Spoilt

5 Minutes With ... Blair James, Bondi Sands

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:10:00 PDT

It all started in August 2012 when Australian self-tanning brand Bondi Sands launched. As it rolled out in to Priceline stores nationwide, I was introduced to Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion and fell in love. It was the perfect time of the year to transition from pale skin to bronzed hues in time for the warmer season. Having tried a number of frustrating formulas which did not work, I fell head-over-heels in love with the effective formula. With the recent launch of their Self Tanning Foam and new products in the pipeline, we were thrilled to chat with Blair James, the man behind Australia's best tanning brand...

Tell us about Bondi Sands and how the concept started... I owned a beauty salon for several years prior to Bondi Sands and spray tans were a huge part of the business, so much so that during the busy periods I had to turn customers away as we were fully booked. So I would suggest customers buy a self tanning product from the pharmacy, but the overwhelming response was that customers didn't trust the end result of self tanning products. So the answer was to produce a salon quality self tanning product and what better name than Bondi, the most famous beach in the world!

Bondi Sands tanning products smell like no other tanning product on the market. How long did it take to create and perfect this wonderful formula? The product has come a very long way from where it started. Originally our formula was a spray tan solution that we used in my salon, the solution took close to a year to produce, we then tested the spray solution in my salon for a year before converting the formula to the self tanning lotion. All up it took close to 3 years from initial idea to selling into retailers.

Bondi Sands covers all bases with cream lotions, foaming mousse and liquid sprays. Was it important to create a range of tans in different consistencies? It was always very important to offer a range of products to suit everyone. Our customers have varying results they wish to obtain from a tanning product as well as different preferences in relation to application. We have tried to make sure we have covered all bases with our current range and the new products which are not too away.

Is Bondi Sands safe to use? Yes, Bondi Sands is definitely a safe alternative to laying in the sun for hours at a time.

Based in Melbourne yourself, why did you choose to make reference to beautiful Bondi beach? There were a number of factors why we chose to use refer to Bondi Beach. Firstly we were determined to make our brand 100% Australian owned and made, We wanted to portray the quintessential relaxed beach culture we enjoy in Australia and as we have aspirations to export to the world we needed an iconic Australian image - Bondi beach was a natural choice.

Bondi Sands is actually my favourite tan ever! Will you continue to add new products and perfect the current range? Yes, we are currently working on expanding the range as we speak. Two gradual tanners will be available from September, one with SPF, along with two instant wash off bronzers. Salon owners and spray tan fans will be glad to know we also have professional spray solution in production at the moment.

How exciting! Can you name one Bondi Sands product you can’t live without and why? I have been using the Gradual Tanning Milk (without SPF) everyday since the samples arrived and it smells great, has amazing colour and is a non greasy moisturiser.

Ooh, can't wait to try it. What is your best tanning tip? My best tip is a combination of two very basic tips, Exfoliate thoroughly and use a product suited to you skin tone. Using an ultra dark self tanner on light or pale skin will result in obvious fake tan look, instead of a natural bronze glow.

If you could choose anyone to represent Bondi Sands, who would it be and why? When we think of the Bondi Sands image, we think the relaxed, carefree, natural, Australian beach girl. so the natural choice for us would be Miranda Kerr.

What can fans expect from the range in the future? We will be launching into beauty salons all across Australia this spring/summer with our new range of professional spray tan products. We will be continuing to develop self tanning products of salon quality at an affordable price while remaining Australian owned and made.

Finally Blair, what makes you feel Spoilt? I have a bit of a secret obsession with new bed linen, so I feel Spoilt jumping into bed with fresh white sheets and plenty of pillows after a hot shower.

Bondi Sands: Website | Facebook

PRODUCT REVIEW: Dermaviduals Lip Repair

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Dermaviduals Lip Repair ★★★
Price: $38.00
Size: 5g
About: lip repair balm for dry and chapped lips. Packaged in a wind-up lipstick godet.
Review: Dermaviduals Lip Repair is good for dry or chapped lips - but not great. It contains no mineral oils, silicones or preservatives, which is always a selling point for me, and contains natural waxes (shea butter, carnauba wax & bees wax). Lip Repair looks like an appealing lip balm, encased in a cute silver lipstick godet and I’m in love with the balmy scent. Unfortunately the size is not so convenient for keeping in my pocket as it is a little bulky, so into the handbag it went. Lip Repair applies over the lips with ease and glides on smoothly. The waxy texture takes some getting used to and I'll admit, I have to rub my lips together to help the product spread over the lips and blend. Generally I tend to go for a lightweight balm as I prefer the sensation and this product is a little thicker than I would usually desire. I feel the need to re-apply often because the formula tends to wear off my lips quickly. However, it does look really glossy and gorgeous when I check it out in the mirror and even photographs well as it offers a glossy finish, and after a few weeks of use I noticed lips really were noticeably softer. It did wonderful things to help my chapped lips particularly around the edges of the mouth where I experience dryness but because the formula is thick, it does not feel as pleasant to wear as other balms I have used. It almost feels like a skin barrier - like zinc. It’s maybe not the best balm to have on when eating or drinking (because it is sticky and things grab on to it), but it is effective for those with wind burnt or dry lips without the nasty preservatives.
Purchased: No.
Reviewed by: Sarah Gilchrist.

Palm Beach Collection Has a Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Palm Beach Collection has always oozed opulence and style thanks to its luxe array of unique fragrances and beautiful packaging. Just when I thought my favourite (yes my favourite) candle collection could not get any better, Palm Beach Collection re-emerges like a butterfly from its cocoon with a beautiful, fresh new look. Brother/sister duo Mike Grey and Kirsten Walker created Palm Beach Collection in 2009 to combine their love of the ocean and their home town Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches, NSW. The result: one of the country's most successful lifestyle brands home to candles and reed diffusers in 13 dreamy fragrances.

Kirsten shared the exciting news with media saying, "Palm Beach Collection has experienced exceptional growth in a short period of time and we needed to keep moving forward. We want the brand to tell the total lifestyle story so we streamlined the packaging and introduced the colour blocking on the base to differentiate between scents, we are also planning to expand the range with the release of travel tins, a pump hand soap and soap bar later this year."

In conjunction with Palm Beach Collection's brand new look is a brand new scent, Quince (and Oh. My. God. It is soooooo good)! Available in a candle and reed diffuser, their 14th fragrant blend is made up of quince, rhubarb, passionfruit, lotus blossom and white jasmine which make Quince smell like perfection. In fact I am so obsessed with this fruity new fragrance, that my poor former favourite Coconut & Lime Candle now needs to share the pedestal with Quince! It's a tough life, but that's just the way it is ...

The new-look Palm Beach Collection is now available in stores across Australia and online.

Have you seen the new collection at your local boutique?

PRODUCT REVIEW: Philip Martins Maple Rinse Conditioner

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Philip Martins Maple Rinse Conditioner ★★★★

Price: $23.40 / $38.70

Size: 100ml / 250ml

About: Hydrating conditioner suitable for dry hair and scalp. Claims to restore elasticity, nourish dry, damaged ends and untangle for smooth, shiny, more manageable locks. Packaged in a plastic bottle with pump applicator.

Review: After conditioning my hair with Maple Rinse Conditioner, my mop was left looking and feeling silky soft, smooth and full bodied, with a healthy, lustrous shine. I teamed this pH balancing conditioner with the shampoo in the same range and experienced no irritation; therefore I can confirm this duo is gentle enough to use for all skin types. I consider the price to be a little on the expensive side, yet similar to that of a high-end, professional brand. Having said that, the results are well worth the cost outlay. I would recommend Maple Rinse Conditioner to those who are interested in quality, plant-based hair care products that are safe and effective, with the ability to transform your tresses and provide essential nutrients to maintain health and vibrancy. If you like heavily fragranced products which smell natural and appealing, then give this conditioner a try. Not only does it smell great, you will be sure to achieve beautifully shiny, hair that looks and feels soft, voluminous and bouncy. The conditioner's thick, white consistency is rich and looks like a velvety mousse-like dessert, whilst featuring the same distinct, strong, sweet fragrance as the shampoo. I personally find the smell to be the only downside, because for me it is a little too overbearing, however it fades into a subtle, non-offensive aroma that perfumes my hair. I only need a small amount of product to massage into my scalp and through the strands, which instantly detangles and easily rinses straight out, leaving no build-up or greasy residue to weigh down my mane.

Purchased: No.

Reviewed by: Melanie Kuziemko, Yeah Yeah, Ragger Ragger.

Muffin Break Now Serving GF Muffins (& No Extra Charge for Soy)

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

I have always been a fan of Muffin Break. The addiction started with my introduction to their tasty sweet treats when I was about 7 years old - oh how I love a chocolate chip muffin with gooey choc pieces inside, or banana caramel with its caramel soft top. I still remember the afternoons when my mother took us grocery shopping and kept us quiet with a muffin.

But since then I have been diagnosed with both a gluten and dairy intolerance and so whilst I was enjoying soy cappuccinos from Muffin Break, I was missing their muffins. Big time. Just recently I was given very exciting news which I know others with intolerances will also be glad to discover:

1) Muffin Break no longer charges extra for soy milk. That's right folks, while most cafes are charging an extra 50c to $1 for a soy beverage, Muffin Break have made a firm decision not to charge you any extra than someone ordering dairy. Why? First of all Muffin Break understands that soy milk is a healthy milk alternative and second they have recognised the fact that many people have an intolerance to dairy. So why should we be charged more to enjoy our favourite drop?

2) Muffin Break have a gluten free muffin range. I could not believe my eyes or ears when I discovered that Muffin Break have been making gluten free muffins and I didn't even know! And check out the range ... there are so many to choose from!!! Sure, there may only be 2-3 GF flavours to choose from on any given day but at least we are starting to see variety and can confidently enjoy what we have been missing out on.

Recently the hubby and I decided to visit Muffin Break for a soy cap and a gluten free muffin. On the day we went there were only two GF muffin options available: chocolate chip and raspberry - two choices I probably would not have chosen if I had more choice but the Muffin Break team had kindly invited us to try the GF muffin range. We enjoyed the coffee as usual, and the muffins tasted better than they looked - especially after one of the team members heated them up - but I especially loved the happy smile at the end of the cup. What a way to wash it all down!

Find your nearest Muffin Break store here.

CAMPAIGN: Beyonce as 'Mrs. Carter in H&M'

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:03:00 PDT

HOT, hot, hot!!! With a body this fit, who would have thought that Beyonce just had a baby? One of the world's most loved performers is the face of UK chainstore label H&M's Summer 2013 campaign. Beyonce and H&M have teamed up to create a super sexy collection of images to promote the label's affordable new designs, and if the campaign wasn't cool enough, you must see the 90 second music video which they shot for the TV campaign. Beyonce shot Standing on the Sun, an upcoming track from Beyonce's new album at the same time as shooting the print campaign in the Bahamas.

And Bey seems to be a fan of the chainstore label too, telling media, "I've always liked H&M's focus on fun and affordable fashion. It was a beautiful shoot on a tropical island. It felt more like making a video than a commercial". At present H&M does not ship to Australia (boo), they are finally making their way to our sunny shores, with their first store set to open in 2014.

What do you think makes Beyonce so lovable?

PRODUCT REVIEW: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance ★★★★★

Price: $45
Size: 50ml
About: liquid facial primer designed to assist makeup to last longer on the skin and to brighten the skin's appearance. Packaged in a plastic squeeze tube with twist lid.
Review: Having combination skin, I usually have the issue that my foundation starts to slide off my face by lunch time, so using a primer is vital to making it look nicer for longer. Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer claims to provide a 'soft focus effect to minimise the look of imperfections with a radiant finish'. The actual primer is a slightly tinted lightweight cream and has a pearlescent sheen. Often shimmery products are the worst enemy for those with combination and oily skin, as they simply make the skin look even greasier. but not with the Radiance Foundation Primer. Once applied to the skin, it gives the skin a nice healthy glow, the sheen is nice and subtle, and not too shimmery so it doesn’t make my skin look like a disco queen. Adding foundation or tinted moisturiser on top does reduce this sheen a little, however, it still leaves the skin look luminous. Radiance Foundation Primer works wonders for making my foundation looking fresh for longer, adding several additional hours before I need to do any touch ups. It also helps stop my foundation from settling into fine lines and wrinkles which is great, especially if like me, you have ageing skin.

Radiance Foundation Primer is intended to be used as a primer, after moisturiser, but before foundation application, however some days I actually found myself using it on its own, as it simply gives my skin such a nice healthy glow and leaves my skin with a soft dewy finish when used alone. When used on its own, it also helps even out the skin tone, reducing any redness, minor blemishes and pigmentation as well as it minimises the look of the large pores I have on particular my nose, and fine lines around my eye area and my forehead. I have tried to use Radiance Foundation Primer on top of my foundation, and it works brilliantly as a highlighter on cheek bones and along my brow bone, adding a touch more sheen than when used underneath the foundation.

Radiance Foundation Primer is a lightweight cream, which spreads easily onto the skin and absorbs quickly, yet still allows enough time to work it into the skin. It is quite concentrated so only a little is needed, although more can easily be added for a little more sheen. It has next to no scent, which is a nice change, as often I find that makeup products are too over-perfumed. At $45 for 50ml this is not a cheap primer, but as it also doubles as a highlighter and really does make a duifference to the look of my makeup. This primer also ensures that I use less foundation and so I really find that this is a worthwhile investment. I really have no negatives to say about the Radiance Foundation Primer and consequently I give it top marks.
Purchased: No.
Reviewed by: Karina, Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter

PRODUCT REVIEW: Create Cosmetics Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Create Cosmetics Foundation ★★★½

Price: $42.00

Size: 30ml

About: oil-free liquid foundation designed to offer dewy skin with a medium coverage. Packaged in a plastic bottle with pump applicator.

Review: The first thing I noticed about Create Cosmetics Foundation was the thin pump bottle -I love a product that does not take up too much room in my vanity. The fact that it is plastic means that clumsy old me won't have to worry if I drop it! For the price you pay, Create Cosmetics Foundation is a good size and you can be sure to get your money's worth. The product itself is a winner. I discovered that even using the smallest amount, no more than half a pea size, was sufficient to cover my whole face. this oil-free formula contains SPF 15+ to protect your face from the sun, vitamins A, C, E to hydrate and condition the skin. These added benefits make Create Cosmetics Foundation a great foundation. I generally apply Create Cosmetics Foundation using my fingertips and blend the formula over the skin until it melts and absorbs. I have attempted applying Create Cosmetics Foundation with a sponge but the pump was a little tricky, given how quickly the contents came out so apply to the back of your hand and then transfer the product on to a sponge or foundation brush if you prefer to apply with makeup tools. For a foundation which is primarily water-based I am very impressed. After using for a few weeks I noticed that coverage lasted up to 7-8 hours a day, which was a big bonus as it meant I didn’t have to reapply if I was going out after work. I still felt like my skin was covered and appeared even without my skin feeling mask-like or cakey. With a large variety of shades to choose from at an affordable price point, Create Cosmetics Foundation range is great value for money.

Purchased: No.

Reviewed by: Brooke Simmons, Pursuit Communications.

WIN: 1 of 2 Lotus Mendes Goddess Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:01:00 PDT

We are sooooo obsessed with Sydney jewellery label, Lotus Mendes. This amazing label is home to stunning feminine designs which are unique and seem to tell a story of their own. If you ask Lotus Mendes designer Victoria Cheatham about her favourite design, she will tell you it is the Goddess Ring which she hopes to add more colours in to the range each season. Click here to read our interview with Lotus Mendes designer, Victoria Cheatham.

Available in a stunning range of vibrant and monotone hues against a silver or gold backdrop, the Goddess Ring makes for a fantastic gift idea and is perfect for those who love something so much they want to buy it in every colour!!

Win: Thanks to Victoria and the Lotus Mendes team we have two Lotus Mendes Goddess Rings (RRP $69.00 each) to give away and better yet the winner will be able to choose their favourite colour and ring size so that they can show them off their cool new street cred.

There are two ways you can enter:
1) 'Like' Spoilt on Facebook and share our Lotus Mendes image.
2) Follow Spoilt on Instagram and re-gram our Lotus Mendes image (be sure to use the hashtags!)
Competition ends Sunday 19th May 2013. Good luck!

Which colour would you choose?

Click to follow Lotus Mendes on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

PRODUCT REVIEW: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Dark

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Dark
Price: $19.95
Size: 200ml
About: self-tanning mousse, designed for all skin tones. Packaged in a plastic bottle with pump applicator.
Review: Yes... yes... yes! I am jumping for joy because my skin is looking browner and more beautiful than ever thanks to my all-time favourite self-tan brand, Bondi Sands. In 2012 I fell in love with Bondi Sands' dark and light-medium tanning lotions and thought that my skin could not look any better but their mousse-like Self Tanning Foam has outdone the lotion in so many ways. While their lotion goes on instantly and dries in two minutes, Self Tanning Foam instantly leaves the skin with colour as well but seems to go on even darker and lasts on the skin a couple of days longer. The longer this formula is left on the skin, the darker it will go so try to wear it through the day for at least six hours for best results. As the dark Self Tanning Foam is really brown, I would recommend this colour for tanned or olive skin tones. For those with fair skin like me, I recommend applying to the legs and using the lighter tone on the arms, neck and chest so that you do not feel overdone. It will also help you match your foundation a little easier because this way you will only need a bit of bronzer over the face to warm up your foundation and match the skin. The scent reminds me of Hawaii - coconuts and tropical references, however my work colleague thought I was eating finger buns which is certainly not a bad thing! For less than $20, Self Tanning Foam is so worth the money and will last a while because two pumps should do each leg and one pump per arm. You really do look like you have spent the day bronzing at Bondi Beach... although you can be confident that your tan is free from UVA rays!
Purchased: No.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara ★★★★
Price: $17.95
Size: 13.1ml
About: mascara with a curved slimline wand designed to deliver 200% more volume with no clumps for beautifully, separated lashes. Packaged in a large green mascara tube.

Review: Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara is my new go-to mascara for use on a day to day basis, because it defines my lashes, making them visibly plumper and longer. If it’s drama you’re after, then this is probably not your best option, as despite being able to apply several layers successfully, instead of creating a bold ‘va-va-voom’ effect for a night on the town, too many layers will eventually leave your lashes feeling heavy, crunchy and flaky. But if you are in need of a decent and oh so affordable daily mascara, to add a desirable fullness and length for flutter-worthy lashes that make your eyes pop, then the Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara is exactly what you need. It beautifully fans out my lashes for a soft, subtle everyday look and I wouldn’t hesitate to repurchase it, especially for the price, availability and effective results.

The buildable, clump resisting formula is not wet and runny, hence no drying time, instead its drier with a smooth, silky consistency, ideal for layering. In fact, I need two or three coats to create perfect soft, volumous lashes, which feel lightweight, flexible and look so a la naturale, while remaining totally clump-free. I have this mascara in shade number 810 Black Brown, a rich bold colour that is not over the top and suitable for daytime wear. The finish is long-wearing and my lashes stay looking fresh all day long, minus any fading, smudging, running or flaking; therefore no dreaded panda eyes. Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara is free of fragrance, so it doesn’t cause irritation to my sensitive eyes and it’s easy to take off with a simple everyday eye makeup remover.

The first thing to catch my attention when I saw this mascara was the loud, green mascara packaging with a wand, also in the same brilliant green colour. It’s typically Covergirl in design and screams Lash Blast all over. Not sure if green is my kind of colour, but there is no doubt, it will be quick and easy to find in my makeup bag. The plastic applicator brush is curved with super fine bristles positioned close together and tapering into an ultra fine tip. This allows for easy manoeuvrability from root to tip, ensuring each individual lash, regardless of how sparse, is completely separated and coated in mascara, even in the inner corners. The slimline wand is lightweight, but has sturdy cap that is comfortable to hold. I love it!
Purchased: No.
Reviewed by: Melanie Kuziemko, Yeah Yeah, Ragger Ragger.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Physicians Formula Cashmere Wear Ultra Smoothing Bronzer

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Physicians Formula Cashmere Wear Ultra Smoothing Bronzer ★★★★½
Price: $29.95
About: bronzing powder that offers skin a natural and subtle glow. Suitable for all skin types. Packaged in a cute compact with brush applicator.
Review: Physicians Formula Cashmere Wear Ultra Smoothing Bronzer is a beautiful bronzing powder that helps to warm up the skin and offer a lovely healthy glow. Although the packaging is slightly bulky, I love how it contains a brush applicator which is super handy on the go, but I personally prefer using my own. The powder contains a stunning and luxurious cashmere design which looks like different arrays of fabrics side by side and it is really eye-catching. I have used this lovely bronzer for a couple of months on a daily basis and the pattern seems to be ingrained throughout the powder because it has not worn off as the powder wears down. This bronzer is fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic, oil-free and dermatologist approved making it an all-around winner and ideal for all skin types. The formula is free from parabens but contains talc and mica. Overall I am thrilled with the result and will certainly consider purchasing Cashmere Wear Ultra Smoothing Bronzer in the future and will recommend it to those who seek a natural bronzer that can be built-upon for more dramatic wear in the evening.
Tip: Cashmere Wear Ultra Smoothing Bronzer is a buildable bronzer which starts out lightweight and very subtle so be sure to add it gradually to the skin and build up the colour and consistency as desired.
Purchased: No.

De Lorenzo 'Midnight Glamour' Novacolor Autumn/Winter Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Last year we fell in love with De Lorenzo's Autumn/Winter '12 colour campaign and it was a hit on Pinterest too!

As the warmer weather is fades and the cooler days set in, now is the time to bring out your jeans and knitwear and add a vibrant hue to you hair. This season De Lorenzo launches A/W '13 colour series, Midnight Glamour which combines rich, sultry tones with fusions of vivacious colour blocks that add a touch of glamour. Created by Australian session stylist, Sarah Laidlow, Midnight Glamour introduces a new IT hair trend: glossy hair and vibrant tones. These gorgeous hues can be achieved with De Lorenzo Novacolor, a range of low-ammonia based colour range designed to prevent fading. Click here to visit their website.

Which colour would you like to try for winter?

One To Watch: Fashionista Depot

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:48:00 PDT

Introducing Fashionista Depot, an online fashion store open 24/7 with free returns ... and up to 80% off everything, everyday! Currently home to 10 Australian designers (and hopefully many more to come), Fashionista Depot sells everything from clothes to jewellery and also hand bags.

Why is everything so affordable? Because fashion is seasonal, many brands sell products until they run low on stock or the season ends and then the brand will reduce the item cost to help it clear. Designs may not be available in all sizes or colours, but that is the luck of the draw with discounts so good!

My Shopping Experience: The Fashionista Depot team invited me to shop online and I could not wait to explore the online store and familiarise myself with brands that I had not discovered before. After falling in love with a number of designs, I had to halve the number of items to buy as they were either size 6 sample stock or larger sizes - and I am a size 8-10. When it came to placing my order, the team were more than helpful with sizing and the delivery was faster than expected as well.

Amorette 'The Mistress' Leather Trim Dress originally retailed for $195.00 but I bagged a bargain and took it home for just $50.00! SCORE! It is such a versatile piece that can be worn as a corporate or evening dress. I wore the dress to work (pictured above) and received so many comments. I wear my hair to the side so that it does not detract from the stunning open back feature.

Purple Ginger Dolly Bird Dress originally retailed for $75.00 but you will find this super cute flare dress reduced to just $35.00 which means you can afford to bag a few more bargains while you are there! I have worn this dress to work a few times, with a work colleague jumping on to Fashionista Depot straight after seeing the dress and finding out the price. I then wore it to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum where I danced on stage with Beyonce. Nice!

Now I am eyeing off Embellishment's new jacket additions, I think it is safe to say that I am obsessed with Fashionista Depot, and with affordable new products added weekly, you will be too. Click here to visit Fashionista Depot.

Which designs are you lusting over?

5 Minutes With ... Shelley Barrett, ModelCo

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PDT

ModelCo has been impressing women with revolutionary beauty products since 2002. Founded by former model agent Shelley Barrett, after seeing one too many models with bad tans and bad eyelashes, she started to imagine a range of products that would help to address these issues and many others with products that were not available on the market. 11 years on Australia's favourite hot pink beauty brand has joined forces with Woolworths on an exciting new venture that makes beauty brands more accessible to consumers. Having launched their first Woolworths Beauty Bar in Sydney CBD, ModelCo will soon be rolled out across 890 stores nationally. We chatted with Shelley about ModeCo and its exciting new venture...

Formerly a model agent, how different is life now compared to then? It’s still much the same – no day is ever the same, things are fast and frantic and I’m still running my own business. I guess the biggest change is that now I am managing retailers instead of models!

As a model agent you would have seen strange things... Nothing too out of the ordinary but there have been a great deal of models with badly applied, orange self tan!

Oh no, that's where you come in! Let’s talk ModelCo and how the brand eventuated... After seeing models at the agency with bad fake tan and crimped lashes, I launched the phenomenally successful Lash Wand Heated Eyelash Curler in May 2002 and then Tan Airbrush in a Can. I didn’t realise at that time that I was launching a cosmetics and tanning company but things escalated from there and my desire to create dual purpose, smart beauty solutions has seen an additional 150 products launched into the ModelCo range.

Congratulations, that is impressive! In a few words, how would you describe the ModelCo consumer? Smart, savvy, glamorous and fashion-forward while being down-to-earth.

With so many creative and innovative products, where do these ideas hail from? I work to create products that women want before they know they want them. I was doing the dishes with one of those washing-up brushes when I got the idea for SunSponge, I was in the back of a taxi trying to apply lip gloss when I thought of LipLights and I was applying spray deodorant when I realised I was onto something with Tan Airbrush in a Can. It’s about finding a solution to a problem – and you never quite know when one of those ‘problems’ might arise.

With thousands of makeup brands available on the market, has it been difficult to differentiate your brand? Yes and no. ModelCo has never been a trend driven cosmetics company – instead our unique selling point is that we create smart beauty and tanning solutions. We’re trying to make life easier for busy women who just don’t have time but still want to look and feel good.

And ModelCo is now even more accessible, launching in Sydney’s first ever Woolworths Beauty Bar! Could you tell us about the concept? Woolworths approached us with a new beauty concept where their aim was to make premium beauty more accessible. We loved the idea of doing all of your shopping at once - the weekly staples as well as your favourite mascara and tanning products. It makes sense! The reality is that retail is changing and we have to make our products accessible to all of our customers and the way in which they shop. Our full range will be available in a handful of key concept stores, Town Hall in Sydney being the first, as well as a selection of products in 890 stores nationally.

We think Cheyenne Tozzi and Dannii Minogue are perfect brand ambassadors! It must be a phenomenal feeling knowing that ModelCo is loved by celebrities... Absolutely. I have had several ‘pinch myself’ moments but that’s come from hard work, commitment and drive to succeed. I’ve been lucky enough to have an array of celebrity followers - Michelle Obama, Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie have all used our products but I still get a thrill seeing anyone using one of our hot pink products. It doesn’t matter whether they’re a celebrity or not, I just want people to love the product we’re producing.

Thinking of the brand’s journey in the past 10 years, what are your career highlights so far? Creating the world’s first Tan in a Can and therefore creating an entirely new airbrush tanning category is definitely a highlight as is signing international celebrity ambassadors such as Elle Macpherson and Dannii Minogue. Having these women come on board proves to me that we’re creating products people believe in.

What are your top 3 ModelCo picks? Super Tan Instant Self-Tan. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to be tanned and this is the perfect solution! It’s our deepest, darkest tan yet and develops in just two hours. Shine Ultra Lip Gloss in Striptease. I wear gloss more regularly than lipstick and this shade is definitely a favourite of mine. It also has an inbuilt mirror which makes touch-ups on the go easier than ever! Lastly I have sensitive skin and like a natural makeup look. FluidSplash Foundation is made up of 50% water so its super moisturising and it doesn’t clog my pores.

What beauty trends do you predict this Autumn/Winter? Warm, dark colours for the nails like ModelCo Nail Polish in Wine & Dine and Vampire, with a natural, subtle tan (think one shade lighter, not ‘tropical holiday’); and a bright lip to lift all of those dark colours we all tend to wear. My favourite is ModelCo Party Proof lipstick in At the Disco.

As a mum of two, what would you say to other mums who wish to start their own business? Make sure you have help to ensure everything runs smoothly! I’m in the office every day - I am a very hands-on CEO but also a hands-on mum. I’m lucky enough to have a supportive network to help out with my girls and also a great team in the office! Don’t kid yourself into thinking you can do it all yourself.

Shelley, what makes you feel Spoilt? Enjoying a coffee at my go-to, Boathouse at Palm Beach followed by a facial then having my hair and nails done. What can be better than being pampered?!

Agreed! Click here to visit ModelCo's new website and shop the range.

MBFWA: Staple The Label Spring/Summer 13-14

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Staple The Label debuted their SS13-14 collection on 12th April 2013 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia ... and boy did they turn heads! Fashion industry genius Michelle Jank fronts the label's direction for Crystalline, enlisting stunning David Jones ambassador Montana Cox to open the silvery metallic show. The theme for the show was 'factory girl' with a Scandinavian vibe. Crystalline SS13-14 show featured a futuristic spin on key trends of metallic, bold brights, subdued pastels, chain and metal. The ready-to-wear collection will be sold in David Jones stores nationally.

Hair: Darren Borthwick, Redken's Hair Director, referred to this look as 'Robo-Mod' as the Redken team created a futuristic hair vision using wigs with blunt shapes and metallic silver colour. "This look was actually inspired by a young student who I saw sitting at a cafe one day. She had white blonde hair with this sort of blunt bob with an undercut. I knew I wanted to recreate it. For the show we painted the hair silver to give that really robotic, factory-like feel. The strong cut of the fringe has a great Nordic feel to it, which I like,” said Darren backstage.

Makeup: Kellie Stratton for HUB Makeup. The creative team created a clean, fresh and translucent look, to compliment the garments, jewellery and hair.

Click here to view the label's website and shop their current collection.

WIN: Hairy Lemon Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:28:00 PDT

Do you ever need a pick-me-up after a big night out? Or do you get a case of 3 o'clock-itis? Life is as busy as ever and there’s no time to slow down and relax. Hairy Lemon to the rescue!

What is it? Hairy Lemon is an ideal formulation that helps optimise energy levels, aid the recovery process and improve mental alertness. Containing several key ingredients such as B-group vitamins and Vitamin C, plus Guarana, Ginseng and Biotin, Hairy Lemon also helps with nervous tension and stress, and provides energy. Hairy Lemon is also gluten and lactose-‐free so hallelujah to that!

Win: We love a zesty competition and Hairy Lemon should belong in every emergency kit! We have two Hairy Lemon Recovery Kits to give away, each containing Hairy Lemon tablets, yellow wayfarer sunnies, lemon scented lip balm, yellow ear buds and a bottle of water in a drawstring bag.

There are two ways you can enter:
1) 'Like' Spoilt on Facebook and share our Hairy Lemon image.
2) Follow Spoilt on Instagram and re-gram our Hairy Lemon image.

Competition ends Sunday 5th May 2013. Good luck!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer ★★★½

Price: $48.00
Size: 30ml
About: oil-free mattifying and anti-ageing pre-foundation primer that minimises the appearance of imperfections and provides targeted oil control to prepare the skin for makeup application. Packaged in a plastic squeeze tube with twist lid.

Review: I love the convenience of do-it-all solution products like Matte Perfecting Primer, but it’s lacking one important benefit I rely on, especially for daytime use, and that is SPF. Despite not defending against the sun, it’s a handy all-in-one, quick-fix that nourishes and softens my skin, prompts hydration and targets the visible signs of premature ageing. At the same time, it disguises unsightly imperfections, prevents flaking, creasing, feathering and fading whilst increasing the longevity of my makeup and essentially providing oil control qualities. As a product hailing from a luxurious, high-end brand, naturally you’d assume it’s not going to come cheap. Be that as it may, the price tag is surprisingly comparable with other professional primers of similar standard and size; therefore if cost is no obstacle and you’re happy trusting a reputable brand, then it’s worth considering. Matte Perfecting Primer indeed refines my complexion and forms a protective base, to ensure my makeup remains beautiful and lasts the distance, yet, because my skin is exceptionally oily, the matte factor doesn’t quite ring true for me. While the results are initially flawless and the melt-proof ability stops makeup sliding or rubbing off, unfortunately, I’m still dependant on blotting sessions or powder touch-ups to combat any unwanted shine, which develops irregularly. For that reason, to achieve matte perfection, it’s my opinion the Estée Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer would best suit normal or combination skin types. It does deliver for us oily-skinned folks for a short period of time but we need to be diligent in mopping up the surface slick, so our face looks fresh and dewy, rather than greasy.

Matte Perfecting Primer is fragrance-free, so it’s less likely to cause irritation, making it safe for those with sensitivity issues. The white, gel-like cream has a moisturiser consistency and is thick and silky in texture. The oil-free, antioxidant enriched formula spreads easily, over my skin and dries fast to disguise problem areas and improve the overall appearance of my complexion. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, instantly concealing pores and minor flaws, whilst plumping fine lines to develop a soft, buffed canvas that works alone or under foundation. What makes this primer different is the inclusion of mattifying properties to help correct my biggest skin concern; oiliness! Using this primer my skin doesn’t become excessively greasy within hours of application; instead it seems to soak up surplus oil from within, preventing surface residue for the most part, meaning only moderate maintenance is required to keep my makeup looking perfect for the long haul. Presented in a sleek, opalescent tube that is attractively embossed with a golden Estée Lauder logo and gold chrome lid, the product portrays supremacy and class, ultimately reflective of the prestigious Estee Lauder brand.
Tip: A pea-sized amount is generally more than enough to prep my whole face, too much just causes greasiness.
Purchased: No.
Reviewed by: Melanie Kuziemko, Yeah Yeah, Ragger Ragger.

PRODUCT REVIEW: The Body Shop Brow & Lash Gel

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PDT

The Body Shop Brow & Lash Gel ★★★★★
Price: $20.95
Size: 10ml
About: clear brow and lash gel designed to groom unruly brows and condition lashes. Packaged in a clear tube with mascara brush applicator.
Review: As a makeup artist I am really particular about my brows. While many women will not leave the house without mascara on their lashes, I am the same with brow gel. If I leave with no makeup I must at least have perfectly groomed brows, for me it's a no brainer. Although I usually purchase the same brow gel every time, it can only be purchased online so when I ran out a few months ago I raced into my local shopping centre to find one. Believe it or not it is extremely hard to locate a brow gel in department stores and could only find one - a gel I have used before and did not like. After almost giving up hope, I wandered out of MYER and saw The Body Shop and knowing that the company has an extensive makeup range, I thought I may have a chance. The assistant saw me frantically in need of something, and within moments she had introduced me to The Body Shop Brow & Lash Gel. Unsure of its texture, she applied it to my brows and I could tell the formula was not sticky and it dried quickly. Needless to say, I purchased it! Three months on Brow & Lash Gel has just run dry - it really lasts and lasts. As mentioned, the formula is soft, non-sticky, and moves with the hair/skin, ensuring comfortable wear all day. Only a little is required per application - too much and you will end up wiping it off the skin. For women who choose not to fill in or groom their brows, I would encourage you to at least use brow gel to brush and hold brows in to place. The Body Shop Brow & Lash Gel is clear, making it ideal for all brow colours. The brush applicator is a standard mascara wand, making it ideal to also groom and condition lashes. It is truly a winner and I will be purchasing more stat!
Tip: Be sure to groom brows with brow gel after applying makeup to ensure they are not ruffled up again. A little goes a long way. Brush against the direction of the brow growth and then brush down again to smooth brows down. Use a tissue to clean the mascara wand before placing it back in, otherwise the clear gel will become dirty or foundation coloured.
Purchased: Yes.

5 Minutes With ... Victoria Cheatham, Lotus Mendes

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PDT

For more than a decade, Victoria Cheatham has been passionately designing jewellery for personal expression. The Sydney-based jewellery designer came from humble beginnings, introducing Lotus Mendes to the public via street stalls and local markets. But in 2011 Victoria debuted Lotus Mendes' first collection at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week where buyers and media fell in love with the brand and the rest is history. Lotus Mendes designs can be seen featured in editorial spreads for women's magazines, fashion label campaigns and successful blogs. I love Lotus Mendes' unique designs so much, and was thrilled when Victoria took time out to chat about the brand. She is not only clever and creative, she is also gorgeous inside and out...

Hi Victoria! What made you venture in to designing jewellery? I have been creating and designing precious jewels for over 12 years for myself and for friends. It all started as I never wanted to be seen in the same piece as anyone else. I craved uniqueness and individualism so I would sit in my studio for hours creating and designing. I would sell one-off pieces that I had made, which at the time was difficult given that every piece of jewellery had a magical element to it. The response to my pieces has always been amazing - creating jewellery was a force or a calling if you like for me. It is about making women feel and look amazing and that appreciating the magical element of jewellery would unleash a power within themselves. My passion is for others to feel what I felt when wearing Lotus Mendes - for all women to feel individual, unique and unstoppable.

In a few words, how would you describe the Lotus Mendes consumer? Precious, Powerful, Evolving.

When you design a new collection, where do you turn for inspiration? I am inspired by everything. I can be walking, sleeping, eating and suddenly something can catch my eye. My designs are created through the emotion and feeling. Colours are usually chosen after I have designed the piece. Usually choosing the colours for a design can be the most difficult for me as I would like to have every design in as many colours as possible. The colour of a piece is usually again dictated by my mood, feeling and emotion.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? I actually have two moments that come to mind. The first is when I was accepted to show my first collection at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in 2011 and the second would be every time I see someone wearing my jewels.

Let’s talk jewellery. Is it possible to over-accessorise? NEVER!!! I believe if you feel comfortable in what you are wearing, who is to tell you any different?

What is your best accessorising tip? I love the layering approach; rows of chains around your neck or wrist are an amazing way to add more character and enhance an outfit, simply stacking rings of different height and or length onto your fingers is also a great technique - the more the better!

Which current Lotus Mendes design is your favourite? That's like asking if I have a favourite child! All my pieces hold a special significance and meaning to me but I do believe the Goddess Ring is my favourite, it is where it all started!

Why do you think consumers are embracing designer fashion jewellery over classic pieces from jewellers? I think these days fashion jewellery offers a completely different function to classic fine pieces. Fashion jewellery is now about making a statement, being able to create a story and a create a complete style. It is also much more affordable and accessible.

Which do you love more...
Colour, prints or metals? All of the above - my new AW13 collection see’s pieces with patterned imprints into metal bracelets and necklaces.
Chunky or thin jewellery? Chunky
Clashing or complementing designs? Both
Long chains or chokers? Long chains
Bracelets or cuffs? Cuffs

Which celebrity would you love to see wearing Lotus Mendes? If I was choose an international celebrity to wear Lotus Mendes it would have to be Beyoncé due to her effortless style and the way she can wear layered accessories. The Lotus Mendes style is to wear many pieces at one time which is what Beyoncé can pull off any time of the day.

What makes you feel Spoilt? When I am with my family and friends spending quality time with them.

Click here to visit the website for Lotus Mendes.

MBFWA: Bless'ed Are The Meek Spring/Summer 13-14

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:35:00 PDT

If I could own every piece in Bless'ed Are The Meek's Wanderlust SS13/14 collection, I would be a very happy woman. Designed by Maria Maung, Wanderlust was the label's third appearance at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. Showcased on Thursday 11th April, the inspiration behind Wanderlust collection was simple and beautiful: open spaces and places that transcend time. Maria was drawn to natural landscapes shot in the Northern Territory by artist Murray Fredericks. Amazing time-lapse video footage, captured by Murray in the Northern Territory, is the introduction to the runway show and, accompanied by an exclusive mix from DJ Jonny Seymour, sets the scene for the audience in attendance. In collaboration with Skin Footwear, Maria co-designed custom made shoes especially for the MBFWA collection show. Sports tape label KT Tape was placed carefully onto model’s skin, furthering the sports-luxe inspired aesthetic that we are seeing across most collections at MBFWA. Favourite Aussie models Sam Harris and Montana Cox graced the runway for the memorable, effeminate show.

Hair: Craig Smith, Director for Alter Ego Italy was selected to create the modernistic runway look for Bless’ed are the Meek’s collection show. Models wore an edgy ponytail with a beautiful polished symmetrical part detail, created using Alter Ego Italy products.

Makeup & Nails: The brows are sooooo cool and this is one of our favourite beauty looks at this year's MBFWA. MAC Makeup Director James Molloy collaborated with Bless'ed Are The Meek on a directional and ethereal look. Models were given nude skin, with a strong feathered brow and a highlight white shimmer around eyes. Nails were complimented with nude colour, skin.

Bless'ed Are The Meek Wanderlust collection will arrive in both domestic and international retailers from August 2013. Click here to visit the website for Bless'ed Are The Meek.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Australis Conceal Correct

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PDT

Australis Conceal Correct ★★★
Price: $12.95
Size: 7.5g
About: Multi-tasking concealer palette. Consists of 4 different shades of concealer to disguise imperfections, including redness, dark circles, blemishes and uneven skin tone for a flawless complexion. Packaged in a slim compact casing.

Review: Basically Australis Conceal Correct is a thoughtful concealer palette that includes everything you need to achieve complexion perfection in the one compact little case. It does subtly hide my flaws, but it generally takes a bit of work to make sure the finished effect looks natural and not overdone. I get more use out of the green and purple shades over the two flesh toned colours, that are too overwhelming for my own natural skin tone and seem to have too much of an orange tinge. I would prefer the flesh toned colours to be more universally flattering for a wider range of complexions, but as is they might be a more suitable shade match for those with warmer undertones.

The Australis Conceal Correct 4-in1 Palette is so useful because it has all the shades necessary for basic correcting and concealing abilities in the one easy to use set, which is also the perfect travel companion. It adequately covers minor imperfections, like pimples and problem areas of redness, including broken capillaries, but if you want something that has fuller coverage and better performance, this is probably not going to appeal to you. Considering it retails for only $12.95, this multi-tasking concealing palette might meet the needs of those with normal to dry skin who have a warm, buttery skin tone, because it certainly won’t break the bank and is a versatile addition to any makeup kit. The correctors and concealers have a lightweight, rich, creamy formula, which is soft, smooth and easy to apply, providing a light to medium coverage, depending on which shade I use. The purple is the lightest and needs to be carefully layered to effectively hide any dark areas under my eyes, however it also does double duty as a makeshift highlighter for my cheekbones, inner eye corners and cupids bow. The green works well at covering up any facial redness, mostly around my nose and inner cheeks, but is exceptionally good for hiding unsightly red pimples. Finally, the light and dark skin toned shades blend over the green and purple to even out my complexion. Unfortunately, while the coverage was good, the darkest flesh tone shade was too dark for my colouring and the paler one was too orange-y, so I couldn’t achieve a very natural-looking finish.

I noticed that too much layering causes the concealer to appear cakey, crease and settle into fine lines, so I can conclude that using less is definitely best. The staying powder is not ideal for my oily skin because it gets a bit greasy after a few hours and I generally need to keep touching it up during the day, causing it to look even more caked on. The formula might be more workable for me during the cooler months, when it’s less likely to slip and slide off my face as much. Australis Conceal Correct palette comes in a small cardboard box which features product tips, such as purple fades away dark circles, green covers up redness and flesh tones to use over the colour correctors to camouflage imperfections. The tiny round black plastic palette with a flip-top lid has dual levels, with two shades each and a handy mirror for touch-ups on the go.

Tip: While I don’t mind applying it with my fingers, a slightly damp concealing brush helps blend these shades into my skin more evenly.
Purchased: No.
Reviewed by: Melanie Kuziemko, Yeah Yeah, Ragger Ragger.

MBFWA: Maticevski Spring/Summer 13-14

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:54:00 PDT

Fall in love over and over again with Maticevski's stunning 1950's inspired SS13-14 collection. Showcased on Tuesday 9th April at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, the elegant array of garments feature beading, quality fabrics and old-whirl glamour mixed with a clever modern touch that brings it all together beautifully for the new-age woman. Intricate crocodile textures shimmer against pale snake and pearlised silk blends. Bonded jerseys and subtle embellished motifs of regal times debut a refreshing take on a classic. The look: new-age and sporty.

Toni Maticevski described the look by saying, “The SS13/14 collection is a refreshed view of a 1950’s Grace Kelly as seen through the eyes of an Aristocratic European Geisha from the 1970’s. In the end it’s about beautiful flattering shapes and desirable clothes for women to adore and be adored”.

Hair: directed by Jayne Wilde for ghd, she described the idea behind the look saying "Toni loves clean, sleek hair so the top and sides of the hair has been pulled back tightly but still with a little bit of softness and texture - typical Grace Kelly. The rest of the hair has been pulled back into a square-shaped chignon at the back of the head which was inspired by the obi belt fold of a Japanese kimono and really reflects the Geisha essence of the collection."

Makeup: was directed by Napoleon Perdis. The inspiration behind the look was tomboy heiress. Quintessential elegance contrasts with a modern, sporty accessibility. Napoleon said of the look, "This ticks all the beauty boxes for me! Gorgeously dewy skin, a subtle faux lash, a bit of colour on the lip and cheek and a strong brow. I’ve made the texture of the lip modern by using a soft Lilac eye shadow that I patted gently over the top of a mauve lip gloss. To keep the overall look from being too pretty, I added a beauty mark in the shape of a heart/star to some of the girls’ temples."

Nails: Maticevski collaborated with Sally Hansen for the first time to create pretty nails to compliment his ready to wear collection. On the runway, Maticevski used shades from the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Collection including Shell We Dance, Pink at Him, I Pink I Can, Purple Heart, Frutti Petutie and Kook-a-Mango.

Visit Maticevski's website by clicking here.

PRODUCT REVIEW: The Balm timeBalm Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:00:00 PDT

theBalm timeBalm Foundation ★★★★

Price: $33.00

Size: 21.3gms

About: cream foundation, free of parabens and enriched with rejuvenating, anti-ageing ingredients designed to offer skin,care benefits, iron out imperfections and creating a flawless, long-lasting finish. Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Packaged in a clear plastic compact container with twist lid (no mirror).

Review: Despite having cheap, unattractive packaging, the quality of this skin-loving foundation is super effective on my oily and sometimes sensitive skin. timeBalm Foundation hasn’t triggered any irritation or breakouts and I am almost certain my skin has improved slightly during the time I’ve been using it. With buildable coverage that conditions and transforms my complexion to skin perfection within moments, it layers and blends over any areas needing extra support, yet never settles into fine lines and pores, nor does it start flaking or getting crepey. Since having deemed the included sponge useless, I’ve tried various application methods, but I achieve the best results using a synthetic foundation brush. I’ve used it alone and with a pre-foundation primer and discovered that I get the most effective performance by prepping and priming my skin first and finished by a light dusting of translucent powder to set the finished look. The retail price for timeBalm Foundation is inexpensive considering that it is infused with nurturing, caring skin-friendly ingredients. There is a good amount of product in the pot, which I expect will last ages, so I don’t think the cost is unreasonable. Personally, I would be prepared to splurge on the theBalm timeBalm Foundation for myself and I would confidently recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable foundation that’s flattering, comfortable and long wearing, to deliver a fresh, dewy, naturally flawless appearance.

TimeBalm Foundation has a slightly dry, stiff surface texture, however it amazingly converts into a smooth, creamy consistency once it comes into contact with the skin. It has a subtle herbal-type scent, not at all offensive or noticeable after application. Providing a generous coverage that is highly pigmented and super buildable, it blends evenly, minus streaking, flaking or caking up. Due to the weightless, moisturising, non-comedogenic formula, my skin was able to breathe instead of feeling suffocated and it provided adequate hydration throughout the day, without causing greasiness. I received the foundation in the medium shade, a complimentary skin-coloured hue with yellow undertones. I personally prefer yellow-based shades, as they tend to always perfectly match my own natural colouring, just like this one does. Giving my face a uniform colour and discretely concealing any obvious flaws, the polished, healthy-looking, finish has decent longevity, staying in place and only requiring minimal maintenance. Because my skin is particularly oily and the foundation doesn’t entirely eliminate excess oil, I still notice a bit of shine occasionally, so a quick touch-up to blot away any surface shine helps to freshen up my look.

I think the overall presentation is quite dull in comparison to the majority of theBalm’s colourful, entertaining, retro-style packaging. The inner compact-sized container looks cheap and a bit tacky, made of clear, rather brittle plastic, with a screw off lid (that will break in a flash if accidentally dropped). I was somewhat surprised after my previous experience with this quality brand to find their foundation is housed in a container resembling that of a budget, 'no-frills' cosmetic brand. As the sponge is too flimsy, it was essential to use my own applicator and also it has no mirror, therefore I wouldn’t deem it to be very travel friendly and definitely not ideal to pop in my bag and use on the go but regardless I am thrilled.

Tip: Can be successfully layered if needed. Simply dab any extra problem blemishes or under eye circles and blend out the edges.

Purchased: No.

Reviewed by: Melanie Kuziemko, Yeah Yeah, Ragger Ragger.

MBFWA: Michael Lo Sordo Spring/Summer 13-14

noreply@blogger.com (Tammerly) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:53:00 PDT

Regarded as one of the most anticipated shows at this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, everyone was excited to inspect his thoughtfully constructed Spring/Summer 13-14 designs. Held on Wednesday 10th April 2013 the story contained a palette of mostly black, white, cobalt and pale blue - colours which have had a strong presence in many SS13 collections to date. But as the saying goes, the difference is in the detail and sheer fabrics were meshed with tailored pants, frills and peplum tops. The palette is truly beautiful and the designs are beautiful, relaxed and easy to wear. The only thing we did not love: the casual pool slide sandals by Nike as they tended to cheapen what is a fabulous collection.

Hair: was directed by Richard Kavanagh for Redken. The low-slung ponytail was soft and simple, with flyaways to give the finished result a relaxed, easy to achieve look.

Makeup: was directed by Nigel Stanislaus for Maybelline, who described the look as a runway convent girl with Brooke Shields' brows. "Cheeks are flushed over an innocent skin finish and lips enjoy a strong focus that is telling of a women coming of age", said Nigel.

Nails: were soft and playful thanks to the creative team at Essie. Using Bikini So Teeny and Chinchilly, the two-toned look was described by Essie as “a mix of modern and playful tones in a geometric design to offset the relaxed and fluid style of Michael Lo Sordo’s collection.”

We adore the pale blue tones! Do you like Michael Lo Sordo's collection?