Tag Archives: beauty

Clinique 2-in-1 Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer

After a year or more of BB, CC,DD and even EE creams, it seems the beauty world has returned to good old foundations – and high coverage ones at that. The latest addition to the extensive Clinique foundation range is the new Clinique 2-in-1 Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer. It’s a liquid foundation and concealer and can be used as either. Applied all over the face like a foundation, or dotted on as a concealer. It’s a full coverage foundation, but the key is that it is very, very, light.

It has a breathable formula which adapts to the skin’s needs with dual-sphere particles that absorb excess oil or add hydration – whatever your skin needs. That means dry patches are treated to extra hydration and shiny areas get zapped with oil-absorbing particles. The polymers in the formula won’t dry out and help make-up glide on easily. This new foundation has a doe foot applicator – use it to apply dots all over the face, or turn it sideways to spread across the cheeks and larger areas on the face. Or, you can use the top of it to cover smaller imperfections on the face.

This foundation is full coverage and you will see that the minute it is applied. It is blend-able, but you do need to work it well and don’t apply too much. In order to get great coverage you don’t need a lot at all. If you love a ‘proper’ foundation, you should try this one out. I also used it over my lighter BB cream in part as a concealer on the dark ‘bags’ under my eyes and it blends in beautifully. The new Clinique 2-in-1 Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer is available to purchase online here.

Photos are not my own. Source Clinique.

John Frieda Beach Blonde Collection

Ten years ago, John Frieda broke hearts everywhere ( mine included ) when their Beach Blonde Ocean Waves Styling Spray was suddenly discontinued. Petitions demanding its returned circulated while bottles of the spray were sold on eBay for over $100.

Now we can rejoice! After a decade the spray is back on shelves and ready to reclaim it’s cult status. You may however notice a few things have changed. First, the name. It’s now called John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray.

Second, it got a fancy, modern-looking bottle. And third, it no longer requires you to shake it before you spray. Sure, the formula has changed simply because technology has improved over the past two decades, but the brand promises that you will still get the same great results.

In fact, before they approved the new formulation, they tested it extensively against the old. Apparently, it works even better than the original and after trying it for myself I certainly agree. The one thing that absolutely remained the same? That delicious coconut smell, which is best described in my opinion, as summer in a bottle.

Along with the Ocean Waves Sea Salt Spray, the return of the Beach Blonde Collection sees the launch of the Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo and the Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner which completes the regime for the ultimate textured beach style. Available to purchase here.

Photos are not my own. Source John Frieda.

GHD Curve Collection

GHD is synonymous with hair straighteners but now they have made a leap in the opposite direction with four new curling wands. My fave in the soon-to-be-cult collection is the Creative Classic Curl Wand, which has a tapered conical barrel that crafts soft beachy waves. GHD promises that your curls will last just as long as you do. Perfect for the up coming summer party season. Shop the ghd curve collection here.

Photos are not my own. Source GHD.

The High Pony Tail

I know some people prefer the top knot however, my absolute go to hairstyle these days is the high pony. They’re two reasons for this. I love how easy it is to tie my hair up each day, it takes two seconds and always looks polished.

And the second, my hairdresser has told me in order to grow my hair and keep it as healthy as possible I shouldn’t been styling and straightening it as much as I do. And this is simply the best solution.

They’re two products which are a must to achieve a neat pony every time. They are the right hair brush and the right hair oil. My go-to is my GHD Oval Dressing Brush, and my John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength which not only smoothes hair but multi-tasks to strengthen it too.

Photos are not my own. Source as stated above.

My Post-Flight Skincare Regime.

Thanks to a fabulous summer holiday in Turkey, I have silky sun-kissed skin. Something I don’t want to loose after flying for 30 plus hours, as well as heading back to winter weather. Here’s a list of tips, tricks and skincare products I’ll be using to maintain perfect skin today, tomorrow and for weeks to come on my return home.

Philosophy Hope In a Jar Day & Night Cream. Paint this on at night and you’ll suddenly give ‘sleeping beauty’ new meaning. It is my go-to whenever my skin needs an extra hydration boost.

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil. Oils are a great way to combat skin turning dull and dry. This one — which contains sweet almond and macadamia oils — can be used every day on normal or even congested skin. Apply 3-5 drops to clean skin or for an intense hydration hit, add a couple of drops to your moisturising cream.

Puretopia Eye Rescue Refresh & Detoxifying Massage Roller. The Puretopia Eye Rescue Refresh and Detoxifying Massage Roller works to soothe, refresh and help reduce puffiness and dark circles around the fragile eye area which will ensure you don’t look like you’ve just had an all-nighter or travelled 30 hours.

Biore Self-Heating One Minute Mask. The Biore Self-Heating One Minute Mask is a thermal mask that warms to open your pores. The mask draws out and dissolves 2.5 times more dirt, oil, and surface toxins than a basic cleanser, and rinses them clean away with an invigorating cooling sensation. Perfect after a long haul flight – especially when you haven’t had a chance to cleanse properly for quite some time.

Alpha H Instant Facial. A must-have all year round. Keep one in your handbag, or in your carry-on on during flights. Spritz under or over makeup to revitalise and rehydrate skin.

Milk & Co. Body Oil. Coming in at under $15, this super hydrating body oil is a steal. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals and plant extracts and perfect for scars, stretch marks or simply dehydrated skin.

Chapstick Balm. Lips can easily become dry and chapped in any weather. Keep a Chapstick stashed in your pocket to protect your pout whenever you’re on the go, and especially when you’re sitting on a long haul flight.

Paul Mitchell Super Strength Treatment : Paul Mitchell’s Super Strength Treatment instantly rebuilds and restores hair. A must have after days in the sun and surf, or sitting amongst dehydrating aeroplane air-conditioning.

ModelCo Gradual Tan. Maintain your holiday glow on your return and top up your tan with ModelCo’s Gradual Tan and everyday moisturiser.

What are your post flight and winter skincare must-haves? Feel free to comment below!

Photos are not my own. Source as credited above.