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      Author: Wendy Hoang

      Wendy's trivia specialty is skincare and she's a big fan of candles. Her serum collection doubles her makeup and she's partial to glitter nail polish.

      Her words have previously been published in Girlfriend magazine and Pedestrian.TV. Outside of beauty, she loves dancing (even though she visibly has no rhythm), magic, history and deserted islands.

      Categories
      Skin

      HOW TO TREAT YOUR SKIN AFTER THE GYM

      New Year = new #fitnessgoals.

      Whatever your health resolutions for 2016, we’re rooting for you. But we’re more interested in how you tend to your skin after you’ve demolished those reps, when your skin’s all hot and bothered.

      So, here’s a list of what you should be doing if you aren’t already, to treat your skin post-workout and keep it looking as solid as that work-in-progress bod:

      1. WASH YOUR HANDS. IMMEDIATELY.

      Unless you’ve got access to the Hemsworth private gym, you’re going to want to wash your hands – thoroughly, and with soap – to avoid picking up and transferring any bacteria from hand >>> face. Gyms are riddled with germs, so first thing’s first, get your hands fresh and clean.

      We recommend: MECCA 365 Hydrating Hand Wash.

      2. PAT DRY, DON’T RUB.

      You must wash your face after a workout. That’s like, the rules of feminism or something (not really, but just as important). Exercising increases your blood flow making your skin more sensitive, so go for something gentle. Pat dry, don’t rub and use a foaming or gel cleanser to easily remove oils and impurities, and glycolic acid or tea tree to fend of pore-clogging bacteria. Makeup wipes are a good idea, too.

      We recommend: NIP + FAB Glycolic Fix Cleanser and The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser.

      3. DEAL WITH DEHYDRATION.

      Your skin might feel oily and sweaty after training, but it could actually be dehydrated.  When you workout, you lose moisture though evaporation and the salt in your sweat can ultimately have a drying effect. Go for a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid to replenish and plump skin, as well as all-important SPF to protect from any further damage (whether you’re training outdoors or indoors behind glass windows).

      We recommend: Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Moisture Cream and Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30+.

      4. AVOID BODY ACNE.

      Body acne. Backne. Moist. *Shudders*. It can happen to anyone, if you leave your active wear on after you’ve been sweating bullets or give unwashed gym gear a second run. If you’re going straight home from the gym, at the very least make sure you towel dry any sweat prone areas like your back and décolletage to prevent body breakouts. Once a week, it’s a good idea to give your back a good scrub.

      We recommend: Frank Body Peppermint Coffee Scrub.

      5. USE A FRAGRANCE OIL.

      As mentioned, skin becomes sensitised and dehydrated after a workout so why not try a scented oil instead of an alcohol-based EDP? With your blood still pumping quickly, your body heat will help carry the scent of the oil for a longer lasting fragrance. Plus, because perfume oils are more concentrated, they generally come in smaller, travel-friendly packaging making it easier to toss into your gym bag.

      We recommend: AYU Scented Oil in Ode and Byredo Gypsy Water Roll On Oil.

      Tell us, what products do you use after you train?

      Categories
      Health Skin

      BEAUTY SUPPLEMENTS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

      There are beauty supplements and then there are BEAUTY SUPPLEMENTS.

      These beautifully bottled jars of goodness are the latter – spoonfuls that you take that do all sorts of good health things to your body, skin and boost your inner glow.

      Taking powders, pills or liquid concentrates for general health isn’t anything new. In fact, most men will tell you they’ve been taking powders (protein, we mean) to aid with muscle repair at the gym. Recently however, there’s been an influx of beauty-specific supplements designed especially for women.

      Unlike vitamin “chewies” or ingestible pills, beauty supplements are meant to be mixed and stirred into your daily cup of water, milk, juice, smoothie or cereal.

      Packed with nutritional benefits that exceed your average vitamin supplements, they claim to do everything from balance your digestive health to clear up acne and help hair growth.

      “It is an investment but it’s cheaper than a good face cream,” says supermodel Elle Macpherson of The Super Elixir’s greens-based supplement powder (who has a point when her supplement is priced at $135). Macpherson attributes her skin’s vibrancy, high energy levels and controlled weight to the product. Formulated in conjunction with leading nutrition expert Dr. Simone Laubscher, the combination of vitamins, Chinese herbs, enzymes and pre- and probiotics helps support optimal functionality of the body’s systems. With 30 servings in the black glass jar (that’s $4.50 a serve!), we recommend mixing two teaspoons into a green smoothie every morning.

      Powders aren’t your thing? Try liquid concentrates.

      Specifically formulated to address skin firmness, fine lines, free-radical damage and aid skin maintenance, The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost harnesses the power of fermentation and contains a blend of certified organic maqui berry, acai, papaya, blueberry, goji-berry and pomegranate powders with grape-seed extract, zinc and vitamin C. The potent formula is also mega rich in antioxidants to help support healthy skin, hair and nail growth. Oh, and did we mention it tastes damn delicious? Seriously. With no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives and diary-, sugar- and gluten-free, each bottle contains 33 x 15ml serves to be mixed with 200ml of filtered water and taken daily.

      Tell us, do you take beauty supplements?

      Which one do you recommend?

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      Categories
      Eyes Skin

      WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU START USING EYE CREAM?

      Spoiler alert: Eye creams are a good idea as early as your 20s.

      This is the sage advice of skincare specialist and and founder of Double Bay Skin Clinic, Melanie Grant.

      “My philosophy on skincare is that prevention is always best,” reveals Grant. “The skin around the eye is very delicate and prone to ageing, so eye cream use can be beneficial from as young as 20 years old. For the sake of adding an extra 30 seconds to your regime, it’s well worth it”.

      Fact: there are little to no oil glands in the eye area so it’s one of the first places you’ll see lines – all the more reason to treat that area with something luxurious and highly moisturising. Beauty is as much about enhancing as it is preventing, and eye creams a major part of that, operating to stop crow’s feet, dark under-eye circles and sagging in their wrinkly tracks.

      And since they’re the most darn expensive – and smallest – pots at the beauty counter (because of their effectiveness and potency), it’s important to know what you’re investing in and buy the right (read: “best”, “most effective”, “ultimate”) one.

      Here, you’ll find a list of exactly what you should be looking for:

      HYALURONIC ACID for plumping, hydration and locking in moisture.

      RETINOL to stimulate cell turnover and collagen around the skin; it gently exfoliates the delicate skin around the eye and helps to thicken the skin that way.

      PEPTIDES which also stimulate collagen if you’re sensitive to retinol.

      VITAMIN C to maintain elasticity and prevent further free-radical damage.

      VITAMIN E to moisturise as well as soothe dry, irritated skin and protect from free radicals.

      If you’re more into natural ingredients, look for…

      RESHAPE OIL & ALOE VERA for nourishment and hydration

      BLUEBERRY EXTRACT & COENZYME Q10 antioxidants for fighting free-radicals

      ARNICA & CAFFEINE for de-puffing

      VITAMIN K & WILLOWBARK for brightening

      Grant also recommends steering clear of synthetic fragrance and fragrant plant oils as these can irritate the delicate eye area and be downright painful in your eyes. All good eye products will be fragrant-free; this is what separates them your everyday moisturiser – eye creams have much gentler formulations making them suitable for use on such sensitive and think skin.

      Do you use an eye cream as part of your beauty routine?

      List your recommendations below.

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      [L to R]:

      The Body Shop Pomegranate Firming & Refreshing Eye Roll-On, SK-II Stempower Eye Cream, Embryolisse Redensifiant Contours Yeux Lèvres, Kate Somerville KateCeutical Contouring Eye Serum, Obagi Medical Elastiderm Eye Treatment Cream

       

      Categories
      Interviews Life & Style

      BEAUTY TALK: ANNA BAMFORD

      Natural beauty. Talented Actress. And now, the face of ModelCo.

      You’ve seen Anna Bamford, but not like this.

      The hard-working actress, best known for playing Miranda Beaumont, the girl-next-door (but technically, same apartment) on TEN’s hit series Wonderland, channels a different side of her personality in her new role as an ambassador to triple-threat Australian skincare + makeup + self-tanning brand, ModelCo.

      Here, Gritty Pretty chats to Anna about her exciting new gig, her beauty secrets and what keeps her motivated.

      GP: You’re the Australian Ambassador for ModelCo. How did that come about?

      AB: I have always loved ModelCo products. I remember as a teenager, being obsessed with Tan Airbrush in a Can and loving the hot pink packaging. When Shelley Barrett (Founder and CEO of ModelCo) rang and asked me to be an Australian ambassador for the brand I jumped at the chance! It was so exciting to receive the entire ModelCo collection and I have enjoyed trialling [all the] products.

      GP: What are some of your must-haves from the range?

      AB: At the moment I am loving the new ModelCo LASH & LINE Superlash Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner. I am a big fan of playing up my eyes and I think the 2-in-1 feature is genius! Also, I literally cannot live with ModelCo Rosehip Oil – it makes such a difference to my skin!

      GP: ModelCo is famous for its self-tanners. Do you have any tips for a good self-tan?

      AB: I use my dry body brush to give my skin a thorough exfoliation before applying self-tanning product, [and] always have a bottle of ModelCo One Night Tan in the bathroom cupboard for emergencies!

      GP: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

      AB: I am super quick! Less than 15 minutes and I am out the door!

      GP: What about industry events? Can you share some of your red-carpet beauty secrets? 

      AB: A good primer! Sometimes I’ll get my makeup done for an event a few hours before the carpet so primer is really important so that your make up lasts! ModelCo do a great primer called Face Base! I also think it’s important to wear an outfit that you feel comfortable in. There’s nothing worse than being on the carpet thinking your dress is going to fall off or it’s too tight to actually walk in. I think if you’re comfortable then you can feel beautiful.

      GP: Describe your beauty routine in three words?

      AB: Essential; nourishing; achievable.

      GP: Wonderland is such a great Aussie production – with lots of drama – does it resemble your life at all?

      AB: Of course! I think the show is so wonderful because everyone can relate to it in some way. Whether it be something you or your friends have gone through. There have been times I’ve read the script and said to myself, “I remember being in this situation!”

      GP: What are some qualities it takes to be a good actress?

      AB: A good listener. It’s one of the most important things. If you listen to the information the other person in the scene is giving, you then you can respond truthfully in that moment. It’s something that I used to struggle with. I used to get quite nervous and instead of being in the moment, I’d be thinking, “What’s my next line!?” Also, a creative mind. You need to be able to suspend your disbelief [and] imagine and explore situations that you may never be in in reality.

      And finally, resilience and patience. I think you need to have a thick skin and have the ability to get up, go to an audition and accept that you may not get the role or that you may not hear about the role for a few months. There are so many factors that come into making a show or film or play and you’re just one of them, so being able to audition and put [it] to the back of your head until the phone rings is imperative. Otherwise you’ll go crazy!

      GP: That sounds challenging. How do you keep motivated?

      AB: Working with amazing people on fantastic scripts. I’m currently rehearsing The Present at The Sydney Theatre Company. I’m lucky enough to be working with Cate Blanchett so that’s keeping me extremely motivated and inspired.

      GP: Are there any quotes you live by?

      AB: Be true to yourself.

      GP: Do you have any aspirations to work overseas? In film? Or to direct?

      AB: I’d love to work overseas! A lot of the television series and films overseas have such amazing writers and stories. It’s something I’d definitely love to be a part of. In saying that though, it’s a much bigger pool of actors! It’s a risk. There’s a lot of opportunities but also a lot of amazing talent. Directing is definitely something I’m interested in as well. Once I have a bit more experience I’ll explore that more.

      GP: How do you go about picking your roles? What interests you in a script?

      AB: I think the writing is one of the most important things; when you read a script that is written well and the whole world comes alive in your head!  I find character-driven scripts the most interesting. The psychology of the characters interests me.

       

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      Categories
      Health Skin

      SUPER FOODS FOR SUPER SKIN

      When Newtown declared his third law, “For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction”, he definitely didn’t have super foods on the brain.

      Because, when it comes to nutrition and healthy eating, you get out exactly what you put in. That’s the thing with our bodies: when you treat them like temples, it shows. If you trash your temple, that shows too. And while eating well is important, not all food is created equal so we enlisted the help of Eat Fit Food Nutrition & Wellness expert, Jaime Rose Chamber, to school us on the foods we should eat more of for gorgeous glowing skin and good overall health.

      Oily Fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout and tuna)

      No surprises here. Fish isn’t just great for the body and brain, it’s also a skin saviour. “Oily fish in particular contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory,” says Chamber. Good fats keep the skin supple and moisturised, and speed up the healing process. Just cap yourself at four portions a week to get the full benefits of oily fish.

      Avocado

      Also flying the flag for good fatty acids are avocados. You’ll find avocado oil in many a skincare product because it’s as beneficial when applied topically as it is when consumed whole. And while the task of finding a perfectly ripe one in the supermarket on a whim is never easy, it’s worth it; the humble avo also has optimal amounts of vitamin C and E that are important for cellular reproduction and anti-ageing.

      Oats

      Oats are famously low GI, which means they’re famously high on our beauty super foods list. Chamber suggests starting the day with a bowl of low GI oats, which slow release carbs so you’re getting a steady flow of energy rather than a sudden spikes that can increase hormone androgens to produce excess oil in the skin.

      Sweet Potato

      Vitamin A is another one of those superfood skin ingredients you’ll here about because of its importance to skin-cell renewal that keeps out skin looking new, healthy and bright. Sometimes called  beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A), the ingredient is abundant in sweet potato and many other orange-coloured foods including carrots and pumpkin. Sweet potato just happens to be one the richest sources of vitamin A and is also low GI.

      Red Capsicum

      Chamber calls this her vitamin C powerhouse. “One cup [of red capsicum] contains two to three times more vitamin C than an orange,” she says. How does this affect the appearance of your skin? Put simply, vitamin C is, in part, responsible for collagen production and “strengthens blood vessels that deliver nutrients to the skin”. Vitamin C is also water soluble so it does get flushed out of your system so its important keep it high in the daily diet. Add is to your salad so your skin reaps the rewards.

      Oysters

      Aphrodisiac or not, here’s a good excuse down a few oysters: “They contain a high dosage of zinc, which is essential for the growth and function of skin cells”. While slimy in texture, the zinc in oysters are an essential building block of strong hair and nails, as well as good skin. And finally they have antioxidant properties, which we know works to reduce signs of ageing like skin sagging and wrinkles.

      Water

      “This one’s a no brainer, but is important to mention as dehydrated skin can look tired and dry,” says Chamber . The human body is about 60% water;  it is our life force, so topping up your two litres or eight glasses a day is non-negotiable when it comes to hydrated, healthy and clear skin.

      We’ll drink to that. Bottoms up.

      Categories
      Body Skin

      5 FAKE TANS THAT WON’T GIVE YOU A FAKE TAN LOOK

      When you rely on a bottle for a sun-kissed glow, you want colour that looks natural not supernatural.

      Much of making a fake tan look like the real deal has to do with how you apply it (streaks are a dead giveaway). But, a quality product is also imperative and ahead that’s exactly what you’ll find.

      THE ROLE MODELS

      Model, mum and the very definition of beach babe, Lara Worthington is the owner of one of this country’s most enviable tans so it only make sense that her self-tanning business is booming. The Base’s Instant Tan Mousse is one of the only self-tanners we’ve tried that’s actually odourless and gives build able coverage, making it a must-have for both serious and frivolous self-tanners alike.

      Jennifer Hawkins’ J.Bronze Face Flawless Tanner also capitalises on the model’s golden glow. Facial self-tanners usually have gentler formulations, and this one is light-weight, quickly absorbed and serves as an anti-ageing agent too with goodness like shea butter, coconut oil, organ oil, goji berry and cranberry extracts.

      THE PIONEERS

      When we think self tanning, we think St. Tropez and Model Co. They’re pioneers in the market and have spent years, longer than most of their competition, perfecting and improving on their formulations. St Tropez Sensitive Self-Tan Mousse contains grape, mango and avocado oils and is hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin. The formula is fast-drying and specially formulated to match your complexion so you’ll have people doing double takes the next day, wondering how you got a shade warmer overnight.

      Model Co Natural Tan Self-Tan Lotion is another one we love. For beginners scared of overdoing it, or if you’re not in a rush, a lotion is always best. It takes 4-5 hours to develop and colour enhances gradually. The fragrance of the fake tan is pleasant, not overpowering and it’s formulated using sugar-derived DHA, guaranteeing the most natural colour you can get from a fake tan.

      THE INNOVATOR

      Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster for Body is the newest innovation in self-tanning (so new it went on sale last Monday). A dropper dispenses the “booster”, which you add to your body and face moisturiser for an all-over, uniform glow. The clever people at Clarins combined natural sugar-derived DHA and erythrulose which, you’ll remember, works to give you the most natural looking fake tan because it’s not a stain and actually reacts with the amino acids in your body to get you a shade darker. We also love that it contains aloe to keep skin in its best condition so your tan looks great the whole time.

      Tell us, how often do you fake tan?

      What fake tanners do you swear by?

      Categories
      Skin

      THE LUST LIST: SODASHI ENZYME FACE POLISH

      Sodashi’s new Enzyme Face Polish is instant gratification.

      If your skin needs a kick start; something powerful but not brutal, with brightening qualities that will make your face GLOW (as noticeably and outstandingly as our use of caps); a product that acts immediately, rather than in four to six weeks because who has the time?…

      Then, this is IT, people. Result-oriented skincare in a powerful little black pot.

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      The face polish uses a triple-action formula with pomegranate enzymes to gently soften and dissolve the epidermis (topmost layer of skin) so that natural rice powder can offer a deep cleanse and effective exfoliation, while geranium and sweet orange rejuvenates, repairs and plumps up skin on a molecular level.

      There’s a lot happening at once, but that’s what you pay good money for — a product that works 3:1.

      Used in the world’s best spas and retreats, Australian natural beauty brand Sodashi sources only the highest quality natural ingredients. It smells like relaxation and feels like it too.

      At $110, the Enzyme Face Polish is a premium purchase, sure. But, like we said, it’s insanely fast-acting.

      That’s thing with instant gratification, you reap the benefits right here, right now.

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      Categories
      Hair

      MODERN COOL WITH JESSICA GOMES

      In the latest issue of Gritty Pretty magazine, David Jones Ambassador Jessica Gomes models the coolest of cool girl hair in our motion hair editorial created by renegade hair stylist and ghd Hair Director, Alan White.

      Here’s a snapshot of one of the four key styles…

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      HALF-UP TOP KNOT

      Not too dissimilar to the original top-knot, this style is about looking more effortless and undone. “It’s nonchalant. It’s as if you’ve just thrown it up in a bun and left half down,” says White of this hair look. He adds, “It’s relaxed but if you look closely there’s multiple textures.”

      TO FIND OUT HOW TO RECREATE THIS LOOK & SEE MORE STYLES: 

      CLICK HERE TO READ GRITTY PRETTY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015 ISSUE

      Photography: Christian Blanchard (www.christianblanchard.com)

      Model: Jessica Gomes (www.jessicagomes.com)

      Hair: Alan White (www.ghdhair.com.au)

      Words: Eleanor Pendleton

      Categories
      Body Skin

      EVERYONE, MEET FRANK

      You’ve probably met Frank – he’s all over Instagram covering half-naked babes in coffee scrub.

      Yes, the cult Australian body scrub company implements a cheeky social media campaign encouraging people to “get naked, get dirty, get rough and get clean” (and share a “selfie” for Instagram in the process).

      See, we told you – cheeky.

      But it seems hundreds, no, thousands are answering the call. Currently, Frank Body has amassed over 628,000 followers on Instagram, and their Original Coffee Scrub has sold over a whopping one million units.

      In fact, Start Up Daily reported that revenue for the brand this financial year will most likely exceed the $20 million mark – making it one of the fastest ecommerce starters in Australia. Not bad for a humble coffee scrub originally mixed together in a kitchen, huh?

      Now, much to the delight of loyal customers, Frank is expanding into skincare with three new products: Frank Body Creamy Cleanser, Creamy Face Scrub and Everyday Face Moisturiser.

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      The new collection promises to rejuvenate and hydrate delicate facial skin and, like its predecessors, it’s safe to use – helpful, even – on skin prone to acne, eczema and even psoriasis. The trio of new products also contain the brand’s signature coffee base, which is beneficial to the skin for several reasons.

      Coffee is packed with antioxidants, which we know combats free radicals to prevent premature ageing. It also fights inflammation, calming irritated skin, and when left on, coffee has the effect of brightening the complexion. Fingers crossed for a Frank Body Facial Masque next, eh?

      Still, our love of coffee knows no bounds, and nor does Frank Body it seems.

      [L-R]:

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      Frank Body Creamy Cleanser

      Don’t be alarmed by its silvery-grey colour – it may look dirty, but we’re told that’s only so “a babe’s face can look clean”. (OH Frank.) Containing green coffee bean extract, charcoal, and marshmallow root – this creamy cleanser foams up ever so slightly to de-clog pores, reduces redness and refresh skin.

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      Frank Body Creamy Face Scrub

      This olive-green scrub contains visible coffee grind, reminiscent of the original Frank Coffee Body Scrub.  The facial exfoliant is a gentle, but effective formula, featuring white clay to detoxify, while natural oils like grape seed, sweet almond, coconut and rosehip deliver nourishment.

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      Frank Body Everyday Face Moisturiser

      A light-weight formula targeted to those with sensitive skin and blemishes, with a good dose of soothing vitamin e, cocoa butter and shea butter to repair, while coconut, grape and almond oils hydrate without blocking pores.

      So, the question now is: do you want a date with Frank?

      Click here to become acquainted.

      Categories
      Hair

      IS IT OK TO WASH YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY?

      Great question. And the answer is, of course!

      In fact, it is perfectly fine to wash your hair everyday. While many of us might consider it a massive chore – and try to put it off as long as our scalps will allow, those who lead very active lifestyles or have oily hair do it out of necessity.

      The common concern is this: “Won’t it dry out my strands and scalp?”

      Anthony Nader, award-winning hair stylist and founder of Sydney’s RAW salon says, “I think the only side effects to washing daily is if you’re not washing with right prescribed shampoo and conditioner”.

      He adds: “I have clients that I can’t break out of washing their manes everyday so they alternate between their shampoo and conditioner, and then use the Oribe Ultra Gentle Shampoo and Oribe Ultra Gentle Conditioner as it cleans gently but doesn’t strip the hair of natural oils and is packed with luxe ingredients too”.

      If you have coloured hair, it’s even more important for you to use a prescribed salon-quality shampoo and conditioner to reduce colour fading. Alas, this is one of the consequences of daily washing.

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      THE BENEFITS OF DAILY WASHING

      On the other hand, daily washing gives you “a cleaner palette to work off so you can really style your hair and get the results you normally wouldn’t on dirty, greasy hair,” share Nader.

      It also help your mane grow faster (more tricks to grow you hair out: here). The massaging of the scalp helps stimulate blood circulation under the skin, giving it a wake-up call to perform.

      And finally, one last upside: by washing daily, you allow your scalp to breathe again, and prevent the build up on sebum, pollutants and toxins from the air.”

      Who else feels like a good wash right about now?

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      Categories
      Skin

      THAT CLEAN SKIN FEELING

      One of the best, and most underrated, feelings is a freshly cleansed face.

      What if we told you you could maximise that feeling? Double it. Get that face really, really clean? Possibly the freshest, cleanest, g-damn prettiest it’s been been all week?

      Here’s how: Cleansing oils, the first of a two-step regimen that ensures your skin is free from daily grime, makeup and potential pore-clogging gunk.

      If you’re a fan of skincare oils, you’re probably familiar with the mechanics: oils draw out other oils, making them fantastic cleansers. They dissolve the thickest of makeup, even the waterproof stuff, and emulsify when you add water into a milky-white substance that lifts the impurities right off.

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      And don’t let their slick, silky exteriors confuse/deter you. Skincare expert and founder of Sydney’s The Beauty Scene, Elisa Markovic says, “As a first cleanse, an oil cleanser is ideal for ALL skin types”, in fact, “essentials oils such as ylang ylang, clary sage and lavender help to balance oil secretions in the skin”.

      Just remember to follow up with a second water-soluble (i.e. non-oil) cleanser to remove any oil residue. ” We don’t want the oil to penetrate the skin or to be left on the skin (as now it is loaded with impurities),” says Markovic.

      With winter fast approaching, this Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil is one super rich formula that balances, repairs and hydrates. And if you’re in the market for something more clarifying, the Coast To Coast Pore Purifying Cleansing Oil containing antibacterial rosalina  and eucalyptus is a lightweight formula that leaves skin refreshed and refined.

      Cleansing with oils!  Simple, yet so effective. Who’d have thought?!

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      Categories
      Makeup

      THE BEST WINTER BRONZERS

      Winter is coming. I can feel it in my cheekbones. And as the temperature drops, skin descends into stereotypes like dull, pasty and lacklustre. There’s just something about summer and skin that’s a match made in heaven. You glow different when the sun is out, the sea is your second home and the spaghetti strap singlets come out.

      Don’t fret, though. As much as we are certainly on the countdown to the warmer months, you can fake that summertime glow with ease. Besides moisturising like a maniac, there’s a much quicker way to add warmth, tone and life back into your face. The shortcut: Bronzer.

      The key is making your winter sun-kissed glow look natural. No one’s going to believe those tanned streaks on your cheeks when the sun’s been M.I.A. for days. And, while contouring techniques remain the same, applying bronzer in winter is less beach-babe-forever and more woman-of-mystery. You just want to give off those healthy, bright vibes rather than the I-just-got-back-from-the-Maldives tan. Time and a place, people.

      To achieve this, ensure bronzer is subtle and applied light-handedly. If you’re anything like me, you love tacos, and also, your skin gets a shade or two lighter over the cold period. Powder bronzers are a great option for light, buildable coverage so there’s less contrast between your complexion and bronzer. You can also try wearing your existing bronzer under translucent powder for a filtered approach.

      Otherwise, consider investing in a new shade for the winter season. Whether you’re after a matte finish, a dewier option or something that falls in the middle, we’ve done all the hard yards for you. Here are our top five picks of the bunch…

      NARS Luxury Laguna Bronzer

      As if best-selling NARS Laguna wasn’t going to get a mention. The immensely popular, one-shade-flatters-all matte bronzer is perfect all year round, making it a very worthy investment. With ultra-subtle gold shimmer to bring back luminosity to the skin, all you need to do is find your favourite Kabuki brush and get to bronzing.

      Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio

      With bronzer, you don’t want to look brown, and you sure as hell don’t want to look orange. This three-tone palette ensures you look neither, by combining the best shades of light and dark bronze to give you loads of dimension. Its creamy powder formula is also a dream to wear. Plus, the convenient mirrored compact means you can reapply throughout the day to keep the illusion of sun kissed skin going for as long as possible.

      Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

      Another cult-favourite bronzer, Benefit Cosmetic’s Hoola Matte formula is a winner for a reason. Arguably the most perfect tone and shade of bronzer ever made, the formula is universally flattering and made without any harsh glitters or shimmers. A your-skin-but-better glow awaits.

      Marc Jacobs Beauty Omega Bronze Coconut Perfect Tan Bronzer

      Available in three hues so you can find one that is perfect for you, Marc Jacobs’s Omega Bronzer is an ultra-blendable, matte bronzer that goes onto the skin like butter. Created with micro-fine, jet-milled pigments for a smooth, natural finish, this bronzer will have you looking healthy and contoured in no time.

      Dior Mineral Nude Bronze Powder

      If you’re after a more luminous, glowy option for bronzing, Dior’s Mineral Nude Bronze Powder is for you. Formulated with golden minerals to catch the light and enhance the dewiness of your complexion, this powder is available in six lust-worthy shades. We recommend swirling your favourite brush in all of the colours and tones for the perfect, natural shade. You’re welcome.

      So, who’s up for keeping bronzer alive this winter?