Lather Rinse Repeat: April 2013

Singapore beauty haul!

I know, I know, it's been at least a month or so since I got back since my quick trip to Singapore. Somewhat related, it's been a least a month since I dropped my suitcase at the base of my bed and purposely ignored every morning I stumbled by it and stubbed my toe.

Finally decided this weekend to crack the case open to look through the few products I did pick up in S'pore. I have to say I was quite disappointed in the products available and the still pretty high prices, especially in Sephora. It wasn't anything like the free-for-all that Hawaii was. Prices are from memory because I'm a chronic dispatcher of receipts and converted to Australian dollars.

From left to right - a blackhead remover which I've lovingly been using on my boyfriend's nose (Gross, but incredibly therapeutic) $3, Sephora Brush Clear Spray $9, Moisture Solution BB SPF30 $8, Biore Black Pore Strips $4. I picked up a few packets of these strips and have all kinds of love for them. They have one over the white strips with black being the perfect backdrop to best display your pore's grotty offerings.

22 brilliant comments

, by Michaela

feminism

Dove Real Beauty Sketches...For Men

I'm sure you've all seen the Dove Real Beauty Sketches videos by now. If not, brief run down is pretty, slim women describe themselves to an FBI profile illustrator. Someone who has just met them does the same. The two drawings are compared and OMG you guise, the nice ladies are more beautiful to others than she thinks she is because women focus on their flaws and we all have terrible self-esteem, but it's okay because you're actually pretty and being pretty matters a lot. Totes.

Anyway, I'm not too moved by this line of advertising from Dove, given they're selling something even if it's all wrapped up in cuddly feelings and emotive piano tinkling and I'm very aware of my own awful self image, thankyouverymuch. Plus the reminder that slim = pretty came across quite strongly, with a 'uglier' face described as "fatter, sadder", before we are reminded how you look impacts having friends and being employed. GREAT, THANKS FOR REMINDING ME.

But, I did rather enjoy this parody offering, focusing on how guys see themselves (won't ANYONE think of the men?!), all in the same style of the original clip.

What do you think about the original Dove video, or the parody? Do you have shitty self esteem? But you're, like, really pretty.

36 brilliant comments

, by Michaela

nails

WHAT IS THIS, NICOLE BY OPI?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING, NICOLE BY OPI?

NO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

STOP, NICOLE BY OPI!

Seriously, cool it with the collaborations, OPI. Fricking cereal now? None of these colours look particularly interesting and they don't even make sense. Red, sure, that's the brand's signature colour, but why the pink? And the blue? How about a beige for the flakes and a milk white?

Honestly, I'm starting to suffer collab fatigue. How about you?

6 brilliant comments

, by Michaela

nails

NOTD - Missoni inspired nails using Fing'rs

Just in time for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, here's a designer inspired mani that makes use of three different products - polish, nail transfers and studs!

Having the hand-eye coordination of a hibicus-addled baby sloth, unable to do anything with my oversized claws -

Seriously, the tree is right there. Why is this so hard for you?

- nail transfers like these ones from Fing'rs (that brand name, I just cannot) are so my kinda vibe. I can have pretty nail art, without the constant rage-tears and steadily escalating profanity that comes with trying to etch teeny weeny little Missoni squiggles across my nail by hand.

I used the Edge Nail tattoos set (A$12.99), which comes with three different types of peel off, stick on transfers and two mini colours. I choose the zig-zag pattern, which you know is meant to be seen as the Missoni design because, c'mon just look at it! The transfers have a clear base, which is different from a lot of similar nail stickers because you can alter the look of them through your choice of base colour. I went for the creamy green then stuck on a few studs from the Edge Heavy Metal Nail Art set (A$12.99) because I'm totally rock, man.

I'm also really liking Fing'rs Edge Ombre sets (A$12.99), each containing five polishes in various gradients of the same colour. So much easier and cheaper than buying five full-size bottles for one manicure look, especially if you have a stupid amount of polishes that you're already battling to get through.

Relevant - Fing'rs have just launched their e-shop and have 30% off all orders. Use discount code 'LAUNCH30' at the check-out to redeem.

Disclaimer: Product provided for consideration by brand. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that freestyle nail art must be some kind of skill that's passed down genetically or something. THANKS A LOT, PARENTS. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.