Dion Horstmans' Super Sonic @ Leonard Mattis Studio

 Normally when I speak of anything bright, eye-catching, and of-the-moment it's about this season's latest makeup offerering.

Time to change up the recipe.

Last fortnight I had my eyes completely spoilt by the latest small works entitled 'Super Sonic' by Sydney based artist Dion Horstmans.

His latest installment (available for purchase) is currently decorating the studio walls of one of Sydney's best hairdresser talents, Leonard Mattis, and allows the general public to take a look at the fragmentation of space and sound - in 3D.

From neon, to black, to minimal white - the sculptures reference fighter jets breaking the sound barrier and time travel smashing through dimensional portals.

I had an absolute blast at the launch party as you can tell (pictured with one of my life long best friends David Bottrell). The ecclectic music was amazing. The cocktails surprised and gave the right amount of kick, and the sculptures had us all barrowing our hands deep into our pocks looking for a spare thousand or so to fork out on a beautiful, visual, buy.

Open to the public:
21st March – 17th April
Leonard Mattis Studio
8 Fitzroy Place, Surry Hills, 2010

SS x

Beauty boating essentials

I had the pleasure of enjoying a day out on Sydney’s Harbor for a friend’s birthday yesterday. The boat was amazing; it had a large white sun deck and a huge balcony with comfy places to sit. Sydney was really showing off too, giving the birthday girl perfect weather so we could take in all the serene coves tucked away near some of Sydney’s most talked about real estate.

Knowing that I would probably be in the sun all day I prepared a tote full of sunscreens and hydrating goodies. However, once the Veuve Clicquot started flowing, I quickly forgot to re-apply, who hasn’t this happened to?

Silly silly...

By the time I came home my legs literally looked like rock lobsters, and although the song by the B52’s is fun, the pain, believe me, is not.

Here is my list of good intentions that I packed beforehand that did help until I forgot to re-apply. I’ve also included my list of after-sun skin rescuers that I have been smearing onto my limbs all of today in the hope that this new hue I’m wearing (red) soon turns to brown before my working week begins.

BEFORE SUN:

 Not in order:

Invisible Zinc Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 30+ UVA –UVB – The non-greasy consistency means that as well as being sun safe, you are also creating a perfect base before you apply makeup. Double win!

Reef Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion 30 + (four hours water resistant) – Great for all the larger regions of the body like your legs and arms. Although Reef’s best quality is its signature coconut smell. Delish!

Sun Kissed Sunlight Bronze Instant Bronzer – This was helpful as I didn’t have time to tan the night before. This prodct offers a subtle glow with a slight shimmer.

Fabulous Glitter and Glow Shimmer Cream – For a gorgeous sheen that lasted all day!

Joico Protect and Shine Serum – Important to stop any damage to your hair from UVA and UVB light.

M.A.C Crème Sheen Glass in Japanese Spring – This was worn as more of a pure luxury! So creamy it lasts for a couple of hours before you have to reapply.

AFTER SUN:

 Not in order:

Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh SPF 15 – Time to re-hydrate your skin. This formula is non sticky and also offers SPF 15 in case you have to run outdoors and don’t want to dry out your skin an further.

Miracle 24 Hour Hand Lift by Bioxidea Cosmetics – Your hands no doubt suffered from expose to the sun whilst out there cruising the seas! Time to lavish your hands with powerful aloe vera and amino acids! This product firms the hands and removes any fine lines.

Eleven Australia Miracle Hair Treatment – This product offers eleven benefits to your hair. One of the listed benefits is that it awakens dry, damaged hair. Exactly what your strands will need.

Bio Oil – This facial oil features the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil. It quickly helps dehydrated skin, ideal for sunburn. I have rubbed this product all over my sun-affected areas and it's already helping.

What do you guys apply before heading out into the sun?

Have you got any sun-burn relief strategies?

SS x

Want a sparkling night? Sheraton on the Park grants your every wish...

Outside the iconic Sheraton on the Park

Last night I attended Sheraton on the Park’s intimate launch of its Sparkling Nights – and a sparkling night it was!

Myself and a few other select guests were lucky to view the newly refurbished Ambassador Suite that has played host to a number of local and international celebrities while it was still in its former Victorian inspired glory... but I’m not about to drop any celeb names!

The new highly-sort-after interiors have been sourced from Italy and America. Art deco pieces like the gold ceiling lamps add a point of difference to the room, and 'travel motifs' such as antique globes and elephant paper weights give a worldly feel to the new Ambassador Suite

The stunning marble bathroom was perhaps my favorite section of the suite. It was large with lots of natural lighting (perfect conditions to apply makeup fellow divas), and it featured a double mirrored reflection

The view of Sydney’s cityscape that we happily drank in from more than four different perspectives was nothing short of dazzling. The Moet and Chandon that waiters had fizzing away in our flutes throughout the night was also a glistening perk. But above all, the Boucheron Paris diamonds that we were able to exhibit, and try on for good measure, totally encapsulated what a sparkling night is all about. 

Standing outside on one of the balconies (there were three!), sipping on Moet and looking over Hyde Park and beyond

My favourite Boucheron Paris diamond ring! So luxe

If it weren’t for the throng of people also exhibiting this amazing space, I would have believed that I’d been swept away on the most romantic night of my life*.

So a little more about Sheraton on the Park’s ‘Sparkling Nights’ campaign. This promotion offers guests the opportunity to find something special, hidden in their rooms, during their stay.  Guests, who book one of the exclusive Suites during the 17^th to the 25^th of November, will find a sparkling surprise as a gift from Sheraton on the Park… and two of these lucky guests will find Boucheron Diamonds.

Gorgeous David Bottrell and I sitting on one of the large comfy lounges

The spacious marble bathroom that I feel in lust with, and never wanted to leave

 Suites start from $599 per night; however the Ambassador suite is marked at $5000. On top of the obvious luxuries, think picturesque views, state of the art interiors (the new Ambassador Suite has a distinct art deco meets contemporary-minimalist vibe) and excellent service including a butler on hand when ever need be, your stay will also include access to the exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge, a daily continental breakfast, all-day beverages, and evening cocktails to name just a few.

Now that I’ve sent you on an imaginary dream-vacay, allow me to pretend that I’m back in that room, with that spectacular view, attentively dipping my spoon into a Moet and Chandon jelly cup that they had me delighting in during the night.

One of the highlights of the night, the Moet and Chandon jelly served with freshly sliced strawberries and topping off with a slight sprinkle of powdered sugar. Delish!

*Gentleman, take note, this is how you really dazzle that special lady in your life. And if you haven’t yet won over the girl of your dreams – this is how it’s done.

The “Sparkling Nights” offer can booked online here, or  through their Facebook page here.

Or if you would rather be totally other-worldly and tradional you can always contact the hotel directly! You're spoilt for choice you luxurious lass you. 

This promotion can be booked from today until 24th November, and is valid for stays from 17 - 24 November 2012 at Sheraton on the Park, Sydney. Whilst you're enjoying your night at Sheraton on the Park make sure to snap pictures of your stay and hashtag with #sparklingnights.

SS x