Author Archives: gemmamay

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.

11.20.2016

Zulu And Zephyr Botanic Collection

How is it the 20th of November already! It amazes me how quickly time goes by. This year has literally flown by and now we are only five weeks away from the end of the year. It’s no secret that the Type A in me will find any excuse to write out a shopping list, to-do list or a summary of work in progress. So in order to get ahead of the Christmas rush, I spent last night compiling a fairly in-depth list of the items I will need (want) to invest in before the Christmas break.

So far my list includes; A new suit case. Preferably a very big one! A new pair of summer heels, sandals as well as a pair of sleek flats. I’ve recently become obsessed with gold jewellery, so I’d love to update my jewellery box with a few pieces before the end of the year. The last item on my list. At least one, if not two new swimsuits. As well as some additional dresses which can be effortlessly thrown over the top of them (obviously). With that mind, my first destination was the new Zulu And Zephyr Botanic collection which launched this week.

If you want an instant summer holiday wardrobe, that you can throw on in ten seconds flat, no effort required, then you don’t need to look any further. The range comprises of beach-side appropriate, oversized shapes that are floaty and easy to wear. Swing styles, a-line skirts, boyfriend tees, muscle tanks and simple dresses. Created in a fresh palette of neutral hues and subtle prints. Perfect for your seaside escape.

My favourite pieces ; Sun Valley One Piece . Easterly Harness Bikini in Black . Perch Tri Cup Bikini Oasis Dress in print . Oasis Shirt in print and Zed Fray Denim Shorts. Find your own holiday wardrobe and shop the entire Zulu And Zephyr Botanic Collection by visiting their website here. Selected pieces from their collection are also available at Surf Stitch here or via Asos here.

Photos are not my own. Source Zulu And Zephyr.

11.18.2016

Stevie May Adrift Collection

Just checking in to apologise for my lapse in posts for the last week or so. Between everything going on in my regular day-to-day life, I’ve also found the time to come down with a really nasty virus. One which has left me morose in bed for over a week now. I hope to post a bit more over the weekend once I start feeling a bit better. But for now I’m confined indoors, wishing this cold away and spending the afternoon compiling a wish list from the beautiful Stevie May Adrift collection, which launched yesterday.

When you look through my previous posts, you will notice that I don’t really feature a huge range of labels. That’s because those brands and campaigns I choose to share on my site are ones which I am literally obsessed with. In the past few years Stevie May has started to make up for a greater percentage of my own closet. I just love how it perfectly embody the kind of carefree, effortless allure perfectly placed on the streets of Paris or its home town of Byron Bay.

The striking new collection features a range of romantic silhouettes, vintage shapes and free flowing separates; Including over-sized playsuits, smock dress, loose maxi styles and ethereal slip style camisoles. As well as this seasons must-have fit and flare cropped pants. Created in artfully spun crotchet lace, unique prints, broderie anglaise, layered luxe linen and ruffles across. All in a pretty palette of pastel blue, black and white.

There’s so many beautiful pieces in this collection which I would love to add to my wardrobe this summer. However those that are particularly special and deserve a mention include; The Cosmic Currents Maxi Dress in white and gold jacquard print (first image above) . Melrose Shirt in a white and blue floral fork print . Morning Haze Crop Top in pastel blue and Lunar skirt in white crotchet. You can shop the current Stevie May Adrift collection by visiting their website here.

Photos are not my own. Source Stevie May.

11.8.2016

Keepsake The Label Euphoria Collection

I’ve been preoccupied with my own thoughts over the past few days, reasoning with the cards life deals out every now and then. Grand plans, true love, big dreams. Maybe sometimes they all need to fall apart to fall together again? If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from past experience, it’s that everything figures itself out eventually. The universe has a funny way of doing that. In the mean time, before I explode with yet another sob story on life lessons I thought I’d shift focus back to my spring wardrobe. And get lost in the dreamy pieces from the new Keepsake The Label Euphoria Collection.

You can always rely on Keepsake The Label for beautiful, grown-up, glamorous clothes; designed for women who are unashamedly feminine with a decadent edge. Their new collection for spring (above) is no exception. Polished and pristine, the new range blurs the boundaries between day and evening wear. Featuring romantic florals, soft georgette and serenely delicate lace, set alongside sheer ethereal fabrics, over-sized ruffles and strapless styles.

I love that this collection is a little less trend driven, so that you can invest in these pieces now and still be wearing them in 20 years and still satisfy your yearning for of-the-moment designs. The absolute essentials that I can’t go past ; The Be Together Coat in black . The Celestial Long Sleeved Top and Celestial Mini Skirt in floral print . Don’t Wait Mini Dress in a black . Heart Breaker Lace Dress in black . Hurricane Mini Dress in black and Laika Maxi Dress in black. To learn more about the Keepsake The Label Euphoria collection and shop, visit The Fashion Bunker here.

Photos are not my own. Source Keepsake The Label.

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