
lip!), it can be recreated using the following M.A.C Cosmetics marvels:
Face: Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation was applied and
then Cream Colour Base in Pearl used to highlight skin. Cream Colour Base in
Vintage Rose was then applied to cheeks for a natural flush.
Eyes: Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Clearwater was buffed out
over the eyelid before a combination of PRO Acrylic Paints in Hi Def Cyan, Pure
White and Landscape Green were pressed on top. Fluidline in Blacktrack
completed the look.
Lips: Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Fashion Legacy.
Nails: Studio Nail Lacquer in Erogenous.
Photos: Olivia Hemus for M.A.C Cosmetics
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
All about: the Bird & Knoll X Zoe & Morgan collab
In what must be the dream collab, two of my absolute
favourite brands have come together to create something very special.
Luxe scarf brand Bird & Knoll has collaborated with
fellow luxury brand Zoe & Morgan, to bring you three lightweight travel
scarves that are the perfect accessory for your own adventures.
Anyone that follows me on Instagram (mshelene99) would know
that I am a huge fan of Bird & Knoll - their scarves are the ultimate in
highly practical, beautifully affordable luxe, and I have begun a collection
that I know I’ll still be head over heels in love with for years to come.
A truly Trans-Tasman duo, Bird and Knoll are Natalie Knoll
and Macayla Chapman, an old work mate of mine from many years ago. The pair is
a match made in heaven, and has created some truly original and coveted pieces
that seem deceptive in their simplicity.
I’m also obsessed by the preternaturally fabulous Zoe &
Morgan jewellery collection, and own more pieces of their work than I’d care to
name (sorry bank manager lady!). Their latest collection is inspired by a
recent trip by two of the siblings behind the label – Ruth and Zoe – to
Morocco, which is top of my bucket list and the most lust-worthy travel
destination. The end result is sheer perfection, and yep, I already have a
piece from it.
But back to the collab. A true meeting of creative minds,
the Bird & Knoll X Zoe & Morgan capsule collection features the
intricate ethnic shapes that inspire Zoe & Morgan’s jewellery, captured
through the lens of Bird & Knoll’s own personal Moroccan travel archives.
“We loved the idea of using our images to work alongside the
divine jewellery created by Zoe & Morgan, with a Moroccan connection in a
functional yet playful way. We decided that beautiful 100 per cent organic
cotton was the best ‘canvas’ for this fun and fashionable visual storytelling,”
explains Bird & Knoll’s Macayla. The versatile scarves present a myriad of
wearable options, from bohemian headscarf to sarong, summer neck scarf to beach
cover up.
Zoe & Morgan shot their latest campaign, ‘Castles Made
of Sand’ in the exotic mecca that is Marrakesh, using the collaboration scarves
as turbans and headscarves to accompany the inspired jewellery. “Poetic
Moroccan doorways have been translated into ring stackers, and tile patterns
have been reimagined as earrings,” explains Zoe of Zoe & Morgan on how the
landscape and intricacies of Morocco hinspired her latest collection.
The idea to collaborate came about when Zoe and Macayla were
introduced by a mutual friend who felt that the synergy between the brands and
the personalities was too great to ignore and thus a friendship started. After
a coffee date and exercise class the pair dreamed up a way to merge their
passions and create pieces to be worn to the beach or yoga class that tell a
tale of travel and inspiration.
A celebration of wanderlust, creativity and collaboration,
the Bird & Knoll X Zoe & Morgan capsule collection represents the
ultimate travel and adventure accessory, and comes in three exquisite forms:
new zealand | aotearoa to marrakech – The inspiration starts
early - An image of clouds from above on a journey from New Zealand to Morocco
morocco | luna lantern – The beauty is in the details - An
image of the intricate craftsmanship of a lantern in the Medina in Marrakesh
medina | architectural inspiration – Focusing on the local
characteristics - An image of the architectural details and patterns of an
archway in Morocco, jeweled tones and adorned beauty.
Needless to say, I want them ALL.
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Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Make up how to: M.A.C for Harman Grubiša, NZFW 2016
The flashiest week in New Zealand fashion has just kicked
off in Auckland with last night's opening of New Zealand Fashion Week, and opening proceedings were new generation superstars, Harman
Grubiša.
The dynamic design duo's show was a hit as was expected, and Kiekie Stanners,
Senior Artist M.A.C Cosmetics, New Zealand created the perfect makeup look to
complement the label’s "a little louche and a lot glam", super sexy charm.
Kiekie said that the makeup was inspired by “the elegance
and ornateness of the Baroque period… Super luxurious with delicate touches on
the face,” and for me it was a look to die for. Super wearable too for most, in my humble opinion.
It can be re-created using the following products:
Face: Strobe Cream with Cream Colour Base in Pearl as a base,
with Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation and Cream Colour Base in Tint and
Improper Copper to contour.
Eyes: Paint in Bamboom applied to eyelids, before pigment in
Tan was buffed over the lids with Rose Gold pigment (one of my favourites) used
as a liner over the lash line. InstaCurl Lash completed the look.
Lips: Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Ms Diva with Lipstick in
Sin, topped with Clear Lipglass.
Nails: M.A.C Studio Nail Lacquer in Sour Cherry.
PHOTO CREDIT: Olivia Hemus for M·A·C Cosmetics
@oliviahemusphoto @maccosmetics
Monday, August 22, 2016
Love it: Jo Malone London Basil & Neroli
A few weeks’ ago I was lucky enough to be invited to the
official New Zealand launch of Jo Malone London’s latest fragrance, which
involved a carefully curated lunch at Auckland’s Seafarer’s private members
club and a riot of highly covetable scent.
Now, the scent being celebrated on the day is almost set to
land: arriving in September 2016 is the absolutely flawless Basil &
Neroli. After Lime Basil & Mandarin from 1999, this is the first fragrance
from the collection that contains basil as the main ingredient and it is
destined to be a runaway success for the beautiful brand.
Master perfumer Anne Flipo calls the latest offering “a
fresh, sophisticated, sensual floral with green facets - stunning in its
simplicity,” and I can’t help but agree wholeheartedly. Dubbed the “London Lark”
by the brand, the Basil & Neroli cologne is concocted with the
fashion forward youth and fun of good old London town in mind. It’s a scent
that is fresh, playful, and — most importantly — quintessentially
British.
Basil & Neroli was born through a working collaboration
between Fragrance Director Céline Roux and Master Perfumer Flipo. Roux says the
inspiration behind the fragrance was the chance to “celebrate our heritage. To
create a fragrance anchored in London’s vibrant spirit and inspired by the
botanical gardens and leafy squares hidden within the urban spaces”. She adds
that it “felt right to return to a signature ingredient basil, a fragrance rule
breaker when we included it in Lime Basil & Mandarin”. Basil & Neroli
was created with some of the iconic brand’s most-loved ingredients, “which have
become an integral part of our olfactive signature,” said Roux, “and I have to
give credit to our Master Perfumer, Anne Flipo – it was her idea to combine it
with neroli.”
The new scent comes as a cologne, hand and body wash, body crème
and home candle, and like all Jo Malone London scents, is built to be played
with. Flipo says her picks for Fragrance Combining with Basil & Neroli are English
Pear & Freesia Body Crème for a sparkling floral fragrance that is mellow
with touches of fruit, and Black Cedarwood & Juniper, “as the combination
creates a fresh woody scent, green with fresh basil and resinous juniper”. I
have been playing with the latter and have to say I once again agree – it has
anchored Basil & Neroli’s freshness firmly into a deeper, slightly woodier
zone for winter, which I highly recommend.
Just beautiful!
Friday, August 19, 2016
All about: Bobbi Brown’s new Retouching Face Pencil and Retouching Wand
“I created these products to make skin look retouched - naturally”
Bobbi Brown
I am a huge fan of Bobbi Brown, both the woman and the
brand. Both are beautiful yet practical, with the end goal being making every
woman look the best she can be. The latest highly covetable releases from BB
most definitely do that, and incredibly effortlessly.
Grouped under the name “Retouching Franchise”, the two new
marvels are instant skin-perfecting formulas: Retouching Face Pencil (above) and
Retouching Wand (below) . As the story goes, as an aspiring makeup artist, Bobbi studied
magazines to learn how to recreate the look of retouched skin using makeup.
This technique set the foundation of her beauty philosophy and inspired a new
generation of retouching products. As a result, these artistry-inspired tools
naturally retouch skin, creating a flawless, even complexion with a natural
skin finish. No fierce contouring and crazy shading here – just beautiful,
you-but-better skin. Designed for all skin tones, they are most definitely in
the category of quick-fix sticks and transform skin with undetectable, all-day
coverage. As the brand says: no filter required!
The Retouching Face Pencil is the first to land in New
Zealand, and the one that I have had the most fun playing with. Multi-use – I
love that! – it can be used to highlight favourite features and retouch
imperfections. Available in 9 skin-tone correct shades, the creamy-matte
formula blends seamlessly into the skin with ease, and is used to cover
redness, dark spots and dark shadows. The lineup also includes universally
flattering Illuminate Pencil to highlight your favourite features, and it’s
also perfect for areas like the brow bone, cupid’s bow and inner corner of the eyes.
You can use them on bare skin as an all-in-one skin perfector on weekends, or
layer them over foundation for added coverage where needed. Magic!
Now, how to use…
* To highlight and enhance: apply the Illuminate shade on the
top of cheekbones, the inner corners of the eyes and on brow bones.
* To brighten dark, recessed areas: use a pencil 1-2 shades
lighter than skin tone. Apply on recessed parts of the face like the inner
corners of eyes, around the nose and corners of mouth.
* To erase sun spots and age spots: choose a pencil 1-2 shades
lighter than your skin tone, then layer with a pencil that matches your skin
tone.
* To correct redness and discolouration: use a pencil that
matches your skin tone, applied before or after foundation wherever redness is
seen.
The Retouching Wand lands in September in nine shades, and
is a unique cover-up and foundation hybrid that erases imperfections,
neutralises redness and evens out skin for a retouched yet natural finish. Sounds
pretty good to me! It comes as a weightless, liquid formula that comes in a clickable
pen with a sponge tip applicator that dispenses only what you need—whether
you’re touching up or applying all over the face. I haven’t had a chance to
have a good play with this yet but think it will be an absolute must have for
travel, leak proof and effective to boot!
Now, how to use…
* To even out bare skin: apply around the nose and mouth - where
redness is usually seen - and blend outwards with fingers.
* To get a nude glow: apply tinted moisturiser all over the
face, then use the wand for added coverage over redness or unevenness.
* To perfect your foundation: after applying foundation,
lightly sweep the wand over skin to smooth, enhance and create the most polished
look.
Just gorgeous. The Retouching Face Pencil has an RRP of
$60.00 and the Retouching Wand, $76.00
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
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