Category Archives: Beauty

What you SHOULD do instead of getting a SPRAY TAN for the Party Season

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It has to be said. There are far too many spray-tans-gone-wrong being flaunted at Christmas parties right now. I’m not dissing spray tans as such, but when they crossover into the fluro-orange Ompa Loompah shade, it’s not a good look. Sure, it’s better than signing up for skin-cancer inducing solarium sessions or frying yourself in oil under the sun, but I’d still rather look at other solutions.

ARGHHHHHH….

ARGHHHHHH….

One of my favourite options right now is to build up a natural looking tan by using a moisturiser that also doubles as a gradual tanning lotion. As far as I’m concerned, the best one on the market is Dove Summer Glow. It doesn’t streak, nor does it leave an overpowering, acrid ‘fake tan’ smell hovering around. But I do buy the one labelled ‘medium to dark skin’ because I found ‘fair to medium’ just didn’t cut it.

Dove Summer Glow

Dove Summer Glow

 

It’s also a reasonably priced product. I try to buy the larger size with a pump dispenser as it’s more cost-effective and easier to use, but it seems harder to come by these days with supermarkets constantly cutting back on many of their product ranges.

But whatever shape it comes in, the end result is a more natural looking glow (‘scuse the pun) than a spray tan, which is more in keeping with fashion trends right now. Take a look at any fashion mag and you’ll find the overly-bronzed bathing beauties of yesteryear have swum off into the sunset.

 

 

But an even better tip for great looking tanned legs is to buy a good quality pair of stockings. That way you get a smooth tone, no streaks and if you’re in-between leg waxes – a decent camouflage as well. I KNOW this is a good tip worth sharing with you because it’s the fashion question I get asked the most, when people (mostly girls) discover my legs are not my own! Write this down – you won’t regret it!

VOODOO PANTYHOSE          Colour – JABOU

Getting the colour right is essential. So I’ll say it again. Remember – JABOU!!!! This is the closest looking colour to a natural tan you’ll find anywhere.

The Voodoo Pantyhose range at Myer

The Voodoo Pantyhose range at Myer

Voodoo Hosiery usually take up a decent amount of the shop floor at most major department stores across Australia. But there are so many different varieties, it can get confusing. Here’s what I’ve discovered after trialling many of them. And they’re not cheap, so hopefully this will prevent you from making the same mistakes I’ve made.

Shine Sheer to Waist VERSUS Shine Firm Control

Shine Sheer to Waist VERSUS Shine Firm Control

 

The Shine Sheer to Waist version in the red packet retails for $13.95. So you might think this is a better option than the Shine Firm Control in the yellow packaging – being one dollar cheaper…

 

But think again. I find the red version ladders more easily as the texture of the pantyhose is finer, right up to the waist. The yellow version is thicker around the tummy so it doesn’t ladder as readily and also pulls in any unsightly bulges which is also a huge bonus! It’s also cheaper to buy in bulk, so pick the 3-pack. You can never have enough stockings in reserve at home. (I also keep one in the glove-box of my car for emergencies!)

Sheer Toe Pantyhose work well with open-toe sandals

Sheer Toe Pantyhose work well with open-toe sandals

 

For those of you wanting to wear open-toe sandals, this is still possible. There are two varieties of Voodoo stockings to pick from.

 

 

One is the Sheer Toe Pantyhose, which I prefer as only the pickiest of fashionistas will be able to notice, but for those who consider stockings and open-toe sandals a downright fashion crime, there’s also the open-toe stocking variety – Glow Toeless. This has an opening at the end of the stockings, with one stitch in place to hold the fabric around your big toe. It can work, but generally I find these a little uncomfortable, plus the line where the stocking ends has to fit exactly with the line of your sandal. And the Glow Toeless variety comes under a different colour scheme (God knows why… ) so they don’t come in the cherished Jabou colour. Golden Glow would be the next best shade, but it’s still not as good as Jabou.

And for those of you who love a bargain and on-line shopping, yes, I have checked out the price comparisons. There are many on-line options, however Stockingsonline.com.au seems to have the broadest range. BUT, while their Voodoo hosiery is slightly cheaper, I couldn’t find ONE PAIR that came in the Jabou colour. Sorry… Guess you’re going to have to make that trip to your local Myer or David Jones after all! But DO let me know if you find a cheaper way of tracking down the one and only Jabou. Especially in the Shine Firm Control yellow pack. Thanks.

 

 

Muffin Top Update – Week Two

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Just so you know, these muffin-top updates about the medical procedure I underwent – called Cool Sculpting – will be kept brief as I explained the process in detail in the Blog titled ‘How to Lose Your Muffin Top’ which was posted last Wednesday. So if you do want more information, just go back to that story.

Well, here’s how I’ve fared in the past week. I can report the skin on the tummy region became even itchier – at times a little uncomfortable. Fabrics that were quite tight on the skin were irritating and as for my skinny jeans… well, I know I’m a bit chubby right now, but half the time I wore long tops last week so no one could tell I had the top button undone…

And it wasn’t the best week for me in terms of food and alcohol consumption. As with any treatment or diet, the medical advice is to also eat sensibly and exercise. But before the Spring Racing Carnival, there’s a plethora of events serving lovely champagne and canapes and well, hell, what’s a girl to do? Wear a maxi dress is the best solution…

Opening of the Mumm Champagne bar at Crown with Fletch

Opening of the Mumm Champagne bar at Crown with Fletch

 

And then there was Derby Day on Saturday – again more bubbly and canapés. Not that I’m complaining – I’m extremely grateful to be invited to these events and I very much like to show my gratitude by enjoying the hospitality on offer. After spending about twenty years trackside either reporting or reading the news on course and hosting Fashions on the Field, it’s fabulous to finally go as a guest and have fun.

Not much exercise was done on the weekend but I did manage to squeeze in a spin class yesterday morning!! Go me.

Because of Cup Day, I went to Dr Chris Moss’ consulting rooms yesterday for a staff member to take my weekly tummy shot, because obviously, they’ll be closed today. Some clients have said they can see a difference in their bulges after two weeks – but having come a day early, I tell myself not to expect too much of an advance.

Let’s compare pics from Day One to just under Two weeks:

Tummy shot - front view: Day One, 23.10.'12

Tummy shot – front view: Day One, 23.10.’12

Tummy shot - front view, 5.11.'12

Tummy shot – front view, 5.11.’12

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow. I’m pleasantly surprised. There does seem to be an improvement! The indentation at the waist line does seem marginally better. Let’s check the side view…

Tummy shot - side view, 23.10.'12

Tummy shot – side view, 23.10.’12

Tummy shot - side view, 5.11.'12

Tummy shot – side view, 5.11.’12

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be honest, this is much better than I was expecting. It even looks like the ‘back fat’ crease has lessened and I wasn’t treated in that region. Maybe champagne is good for losing weight!!! No, of course it’s not. It’s early days, but already I’d say it looks like the Cool Sculpting is working. But don’t get your hopes up for a big improvement next week. I’ve got a friends BBQ for Cup day today, an Oaks Day Ladies lunch at Crown tomorrow, Oaks Day at Flemington on Thursday AND I ate meatballs stuffed with mozarella on pasta for dinner last night. Damn good recipe that one – I should share it with you.

Stay tuned till next week’s Muffin Top update – and remember, the best results are predicted at six to twelve weeks.

(For further enquiries, contact the Liberty Belle Skin Centre on 9826 9988 Address: 504 – 506 Toorak Road, Toorak)

NICOLE KIDMAN, THE FACE OF SWISSE – SET TO GO GLOBAL

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I can’t believe the Melbourne newspapers didn’t make more of a fuss. Australia’s leading lady of Hollywood has, for the FIRST TIME EVER, signed on to represent an Aussie brand and it only made page 21 of the Herald Sun?? Yet  it’s front page news in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. It seems a change in management ranks means we’ll be getting a much more serious and less tabloid Herald Sun in the future – which is fine, but why ignore a major entertainment story that also ties in with a brilliant and audacious business strategy by Australian company, Swisse?

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman

And it is BIG news for Swisse because going global and competing with the big multi-nationals is no small feat. And if you’re going to take on the world markets, why not do it properly and sign on the nation’s queen of style? Swisse couldn’t have produced a lovelier photo of Nicole too – the perfect picture of grace and good health.

Kidman will be ambassador for the brand when Swisse rolls out its international campaign, starting with the United States in January. Then they’ll march on into the U.K., Europe and Asia. The TV ads and photos for the campaign will all be shot in Australia.

If you want to argue about who IS Australia’s leading lady of Hollywood, just look at the statistics. Nicole has been nominated for 8 Golden Globe awards, winning three, and is Australia’s only Best Female Oscar winner. But it’s not only her artistic achievements that make her a good fit for the brand. Her lifestyle and values give her exponential value as the total package. Being involved in international issues means she has also been honoured as a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2007 and is a global ambassador for UN Women that promotes gender equality and empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

Kidman chose Swisse because she likes the idea of being part of a small Australian family-built company (about to get a whole lot bigger!)  that is commited to good health and well-being. ‘I joined Swisse because I wanted to help bring awareness to the importance of living a healthy lifestyle in a busy, often stressful world,’ she said.

Only last week, Swisse was announced as BRW’s winner of the most successful Australian private business of the year. (with a turnover of $100 million plus)

Part of their marketing success relies on rolling ad campaigns using famous faces. They sponsor top TV shows and are also a major presence at Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival.

On Thursday night, they kicked off their racing season with a launch party at South Yarra’s newest and coolest restaurant, Mama Baba. Swisse CEO Radek Sali spoke about how they’re expanding the brand to release a skin care and body range, and will soon be unveiling protein bars and sports supplements.

Swisse CEO Radek Sali

Swisse CEO Radek Sali

And Sali is thrilled about their new partnership with Kidman. ‘Nicole Kidman is a much loved Australian overseas and we know that Swisse will be Australia’s most loved health and wellness brand overseas in coming months and years,’ he said.

Swisse have also become famous for their amazing parties and the Mama Baba event was a stand-out. Finger food from Masterchef George Colombaris’ kitchen was superb and French champagne, Laurent-Perrier, flowed freely. The guest list read like the who’s who of Melbourne, and you can understand why. If you get invited to a Swisse party, you’re guaranteed quality food AND company. Here’s some of the people Fletch and I ran into on the night:

Model David Witco and Olympic basketballer Liz Cambage

Model David Witco and Olympic basketballer Liz Cambage

Michelle Ronan, Glen Moriarty and Paige McKenzie

Michelle Ronan, Glen Moriarty and Paige McKenzie

 

 

 

 

 

Alan Fletcher and Jessica McNamee

Alan Fletcher and Jessica McNamee

 

 

 

 

Kate Arnott, Brad Green, Catherine Chisolm and Simon Bones

Kate Arnott, Brad Green, Catherine Chisolm and Simon Bones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elliot Garnaut and Lauren Phillips

Elliot Garnaut and Lauren Phillips

Tom Davidson and Mitch Catlin

Tom Davidson and Mitch Catlin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tim O'shea and Melissa Bergland

Tim O’shea and Melissa Bergland

 

Nick and Rachel Holland

Nick and Rachel Holland

Anna Byrne and Catherine Chisolm

Anna Byrne and Catherine Chisolm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To give the guests a taste of what’s to come from Swisse, Goodie Bags were handed out when we left the party. (yay!) I’m yet to try the creams, but I can assure you, those sleep tablets work a treat.

Swisse Goodie Bag

Swisse Goodie Bag

 

 

 

 

Minxies – The Newest Trend in Nail Art

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In keeping with the travelling theme of this week’s blog post, let’s look at a beauty tip for your next holiday. Chances are you don’t want to spend time on maintenance while away, and if you’re going somewhere in the sun, your toes will be on show so you might opt for a pedicure before leaving.

The best way to keep your feet sparkling for the longest time is to invest in some MINXIES. They look like a high-end brand of ultra-shiny nail polish, but in fact they’re foils that are cut from a special sheet of paper and applied with a heating device to your toenails.

A huge plus about Minxies versus regular nail polish is that they last between 4 – 6 weeks on your toes, and about two weeks on your fingers. Personally, I only have them applied to toenails because fingernail re-growth is faster and I don’t have the time, money or inclination to visit the salon that often.

Minxies for your toes

Minxies for your toes

 

Here’s how they look in a promo shot:

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s how they look on regular feet. (i.e. – mine) Not so glamorous, but proof even the knobbliest of feet do look better with Minxies.

My toenails...

My toenails...

 


Zebra minxies

Zebra Minxies

 

 

 

Minxies are now available at many nail salons around the country and come ins a variety of patterns and colours. Yes, you can even get a zebra print…

 

 

Yellow on silver Minx

Yellow on silver Minx

 

 

 

 

 

Personally, I like to stick to a simple metallic, plain gold or silver.  Although I did see a new design – silver and yellow – which brought to mind Seal’s famous yellow nails from The Voice and I suddenly had an urge to try something new…

 

If you’d like to see more designs, check out the Minx website at www.minxnails.com

For Melbourne girls, my tip for the best salon working with Minx is Ripponlea Nail Shop at 32 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea.

Ph: (03) 9528 5740

The lovely Melanie Lachal is the salon owner and an expert in the art of Minx.

Melanie Lachal

Melanie Lachal

The cost is $50, which is quite economical given it lasts on the toes for as long as it does.

Another bonus about this product is you can’t smudge your nails once you leave the salon. Shoes can be worn almost immediately, making Minx a much more practical option than nail polish. Let’s face it, anything that saves time is a huge plus for most women leading hectic lives, trying to maintain careers, families AND appearances. If it’s simple, fast, economical and looks good, it wins my vote.