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| Sponsored post |
Amongst all the excitement that comes with the holidays - the family visits, the festive meals, the never-ending present exchanging and of course the traditional Instagramming of the visits, meals and presents - sometimes the reason for the season gets lost.
My favourite way to give back during the holidays is to take advantage of an aid group's charity gift program, like the one currently being run by UNICEF. Their Christmas Charity Gifts service allows you to donate a pre-determined amount to buy a much needed service or item to impoverished children and their community. By donating in the name of a friend or family member, you can tick off the gift giving box, get that feel-good glow and most importantly help out communities that are doing it tough and make a much appreciated difference to the children who need your help the most.
There are price levels for all wallet sizes, starting from just A$11 for children's storybooks, making UNICEF pressies an awesome option for both stand alone and add-on gifts for family and friends.
My favourite way to give back during the holidays is to take advantage of an aid group's charity gift program, like the one currently being run by UNICEF. Their Christmas Charity Gifts service allows you to donate a pre-determined amount to buy a much needed service or item to impoverished children and their community. By donating in the name of a friend or family member, you can tick off the gift giving box, get that feel-good glow and most importantly help out communities that are doing it tough and make a much appreciated difference to the children who need your help the most.
There are price levels for all wallet sizes, starting from just A$11 for children's storybooks, making UNICEF pressies an awesome option for both stand alone and add-on gifts for family and friends.
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| Don't you think she deserves, like, a billion more books? |
Every inspired gift purchase comes with a Ken Done-designed card (choose from one of three arty designs), personalised for the recipient. Better still, the detailed descriptions of exactly what your coin is going to buy makes them easily customisable to your own loved one's interests, with presents categorised into functions.
Have a friend in nursing who knows first hand how incredibly lucky we are to have easy access to medical care? Boom, box her up some measles vaccines, that will protect 100 children for a measly (#notsorry) A$28. A rugby-mad mate? Taunt him by sending six snazzy new leather soccer balls to bring a bit of fun to children in refugee camps and disadvantaged areas. While Dad might not need another bike pump or set of Lycra, he'd be tickled to know a bike donated in his name is helping local communities transport medicine and edibles.
UNICEF Charity Gifts are available directly from their website (um hi there, last minute options), and shoppers are given an option between a paper Ken Done card or e-card.
Have a happy and safe holiday break, everyone!
I don't know about you guys, but I'm totally ready to start assigning all everyday tasks to machines. As keyboards replace pencils, robot children replace real children, and Razor scooters replace walking around like a scooterless pleb, face washing has become another task I can throw over to my mechanical bros.
I've been using my Clarisonic Mia 2 for a little while now, so was verrrrry interested in trying out the Philips version of the facial cleansing brush.
Philips VisaPure promises "deep gentle cleansing to reveal soft and radiant skin…10x more effective than hand-cleansing but just as gentle".
It's a super sleek tool, that's well….kind of phallic-looking (but maybe that's part of the appeal, amiright ladies?), with a slim, long barrel, tapered for your hand's pleasure. The brush top is smaller than the Clarisonic, and ohmygod the bristles are like so soft. My first impulse is to rub it against my face, which can only be a good thing right? It's like a brush shaped kitty, it's that silky soft.
There are two settings - gentle cleansing and deep cleansing. I chose to use the latter because I'm metal like that. You can also choose between brush heads, with one normal and one sensitive included. Before using, I pre-cleanse with a face oil to dissolve my make-up (Shu Uemura forever and always), as I do everyday and heartily suggest you also try. I then wet my face and the brush before applying a non foaming cleanser to my face I used this exclusively in the shower, because it's easier and tidier than holding my dripping face over the sink.
The VisaPure is easy to use, with the cleansing cycle timed to last exactly a minute. The cycle is broken up into 20 second lots, with the user instructed to gently move the brush first around one cheek, then the other, and lastly focusing on the T-zone (nose and forehead).
Unlike the Clarisonic, the brush head spins rather than vibrates. I found that this gave more of an exfoliating effect and was also very satisfying on a visual level.
The one thing I did notice is that my facial oil/serum did sink in a lot easier after using the brush, with left residue left on my skin. It was also super handy for removing fake tan, especially the tricky marks left around my hairline.
The Philips VisaPure retails for A$199. Replacement heads cost A$19.95, and I'd switch them out every three months.
If you are also interested in delegating face washing to an electronic friend, Philips have kindly given me an extra VisaPure for a lucky reader to love and cherish like their own robot child.
To enter, fill out your dets in the Rafflecopter plugin below and leave a comment telling me what machine you think would be most likely to rise up against the humans to enact a new world order of robotic glory. Australian residents only (sorry!), winner selected at random.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I've been using my Clarisonic Mia 2 for a little while now, so was verrrrry interested in trying out the Philips version of the facial cleansing brush.
Philips VisaPure promises "deep gentle cleansing to reveal soft and radiant skin…10x more effective than hand-cleansing but just as gentle".
It's a super sleek tool, that's well….kind of phallic-looking (but maybe that's part of the appeal, amiright ladies?), with a slim, long barrel, tapered for your hand's pleasure. The brush top is smaller than the Clarisonic, and ohmygod the bristles are like so soft. My first impulse is to rub it against my face, which can only be a good thing right? It's like a brush shaped kitty, it's that silky soft.
There are two settings - gentle cleansing and deep cleansing. I chose to use the latter because I'm metal like that. You can also choose between brush heads, with one normal and one sensitive included. Before using, I pre-cleanse with a face oil to dissolve my make-up (Shu Uemura forever and always), as I do everyday and heartily suggest you also try. I then wet my face and the brush before applying a non foaming cleanser to my face I used this exclusively in the shower, because it's easier and tidier than holding my dripping face over the sink.
The VisaPure is easy to use, with the cleansing cycle timed to last exactly a minute. The cycle is broken up into 20 second lots, with the user instructed to gently move the brush first around one cheek, then the other, and lastly focusing on the T-zone (nose and forehead).
Unlike the Clarisonic, the brush head spins rather than vibrates. I found that this gave more of an exfoliating effect and was also very satisfying on a visual level.
The one thing I did notice is that my facial oil/serum did sink in a lot easier after using the brush, with left residue left on my skin. It was also super handy for removing fake tan, especially the tricky marks left around my hairline.
If you are also interested in delegating face washing to an electronic friend, Philips have kindly given me an extra VisaPure for a lucky reader to love and cherish like their own robot child.
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| Just like this terrifying little guy! |
To enter, fill out your dets in the Rafflecopter plugin below and leave a comment telling me what machine you think would be most likely to rise up against the humans to enact a new world order of robotic glory. Australian residents only (sorry!), winner selected at random.
Ladies, let's talk hair extensions. I've recently realised that most people on television and in fashion with fabulous hair only grew like 30% of it themselves. I know, I'm a little slow.
If there was ever anyone who thought she didn't need hair extensions, I'm your gal. I have enough long blonde hair to stock Mattel's shelves and provide the Navy with ropes for a year (I'm pointedly not making a seaman joke here, and it's killing me, you guys).
I thought hair extensions were reserved for Kardashians and America's Next Top Model's latestvictims contestants, so obviously I jumped at the chance to try out Showpony's professional range to emulate Our First Lady Tyra.
If there was ever anyone who thought she didn't need hair extensions, I'm your gal. I have enough long blonde hair to stock Mattel's shelves and provide the Navy with ropes for a year (I'm pointedly not making a seaman joke here, and it's killing me, you guys).
I thought hair extensions were reserved for Kardashians and America's Next Top Model's latest
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| BOW TO YOUR QUEEN |
It's a rare day that you'll find me sporting anything less than lurid on my nails, but this collab set between Strange Beautiful and Saxony was far too disgustingly slick to pass on.
Of the three colour ways released, the 'Malevich' trio is the palest, ranging from white to the prettiest dove grey this side of an actual bird.
Because I can't resist an opportunity for a gradient, I teamed these three with two darker shades from Hello Darling and faded to black.
The polish is exceptionally creamy and opaque for such pale shades, and were seamlessly solid after two coats. This is my first foray into Strange Beautiful polishes, and I'm far more inclined to order another of their sets after enjoying this trio.
Fun fact: Malevich was a Russian painter who excelled in geometric abstract art and conked it in 1935. There were 14 children in his family, which is really at least 12 children too many. Thanks Wikipedia!
He painted stuff like this -
- which probably ignited a thousand conversations between Russian galley-goers about what that black square, like, really projected to them, while some Russian chick's boyfriend who didn't even want to come grumbles in the corner 'I could've painted that' in between spoonfuls of borsch and cabbage.
Nella has all the dets your little heart desires on the other two sets in the collection here.
Do you guys remember Red Earth? Adelaide used to have a store on the corner of the Myers Centre in the middle of Rundle Mall. I may have swiftly pocketed a teeny tub of loose glitter from there when I was around 11, then never went in again, terrified that I had been spotted and the staff had a giant print out of my face in the store. My guilty conscience ate away at me so badly, that I ended up filling the little container back up with regular glitter and sneaking it back onto the closest shelf to the door.
My guilt was immediately erased then, but now I kind of feel bad knowing that I may have given someone pink-eye from craft store quality glitter. And I'm still a little concerned that I may have the police show up at my door as soon as I hit 'Publish' on this post, having confessed to my 15 year old crime. I'm not great at this unrepentant criminal thing, am I?
Shoplifting aside, after somewhat disappearing from the Australian market to focus on Asia, Red Earth is back with a slicker, sleeker image and new line of colour cosmetics.
I was sent their 2 Way Velvety Skin Smooth Compact Foundation in 01 Almost Nude to try out. Firstly, the name. It's like five words too long, and this enrages me. I'm going to call it the 2 Way Compact because like hell I'm typing out that long name every time.
It's a cute little compact, and looks very chic in its all-white matte packaging. Sure, the jumbled hell of lidless lippies that is my make-up bag will totally destroy its pristine prettiness in two seconds, but as a vanity display item it will do nicely.
This compact is intended to be used as a wet or dry foundation, with the instructions for application helpfully reprinted on the pressed powder's little protection gate. It comes with a sponge, which is recommended to be used damp for heavier coverage.
It's a very silky formula to apply, and slips onto skin easily without dragging or holding onto dry patches.
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| Dry on left, damp on right |
Used damp, it does turn out slightly darker than a dry swatch, although neither oxide throughout the day regardless of application method.
Almost Nude is Red Earth's lightest shade, however it has still proven to be a tad too dark for me and my traitorous pale skin. Applied dry, it's passable, but damp is too much of a difference with the foundation leaning orange on my skin. I've actually been using it as a pressed powder on the days I'm wearing fake tan - it matches far better then.
As for my new brush of choice, I've been reaching for this domed powder brush (A$40) from Red Earth's new brush line.
It's super soft and doesn't pull on the skin at all. While I'm not normally one for brush fangirling, this one really is comparable to some of the big names on the market.
Along with their new look, Red Earth also has a website and e-shop, which looks to be the one dependable source for purchasing products as I'm unable to find a stockist list.
For some reason, the 2 Way Compact isn't listed on their site, and I'll update its RRP once I can confirm! There is also a skin care line teased on the homepage, which will be very interesting to see once launched.
Disclaimer: Product sent by brand for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It's also my opinion that shoplifting is very very naughty and this post is in no way a confession of guilt. You can't prove nothing. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.
I normally don't share city-specific events, but this one hosted by Jurlique is so damn nifty, I just had to let you guys in on it. Mostly because it involves my favourite thing ever - free stuff. Not only free, but really truly decent free stuff that I use and love.
From the 3rd (tomorrow!) to the 6th of October, Jurlique will be operating a pop-up store in Sydney Westfield (Pitt St entrance) and running something called the Jurlique Serum Exchange from midday to 6pm each day.
The Jurlique Serum Exchange is a most excellent, commitment free way to try a fancy new Jurlique serum. All you need to do is follow the following steps.
1) Bring in a full sized serum (full or empty, although I'd make frowny faces at anyone throwing away a not totally used up bottle because why would you do that? WHY?)
2) Be one of the first 60 visitors every hour to nab a numbered voucher in exchange for your unloved serum. If you are number 61, that kind of sucks, but you can still wait for the next hour to roll around. Or push in front of number 60. I mean I'm not advocating that type of behaviour, but it's a viable option.
3) Receive a FREE YOU PAY NOTHING FOR THIS NO CASH MONEY IT'S FREEEEE 30ml Jurlique serum, worth up to A$89. THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD DEAL. LIKE ALL-CAPS WORTHY, IT'S THAT GOOD A DEAL.
4) Use serum, enjoy lovely skin, rub face on coworkers to demonstrate newly uncovered loveliness. Trust me, they'll love it.*
You'll have a choice of the three serums available in their facial care line - Purely Age Defying (A$89), Herbal Recovery ($75) and Purely White ($80). I've been using Herbal Recovery for like forever, and this jazzed up version has been on rotation since it launched. I find it perfect as a morning serum, as it absorbs super quickly and doesn't leave a film on skin. Purely White is my most recent pick up from Jurlique, and while I'm not sure I could get any whiter, it does a good job of moisturising and I'm hoping to see my skin tone even out over my cheeks as I continue use (have only had it for a week so far, so will give it time!).
Now you know about it, would you hit the Exchange for a freebie serum? Would it be awkward if I just show up every hour, every day? Does the fear of awkwardness cancel out my desire for free stuff? Deep thoughts with Michaela in action here.
*Maybe don't trust me with this kind of thing. My coworkers are probably a lot more cooler than yours.
From the 3rd (tomorrow!) to the 6th of October, Jurlique will be operating a pop-up store in Sydney Westfield (Pitt St entrance) and running something called the Jurlique Serum Exchange from midday to 6pm each day.
The Jurlique Serum Exchange is a most excellent, commitment free way to try a fancy new Jurlique serum. All you need to do is follow the following steps.
1) Bring in a full sized serum (full or empty, although I'd make frowny faces at anyone throwing away a not totally used up bottle because why would you do that? WHY?)
2) Be one of the first 60 visitors every hour to nab a numbered voucher in exchange for your unloved serum. If you are number 61, that kind of sucks, but you can still wait for the next hour to roll around. Or push in front of number 60. I mean I'm not advocating that type of behaviour, but it's a viable option.
3) Receive a FREE YOU PAY NOTHING FOR THIS NO CASH MONEY IT'S FREEEEE 30ml Jurlique serum, worth up to A$89. THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD DEAL. LIKE ALL-CAPS WORTHY, IT'S THAT GOOD A DEAL.
4) Use serum, enjoy lovely skin, rub face on coworkers to demonstrate newly uncovered loveliness. Trust me, they'll love it.*
You'll have a choice of the three serums available in their facial care line - Purely Age Defying (A$89), Herbal Recovery ($75) and Purely White ($80). I've been using Herbal Recovery for like forever, and this jazzed up version has been on rotation since it launched. I find it perfect as a morning serum, as it absorbs super quickly and doesn't leave a film on skin. Purely White is my most recent pick up from Jurlique, and while I'm not sure I could get any whiter, it does a good job of moisturising and I'm hoping to see my skin tone even out over my cheeks as I continue use (have only had it for a week so far, so will give it time!).
Now you know about it, would you hit the Exchange for a freebie serum? Would it be awkward if I just show up every hour, every day? Does the fear of awkwardness cancel out my desire for free stuff? Deep thoughts with Michaela in action here.
*Maybe don't trust me with this kind of thing. My coworkers are probably a lot more cooler than yours.
While summer is my total BFF of a season, spring ain't so bad either. It's nice to see all the little signs that warmer weather is on its way - longer daylight hours, beer gardens opening, and the hordes of backpackers airing their pasty, shirtless bodies in the Hyde Park once it gets over 21 degrees.
Oh, and this gorgeous magnolia tree I pass on my way to the farmer's markets to buy salted caramel cheesecake and rhubarb. Check it!
Inspired, I decided to slick on a mani as pretty as these blossoms.
I've previously covered some of the polishes from Australis' Rockstar collection, and the shade used here, K-Pop, is another winner. It's a very pretty purple-leaning candy pink, that's creamy, smooth to apply and opaque in two coats.
I've then upped the pretty with a smudge of this silvery pink glitter from Island Girl Hawaii, that I picked up on my travels there last year. Despite its uninspired name, Island Color is a nice fine glitter that can be built up easily and doesn't feel rough.
Australis Nail Colours retail for A$7.95 each. Island Girl Hawaii polishes are US$2.99 each and you can find them in ABC stores in Hawaii and selected salons in Las Vegas.
Disclaimer: Australis product sent by brand for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that I would have totally ended up buying these at Priceline anyway because that place is a bad influence, and I'm easily led. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.
Oh, and this gorgeous magnolia tree I pass on my way to the farmer's markets to buy salted caramel cheesecake and rhubarb. Check it!
Inspired, I decided to slick on a mani as pretty as these blossoms.
I've previously covered some of the polishes from Australis' Rockstar collection, and the shade used here, K-Pop, is another winner. It's a very pretty purple-leaning candy pink, that's creamy, smooth to apply and opaque in two coats.
I've then upped the pretty with a smudge of this silvery pink glitter from Island Girl Hawaii, that I picked up on my travels there last year. Despite its uninspired name, Island Color is a nice fine glitter that can be built up easily and doesn't feel rough.
Australis Nail Colours retail for A$7.95 each. Island Girl Hawaii polishes are US$2.99 each and you can find them in ABC stores in Hawaii and selected salons in Las Vegas.
Disclaimer: Australis product sent by brand for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that I would have totally ended up buying these at Priceline anyway because that place is a bad influence, and I'm easily led. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.
This may not be a total shock to anyone who knows me in the slightest, but I love me some boy bands. Floppy hair, awkward choreography and the hint of homo-erotism - what's not to love?
After fangirling my way through the rise and fall of Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, 5ive and Westlife in the 90s and 00s, how could I not totally fall for their legacy in the form of One Direction?
Especially Harry. He's totally in love with me, he just doesn't know it yet.
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| Mmmmmm |
After fangirling my way through the rise and fall of Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, 5ive and Westlife in the 90s and 00s, how could I not totally fall for their legacy in the form of One Direction?
Especially Harry. He's totally in love with me, he just doesn't know it yet.
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| LET ME LOVE YOOOOOOOOOU! |
I recently took a delivery from Fashion Addict, an online store that I'd heard of but not had the chance to order from before. Despite the fashion-affiliated name, I'd consider it more of a beauty e-tailer, with the bulk of its products in colour cosmetics and skin care.
My order had the following -
Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya ($9.95)
A sheer pinky coral, this is a little pick-me-up hit for my lips. The formula is slightly sticky (duh, it's a gloss), but not hair-snaggingly so.
Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Nail Polish in Honeymoon Red ($4.95)
More magenta-toned on nails than it appears on the bottles, Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength is one of my favourite brushes for its one stroke coverage.
Botanics of Australia Smoothing Body Scrub with Desert Lime and Wattleseed ($7.95)
Love this body scrub - it's the perfect amount of nubbly scrubby bits and lathering gel. The lime scent is sweet with a zap of zest, making this wash a neat addition to my shower rotation and pre-fake tan routine.
Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B Gift Set ($24.95)
I'm not so super crash-hot on celebrity fragrances, but this watery pale floral gets a pass for being both office friendly and reminding me of pear-scented shampoo. So fresh, so squeaky clean.
Fashion Addict has pretty speedy and safe shipping (it's free for orders over $40, and shipped from Melbourne) and regular discounts off Australian RRP, and I found all products to be genuine.
Disclaimer: Product sent by brand for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.
My order had the following -
Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya ($9.95)
A sheer pinky coral, this is a little pick-me-up hit for my lips. The formula is slightly sticky (duh, it's a gloss), but not hair-snaggingly so.
Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Nail Polish in Honeymoon Red ($4.95)
More magenta-toned on nails than it appears on the bottles, Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength is one of my favourite brushes for its one stroke coverage.
Botanics of Australia Smoothing Body Scrub with Desert Lime and Wattleseed ($7.95)
Love this body scrub - it's the perfect amount of nubbly scrubby bits and lathering gel. The lime scent is sweet with a zap of zest, making this wash a neat addition to my shower rotation and pre-fake tan routine.
Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B Gift Set ($24.95)
I'm not so super crash-hot on celebrity fragrances, but this watery pale floral gets a pass for being both office friendly and reminding me of pear-scented shampoo. So fresh, so squeaky clean.
Fashion Addict has pretty speedy and safe shipping (it's free for orders over $40, and shipped from Melbourne) and regular discounts off Australian RRP, and I found all products to be genuine.
Disclaimer: Product sent by brand for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.
So about a week ago I posted this photo on Instagram, showing how my skin looked straight after using my favourite DIY face masque (and totally bare-faced too - eeeek!).
As promised, here is my beyond easy recipe for making a cheap aspirin mask that, with a simple tweak, is suitable for all skin types. It's not anything new or original, but I'm always finding people who haven't tried it yet! I use it weekly, and it leaves my skin super smooth and helps nip breakouts in the bud. I do not recommend for use by people with a sensitivity to aspirin or damaged skin.
Australis has been knocking it out of the park recently, making it one of my top drug store brands for on-trend and wallet friendly impulse buys. It's an iconic Aussie brand that was honestly a bit daggy when I started venturing into everything cosmetics a few years ago, but has since done a smart 180 and started whipping out some trés decent products along with some clever branding to hit the hipster chicks and festival fiends right in the wallet.
The latest drop of products ontinue in the same vein - the Rockstar collections smooshes music genres into a range of four nail polishes and four lipsticks, naming each shade after a popular music genre.
Today I've slicked on two different shades of polish, for a mani that unintentionally ended up looking a little bit Elphaba-esque.
The latest drop of products ontinue in the same vein - the Rockstar collections smooshes music genres into a range of four nail polishes and four lipsticks, naming each shade after a popular music genre.
Today I've slicked on two different shades of polish, for a mani that unintentionally ended up looking a little bit Elphaba-esque.
I have been making a serious effort to take better care of my hair recently. From conditioning treatments to clarifying rinses, I've been whipping my hair into the very best version of itself.
My favourite product so far in my quest for hair fabulousity? Evo Fabuloso Platinum Blonde Conditioner.
Super appropriate name, because this shiz is absolutely fabulous.
While I'm no stranger to blonde toning shampoos, a conditioning treatment is a whole new ballgame, and the first of this type that I've tried. Like the toning shampoos I've previous used, it's a vivid bright purple and is quite a thick formula, more of a masque than a conditioner.
Evo says it's "a colour enhancing conditioner that provides an instant hair colour combined with a nourishing treatment to condition, repair, add shine, instantly tone and intensify hair colour".
You're directed to use it after shampooing, as you would a regular conditioner. The bottle also instructs to use gloves which isn't necessary at all, and to leave in for three minutes before throughly rinsing.
Being a super light blonde, I spend way too much time trying to keep my hair on the path of the light and righteous, rather than nasty and brassy. While I'm not sure that this conditioner provided "an instant hair colour", it did a hell of a job in knocking out the yellow tones in my hair, returning it to the more pastel pearl blonde I prefer.
As a conditioner, it also does a great job at smoothing my dry hair and giving it that silky, slipping through my fingers feel once dry. I would definitely use this as a decent conditioner, even once you minus the colour controlling properties.
Final results? Shiny, healthy hair, with my blondness knocked up a notch.
Not as blonde as me (on the outside, anyway)? Evo Fabuloso also comes in six different shade formulas to suit you brunettes, redheads and y'all in-between.
Wondering why I'm using Evo's own imagery up the top of this post? Someone with a name starting with "Mich" and ending with "Aela" may have decided to wash her hair at 2am upon her return home and smacked her poor bottle of purple conditioner around. I've now decanted it into an empty tub, but it doesn't make for a pretty photo.
Evo Fabuloso retails for A$35.
Disclaimer: Product sent by brand for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that sometimes I secretly wonder what I would look like with, say, red hair, but then I come to my senses and remember blonde is fo shiz the bestest. This post contain affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.
My favourite product so far in my quest for hair fabulousity? Evo Fabuloso Platinum Blonde Conditioner.
Super appropriate name, because this shiz is absolutely fabulous.
While I'm no stranger to blonde toning shampoos, a conditioning treatment is a whole new ballgame, and the first of this type that I've tried. Like the toning shampoos I've previous used, it's a vivid bright purple and is quite a thick formula, more of a masque than a conditioner.
Evo says it's "a colour enhancing conditioner that provides an instant hair colour combined with a nourishing treatment to condition, repair, add shine, instantly tone and intensify hair colour".
You're directed to use it after shampooing, as you would a regular conditioner. The bottle also instructs to use gloves which isn't necessary at all, and to leave in for three minutes before throughly rinsing.
Being a super light blonde, I spend way too much time trying to keep my hair on the path of the light and righteous, rather than nasty and brassy. While I'm not sure that this conditioner provided "an instant hair colour", it did a hell of a job in knocking out the yellow tones in my hair, returning it to the more pastel pearl blonde I prefer.
As a conditioner, it also does a great job at smoothing my dry hair and giving it that silky, slipping through my fingers feel once dry. I would definitely use this as a decent conditioner, even once you minus the colour controlling properties.
Final results? Shiny, healthy hair, with my blondness knocked up a notch.
Not as blonde as me (on the outside, anyway)? Evo Fabuloso also comes in six different shade formulas to suit you brunettes, redheads and y'all in-between.
Wondering why I'm using Evo's own imagery up the top of this post? Someone with a name starting with "Mich" and ending with "Aela" may have decided to wash her hair at 2am upon her return home and smacked her poor bottle of purple conditioner around. I've now decanted it into an empty tub, but it doesn't make for a pretty photo.
Evo Fabuloso retails for A$35.
Disclaimer: Product sent by brand for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that sometimes I secretly wonder what I would look like with, say, red hair, but then I come to my senses and remember blonde is fo shiz the bestest. This post contain affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.
Winter is probably the best time to dip into cream blushes, when everyone is that little bit paler and the subtlety of a fresh-faced glow can turn you from Voldemort, to....Voldemort after a nice brisk stroll.
I've been trialling a few cream blush formulas so far this season, and have most recently been reaching for this Luminous Creme Blush in Taffeta by Youngblood, which I got through Recreate Yourself.
Being blonde, I tend to stick to products intended for the towheaded like toning shampoos and purple conditioners. No matter how good I look in brown, I just don't have the hair colouring to do justice to products made with brunettes in mind.
So today for I've enlisted my lovely assistant, Alex. The brief - to road test a brown hair boosting shampoo. And to take photos for me in her shower. Nothing suss.
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| Which is a shame, because this wig is just beyond natural on me. |
So today for I've enlisted my lovely assistant, Alex. The brief - to road test a brown hair boosting shampoo. And to take photos for me in her shower. Nothing suss.
Even though I'm feeling a bit #foreveralone after the The Great Boyfriend Departure of 2013, I'm still happy to throw my support behind that most coupled up of activities - kissing!
Ahem.
Lush is combining one of my most favourite activities - kissing - with one of my favourite causes - animal rights. The brand is raising awareness of their no animal testing mantra by holding a Guinness World Record attempt for most lip prints collected in 12 consecutive hours, in honour of International Kissing Day on Saturday 6th of July. The current record stands at 22,174 so that's a lot of smooching!
Got a spare moment this Saturday? Pucker up and pop into your nearest Lush store to pay lip service with their cruelty free products. Staff will show you how to prep your lips with Lip Scrub (the Popcorn one is beyond) and a layer of Lip Balm, before using an Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lips (the range is now celebrating their first birthday - I reviewed some of the products here) to leave your mark on their cruelty-free record attempt.
Hell, there may even be some male models around to help you out!
Ahem.
Lush is combining one of my most favourite activities - kissing - with one of my favourite causes - animal rights. The brand is raising awareness of their no animal testing mantra by holding a Guinness World Record attempt for most lip prints collected in 12 consecutive hours, in honour of International Kissing Day on Saturday 6th of July. The current record stands at 22,174 so that's a lot of smooching!
Got a spare moment this Saturday? Pucker up and pop into your nearest Lush store to pay lip service with their cruelty free products. Staff will show you how to prep your lips with Lip Scrub (the Popcorn one is beyond) and a layer of Lip Balm, before using an Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lips (the range is now celebrating their first birthday - I reviewed some of the products here) to leave your mark on their cruelty-free record attempt.
Hell, there may even be some male models around to help you out!