the love of pink

EMERGENCY. STOP AND READ.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +0000

I don't mean to send anyone into a tailspin, but please refer to my post yesterday RE the impending Nars goodness at Mecca on Monday, and please let it be known that apparently some stores already have the illuminator on counter. If you too are desperate to get your mitts on it (it's not just me... surely?), CALL YOUR STORE NOW and reserve one. Here's a handy little store locator for you. The kindness never stops around here, clearly.

On that note, this is how I feel about Mecca customer service right now and always...

Seriously. Mecca and Kit staff are always so freaking lovely. It's bizarre. I mean, it's wonderful.

Carry on. Happy weekend! x

I hate to sound alarmist, BUT..

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:44:00 +0000

I emptied out one of the side pockets of my bag this morning, in my neverending personal vendetta to exact revenge on wayward bobby pins, and this was what faced me. This pocket of my bag houses all my high-rotation lip products I'm loving lately, to ensure they are always within easy reach. A girl's gotta be able to gloss on the go, y'know?

I was a tad alarmed for a second at the lipgloss mountain that ensued, and then I realised that I have actually been using each of these products lots lately, and so I took solace in that for a second, and then I found THAT fact a little more concerning, because surely it's not normal to consider such a whopping amount of pinky-peachy glosses for immediate regular use in my arsenal as normal. Please reassure. It is completely normal to need TWELVE glosses within easy reach, right? Right.

So this is what has been gracing my pout lately:

(from left to right)
Stila lipglaze in Pinkle Twinkle
Bloom lipgloss in Tangerine
Lipstick Queen Fifteen Minutes of Fame gloss in 3 Minutes (could they create a longer name for a gloss? Urgh.)
Stila lipglaze in Jewel Barbie (I just realised this is almost a year old, it might be time to chuck. Sniffle.)
Stila lipglaze in Peach
Mac dazzleglass in Steppin' Out
Lipstick Queen Fifteen Minutes of Fame gloss in 5 Minutes
Nivea lip care in Pink Grapefruit (scoff all you want, but I use this for the smell alone)
Kit lipgloss in Wildest Dream
YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Orange Shiver (fab lipstick, bad colour for me - I keep on trying this again to see if my skin tone will change its mind...)
MAC slimshine in Long Stem Rose (if anyone has seen my Grenadine slimshine, please holler, as I am missing it dearly)
Lipstick Queen medieval tinted lip treatment

I shudder to think of how many more lip products are swimming about in the depths of my actual BAG, all clamouring for their own little corner of lining to snuggle up to.

Oh and don't stress - my actual lip CARE products, you know the Lanolips, Badger Balm, Kiehl's etc, are all housed in the other side pocket. Um.

I believe they call this kind of life conundrum A FIRST WORLD DRAHMAH.

Other mindless news I'm sure you'll be grateful to hear:

I used up my tube of Aveda Hand Relief cream today and almost cried. This is such a delicious hand cream; sweetly scented and keeps my paws soft and non-greasy as I bang at my keyboard all day long.

I have been painting the shiz out of my talons lately with Essie Mademoiselle. I think I have talked about how much I love this polish before, and it needs more support - it is without a doubt the hardest working polish in my stash. It's the perfect I'mnotwearinganypolishmynailsarejustasweetsoftshinypinkokay. It even forgives manky cuticles because it's not so showy that it screams attention to them. Swoon.

I have resolved to finally perfect a smokey eye as it is becoming increasingly apparent to me that my fave celebs just will not quit with it, and in the interests of following celeb trends without hesitation or reserve, I need to get on board. See Kate and Lily out in London last week:

(Please note, that Kit lipgloss pictured earlier is the perfect accompaniment to a smokey eye. Such a lovely milky pink.)

I saw The Blind Side last night and it was nothing short of amazing. Sandra had better pick up a swag of awards for this. She played the hell out of her southern belle role - there is some killer styling to be had here, what with her big over-highlighted hair, frosted lipstick and Southern drawl. LOVE. Her accent is awkward for a few minutes and then you are totally into it. I got very teary during this film but don't let that deter you. GO SEE. Arrive with tissues. Leave with bleary eyes and a renewed love for your round hairbrush and hairdryer.

I am sure you're well aware that there is only FOUR sleeps until a very exciting day in my world, and no, that's not because it's a PUBLIC HOLIDAY and I can indulge in a traditional public holiday sleep in (what does a sleep in look like these days, anyway? I can't remember). And NO, it's not because boyfriend is off on an early-morning fishing (ew) jaunt to celebrate this Day of (non) Labour, which is very exciting for HIM. It is, quite simply, because THE NARS ORGASM ILLUMINATOR HITS COUNTERS AT MECCA AND IT'S LIKE THE VICTORIAN STATE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO LET ME (JUST ME, ONLY ME) HAVE THE DAY OFF SO I CAN SNAFFLE ONE UP AT 9.01 AM.

I talked about this illuminator, and then soon after that, I got to have a bit of a play with Em's, which involved a lot of cooing and oohing and ahhing and rubbing her precious product all over my dirty paws to get a feel for it. I can report:
It has a beautiful colour, true to the Orgasm signature glow
It has a beautiful texture and feels very fluid
And in summary, I can't wait to get my hands on my own tube.

Not ONLY will Mecca be serving up this little gem for your purchasing pleasure, but at a little beauty counter nearby called MAC (I am not sure if you've heard of them), two of the fiercest divas are unleashing their MAC Viva Glam lippies unto the the world, in all their bright pink or watermelony red glory. Don't Cyndi and Gaga look amazing? Albeit photoshopped to the hilt.

Don't stress if you can't be bothered hotfooting it to MAC straight away - the lippies will be available for a whole year.

RIP McQueen.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:39:00 +0000

I was so shocked to wake up on Friday morning to the news of of Alexander McQueen's death. He was one of my favourite designers and even if you didn't love his ridiculously brilliant creations, you can't argue with the fact that he was a fashion visionary.

The 40 year old British designer (known as Lee) was found dead in his London home on Thursday morning. Obviously, I didn't know Mr McQueen personally (let's not lie, we would have been FIRM friends), but it makes me blue to think of all that sadness and desperation he must have carried. He lost his mother earlier this month and lost his dear friend, the fabulous Isabella Blow (she made him) in 2007.

He took his own life on the day of his mother's funeral – doesn't this just make your heart ache? I wholly understand the pain of losing a parent and the overwhelming sadness. It is nothing short of crushing. I hope he has found some peace.

He has left behind an amazing fashion legacy. His influence was epic. On a frivolous note, do you remember the bumster jean? (Haha.) He was responsible for the first influx in 1996. The skull scarf? His doing. He staged elaborate theatrical catwalk shows, pushed boundaries and could always see ten steps forward. He created extreme silhouettes and was a stalwart of the impeccably tailored look, thanks in part to his apprenticeship on Savile Row.

He was a trailblazer, a brilliant fashion genius, and I am sad that I'll never see another crazy McQueen design hit the runway and give me something to giggle over.

Just a few of my favourite McQueen moments…

Remember when Kate Moss, riddled with 2005's drug scandal and teetering on the edge of fashion Coventry, hit the catwalk again for McQueen – not walking, but as a filmed hologram? McQueen closed his show sporting a tee emblazoned with 'We Love You Kate'. Aw. Friends 4eVa etc.

(Yes, that's Bjork.)

And let's not forget, of course, Gaga's Bad Romance vid. I am really quite fond of those lobster claw heels…

As my homegirl, British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, so eloquently summated…

"Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."

RIP McQueen – and if anyone knows where my McQueen-inspired skull scarf is, please holler. I have been searching high and low for it all weekend. x

Be my Valentine.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:11:00 +0000

My wonderful, long-suffering boyfriend knows that there are many ways to this girl's heart. Food. Perfume. Flowers. Rugby. Lipgloss. Pugs. I am also a sucker for a Hallmark Holiday (you already know my thoughts on embracing a Retail Christmas and Easter). I know there will always be Valentine's Day haters out there – and you can't deny it is a commercial holiday in the extreme – but I personally find it a really sweet excuse to remind someone that you love them. Not that you should need a day or an occasion, you fool!

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be exclusively for Lovers and their neck-nuzzling in public, canoodling at the restaurant, extreme PDA offender selves. I am going to stop short of quoting my favourite chick flick ever – love actually is all around – but why don't you take your best friend to the movies, or make a sappy homemade card for your mum or sister? I choo-choo-choooose you! They had better show that Simpsons ep on Sunday, it's my fave.

Valentine's Day is perhaps the only time of year I am vehemently against buying flowers. Hello, why is the ACCC not concerned about the blatant 400% markup on roses at this time of year? It's abhorrent. Save the flora for another time of year when it will be completely unexpected – you'll earn way more brownie points when it comes out of nowhere, I promise.

So, an urgent memo to Cupid:

Hey buddy, instead of hitting the lay-dieeezzz with your stupid bow and arrow, why don't you swap that weapon for any of these love-inspired beauty buys? While you're there, ditch the overpriced flowers and the predictable chocolates. You'll thank me later, I promise.

Jurlique Love Balm, $15 from Adore Beauty

This is a multi-purpose balm that smells like tangerine and can be popped in your handbag to sort out any of life's little dramas that crop up along the way. Chapped lips? Dry, raggedy cuticle? Rogue patch of dry skin? It's an everything balm!

OPI Chapel of Love, $19.95 from Adore Beauty

Hello, I have this and it is such a lovely kinda-watermelony pink. I always get comments when I wear this and it brightens my day to see this on my fingers as I'm banging away at my keyboard. Other OPIs to tug at the heart strings: Hopelessly in Love, Heart Throb, Pink-ing of You, Sweet Heart. Aww.

Too Faced starry eyed liner in Mad Mad Love, $34.95 from kit cosmetics

When I saw this on the kit site, my heart melted a little. Glitter. Love. Mad love. Winner.

Evo Love Touch finishing shine spray, $26.95

This has 'love' in the name and pink in the packaging. Seriously – what more do you expect me to say?

Lush Be Mine gift, $33.95 from Lush

Gosh I love Lush. Forget rubber ducky, it's Lush that makes bathtime fun! This set has Love Soap, Sex in the Shower emotibomb (excuse you), Soft Coeur massage bar and Flying Fox shower gel. I have Flying Fox in my shower at the moment, it's lovely. Very jasmine-y!

Lanolips SPF15 lip ointment in Sunshine, $13.95 from Adore Beauty

As in you are my sunshine, my only sunshine! Okay, lame, corny in the extreme, but I need a new one so it was on my mind. Get on this. It's a luscious sheer orangey coral. Mmmm.

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship collection

Okay, I had to include this just for the name. You already know my thoughts on this range (hint: good) and I have been using the treatment lots lately. It's worth a purchase just for the amazing smell alone!

If Valentine's Day really isn't your thing, and you are rolling your eyes and mocking my every word in this post, or you have a chip on your shoulder about love gone bad, why don't you try…

Lush Ex Factor bath ballistic, $6.50 from Lush

Exorcise your Ex. Drop your little blue man into the bath to work his vanilla scented magic.

Cute, Lush!

And me? I'll be painting my digits in a striking red, maybe OPI Big Apple Red, baking heart-shaped lemon tarts for boyfriend (that is not a joke, people), going to see Valentine's Day (CORNY, SO EXCITED) and then going out for dinner with the man. I promise we won't pash and canoodle at the table next to you and put you off your meal. Happy Valentine's Day! x

UNICO AND ME: An Australian Love Story.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Things to love about Unico, an eco friendly hair care line born and bred in my very own Melbourne. (I love this city!)

It's homegrown

Let's give a big shoutout to those fabulous Australian (sorry, Ozstrayyyyyan) brands that are proudly waving the beauty flag – Bloom, mor, Lanolips, Aesop, Jurlique, Grown… the list is endless and it is Proud. I am quite happy to now add Unico to that stellar list.

Unico was created by Melbourne hairdresser Sofia Basile. Melbournians might be familiar with the Unico hair salons, and finally they have their own darling product line to add to their empire. Applause.

It's eco friendly

Greenies, unite and give thanks – Unico products are designed, sourced and manufactured in our fair land. They don't have to be imported from overseas, so if you like to fret about your carbon footprint, this should help you sleep a bit better at night.

The products are chemical free and contain lots of sweet ingredients like vitamins, pure plant ingredients and essential oils.

Unico are living proof that hair products don't have to be created by some foreign hair guru with no understanding of our dry, barren land – I do love a sunburnt country, Dorothea Mackellar, but golly goshballs I hate what my hair does in an Australian summer. It's like it gets a free pass to play hookey and thinks it can spend the summer blissfully unaware of tress-tamed commitments I might be running in my social calendar. Let me tell you, mop: It Is Not On. You will behave and I will employ all manner of styling products and tools to whip you into shape.

They actually work

They put their money where their mouth is. Or their product where their promise is. Or something to that effect. I was lucky enough to choose a couple of products from Adore Beauty to try and honestly, I have been nothing but satisfied with these gems. For the purposes of this incredibly detailed investigation into the line (I take my hair seriously, people), I trialled the Leave In Spray and the Hair Serum, both with dazzlingly successful results.

Oh hello lovers – don't you look nice today.

In the green corner:

Leave in Spray, $21.95 for 250ml

Unico say:

Ideal for those who lead busy lives, designed to add shine and protect hair with the convenience of not having to rinse.

I say:

Spot on, dudes. How did you know I'm so busy?

I am, quite simply, allergic to leaving my hair product-free once I'm out of the shower. I can't remember the last time I let my unruly curls dry without some product slapped in to tame the beast.

This is rich in UV filters and ideal to protect your precious mane from a harsh Australian sun – it's all very well to slip, slop, slap your body and face, but hair is important too! It also has apricot (no overwhelming smell here, though) and protein (hint: good) to strengthen your hair, and repair it from any heat abuse you've been inflicting on your hair lately.

I have had these products for awhile and have been using the leave-in spray constantly – whether I straighten my hair or let it air-dry. It detangles. It makes it feel a little bit softer and more manageable. It plays nicely with my other styling products, or holds its own solo. I have only used this on wet hair but allegedly, you can also use it on dry hair. Further investigation required, obviously.

It's very light and doesn't give my curl any crunch, which is my pet hate. I was nervous to begin with about overloading my hair with this – I have fine hair that gets weighed down by too much product – but I could spray to my heart's content without greasy ramification. It's fine to spray this on my roots liberally.

Enter contestant number TWO:

Hair serum, $22.95 for 50ml

Unico say:

Designed to seal in moisture to split ends, adding shine and gloss (most effective when used before and after hair drying).

I say:

Hmm. I'll pay that. I really put this stuff through the wringer – I used it on wet hair, dry hair, mixed it with my straightening balm, mixed it with my curl products, used it with the leave-in spray, used it before AND after blowdrying, let it fly solo. It held up to all situations. I have to say I love this most used for a post blow-dry shine – honestly, a few drops after all that hard work gives me a lot of shine for minimal effort.

I have to keep reminding myself to be careful with this – please note: Less Is More. Literally, a few drops is ample. One pump is more than enough. I warm it up in my paws for a second and then get it into my mop.

The thing I like most about this stuff is that it isn't greasy in the slightest. It doesn't make my hair feel slippery. I don't feel like my hair's on product-overload on the second day. So many finishing serums just make my hair feel slimey but this one, using just a few drops, doesn't give me any grief.

It smoothed my hair wonderfully after straightening, tamed any frizz and was a sweet little antidote to any flyaways. Allegedly it's also very good for split ends, but I don't really have a good 'before' case to judge this. Given that it's been such a little star in all other areas, I'm just going to take Unico's word for it.

And in conclusion…

May I please remind you it does NOT say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty! Cue gum pulling.

My Cher Horowitz moment aside, I feel it's time for one big squishy pool of love for this range. I think the products are very well priced and the sizes are substantial – I've been using them heaps and have barely made a dent in them. Next up, I think I'll be buying the volumising shampoo and protein treatment. They're Australian. They work. They have slick packaging that looks nice in my bathroom cabinet. All in all, I would have to say two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

I need to watch Clueless this weekend.

You can view the entire Unico range at Adore Beauty here. Get. On. It.

STOP PRESS!

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:37:00 +0000

It has come to my attention that Rihanna was wearing Nars Orgasm Illuminator at a pre-Grammy awards party. (And then after this, some highly-paid minion advised her to wear that atrocious white feathered get-up to the main event. Rihanna, you can pay me squillions of $$ to tell you to LEAVE THAT SHIZ THE HELL ALONE.)

I had a squiz at the Nars Spring 2010 deets when they were up on Temptalia not long ago, I took firm note of the eyeshadows (that lilac is luscious) and went on with my day, making a mental note to go perve on the shadows in Mecca further down the track. Little did I know this little pocket rocket of glowy love was involved in these Spring release shenanigans:

Hello, lover.

Points for discussion:

Why, for the love of cheek illuminators, did someone not tell me there is an Orgasm Illuminator coming out in this collection?

Did you know I have been wearing my Orgasm Multiple to death lately?

Do you agree it's a perfect glow-get-her cheek colour for me and it plays SO sweetly with a bit of South Beach Multiple for some gentle contouring?

(Please note I mentioned gentle contouring. As much as I am loving Miami Social sick - it's my new favourite sobaditsgood show - I really don't want those concave cheekbones all those hags are sporting.)

Did you know Nars Spring hits Mecca on Feb 22nd?

Did you know the Orgasm Illuminator is out here on the 8th March?

Did you know they created this product especially for me? (Cheers, Francois.)

Did you know that's one big fat fib?

Did you rate RiRi's look at the Grammys?

Am I being overly critical of her white feathered thing? I didn't mind the shoulders, actually.

Cue visual:

Do you think if I whip up some feather-loving, sharp-shouldered, booty-enhancing mess on the Janome, RiRi or Gaga will come beating down my door?

What did you think of Beyonce's metallic hair piece tinsel things? I thought they were very Carolina Herrera (see further reading) and after I got over my initial eye-rolling, I then resolved to dig out some Christmas remnants and whip some up with tinsel. Watch this space.

(Is that some cleavage contouring gone awry on her underboob, too?)

Let's reflect.

Oh hai, loyal reader.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:41:00 +0000

What up?

You may have noticed I've been a somewhat sporadic (try to use it in a sentence today, Tai) blogger lately. I know. I'm well aware.

I detest people using the 'hi love! sorry no contactzzzz lately! work hellish! spk soon xxxx' excuse for not actioning basic leisure tasks, but Imma whip it out now without fear. So much has been happening in beauty/pink dress/gaga/lilo-land lately but I just have not had the energy to bang out blog posts. Have I lost my will to blog? I'm not sure. Work has been absolutely hellish for awhile now, and honestly, generating editorial for eight hours a day on topics that don't interest me is a bit of a creativity killer. I come home from work (I'm going to start referring to it as the Coalface a la Faux Fuchsia, I've decided) after staring at a computer screen all day and all I want to do is eat something comforting, have a hot bath, snuggle on the couch and watch bad (awesome) reality TV.

To be 110% honest with you, I'm not really sure what direction I want to take with this blog anymore. I never want it to feel like a chore. I love the act of blogging and I love the immediacy and narcissistic pool of love it becomes to the blogger. Comments are like a blogger's crack, you know. When I started this blog, I feel like I had SO much to say and not enough blog entries to do it in. I've thought about chopping and changing and exploring something else entirely. I am madly passionate about other things and contemplated bringing those things to the blogosphere.

I toyed with the idea of starting a rugby blog, but then I realised rugby fans probably wouldn't want to read a blog with prose like 'OMG what's with the away jerseys? White does nothing for the 'pecs' of a prop. Hello is Chis going to be ok?? Wow, his guns are looking super massive this week. Ew, blood. OMG! Knock forward. What is with Drew's hair?? Wow Stirlo what a trooper! Wow, Marto is so funny. Oh! Coopy! Coopy! Coopy for PM!'

I thought about starting a baking blog, but let's face facts, I ain't no Pioneer Woman or Bakerella. I thought about starting one of those outfit-of-the-day blogs, but I'm not an exciting dresser, and how many pussybow blouses/prim cardis/cute ballet flats can a girl blog before it starts to feel tired? I thought about turning this blog into a Project 365 type affair, I do so adore reading those, but then I realised that given my current motivation levels, posting a picture daily might prove to be a bit too labour-intensive.

What I'm trying to say, in my roundabout, self-adulating way, is that I'm not sure what I'm doing right now. I simply adore beauty blogs but have never really considered my own blog to strictly be one. I'm not sure what kind of direction I'm going to take, but I promise, you'll be the first to know. I have some product reviews I need to post soon because I feel these impending raves are an urgent memo to the Australian people regarding some wonderful haircare, and in the interests of public education, I should not delay! I honestly don't know if this blog is going to become something else, and I hope you'll stick with me while I figure it out.

Meanwhile, I recently read Poppy King's book, Lessons of a Lipstick Queen, and it was amazing. I really adore Poppy and she has a great story. I have such fond memories of those Poppy Shine pots, and I had that Shine postcard on my noticeboard in my room for so many years. She is a brilliant entrepreneur and I highly recommend this book:

It also helps that as I read, I got serious about constantly reapplying Lipstick Queen Medieval Tinted Treatment and Five Minutes of Fame Gloss in 3 Minutes. Get amongst it.

Some burning life questions I'm pondering right now:

When did 'Stacie The Bartender' become 'Stacie, Kristin's Friend' on the Hills?

Why am I not sitting in a cushy corner office with a team of assistants at my beck and call? I've toiled at this corporate game for long enough.

Why does Ke$ha have such awful hair?

Why is the MAC in Lillyland collection going to be an online exclusive? I like perving and playing with new collections on counter.

Where is my stila kitten eyeshadow? It has seriously gone MIA.

Will we be getting Jersey Shores here? I am simply aching to watch.

If you can help me to solve any of my current first world dramas, I'd be much indebted to you. xx

An open letter.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:28:00 +0000

Dear Serena,

I'm not going to lie, I was a little bit sad when I realised I wouldn't be seeing you tonight at Melbourne Park. You're meeting Samantha Stosur soon and look, I like her, but she is severely lacking in the blingy manicure department. I hope you win and keep bringing that glama to the court.

I notice you've been in Melbourne for days now and you still haven't called me to go get our nails did. S'orright. I understand you've been busy, frolicking on centre court and setting up for another Aus Open win this year. You go, girlfriend. I support you.

We talked about your leopard nails last week and I'll be honest - I've been a bandit for the photo agencies lately, checking madly to see what kind of manicures you've brought to Melbourne.

I can't find anything, and judging by this shot from the other day, I'm guessing you're in a similar boat to me right now - lamenting the horrid state of your cuticles, cursing your hellish schedule lately, and pining for a much-needed manicure?

Call me, okay? You can't possibly think of winning that title again without a statement manicure. I'm totally free for some pampering. xx

Be still my beating heart.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:15:00 +0000

I am not ashamed to say I am loving Serena Williams' leopard print nails SICK.

(In Sydney on Jan 10.)

They are so trashy and so right.

Meanwhile, not long now until I am sitting courtside at the Aus Open! Serena, please ensure that you and your fabulous manicure are on centre court when I'm there. Okay? Cheers.

image thanks to daylife.com

Really just a whinge-fest masquerading as a blog post.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:55:00 +0000

I returned to work this week after having a blissful ten days off, where the only activities I actioned were delightfully idle ones like lazing around the house, flexing some credit at boxing day sales, watching chick flicks whilst happily ensconsced in my lounge room with an icypole for company, making best friends with the airconditioning. You get the picture.

The process of returning to my corporate prison this week, to the dreary mundanity of 9-5 life, is getting me down, people. Suddenly I'm back to wearing clothes with a real waistband, waking up before the Today show has finished, and slapping on a full face of makeup every day. Before 8am. It's hard to believe this time last week I was probably curled up on the couch having an afternoon disco nap.

I am hopelessly envious of all you layabouts who still have the good fortune to be swanning around leisurely on holiday time. It feels like everyone else is enjoying a lazy January while I bask in fluroscent light all day long. This week has been so ridiculously difficult. Do you know I let my hair go unwashed for three days after Christmas? I know what you're thinking. Revolting. Truth be told, it is Liberating. Thank the heavens for dry shampoo and ballerina buns.

This morning, as I slapped on foundation (stila oil-free natural finish FYI - it's lovely), patted some cream blush on my cheeks (MAC sweet william blushcreme, in case you're interested) and carefully applied my lippie (MAC long stem rose slimshine - so pretty), I suddenly felt so tired. I know first world dramahs like post-holiday-blues do pass eventually, but right now, I need to wallow. Good thing I slapped on some fake tan and nail polish last night – imagine how low my spirits would be if I were pasty and unmanicured right now!

Let's pop into a time machine and revisit my time off. Let's all dream of sweeter and happier days, where daytime TV reigns supreme, bulging Outlook calendars are but a distant memory, and there's always leftover Christmas pudding in the fridge.

Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 in Shade 01, $69 from Mecca

Last week I used this stuff nonstop. Sure, It doesn't have the oil-controlling, superbly mattifying prowess that my work makeup does. It doesn't look good on me past a few hours, it makes my face look like an oil slick when it's decided it's had enough of playing nice on my face. But jeepers, while it's good, it's GOOD. It's uber dewy so I set it with MAC blot powder (my saviour) and chucked some bronzer on over the top (I was loving my stila sun pressed bronzing powder last week). You know those times when you just want to pop out of the house for a spot of shopping, or a catchup with a girlfriend, or a movie? This was perfect for those times when I just wanted to look like I had great skin, if only for a few fleeting hours.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer body mist sunblock

This stuff is my favourite sunscreen for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it's an aerosol spray can! Welcome to the future. Things don't get niftier than this, truly. This stuff is light and easy and reliable and convenient and I tore through my supplies of this stuff last week. I strongly believe I used almost a whole can on New Year's Eve. (Happy late year everyone, by the way!) I also like using its older sister on my face, the dry touch ultra sheer something sunscreen with helioplex thing. I'm far too lazy to look up the exact name, cut me some slack tiger, I should be snoozing in front of Oprah right now.

Sportsgirl 'You can't judge a book by its cover' palette for lips, eyes & face

Ohh, hello lover. Last week it just seemed that things like coordinating colours and choosing eyeshadow shades might be too taxing on my fuzzy, post-Christmas brain, and then this little palette came into my life and made things right again. Look at those colours! So summer worthy. These palettes remind me so much of the Too Faced quickie palettes (which I LOVE) – they are just so nifty. There's no guesswork involved. There's no opening compacts and looking for that blush shade and wondering where that eyeshadow disappeared to. I couldn't save a photo off the Sportsgirl site, so I even took my own picture to show it to you. That's how much I care. (Spot my pink leopard print mousepad in the background. It's amazing.) I spotted these on sale on Boxing Day so if you're lucky to find one, do yourself a favour and snap it up, quicksticks. And may I just mention, how impressed I am with Sportsgirl's very excellent makeup range? I have loved everything from the range. Interesting trivia: I used the Sportsgirl mango bodywash this morning. I bet you're grateful I shared that.

Unico leave in spray ($21.95 from adorebeauty) and hair serum ($22.95 from adorebeauty)

I am going to be quick here - this stuff is amazing. Let's be honest people - holiday hair, it doesn't always look good. It's generally messy and lazy and low-mai, and my hair was all of those things last week, but in the best way possible. I barely blowdried my hair all week, instead embracing my natural curl and using that hair-styling time to action more important tasks, like baking a birthday cake for my sister and reading overseas mags on the verandah. Both these products kept my hair smooth and happy and unfazed in the face of high temperatures. These products are SO good they deserve their own blog post, which they will get. ASAP. (Bosses who tack on ASAP to the end of every sentence - Fools.)

Lipsmacker in Cotton Candy

Nostalgia is the most powerful aphrodisiac, people. I was given a pack of SIX lip smackers for Christmas and golly, it takes me back. Remember collecting these in primary school? Cotton Candy makes me feel like a little girl again. Don't think I didn't also use the Bubblegum one all week, too.

OPI Chapel of Love and Zoya Barbie nail polishes

I do believe I mentioned how pretty Zoya Barbie is in my Christmas post - I was loving it sick last week. It is such a gorgeous pale pink that made me feel like a lady. No mean feat, people. Chapel of Love is the most adorable pink that has a tinge of watermelon or something in it and made my toes look like they were born to be on holidays.

I am off to the beach this weekend (mini break!) and am packing all of the above to take with me! I'll be spending the weekend on a magical little island where penguins roam free and teen superstars dine at local cafes - too bad Miley has gone home, I honestly thought her and I would galpal around Phillip Island together. Sigh. There's always next year. In the meantime, picture my beach weekend as looking something like this:

Happy weekend! x

ho ho HO

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Happy Chrismukkah you guys! (HOLLER if you love and miss the OC.)

I am a filthy cranky little blogger today as I realised that blogger chewed up my beautiful little gift ideas post earlier this week that I so earnestly slaved over - who's a naughty blog host? You, blogger. Keep this up and we'll break up.

But rage and anger are so not festive so let's put it to the side.

I love this time of year – I loosely observe a Retail Christmas*, meaning that in late October or early November I start thinking about the important issues in life. Namely:

What’s on my Christmas list.

What I'm going to buy for everyone else.

How I’m going to decorate my Christmas cupcakes.

What kind of decorations I’m going to work with on my tree.

What kind of cookies I can bake and approximately how many kilos of Christmas pudding I can consume before I start to look like a pudding.

How many hours I will spend tinsel-papering the lounge room with my little nephew. The level of intense amusement and fascination with a $2 strand of tinsel is extraordinary.

What kind of cartoon-themed advent calendar I can buy for boyfriend – you’ll be pleased to know he had a Simpsons one this year.

* Side note: As well as a Retail Christmas, I endorse a Retail Easter - it means that you can eat hot cross buns in January! Winner.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas/festive season - I had a cracker. Hah. Getit? Cracker. Plenty more where that came from, people.

Don't think I don't have a pink tree - you'd be WRONG.

Don't assume I painted my nails a nice Chrismassy red - you'd be sorely mistaken. Instead, I painted them my most favouritest pink ever, OPI Strawberry Margarita. I tried capturing it in all its Barbie splendour and to show how it's almost a perfect match for my tree, but I failed. Or my phone failed, rather. Oh wells.

Interesting fact: I received Zoya Barbie in my Christmas stocking and it's a gorgeous pink creme. It's on my toes right NOW. I had to paint them as soon as I got home on Christmas night, I was that excited.

Don't think I didn't eat one of these cupcakes before the icing had even set. Om NOM NOM. You know it.

Don't think I didn't buy my niece a Britney onesie at the concert. In fact, if you think I pillaged the merchandise stand, you'd be CORRECT.

Don't think my man doesn't know the way to my heart - I am SO kitted out and am loving it sick.

On a side note, thank goodness I'm done buying gifts for awhile. That one for me, one for you game I love to play is HELL on the hip pocket.

Gifts and a Consumerist Christmas aside, my favourite things about Christmas this year have been the smallest pleasures - decorating the tree with boyfriend (it's an immaculate black and silver monstrosity, I am immensely proud), Christmas baking with my dear mother, playing tinsel games with my nephew... it really is the sweetest time to spend some time with the ones you love. I hope you did just that. xx

ps. My friend would like to pop her head in...

That's all.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope Santa was good and your turkey hangover wasn't too intense. Be safe. x

Paging great hair to aisle 3

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:59:00 +0000

Do you know I worked in a supermarket for about seven or eight years? Geez. That's a long time to work under harsh fluroscent lights, people. Even now, years have passed and the sound of service calls or tills banging shut still makes my skin crawl.

It wasn't all doom and gloom though! I'm so grateful I spent so many years of school/uni there - without my humble little weekly paycheck, I wouldn't have bought nearly as much makeup over the years. I wouldn't be as fast at counting wads of cash, which will no doubt come in handy one day when I'm filthy rich and famous and need to count out my dosh to bathe in. Nor would I have read all the mags for free while munching on 'damaged' easter eggs, or cruised the health and beauty aisles regularly looking for newies.

The health and beauty aisles of the supermarket have certainly come a long way - it used to be slim pickings, but now there's a whole host of priceline-y brands for your perusal. Supermarkets have been the site of some of my favourite beauty purchases - like Palmers shea butter body wash, Covergirl Lash Blast mascara, or Garnier Clean sensitive something-yadda-yadda makeup remover. Is it just me, or are those late night dashes to the shops hell on the hip pocket? You pop in to buy bread and milk and end up buying three deodorants, a body wash and a mascara.

The other day when I was raving about the Pantene 3 minute miracle treatments it occurred to me that I should stop glossing over my other supermarket faves. They're all very worthy and very cheap and very friendly and would probably really like it if you gave them a whirl. Don't be mean. I'm sure there's room in your bathroom.

Pantene 3 minute miracle treatment, available in single packs ($2.99) and a 3-pack ($7.99)

I don't have much else to say about this stuff except for Get On It. See here and here. That is all.

Herbal Essences long term relationship shampoo, conditioner and treatment

This stuff isn't actually an impulse purchase, rather, I was a lucky little beauty blogger and was sent these to try. Aww. Cheers, dudes. Good choice, because I am a tough taskmaster when it comes to hair products - Simon Cowell ain't got nothing on my harsh words of judgement.

I used the old Herbal Essences for years in high school, that green one, mostly because I loved the smell so much. With this one, please note, the smell is ahhhhhmazing. My god. When I opened the package I initially thought a bottle must have leaked because I could smell it instantly. Herbal Essences, you had me at 'a fusion of red raspberry and satin'. Hello, I would like to be the person who comes up with these phrases. The actual name, in my opinion, is a little bit gimmicky (don't be turned off, I certainly think this stuff is great for you short-haired people, I will not discriminate) but seeing as I am a vulnerable consumer and a sucker for marketing hyperbole, there is no doubt I would have been sucked into purchasing this at the supermarket.

I have quite oily, long, fine hair - every hairdresser tells me 'it's fine but there's lots of it', whatever that means - and I have trouble finding products that feel like they're doing a decent clean but don't weigh it down. This shampoo is a triumph and gives me a very clean feeling without stripping. The conditioner was a little bit heavy on my hair but had that same delicious smell and I have used it a few times when I needed that extra OOMPH in the nourishing department. As an everyday conditioner, I think it would weigh my hair down but I have really enjoyed alternating. Today's life lesson: Switch your haircare up. It's key.

The treatment is the bomb diggity, it's quite thick and gloopy and has a great texture and just like the other products, it smells awesome. People, I know I'm nattering on about the scent but you should reserve all judgement until you sniff it yourselves. In fact, I just know that my sister, who has a deep love for heavily-fragranced 'poos and conditioners, will go nuts for this. Dear Sister, who kindly and patiently reads my blog, take heed. Get on this. See you at Christmas and bring me a pretty present. xx

Fact: I used the treatment one night, went to bed and the next day wore my curls AU NATURAL, WITH NO PRODUCT (who does that? not I) and they actually looked quite soft and tame. Epic win. And it's so cheap you won't be scared to really smother your hair in it. I was really quite rapt with this range, to be honest. I will definitely purchase when these run out.

Fact: Flossie.com and Herbal Essences are offering the chance to win your very own Life Cast – CUTE.

Organic Care normal balance conditioner, $3.45

I bought this on a whim, on one of my late night 'pop in visits' when I found myself cruising the haircare aisle aimlessly. I took note of the price and to be honest, I bought it in a fit of disbelief and skepticism, because I refused to believe that they could sell a shampoo that is paraben free, free of petrochemical cleansers, etc etc, all of the good stuff, for a measly few bucks. I wanted to see if it was actually rubbish and boy DID I EAT SOME WELL CONDITIONED HUMBLE PIE. This stuff is hella good. It's light and gentle and if you want an intensely nourishing deep condition, stop reading this paragraph and forget about it. If you want a light conditioner, this stuff is great. I have so much trouble finding conditioners that don't weigh my hair down and this is a gem. So fab for oily hair. I will be trying the shampoo next. I mean, if I can scrounge up a few bucks and all.

Tresemme 24 hour body volumising mousse, about $10?

I actually saw the spray gel reviewed on Zoe's Primped blog, and like the obedient little reader I am, I took NOTE of her glowing rave and hotfooted it to the shops to snaffle myself one. Sadly, I couldn't find the spray gel, but I found the mousse. And it all worked out sweetly in the end, because I love this stuff! I had been using Tigi Root Boost, but I actually prefer the Tresemme. It doesn't make my roots oily and I notice a difference when blowdrying. It works. It's cheap. It's got pink on the bottle. It's a keeper. I need to try the spray gel version too, I saw it in a mag the other day so it had better be on the shelves now. Or else.

I hope you find some budget haircare inspiration here and this brings a little bit of love to your supermarket trolley. Happy weekend! x

Breaking news: Taylor got her GHD on.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:43:00 +0000

I don't think I've ever seen Taylor Swift with straight hair. Have I? Or maybe I just haven't cared enough to notice.

Anyhoo, I am developing a bit of a soft spot for Taylor, and it has nothing to do with Kanye bullying her. I don't know, I am starting to come around to her, maybe it was her cute and self-deprecating SNL monologue?

Irrelevant!

Let's talk about her locks.

Here she is, out in NYC on Wednesday night with shiny straight hair, and out the night before with her trademark curls.

What do you think? I really like it. Props to you for mixing it up, Taylor. Now please stop staying out late on school nights.

p.s. Taylor, your like-named boyfriend is a bit cute.

In other breaking news, I am wearing OPI Nicole Alert on my fingies and it's such a delightful non-fluro, non-gaudy orange. That is all.

images thanks to gossipcenter.com

Gaga Watch: Lady, meet Queen.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:14:00 +0000

(At the Royal Variety Show in the UK last night.)

I wonder what Lizzy thought of Miley's hotpant-wearing, crotch-loving performance? The mind boggles.

image thanks to dailymail.co.uk

Happy Monday! Or not.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:18:00 +0000

I think Garfield said it best, really.

But people, I am here to temper your Monday doldrums with the most delicious piece of news...

My beloved Pantene 3 minute miracle treatments are now available in single packs!

Cue applause.

I love these treatments - if you haven't tried these already, I will not sugarcoat it, you are Missing Out. I really cannot fault it - it's so quick and simple and cheap and I did one on Saturday, then blowdried my hair and spent the entire afternoon stroking my hair. I love myself.

They are a measly $2.99 and from memory, the 3-packs are $7.99 - obviously I think you should stock up on 3, but if you are hesitant about trying this, the universe has stomped its feet in an ultimatum and given you no excuse. $2.99. Seriously. Get. On. It.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Jess Alba, she of the ever-changing hair colours, is totally loading her trolley up with these. Next time you're grocery shopping and avoiding the paps, as you do, throw one in your trolley and THANK ME LATER.

Sometimes, life feels better with a tan.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:38:00 +0000

No disrespect to our fair-hued sisters – after all, I AM one of youse – but honestly, sometimes I just feel better when I get my bronze on. It lifts my spirits and gives me a new brown canvas to work with, it lets me wear oft-neglected colours and nail polishes that might normally look garish on my extremely fair skin. It is my honest opinion that everything looks better with a tan, at least on me. And it's my blog girlfriend, so cop it, my opinion is gospel on this page.

There are, of course, those immaculately-porcelain-skinned girls, you know the Christina Hendrickses and Cate Blanchetts of this world, that serve as constant pale inspiration and make me feel better about not boasting a natural sunkissed colour. But this time of year I start to get a little wriggly and anxious and I start reaching for the fake tan and slapping it all over my pasty limbs before bed. And painting my toes regularly. And reaching for the epilator. Golly goshballs, summer can be hard work.

Tanning is big business – I believe I have tried approximately 9672 fake tanners over the years and have honed my favourites down to a select few that I consistently repurchase. I am still powerless in the face of a new product though (I know, surprising) and am always scouring the shelves for new tanners. And the application! Oyyyyy. Do you want a spray, a mousse, a gel, a lotion, wipes? Do you want a gradual tanner or BAM deep colour overnight? Do you want a bronzer in it? Do you want a colour guide or do you want to take a leap of faith? (I envy anyone who can tan without a colour guide – you are clearly 600% more clever and competent than myself and perhaps you should be writing this blog post.)

As a general rule, I like a lotion/gel/mousse, I like a colour guide and I like a deeeeep colour. I want brown, brown, browner than brown, although I do believe I am happy (desperate) enough to settle for a mildly tangerine hue sometimes. I don't really abide by the 'natural' fake tan – that is, a delicate lightly bronzed hue that is only a few shades darker than your natural colour. If that floats your boat I am immensely happy for you low-key types, but If I'm going to fake tan, my god I'm going to do it properly. And by properly, I mean I like to make it glaringly obvious that THIS ISN'T MY NATURAL COLOUR.

THE GRADUAL TANNER / TANNERISER

This is probably my favourite because it is simple. And fairly foolproof. Given that I am the type to slap my tan haphazardly on before bed and hit the sheets praying for the best, I am of the firm belief that this stuff was created just for me. I know it. I also like that tannerisers tend to be so cheap – there is such an amazing supermarket range, practically every brand is on the tanneriser train. If you would like to slap this stuff on in the morning before you toddle off to work/uni/lawn bowls, I think it's totally doable given that the stench isn't as abhorrent as it is with the more intense tanning varieties. It was borne of a fairly simply concept – fake tan mixed with moisturiser. Applied as you would your daily body moisturiser (RELIGIOUSLY), over a few nights it will gradually (geddit?) build up your colour, sneaking up on you and surprising you with a delicious hint of colour. So sweet. I love surprises. Even when you expect them. Kinda.

Palmer's Natural Bronze (about $8? $9? Less than a tenner. From Priceline and some supermarkets.)

If you don't like that signature Palmers cocoa butter scent, you won't want to purchase this, although I am fairly certain there is an unscented variety? Or I just made that up. Anyhoo, I'm quite partial to the cocoa butter fragrance, and I like that it covers up that ghastly fake tan stench. Of course, I don't think you can ever 100% eradicate that godawful stench (although St Tropez gets mad props for doing their darndest lately), but this makes a decent go of it. The colour is the real star here though – it is a lovely brown.

Dove summer glow, (about $7 I think.. from supermarkets/Priceline/etc.)

Do you know I saw this on special at Woolies for $5 the other day? Five bucks, people. That's less than lunch. Epic win. I use this in the normal to dark variety (I have no qualms with skin that screams LOOK AT MOI I FAKE TANNED YOU GUYZZZ) but it also comes in one for fair to normal skins. So considerate. What is 'normal', anyway? I'm not sure if it comes in a massive pump pack this year but a couple of years back I bought a ridiculously hefty 700ml pump bottle and kept it on the bathroom sink all summer long. Delightful. I personally think this one smells horrid but that's personal preference. At least they have attempted to mask the stench, it kinda smells like… biscuits? Which might tickle someone's fancy I spose. Maybe the same person that emptied the biscuit jar in the work kitchen earlier. NOT COOL.

THE HARDCORE TAN

Sometimes, you need to get a serious bronze on. I use these if I don't have time to sit around waiting days for my gradual tanners to cough up and give me some decent colour, or if I'm doing a last-minute, hasty night-before tan. Honestly, I detest the actual business of serious fake tanning – I hate the mess and the tricky bits like feet and hands and back and I hate the inevitable mistakes I have to fix and the splotches I leave on the bathtub (oops) and the mess left on my sheets. (I have designated fake tan sheets FYI. And fake tan PJs. Get. On. It.) However, most of these first-world dramas that consume my grooming life are due to my own inadequacies, so I've no doubt there are lots of normal people in this world who fake tan easily and quickly with no mess or roadblocks. Good for you, tiger.

St Tropez self tan bronzing mousse ($43.95 from adorebeauty.com.au, Priceline, DJs etc)

This stuff has been my love for so long. SO long. I still haven't actually tried their new unscented (hold me, I am aching to know if this stuff is genuinely stink-free) version but it sounds uber promising. I think St Tropez should really shoulder the blame for turning me into a fake tan lover, it was the first tan I tried where I was truly, truly rapt with the colour. It's green-based and melds into a lovely true brown once it develops. It's buildable so you can do more than one layer. My only beef with this is that it's expensive for what you get – it might just be me (highly likely), but I find that a bottle of the mousse doesn't go very far. Well, not far enough for me to keep repurchasing it that often. But I love the mousse texture. I really love everything about this tan.

(FYI I bought some St Moriz tan off ebay not long ago – it's a cheap UK pharmacy brand that basically rips off St Tropez and I loved this too – not as amazing as St Tropez but a very decent attempt. You can't buy it here but you can find it on ebay for about $10 a bottle if you're lucky? Nifty. Frugal.)

Fake Bake original self-tanning lotion ($45.95 from adorebeauty.com.au)

This stuff is HARDCORE. It's the brownest brown. It's very fluid and easy to apply, you can get great colour in one night (although I personally find that doing it over two nights is PERFECTION) and one bottle lasted me ages. I will be trying the Xtreme gel next, and I am positively giddy with anticipation. This also comes in mousse form. The only thing is… you really, really have to wear gloves with this stuff because it WILL stain your fingers in the most malicious fashion, and I hate wearing gloves when tanning – they don't glide! They don't blend. They rip. They feel icky.

On that note, because I tend to shun gloves when I fake tan, the biggest saviour is a decent cuticle remover. I use Creative Cuticle Eraser, and this stuff is amazing if you get that tan buildup (ew) around your nailbeds. I also keep Solvol soap in the bathroom to scrub my hands with.

THE ULTIMATE OUTSOURCE

Nothing beats a professional spray tan. NOTHING. I wish I could afford to get sprayed regularly – it's one indulgence I tend to save for special occasions. It's always flawless. It's always brown. It's always hassle free and my palms are spared the heartache of copping the full brunt of fake tan stains. I get Tuscan Tans and if you're in Melbourne, email me and I will totally hook you up with a recommendation. I also love, love, LOVE the tinted tan extender from their product range – initially I thought this was such a gimmick product, just an overpriced instant bronzer, but it EXCELS. It's a fab lotion that has great pigment to it, so if your tan is starting to look patchy or severely faded, this will pick it right back up and make everything even and bronzed and happy again. Even if you don't get spray tans, I would highly recommend this stuff.

Happy tanning! And just remember, no matter how bad the smear, streak, or patch – at least you don't have millions of people GUFFAWING over your fake tan debacles.

I love you Lilo! And I can't wait to try your fake tanner next. Can someone bring it to Australia already?! x

The one where I sobbed over a pigment.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +0000

This drawer is two things.

NUMBER ONE

An abomination of a dresser drawer, and a dirty dirty secret, it being my horribly untidy 'Basics Drawer' in which you can find me rummaging every single freaking morning for that perfect long deep-v neck black top to go underneath that sheer blouse, or that perfect fitted eggshell cap-sleeve tee to wear underneath that dress. It's an embarrassingly tangled melange of all the basics I need to construct my typically Melbourne (black! black! do you have blacker than black?!) heavily-layered wardrobe and despite my most concerted, laborious efforts on a weekend to sort it and fold everything neatly, GUARANTEED after a few days it's one big hot mess again.

NUMBER TWO

The scene of the most horrifying cosmetic crime ever committed in my bedroom and a SOBERING reminder to all time-poor makeup lovers - do not leave a dresser drawer open while you are playing with some makeup on top of your dresser, because inevitably you will be so busy and important and rushed and butterfingers that you spill your beloved jar of limited-edition MAC Lovely Lily pigment ALL OVER THOSE CLOTHES and this will leave your treasured, can't-live-without-staples, basics drawer looking a little bit like a hypercolour t-shirt revival.

I positively adore Lovely Lily pigment and I swear, some small part of me knew this was coming, because it was just the other day I was using Lovely Lily for the millionth time, and noticing that I had barely even grazed the top of the jar, and I was chortling to myself and merrily basking in the fact that this little jar of lilac-y goodness would probably last me the rest of my life, and I was so looking forward to being a 90-year old nanna smearing pale purple pigment all over my wrinkly lids and heading down to the shops with matching shopping cart and entitled senior attitude. And now, I am left with the most horrifyingly humble remains in the bottom of the jar, maybe about a tenth of the product?

I am, however, taking solace in the fact that MAC are bound to re-release Lovely Lily, or at least roll that same colour out again under a different name, as they so often do, bless their dear little colour-collection-recycling hearts. For now, I suppose I'll keep using the remains of my jar with a heavy heart and putting lids back carefully on every single product I use, immediately.

Between this and the devastating, heartbreaking Wallabies loss on the weekend, I am a very sad little disheartened blogger. Me and Brit Brit, I think we look totally alike here:

Pastel hair streaks: would you?

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:04:00 +0000

Take note! Fairy floss hair is here. Just like I noted back in September.Yay! Beauty trend soothsayer? Sadly no, just an avid purveyor of celeb photo agencies and FIEND for any sniff of a new beauty trend. Fairy floss-esque pastel streaked hair appeared on none other than Miss Lady Gaga months ago, only to pop up on the Proenza Schouler runway soon after.

And now Miss Ashley Olsen has opted for a slightly more refined version of the fairy floss 'do, and not that I'm saying Gaga and Ashley are realistic, accessible trend-setters, I sniff a trend coming on. Although I have to say, I find Ashley's style a touch more accessible than Mary Kate's. I find Ash a little more classic (read: non bag lady) and er, fit for public consumption. Not that there's anything technically wrong with hobo chic, MK. Work it like you own it, girlfriend.

Here's Ashley, hanging out with some chick in the leopard that looks suspiciously just like her, at MoMa's Second Annual Film Benefit honouring Tim Burton the other night:

I am decidedly mixed on the hair streaks - what do you think? I'm not sure I'll be attempting this anytime soon, there was a brief period in my high school life where I took a style clue from Christina Aguilera circa Come on over baby and put these trash-tastic hot pink streaks underneath my hair, only to have them fade to a baby pink after a few days. Man, they hung around like a bad smell. By the time I got the last remnants of bleach out from under my hair, Christina was already onto her fabulous dark-tressed dirrrrrrty phase. Like they say, been there, done it in pink, learned from it. Not sure I'd venture into candy-hued streaking territory again. It's true, people - life is a learning curve!

Greetings, from Sweat Fest 2009!

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:33:00 +0000

Hey, weather gods. WHAT UP. What have you been doing to the good people of Melbourne lately? I'm over this heat. I'm like a delicate flower, I might wilt. I can't handle stepping outside to get the paper and immediately starting to sweat like a bitch on heat. I can't handle that we get a bit of respite for a day or two, and then BAM, get your slippery on and indulge in a little complimentary public sauna. It's November! I need a good night's sleep. I need a spray tan but I really don't trust myself to not sweat it off immediately after application.

And quite frankly weather gods, I believe I have a basic human right to be able to buy a body butter in NOVEMBER. It's lucky for YOU and your unseasonably high temperatures this year that I have a new love by way of body care, and this new love is so delightful that I don't even care about smothering myself in goo, something I normally abhor in the middle of a heatwave. I usually can't handle body buttering myself at night in this kind of heat, sure, sometimes I'll pop a light lotion on in the morning and hope it doesn't pool around my dips and crevices by mid-morning. But slapping on a heavy cream at night when you know you're going to be sweaty and cranky and tangled in a mess of sheets from all that tossing and turning and waking up every hour? Nuh uh.

I normally reserve those thick and indulgent body butters for a cold winter's night after a long, luxurious hot bath, and it will usually be teamed with fresh pajamas, fresh sheets, and a hot water bottle. But Korres Jasmine Body Butter is so nose-tickling delightful that I have been smearing it all over my bod every single night lately. It's not sticky. Sure, it's got a thick and nourishing texture but it's not stifling and it doesn't feel like it's sweating into my sheets.

(Jasmine body butter, $34.95, from kitcosmetics.com)

To be quite honest, I don't find the Jasmine shower gel to be much chop, it's a touch underwhelming, but hot DIGGITY, the body butter is nose-tickling, arm-lickingly, sniff-me-I'm-a-floral, DELICIOUS.

Thank you, Korres, for keeping my skin hydrated in this heat. You have broken down the barriers of seasonal body care and gone where no other body butter has ever dared. xx

All eyes on me in the centre of the ring...

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:03:00 +0000

I am off to see Britney tonight, and suffice to say, I haven't been this excited since I realised you could buy pump lids for MAC foundations.

So may I present… my favourite Britney moments over the past ten years or so. As the pop princess would say (mime), or rather, her management/puppeteers would decide she should say:

IT'S BRITNEY BITCH.

#1/ The Oops! …I Did It Again clip.

She made grown men shift uncomfortably in their seat and 15 year old girls smear powder blue shadow all over their lids and iron their hair straight. Or was it just me? Seriously, I cannot think of a better Brit clip. Although Toxic was one amazingly hot mess. Ditto Womanizer. Anyhoo! Oops gets number one from me, I just can't go past a corny Titanic mid-song reference. Astronauts! Red vinyl catsuits! Suspiciusly wig-like hairpieces! Delicious.

#2/ Crossroads.

Was there ever a more shamelessly indulgent chick flick? It was corny and cringeworthy and lame and I loved every single second of it. It had it all you know, tears, heartbreak, journeys of self discovery, small-town girl with star-like singing ability being horribly stifled by overprotective father, high-school baby scandals, impromptu musical breaks, talent quests. Geez. It even comes with a bonus (fleeting) Kim Cattrall scene. Fact: I own this on DVD.

#3/ Her 2008 MTV Video Music Awards comeback.

Fact: This was my wallpaper on my work computer for at least a week. Brit came back from a divorce, a breakdown, a hospitalisation, a no-panties flashing incident, a car-attacking incident with an umbrella, and claimed 3 awards. In Brit's world, nothing says 'I'm fine' like some fresh highlights, a hot frock and a fresh manicure. This time, all she was flashing was a dazzling set of pearly whites. Far cry from her disastrous robotic daze of a Gimme More performance the year before.

#4/ THAT Rolling Stone cover.

Say what you will about Britters, you have to admit she is the poster girl for manufactured pop. She burst onto the scene with the likes of Christina, N-Sync, Hanson, the Spice Girls, and the roll-call continues. BUT when it came to courting controversy, oh Brit, you did it like no other. The naughty schoolgirl outfit in her debut film clip? Those rumours of a boob job after that white crop top in the Sometimes clip? She was 17. That lingerie-clad, Lolita-esque Rolling Stone shoot in a little girl's bedroom? She was 17.

#5/ That kiss with Madonna.

See above point re controversy. What kills me about this is that there's Christina, massive teen superstar, looking at her very best in her Dirrrrty phase (I loved her ratty extensions and kohl-heavy eyes and chaps), totes getting pipped at the post in the attention-seeking stakes. But guys? I'm over here. Poor Christina. That pash made headlines, but rumour has it Madonna was a little bit miffed soon after when she was asked to appear in Crossroads… as Britney's mother. Tabloid 'truth' or not, that's hilarious.

#6/ Her divorce from K-Fed.

Or is it K-Fat these days? I need to read weekly mags more often to keep up. Urgh, just looking at him makes my skin crawl. Tell me I'm not the only one who did a mighty fine happy dance when the news came out that Brit and K-Fed were over. What was the attraction to begin with? He is a douchebag of the highest order and Brit, I'm so relieved it's over. Here's to greener pastures and decent men.

Of course, I am holding my breath for this reunion:

Come on, you two. It's meant to be. I'll never let it go.

The Angels are baaaaack!

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:23:00 +0000

No, not these ones:

(RIP Farrah.)

These ones!

They walk! They strut! They wear lingerie! They wink! They pose coquettishly! And they'll be back in NYC on November 19th.

Victoria's Secret have announced five new angels (Emanuela de Paula, Lindsay Ellingson, Candice Swanepoel, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Chanel Iman), and you know Chanel is one of my fave models, but the one who really caught my attention is:

Candice Swanepoel.

Is it just me, or does she remind you of Miranda?

Hmmmm. I might just be imagining it - both ridiculously genetically blessed, both have great hair, nice racks, etc etc.

VS will also be announcing a new 'regular girl' as an Angel very soon, they've been hosting a nationwide model search in the US. The top ten finalists (pictured below), are headed off to Angel Bootcamp for a few days, with the general public in the US voting for their favourite new Angel from November 9th. A democratic lingerie nation. How sweet.

Yeah, they look totally 'regular' to me.

On a side note, Heidi won't be walking in the show, but she'll be presenting. Apparently a month isn't enough time for her to get back to pre-baby booty? Who would have thought...

images thanks to nymag.com and zimbio.com

Gaga Watch: Looking for last minute headwear ideas for the races?

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Gaga at the Accessories Council's annual ACE awards in NYC on November 2nd.

Side note: I would like to be on the board of the Accessories Council. New life goal.

Gaga news byte #1:

New York photographer A.J. Sokalner died a few minutes after he snapped Gaga here. He suffered a heart attack and collapsed amongst a media scrum - so sad.

Gaga news byte #2:

In decidedly more exciting news, Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper are the latest faces of the MAC Aids Fund - their newest campaign ('From Our Lips') will break on Feb 25th, with a MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick and Viva Glam Cyndi Lipstick available in the US on March 18th, and on our shores later in March. Like all the other Viva Glam lip products, ALL of the proceeds will be donated to the MAC Aids fund. Gaga and Cyndi are in good company, with previous Viva Glam spokespersons including Fergie, Pam Anderson, Eve and Dita Von Teese.

I am so excited for their Viva Glam lippies and have to say, I am crossing my fingers that this is the start of a beautiful relationship between MAC and Gaga. Could you imagine a Gaga-inspired collection? I'm thinking Put Some Pants On Purple Pigment. Or maybe I'll leave the colour story ideas to the real MAC stars.

image thanks to zimbio.com

When cleavage-contouring goes horribly wrong.

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:31:00 +0000

I hate when bad bronzing happens to good people!

Kim Kardashian, cover of US Cosmo:

Aside from the fact I think the entire spray tan looks highly unnatural... Who the hell coloured in her cleavage with bronzer?

Compare that to this:

Hmmm.

PS. Do you know how easy it is to search for Kim Kardash pictures? I swear there is a snap of her every single day at an event. Proverbial openings of envelopes included.

PPS. I am still here. I haven't jumped ship on this blog - rather, I have a Real Life to do list that is so long I could wrap it around myself six times and dress up as a mummy for Halloween. x

images thanks to zimbio.com and gawker.com

Have I mentioned before that I hate long nails?

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:09:00 +0000

SCUSE ME, did Alexander McQueen eat a big ol' bowl of ghetto princess before sending those models out?!

I appreciate that there's some super intricate designs on the talons, to match the fabrics in the collection, but hello, super-long nails, revolting!

On a much prettier note, Dior's reverse French mani. So lady. So Dita.

I do have a very soft spot for a Dita-esque reverse French!

images thanks to allure.com and theinsider.com

'She could be a farmer in those clothes'

em@theloveofpink.com (Em) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:08:00 +0000

Ah, Paris Fashion Week. I should be there, y'know. I'd have such a merry old time, imparting hair advice to Rihanna (GET RID OF THOSE GODAWFUL HIGHLIGHTS, AND FIRE YOUR STYLIST, STAT), booing LiLo's Ungaro show in all its heart-shaped-pasties splendour, going on macaron-dates with Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld…

But I'm not. And of course, even though I'm not there and I bet Anna is missing me dearly, I suppose that as the old adage goes, the Spring/Summer 2010 shows must go on. Or something like that.

Let's talk Chanel. What a show, Karl! You little ripper. He created a barn at the Grand Palais. And he went the whole hog - we're talking dirndl dresses, clogs, straw stuck to the beautiful clothes, a few select models rolling around in hay at the end of it, the whole rural shebang.

But not just any old barn, of course. (What do you think this is? Supre?!) It was a reconstruction of the Hameau de la Reine, Marie Antoinette's play farm at Versailles. Karl is purportedly a bit of a fan of old Marie, remember that rumour that he told a member of his staff that she had lost her job, by presenting her with a caricature depicting a hand holding her decapitated head, Marie Antoinette style? Crafty.

There were some nifty little beauty happenings to coo at, of course. Some of the models even sported Chanel body art, like this special little transfer tattoo designed by the house's artistic director of makeup:

Cute! According to style.com, the transfers were outlined with Chanel's Le Crayon Khol in Blanc to make even more of an impact.

But the nails! The nails! I have already blogged about Chanel Jade, and suffice to say Chanel are kinda talon-trailblazers, and even though I don't like the formula of the Chanel polishes (and the hefty pricetag), they are very, very directional (read: clever and kinda psychic) with colours.

Even Lily Allen, all resplendent in gold and black sequinned Chanel at the show, had her digits painted in the same shade when she burst through a trapdoor (I wish I were joking) to perform on a hoedown platform at the end.

The shade is kinda similar to Gwyneth's nails at Madrid Fashion Week back in September. She trotted these out just when I thought the grey nail trend had died. Interesting observation: I don't know who that is sitting next to Gwynnie on the right, she looks hella familiar, but she is totally wearing Chanel Jade, and she is totally eyeballing Gwyneth's taupey-grey nails.

And Gwyneth is totally looking all smug, while ol' green-pawed rightie there seethes..

Like most 'innovative' Chanel colours, you can usually find similar shades in earlier offerings from salon brands like OPI, Essie, CND, etc. No doubt Chanel will roll out this shade with their Spring beauty offerings, maybe with the fanfare accompanied Chanel Jade - that little green pocket rocket debuted on counter here with a waiting list. No offence Chanel, I love you, I dream of your 2.55 bags and boucle jackets and I heart your Glossimer lipglosses and I love my little Chanel mirror that goes everywhere with me, but I won't be racing to pay $38 for this.

You will, of course, remember Karen Walker models sashaying down the runway this year with nails of a soft muted grey hue (this was done by layering Creative nail polishes). And honestly, grey nails aren't anything new. They've been here. We've dallied with them. There was of course, China Glaze Recycle:

And on a more taupey note, last year, as part of OPI's fall France collection, You Don't Know Jacques:

I personally don't know how I feel about the Chanel polish. I can't even describe the colour properly, dude. What is that, a soft taupey grey lavender thing?

Obviously it has a little bit more of that lavender purple tinge to it, to set it apart from previous grey offerings. Personally, it is my expert opinion that you could achieve this kind of shade by mixing the aforementioned Recycle or You Don't Know Jacques with this purpley delight from the same France collection, Parlez-Vous OPI? (My sister has this. It's noice.)

I certainly won't be mixing polishes though. Waaaaay too labour-intensive. And I almost spilt my bottle of OPI Strawberry Margarita all over the kitchen table last night in my haste to get my talons a pretty Barbie pink hue, just like the pink Chanel haute couture frock that Cameron D wore in the Rachel Zoe Project last night. Stellar choice, RZ. Everything is better in pink.

images thanks to guardian.co.uk, stylelist.com and style.com