Category Archives: Beauty

12.26.2016

My Guide To The End Of Year Sales

Given the influx of sale emails that have arrived in my inbox in the past twenty four hours it’s safe to say that the end of year sales are in full swing! With Christmas finally done and dusted, now is the perfect time to pick up some special pieces for yourself (with a little less guilt). With so many great discounts on offer from various retailers, it can get rather overwhelming. So to help you get a head start here is a small edit of my favourite end of year sales. Best of all you can now shop them all without having to leave the comfort of your own couch…

ASOS.
Up to 50% off selected styles.
Labels include Alice McCall, Stevie May and Zulu & Zephyr.
While stocks last. Ends midnight 31 December 2016.
www.asos.com

General Pants.
Up to 80% off selected items.
Labels include One Teaspoon and TheUpside.
While stocks last.
www.generalpants.com.au

The Fashion Bunker.
Enter the code YEH25! for 25% off all full price styles.
Labels include Cmeo Collective, Keepsake, The Fifth Label and Finders Keepers.
Ends midnight 31 December 2016.
www.fashionbunker.com

THE ICONIC.
Use the code EXTRA25 for a further 25% off all sale items.
Labels include Auguste, Camilla and Marc, Maurie and Eve.
While stocks last. Ends midnight 31 December 2016.
www.theiconic.com.au

The Undone Store.
Up to 50% off selected items.
While stocks last.
www.theundone.com.au

Sir The Label.
Enter the code YESIR for 20% off everything.
Ends midnight 26 December 2016.
www.sirthelabel.com

Steele The Label.
50% off storewide.
Ends midnight 31 December 2016.
www.steele.com.au

SurfStitch.
Up to 80% off over 7,000 styles.
Labels include Auguste, The Bare Road and Zulu & Zephyr.
While stocks last. Ends midnight 31 December 2016.
www.surfstitch.com

Virgin Australia.
Find your perfect getaway for the new year.
www.virginaustralia.com

Zulu And Zephyr.
Use the code BOX30 for 30% off all full price, new season and already reduced items.
While stocks last. Ends midnight 28 December 2016.
www.zuluandzephyr.com

Always be sure to double check terms and conditions when shopping online as changes and special exclusions can occur to during promotional periods. And be sure to hurry, before sizes and styles sell out. Happy shopping…

Photos are not my own. Source Sir The Label.

12.21.2016

What To Pack For The Christmas Break

When it comes to getting ready for the summer holidays a tight style edit is crucial. Versatile and light weight separates in all black, as well as sophisticated accessories will ensure your set for an effortless Christmas break. I’ll be heading home to Margaret River in Australia’s South West, so I’ll be packing wardrobe staples perfect for beachside adventures, lounging around and nights out at the local pub. As well as the additional essentials below…

Lack Of Color Grove Fedora. If there’s one thing you can’t forget to pack it’s a brimmed hat. I wouldn’t go anywhere this summer without it.

Matteau Swim Tri Top and Petite Brief Bikini. There’s nothing more chic than a black, classic-cut bikini top and brief with a seam-free finish. You can also wear them as much as you want and they will never be referred to as “that” bikini that you’ve worn every day.

Matteau Natural Beach Bag. If there’s one thing you can’t forget to pack it’s your beach bag. The one above from Matteau is perfect as it is light weight, expandable and features woven cotton handles.The best feature is the netting. As your sure to leave any beach sand at the beach, rather than finding it in your bag later!

The Beach People Avalon Towel. Luxe towels are like the perfect pair of jeans. The best ones are undeniably sophisticated, perfectly worn-in and soften beautifully with age. Which is just a few of the reasons why I love the range of beach towels from The Beach People. This season it is all about their new designs and The Avalon is my current favourite.

Classic Sandals. Make sure you pack a simple pair of nude or black sandals. Slides are my favourite this season and there are an incredible variety if you know where to look. Just remeber, keep it simple. I’m going for minimal leather sandals with raw-cut edges.

Photos are not my own. Source as stated above.

12.7.2016

My Christmas Gift Guide

You’re sure to have a luxurious Christmas with this edit of can’t-go-wrong presents and dream-ticket gifts. Some items are currently on my own wish list and others are among my favourite things at the moment. Buy them for someone special or simply spoil yourself. For quick, easy shopping click on the name of the object from my christmas gift guide below to head straight to the direct site…

Left to right :

Chanel Classic Wallet. A classic black Chanel wallet bears all the distinctive characteristics of the brand’s iconic designs. Made in grained calfskin with gold metal hardware.

Christie Nicolaides Adara Earrings. There is nothing quite as beautiful as OOT jewellery and these handcrafted hammered gold brass earrings are a perfect addition to any jewellery collection.

Byredo Unnamed Fragrance. Unnamed is a unisex blend of gin accord, pink pepper, orris stem, lush violet, tree moss and fir balsam which allows you to name the fragrance yourself, then label the bottle as you wish.

Lack Of Color Grove Fedora. An amazing hat is a timeless wardrobe stable and the perfect addition to a chic wardrobe. I wore the Grove Fedora to my Christmas and it has been a staple piece ever since.

Mason Pearson Hair Brush. I recently wrote a post about how every girl should own a Mason Pearson Hair Brush. Which is why it makes the perfect gift for someone special or yourself.

For those who are still stuck for a gift idea a virtual gift card is always the perfect last minute present. My favourite online shopping destinations; The Undone Store, The Fashion Bunker or The Iconic.

Photos are not my own. Source as stated above.

11.21.2016

The Essential Mason Pearson Hair Brush

Last week I shared some recent updates to my daily skincare line-up and the products from Alpha-H that I simply can’t live without. As a follow up I wanted to direct your attention to another and equally important part of your daily routine; your hair. In an effort to up my all round beauty routine (haircare included) I’ve taken some time out to ask friends, other influences and industry experts for their opinion on tackling my current hair concerns; Everything from dehydration, to split ends and general damage.

The first item on my radar is a beauty tool which everyone owns and uses every day. However it is often overlooked in terms of its value. Your hair brush. A few months ago I noticed that I was finding quite alot of hair in mine. Much more than usual. And it terrified me. I even found myself talking about it to a beauty editor I was sitting next to at an event a few months ago. When I also mentioned that I had only ever used a paddle brush, she shook her head and suggested I invest in a fancy Mason Pearson hair brush asap.

Who knew something so simple could change your life?! I’ve now been the proud owner of a Mason Pearson hair brush for the past six months and my hair has never been healthier. Of course, this isn’t a controlled experiment. But I’d go out on a limb and say I’ve notice less breakage, fewer knots and shiner hair. I’ve also had half a year completely free of that terrible ripping sound which was so familiar with others. I’ve also managed to grow my hair almost all the way down my back!

If you live in Australia a Mason Pearson hair brush will cost you around $165. However you have to keep in mind that you will use this every single day, once, twice or three times. And that it will last forever. So it is a worthy investment. It also makes the perfect Christmas present for that someone who is hard to buy for! To add a Mason Pearson hair brush to your own hair care routine or buy one for someone else, visit a David Jones store or visit their website by clicking here.

Photos are not my own. Source Mason Pearson via David Jones.

11.3.2016

My New Beauty Saviours From Alpha-H

Skincare can be a minefield, even for those in the know. From products, their ingredients, technique and usage, it’s hard to be sure you’re not doing at least something wrong. Recently I wrote a post where I shared the Alpha-H products that I can’t live without. When I shared this with the girls at Alpha-H they emailed me straight away. Surprised that I had found success with two products in particular, which are actually recommended for forty + and fifty + skincare regime.

When I had published the post on my blog, my skin was flawless and in the best condition it had ever been. But when I stopped using the two products which are usually recommended to someone in their forties or fifties, that’s when I noticed issues. I know now that my skin had been over stimulated and as a result was craving the products it had become use to. However, I have to admit at the time I had no idea what was going on.

Once I’d talked to the girls, it suddenly all made sense. I hadn’t consulted anyone about what I should be using. And with so many choices I’d just made a very common mistake. That’s when I decided it was time to touch base with one of the experts at the Alpha-H HQ, who recommended the ideal routine for my skin and the product changes that I should make ASAP.

Here are the new skincare products I’ve recently added to my routine…

Alpha-H Clear Skin Moisturiser. I have been using this new moisturiser every day for the last few months and I can’t imagine my life without it. Refreshing and lightweight, it works to clarify and hydrate your skin. It also contains natural ingredients which help to prevent breakouts and soothe any irritations.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream. Formulated to nourish and rehydrate thirsty skin, this rich moisturiser is best suited to dry, sun damaged and pigmented skin. I apply this every second evening to keep my skin clear and glowing.

Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Grape Seed. I apply this every second evening when I’m not using the Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream. Enriched with botanicals and hyaluronic acid, this Vitamin C serum brightens, hydrates and plumps up the skin.

The Alpha-H products which have remained in my routine…

Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera. A creamy three-in-one cleanser rich in Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. It completely removes all of your face and eye make-up whilst helping to correct the skin’s natural pH balance.

Alpha-H Instant Facial. This spray helps to reinvigorate the complexion by refining the size of your pores, removing dead cell build-up and softening wrinkles. It also leaves the skin feeling fresher, smoother and firmer.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold. Liquid Gold is probably the most famous product from the Alpha-H range. A skin resurfacing treatment formulated with a low pH delivery system to effectively diminish wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage.

Photos are not my own. Source Alpha-H.

My Blonde Closet

An Australian Fashion & Lifestyle Journal By Gemma-Louise May