Halloween Special - Beauty Trick or Treat!

Mwahahaha - feeling a little bit tricksome this Halloween? I'm guessing yes, you are reading this post after all! If candy isn't your fair, it's time you know that you can also trick your friends - or treat them - with beauty products.

This year I'm pretty smitten with the delights from Lush. They have a whole range of halloween-ready bathroom products that are sure to tickle your pickles. Here's why they are both a trick and a treat. (Going clockwise)

1. Lush - Snake Oil Scalp Massage Bar - $10.50

If the name doesn't give you the heebie jeebies, god knows what will! So this bar doesn't infact contain snake oil - I was silly and believed it did, but you can't blame me, there are products with dragons blood (the fruit variety of course hehe). The reason for the creepy name? Think of what your scalp looks like when you have dandruff - it looks like when a snake is loosing it's layers of skin - gross! The best way to combat a dry scalp is with key ingredients like shea butter, lavender oil and tea tree oil. Lather your hair up with this bar and rinse. Use for a couple of weeks and see miraculous results. The trick? The name duh! The treat? The heavenly smell. And the fact that you no longer have to live with dandruff!

2. Lush - Skull Duggery Bath Bomb - $5.95

It seems that all the cool kids go as Mexican Day Of The Dead skeletons during Halloween. Lush clued in and have released this limited edition bath bomb filled with neroli extracts to soften and smooth your skin. Trick? Leave this bad boy on your roomie's bedside table and let them wake up with this staring them in the face. Treat? Super soft skin after use.

3. Lush - Gorilla Perfume Devil's Nightcap - $25 /7g or $50/25g

If you've ever watched a vampire flick, Twilight or even Vampire Diaries, you've probably noticed they do a lot of hanging in cemeteries. They rest on mossy tree trucks while fog envelopes them - irksome! To evoke the same feeling wear this fragrance. It's a mythological-inspired scent with notes of oak moss, clary sage and ylang ylang. Trick? Keep this in your clutch when you head out to your Halloween festivities, you're sure to be confused with a legit devil worshiper. Treat: With woody moss compined with upligting ylang ylang you will smell more angelic then devilish!

SS x

Camilla Belle Schools Us On How To Wear Lime

I’ve dubbed her the belle of the ball many a time, but Camilla (my eternal  fashion and beauty crush) always gets the formula right.

As soon as I saw this pap-snap of her at the very recent CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Event I was totally taken in by the sporty Ralph Lauren acidic lime skater  dress she was wearing. I loved how she also choose a fun Rebecca Minkoff mermaid-look clutch to perfectly complement this colour palette.

If this swoon worthy Ralph Lauren dress isn’t within your budget, though, then praise the lord - for he has prevailed and given us a much cheaper, readily available option thanks to BooHoo.com

To add a little bit of a luxurious feel to this dress – and keep the same amount of chic’ness intact (like Camilla has) consider spoiling yourself with the Rebecca Minkoff clutch – it’s well worth it. 

Oh – and if you’re more fascinated with the lovely Rachel Bilson sitting alongside my fashion darling, she’s wearing Isabel Marant, and Emmy Rossum decided on Oscar De La Renta. 

SS x

5 Flattering Blushes For Under $30!

We all love a beauty bargain. Who can resist the urge to scavenge through tubs or cosmetics at their local Priceline? I know I can’t! It’s human nature to become excited when we know we’re getting a ridiculously good product for an unusually low price.

This blush haul/swatch-fest consists of five of my favourite blushes that all happen to be under $30! One is even $15 – that’s the price of my daily lunch! To think that I get a years’ worth of pretty swirly rouge on my cheeks for under $30 makes me feel pretty smug!

Without gushing any longer, here’s my roundup:

1. Natio Sheer Delight Blush & Bronze Palette - $19.95

 This shimmery little snap-lock compact comes with a spectrum of shades perfect to give you that much sort after summer glow. I recommend this blush and bronzer compact to anyone who wants to learn how to contour, rouge and illuminate their cheekbones, it makes acquiring this skill simple. As you can tell by my swatch, it’s highly pigmented and very sparkly, so build up your desired colour slowly.

 2. Revlon PhotoReady Crème Blush in Coral Reef - $26.95

 I bet the name has already got you sucked in! This little tub of tropical hued goop is perfect for girls who love a regular spray tan. Why? If you haven’t yet noticed, the day after you get a spray your face looks flat, you lose all your natural skin colouring (like the subtle peachy tone that pretties up your cheeks). By using a highly pigmented blush, in a crème consistency, you can put some colour back on your face without it being too light and it will stay all day! Good one Revlon!

 3. Innoxa Blush Duo - $14.95 

This cheap as chips blush comes with two shades, both subtle enough to use every day, in an orange for warm undertones and a pink for cool. Unsure of what undertones you have? Answer this easy question; do yellow dresses flatter your skin type? If the thought revolts you, you definitely have cool undertones opposed to warm. Still unsure? Experiment with this palette to see which looks best.

 4. Shu Uemura Glow On Blush refill - $28

 I’m a big lover of cult Japanese beauty brand Shu Uemura – they are total mavericks when it comes to making girls look good, hence why this blush has made it into my top 5 (under $30) countdown. I love the frosted powdery pink colour of this blush. Not only does it add a rosy tint to your cheeks, it gives a luminous finish making it look so much more natural.

 5. ModelCo BLUSH Cheek Powder - $16.95

If you’re of a darker complexion, or tan beautifully over summer, then this blush is for you. In a rich, almost terracotta shade, this blush when blended slowly and carefully creates a beautiful finish. I love to use it at night paired with black winged eyeliner and some nude lipstick for a sultry finish.

Now go on girls, get out there and start swiping the apples of your cheeks with large feathery brushes and give people something to really talk about!

SS x

Great skin is always in - just ask the skincare experts behind Philosophy!

We all have philosophies in life. Mine you ask?

1.       Treat others how you like to be treated;

2.       Always go to bed with a full glass of water (I drink while I sleep – I’m basically a fish);

3.       When you’re having a bad day don't forget your blessing – count five of them!

4.       It’s okay to detox bad people out of your life;

5.       And now a new one, treat your skin like you would a best friend.

This last revelation has come via Philosophy’s Great Skin Is In skincare essential pack. It features all the basics you need to clean your skin without nasty harsh ingredients penetrating through your pores – it’s helped me bring my skincare routine back to basics.

We all know how tempting it is (especially when you’re a cosmetics hoarder) to load up your face at night with 101 products. I’ll put my hand up first and admit that this is how I’ve played the beauty game for a long time. The problem is, when you don’t know what ingredients are included in your lotions and potions, your pores can become over-saturated and fed up.  I.e you'll break out or suffer uneven skin tone.

If this sounds like you bring it back to basics just like the Shapeshifters did in 2005 (hear it here, you will know the catchy song instantly, it’s also what immediately comes to mind when I reach for my Philosophy Purity cleanser in the shower!) then read on!

Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser – 90ml, $15

I’ve found this cleanser perfect for my sensitive skin. It’s also great for our inner lazy-girl. This three-in-one cleanser is able to strip away your days build-up of oil and makeup and also any around your eyes! That’s right, you won’t even need to use makeup remover at all. 

The formula is very light, yet able to lather the perfect amount. It contains 12 essential oils so that your skin is moisturised while maintaining the correct pH-balance, great for those who often suffer symptoms of irked skin! 

I’ve been using it in addition to my regular Clarisonic use and I’ve seen amazing buffed and smooth results!

Hope In A Jar Moisturiser - $45

A great second step on your journey to minimalising your skincare routine. Hope In A Jar isn’t just a cute name! This oil-free, lightweight moisturiser has been receiving rave reviews by beauty experts across the globe for quite some time. Check out Into The Gloss’ Top Shelf section and see for yourself. Emily Ratajkowski, stunning brunette beauty from Robin Thicke and Pharrell's Blurred Lines claims that it's her skincare must have!

The light weight moisturiser is filled with antioxidants to plump up and moisturise the skin – but it still doesn’t weigh your skin down or make it feel suffocated. I also love that this forumlar absorbs any trapped oil in your pores, drawing it out.

Help Me Retinol Night Treatment - $65

So, now it’s time to spot treat! You know those pesky bumps and pimples driving you crazy? I know you want to touch them, but don’t! Attack them with powerful retinol instead.

This particular treatment has won awards thanks to its unique (and original) way it sinks into the skin slowly for less irritation. Because of this, it’s able to minimise the appearance of open pores (the most visible place is always on your T-zone), fine lines, and skin pigmentation (acne scars as well!)

Just dab a little on to problem areas and go fast asleep. You pretty much don’t have to do anything, and you will wake up looking better. I’ve never heard of anything so genius in my life!

Overall this pack has done my skin a massive favour! I’ve found that even during my most hormonal, sleep deprived, 30 degree heat days – my skin still looks pretty good even without makeup!

Philosophy Skin, Bath & Body Care and Fragrances are all available in all David Jones stores nationally. Go check it out!

SS x 

Miranda Kerr's Off-Duty Fashion Faux Pas During Paris Fashion Week

I once thought it was impossible for Miranda Kerr to look bad. Whether she was heading out with little Flynn to grab some groceries in a well-put-together street styling ensemble, or attending an A-list party is head-to-toe Givenchy – she always looked wow.

This is why I’m shocked. For the first time ever I actually don't want to own this outfit. Cast your eyes below...

This mumsy drop-waist frock (can you believe it’s from Louis Vuitton’s Resort 2014 collection?) has left Miranda with no shape! To make matters worse she’s wearing monochrome corporate flats (Miu Miu) that would have been better paired with a chic tweed Chanel jacket, her skinny black jeans and that cute fedora she wears from time to time. 

The black boxy tote (Louis Vuitton as well) doesn’t work with the attempted feel of this dress either – that being low-key and relaxed.

Ah Miranda. Lucky every day presents us with a new opportunity to turn over a fresh, more fashionable leaf. 

Big hugs,

SS x

The Amazement of McQueen

 I die.

The flipside of elegance is Alexander McQueen's goth chic crystal and faux embellished bracelet.

The back of the bracelet opens with a clean clasp, and the designers signature logo is engraved within the interior.

Want it? Get it here.

SS x

Seriously, Go Muk Yourself! Muk Spa Hair Repair Range

Hello lovely ladies!

I’ve come to learn that most females have one hairstyle that they are always on a mission to perfect.

For me, it's the effortlessly glossy blow-dry paraded at Isabel Marant’s Spring/Summer 2013 show. Although the style itself is easy-peesy, pulling off tendrils of hair that look radiant, not limp and oily from product overload, is no mean feat! 

Often we get fooled into thinking that pumping loads of serum onto our lengths will give us a miraculous glossy mane to rival Gisele’s waves. The truth is though, as I have learned, it’s not simply what you coat your hair follicle in, it’s what you feed your hair with.

Let me explain. 

Rewind precisely two months ago. I was hightailing it (or my taxi driver was) to Tokonoma Shochu Lounge in Sydney’s Surry Hills for Muk’s media launch of their new Spa Hair Repair range. I knew I was in for a night of champagne, some of the tastiest sushi in Sydney, and to meet hair guru Mark Gariglio, Director or Muk Haircare.

What I nibbled on during the event.

What I wasn’t expecting, though, was to learn so many insider beauty secrets that have helped me keep my shoulder length lob looking fresh and complement-ready!

Here's my spill on the range I’ve been trialling for the last two months – I wanted to give all the products the time they deserved to fully see the benefits – and then I will dish the insider tips and how I've been putting them to good use at the bottom!

Muk Spa - Argan Oil Repair Shampoo - $26.95

The compact pump bottle (so easy to use) is filled with a satiny feeling, woody-fragranced shampoo that once messaged into the scalp, lathers up a dream! I personally love this as I know that any build up of product I’ve been styling my hair with (sea salt sprays, texturizing powders, gritty volumisers and dry shampoo) will be washed out completely leaving me with what feels like virgin hair. I found that I only needed two pumps for my whole head of hair (and I have a lot of it!) so that works out to be really cost effective in the long run.

The formula is made up of Moroccan argan oil and vegetable proteins, basically amazing nutrients for your hair. Because your hair follicle is wet it sucks in all that goodness feeding the strand from inside out. 

Muk Spa - Argan Oil Repair Conditioner - $26.95

The conditioner has the same woody wildflower scent as the shampoo, expect the formula is much creamier. For me, I found the best way to use this product is to concentrate it on the lengths of your hair rather than your scalp region. If I’m skipping the treatment ( see below) and only shampoo and condition, I’ll clip my hair up while I'm in the shower and leave it in for about five minutes while I go about my other grooming. When you wash the conditioner out your hair will feel so silky and far more elasticised – it won’t want to snap. 

Muk Spa - Argan Oil Repair Mask - $26.95

I can’t profess enough how much I love this treatment – it’s better than some in-salon treatments I have had! It smells spicy and exotic, but also very florally. Amazingly even after you have blow-dried your hair, the scent will still linger.

To use, shampoo your hair then get out of the shower and towel dry. This will remove unnecessary water so that when you place your treatment throughout your hair it will absorb. Once you’ve smeared the product in, take a towel and wrap your hair up. Cling wrap works wonders too as it traps the heat on top of your head making the product work harder. 

Leave on for 15 minutes to half an hour, then jump back into the shower and rinse out completely.Your jaw will drop at how smooth and fresh your hair feels.

Muk Spa - Argan Oil Treatment  - $34.95

Okay, so this one is a leave-in argan treatment. Once you emerge from the shower and towel dry your hair take about 20c worth of this serum, heat it in your hands and distribute evenly throughout your lengths avoiding your crown. At first I was worried that I’d wake up looking like an oil slick, but instead my hair was completely clean and soft, I can only describe it as as looking blow waved. Majorly impressed! It’s pretty much my go-to, Holy Grail, leave-in hair product.

Muk Spa - Argan Oil Shine Spray - $34.95

The quality of the ingredients used by Muk and the clever spray nozzle make this shine spray a must-have. When you spritz thin vapor bursts into the air and lands evenly on your hair. I recommend spraying from about 30cm away. Every time I use this product and come to work in the morning someone compliments me on the shininess of my hair and how healthy it looks. And I eat compliments for breakfast, so Muk makes me a happy completely-ego-fed girl.

My hair since using Muk's new Spa Repair range.

Okay, to the new tips and tricks from Mark Gariglio – Director of Muk Haircare!

1.       Take your hair treatment to a whole new, harder-working level, by using it in the sauna. I have a sauna at my gym, so as a really lovely wind down to a hard session I apply the treatment to my hair and allow it to penetrate for 15 minutes. Amaze.

2.       When washing out your hair treatment don’t be mistaken for thinking this is the final step. You should always then condition to seal the deal. Your hair will feel so much silkier, believe me!

3.       Squeaky clean hair does not equate to healthy hair. We’ve all had that feeling before when emerging from the shower – more often or not you will find your hair in knotty clumps. The feel of healthy hair once your finish conditioning, is when your strands still feel plump with product. Not product that’s sitting on top of the surface, but of that that’s been drunk in.

Girlies, have you learnt something new from the tips and tricks? And will you be trying any of the above?

SS x