Best Summer Beauty Buys:: Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint

I've never been a big fan of tinted moisturiser. It's never the right colour - and it always feels a bit slick when applied to the face.

But as a huge and dedicated Dermalogica fan, I had to try this Ultra Sensitive Tint, because I've never met a Dermalogica product I didn't like love.

Perfect for application (you just need a little more than pea size), I used my fingers for easy and silky smooth application. I wore this everyday of my holidays and loved it - and didn't even go near my everyday foundation, because this was the perfect base. 

It's sheer - but not too sheer, it gives a nice even coverage and feels really good to touch. It worked well with my regular make-up too. 

Offering SPF30 and tinted using earth minerals it helps guard skin against sun and UV damage with Grape Seed and Green Tea extracts added to help fight against anti-oxidants. 

I really loved this - and would definitely recommend it for a really light everyday coverage - and sun protection. But if you don't love tinted coverage - I want to recommend the Super Sensitive Shield. Why? It's really gentle, smells amazing, and it was so good I used it on Tiny (she really, really hates wearing sunscreen - and she didn't complain with this, not once!). 


Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint $52



Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Work Where? Work Wear!

As anyone who reads my blog would know, I am always on the hunt for some star pieces to add into my work wardrobe.

My attention span of loving my existing wardrobe wanes somewhat, so I need to add something new every now and then. They say variety is the spice of life - and this applies to my wardrobe. Otherwise I stand in my bedroom post-shower looking blankly at my clothes - trying to convince Matt I have nothing to wear. We both know the truth - but you're feeling me, right?

I've found three beauties that would look ace together - and make one heck of a workwear outfit - and work with lots of my existing pieces. 

Elk Drop Crotch Pant $150:: I've had an epiphany people, and you're going to be disgusted in me. The only pants I own are jeans. So they don't count. Post-epiphany, I had a pink fit and found these - I am really big loving them - and think they look ace how Elk have styled them with this top, but would look fab with...

This shirt. I am mad for white shirts - this Witchery OCRF Long sleeve bib shirt ($129.95) has stolen my heart. As we know, I am a firm supporter of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation through Frocktober. Proceeds from this shirt go straight to OCRF. And you get a winning hit to your wardrobe. Winning all 'round! 

And to finish it off - these shoes. 

Habbot - every. single. season. nails it for me. Blue velvet? AYE CARUMBA!! These Lennox Blue velvet flats ($320) are pretty much the icing on the cake. I can't rave enough about these - they are pure poetry on heels. Gimme, gimme! 

Have you found any good workwear basics lately?

3 Things I Love (Best Beauty Buys)

It's been a while, but I think it's imperative that I share the beauty love. As we all know, everyone gathered here at this computer screen, I really do love trying new beauty products. I wouldn't say I am a beauty buff, but I am a make-up and cosmetic junkie. I love me some playing with new sparkly things.

We are gathered here today to talk about three things that I am really loving. 

1. Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara $25.95

Once you've tried one mascara, you've tried them all. Right? WRONG! WRONG! Go directly to Wrongtown.

THIS mascara is ace. ACE! I looked at it and was a little turned off by the double end thing. I am someone who doesn't have time to fuss about around make-up, so I like my products to do their job, do it quickly and do it well.

BUT - one end thickens the lashes, while the other seals the look - and makes them luscious and glossy.

This is super. Duper. Awesome. 

Application is easy and straightforward - and the difference to my lashes is HUGE! So huge you can probably see my lashes from a satellite. I am not even close to lying.

They look so long and thick. I could happily wear this, with some foundation and blush - and BOOM! I am done for the day. 

Try it. I think you'll be pretty chuffed. 

2. Dermalogica Precleanse Wipes $23

I am actually addicted to these. And there is no rehab. Which is fine because they are so ace. Dermalogica has a pre cleanse that comes in a bottle - it's ace too, but these wipes are so easy to throw into your bag - and not have to worry about leakage freakage. 

My cleanser doesn't seem to remove all my make-up, so I sometimes do a double cleanse. However these wipes give you a really beautiful deep cleanse and leaves your skin feeling velvety good. Now I bypass the double cleanse - plus it's really great for removing mascara (see above). 

3. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health $5.99 (I think)

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, and after having a rap over the knuckles from my dentist, I'm beyond 21 days of flossing. GO ME!

Who wants to talk about flossing? Oh. No one. But let's just pretend this is a private conversation. There used to be this Oral-B floss that I really, really, really loved - it wasn't that plastic-y stuff, it was more like a thread. I loved it. And then it vanished.

No one knows how many stores I visited looking for that damn floss. No one. Seriously. It was like my quest. To no avail, it's gone. I even contemplated writing them a letter to tell them how outraged I was.

Thankfully I found this floss recently. It's now my new favourite. It's good. It isn't like flossing with fishing wire.

I know. Who knew I was ever going to write about floss with such verve. Me neither. But if you're into flossing, or trying to be, then try this, it's not going to slice through your gums like butter. I promise. 

                                                         ***

** I was sent the Max Factor mascara and Dermalogica wipes for editorial consideration. And quite frankly, I loved them, so I wanted to tell you about them. This is not a sponsored post. This is me telling you about something that is so rad, I had to share. 

Best Beauty Buys:: Skin Physics Instant Age Reset BB Plus

I've fallen back in love. With a BB cream. 

Fickle, aren't I?

I'd strayed away from using BB creams, and back to my regular foundation. But I tried the Skin Physics Instant Age Reset BB Plus and WHOA! 

I was a little afraid to try it - I've got very fair skin, and sometimes the 'Fair' shade is not fair enough (no pun intended), but this? This was bang on perfect for me. 

It applies smoothly, and the formula feels more mousse-like than a cream and feels light and velvety smooth on (I am not one for a heavy cream), which in case you're wondering, is lush! It not only brightened my skin but gave it a flawless finish, which I'm a fan of! It's oil-free and has a matte finish which for me meant it lasted the whole day without any touch ups. 

Packed with seven functions, it helps immediately improve skin health - itincludes Renovage that corrects the signs of ageing by helping to detoxify and de-stress skin and promotes the skins natural DNA repair factors. 

I'm loving using this BB - it means my base in the morning is one step and I can get out the door quicker! WINNING!


Skin Physics Instant Age Reset BB Plus Complexion Correction Balm SPF15 $39 (40ml)
Available at Myer, Priceline and selected pharmacies 

Best Beauty Buys:: Ella Bache SpiruLines

It seems kind of fitting that I talk about Ella Bache's new SpiruLines range this week, given I've been cleansing this week and madly discovering superfoods. 

Ella Bache have harnessed the 'super food' power of Spirulina which is the most concentrated source of protein known to man. 

For a long time, I've been an Ella Bache fan - it was the first serious skincare I used from age 16. There are so many great products in their range, and I trust them. Plus I really, really love their fake tan - it's super easy to apply and a great colour.

So I thought - what the heck, I'll ditch my usual skincare and try this. I've been using the range for a couple of months and think it's pretty fabulous. 

For a long time I've been in denial that I am hurtling toward the border between youthful and *ageing*. Actually. I am already south of the border, but that's a small point, right? RIGHT? 

Despite the unorthodox (for beauty creams) colour (it's a pale shade of green - no doubt because it's packed full of the goodness of Spirulina), it smells incredibly good and leaves skin feeling velvety good. This beauty booty targets finelines and restores elasticity with its 220 life-essential elements. My skin started to look and feel healthier after just two weeks of use. 

It also deliveres superior DNA protection from UV radiation due to its capacity to increase DNA repair - which is perfect under our harsh Australian sun.

In a snapshot:

• Packed with Spirulina, the Ella Bache Spirulines range targets finelines and restores elasticity
• Skin feels smooth and firmer over time
• It delivers DNA protection from UV radiation
• It's green. But it doesn't make you look green. Trust me.
• The lowdown:
• SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Correcting Serum 30ml $105
• SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Smoothing Cream 50ml $118
•  SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Plumper 15ml $59

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for review - however I had no obligation to do so. I will only tell you about products I genuinely love and use. Honesty is after all the best policy. I use it, I love it, I wanted to share.

Best Beauty Buys:: Garnier Intensive 7 Days Nourishing Hand Cream

We are gathered here today to talk about my obsession with hand cream. 

And the lack thereof. 

You see, I have this habit, that's kind of OCD in that if I don't put any hand cream on before I go to bed: I. Can. Not. Sleep.

Same with lip balm.

And I'd run out of proper hand cream, so was using any random moisturiser around the house. And it wasn't cutting the mustard.

Then this week I had the rare treat of a mani - and I was talking with the beautician, as one is prone to do, and we got to talking about hand creams. She told me that I should buy the Garnier hand cream as it is cheap as chips and super good.

Me, I am a bit of a beauty cynic. Unless I have tried something first-hand, I don't believe it. 

And as if Garnier hand cream was going to have me all in a froth. 

So the next morning I happened to be in the supermarket and I splashed out on the Garnier Intensive 7 Days Nourishing Hand Cream (with L-Bifidus - btw). A huge outlay of $4.75. Cough. Peanuts.

Still cynical I slathered it on as soon as I got to my desk at work. It smelt pretty darn good. Thick and yet not greasy consistency (already winning points), and now I am up to day 5 of using it - and giving it two thumbs up, plus two big toes up. It is honestly, super fantastic. It's quickly absorbed so no sticky after-application feeling either.

Already my hands are noticeably much softer, they feel fantastic. They're not dry. I am hooked.

And at $4.75 per 100ml tube, I can afford to have one at my desk, one by my bed, and one in my hand bag. It's a cinch!

* This is not a sponsored post. I bought the product myself after a private recommendation. It's cheap and cheerful, I loved it. I wanted to share. All reviews are my own opinion, after all, honesty is the best policy.

Best Beauty Buys:: Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer

Before kids, I had ample time to use whatever beauty products I wanted to. I had heaps of time. I used primer, foundation, powders, blush, eyeliner, mascara, the whole kit and kaboodle.

Then I had a newborn in my arms, and struggled with even applying mascara, let alone some days fitting a shower into my day.

And now, I've got a bit more time up my sleeve - but I don't really need it. Not with this primer. Man I wish this had been around when my babies were newborns. Why, you may ask. Well listen up, because I am going to tell you.

I hadn't used a primer for many, many years. I came to the conclusion that moisturiser + foundation was ample. And that's all I had time for. But this primer? Aye carumba. For a natural look, I'd wear this instead of a foundation - as a tint, and the feel of it is velvety. Don't believe me? Trust me. Velvety goodness.

I've been using it every. single. day for the entire month of August. Which is rare for me, because generally I change up my beauty routine daily. But this is non-negotiable.

So each morning I shower, cleanse, moisturise, then prime. The finish is so smooth, plus it evens out skin tone and texture, and gives me a really awesome base for my foundation, plus it enhances luminosit and radiance. I don't have to work hard to get an even application of foundation - it just applies so smoothly. And if I wanted to wear this alone - it gives a nice sheer coverage that lasts the whole day.

I am one of those people that hates wearing sunscreen daily - despite the fact I know I should (hello ageing skin) - I don't like the feeling. Another plus is this contains SPF30, White Tea polyphenols (these help delay collagen damage) it's free of artificial colour or scent (it has a FAB lavender smell - yum). Definitely a big win going in to summer (but really, yes, yes I know I should be wearing sun protection year 'round).

In a snapshot:

• It provides an even, smooth finish - plus a slight tint
• Makes application of foundation super easy, luminises skin, and is long-lasting
• Contains SPF30 - so if you're time poor and hate the feeling of sunscreen, this is doing double-duty
• Has a velvety look and feel (Marilyn Monroe used to apply hormone cream to her face to enhance hair growth on her face to give her that luminescent look she had in photos. Please don't do that, you can use this instead for a similar and hair-less result)
• RRP $79 (might seem expensive, but I've been using mine for over a month and I still have heaps in the tube. Probably will last 3-4 months depending on how heavy your useage is)

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for review - however I had no obligation to do so. I will only tell you about products I genuinely love and use. Honesty is after all the best policy. I use it, I love it, I wanted to share.

Giddy On The High: Etsy Success

Well that was the weekend that was folks. I'd been looking forward to Etsy Success for many weeks, and now #BOOM it's over.

I had such a blast meeting so many creative people, 300 of them, all buzzing in the one room. It was electric. It was such a coup to be part of it - one which I am grateful for. I got to meet so many excellent people - and on the flip side, endured the hangover from hell.

Someone really should have stopped me.

Hangovers are not my friend (are they anyone's?), and given I am a lightweight in the booze department, I feel they are totally unwarranted. I barely have a slurp of champagne before I've got to start tossing back the Nurofen.

But back to Etsy Success. The success of Etsy Success is really down to the people. I've said it before - Etsy has enabled so many creatives to come together and create a global community and business, that they would otherwise not have. Sure you can have a blog, and create community from that, or a Facebook page, but Etsy truly is the meeting place, the marketplace for creative geniuses to come together and share. And sell.

As a buyer, Etsy is like falling down Alice's rabbit hole. I can click through for hours finding more and more gold, right from the comfort of my couch.

In the coming week I'll be posting some more info on DIY PR. I promise I won't mention the goldfish again.

Holy House Envy!

Have you seen this book? Aye carumba. I have house envy to the max.

I thought The Selby was top of the pops. Well he is, let's face it. But Design Sponge has me salivating. I may even throw some of my stuff out. Some may call it junk. I call it stuff. It's feasible that it could be stuff. It's stuff from other people's bins.

But whatever you want to call it, get your filthy doggone mitts on this book. You will not regret it. Mark my words homegirls!

PS - Check out this Neon Wedding. Be still my boom-ba-da boom-ba-da heart. I might have to get married all over again. (To you Matt, of course.)

Fantasy Island Friday:: NYC? Yes Please!

Justin Timberlake might have brought sexy back, but I'm bringing Fantasy Island Friday back.

I'd like someone to give me tickets to jet over to NYC for a couple of weeks. Actually anywhere would be a good start. I need a trip away just for kicks. To discover a new place, enjoy a new space.

In lieu of tickets, I will of course accept alternate gifts. Including this coat from Opening Ceremony.

This bag - I'm loving the blue leather aren't I? Anthropologie.I'll take these heels - yes please! Opening Ceremony.

Tally ho! I'm ready to go!

Tiny Style Tips

We're overdue for some Tiny style tips. Tiny's big on style. Her own personal style. She's like the Diana Vreeland of toddlers. Today she's dishing out beauty tips.

When choosing lip gloss it's best to go for a shade that depicts your mood. Emo it is then!

Once you've chosen a shade then you're up to applying the gloss. Always, always go for the more is more mantra.

That way it won't rub off too quickly when you're hoovering up all the popcorn and freshly baked cake. In fact, if you have a lot of gloss on, then chances are the crumbs will get stuck in the gloss and you'll have some stuck on your lips for laterz. Seriously - this is epicurean beauty tips at their best.

For ultra-beauty, make sure you get your mitts on some contraband - try some face cream, and slather it all over your feet. Once that has been all used, then move onto the cleanser. There's nothing wrong with cleansing AFTER moisturising. You'll have really soft, clean feet. So clean you could eat off them.

Oh and if you get sick of your gloss, just wipe your face on the bed, couch, or whatever is handy - maybe your Mum's jeans?

'til next time, this is Tiny de Bouvier signing off.

Do you think Tiny could write some style tips for primped?

Weekend Tipple

I am horizontal on the couch. I deserve to be this way. The truth is, after this week I deserve a pair of Manolo Blahniks, an Easter Bunny on call, my own personal chef, and a honking big bungalow right next to the beach.

Next week is going to be a really freaking awesome week because this one has most definitely been left wanting.

Last night Tiny took to a bottle of Taav Vaporiser Fluid. Seriously. Thanks be to the Poisons Information Hotline. Thanks Tiny for taking another ten years off my life. Previously she has tried to eat - random berries off a tree (poisonous), and dishwasher powder (caustic). She is probably going to be a chemical Masterchef.

In light of this, I give you Battle of Bosworth wines. Ta da!

A while ago I mentioned the beautiful labels (and wine) that was by Spring Seed Company - remember that boozers? Well this is by the same people.

And while my local Vintage Cellars didn't have the Sav blanc, I went for the Chardonnay Viognier which is, let me tell you, awesome to the power of awesome. Let the half full bottle vouch for this.

Oh and I didn't even mention, it's organic. So it must be good. And the label is uber cool too. Brown paper. If I had three thumbs, well it would get three thumbs up.

Here We Are...

Well Tiny is kicking back on the couch watching Upsy Daisy over and over again while demanding more and more ham. The bad thing is, I don't have any ham. She's also covered in ice cream, and while you may be thinking - 'what the heck, it's only 11:32am!' - she's been sick all week and it's been a struggle to get her to eat very much of anything. She's drinking diluted juice and sniffling away with cuddles on demand. Half covered in snot, getting sleepy but denying the need to rest. Ah this is the life of a toddler. Nothing really makes sense. Except the Pontypines are heading off to bed, so perhaps this is fortuitous, will Tiny go to bed like she needs to?

Enough about Tiny and her baby-man flu. I'm here to talk tees. And Tiny definitely needs a change in tee given she's covered in ice-cream. Perhaps she could have the top tee (for only $15 - on sale - it's practically a steal - and hand printed - and it's made in Australia. Otherwise she could definitely use the second one, but perhaps I'd have to cross out twice and replace with thrice).

For those who are in to Entourage - this tee is a brand new design - $35

Well Spotted tees are all hand screen-printed, and all made in Australia (which is a rare and golden thing). They also stock a range of eco-friendly tees. After all green is the new black.

Check out Well Spotted's website for more details.

Super Cool

Check this out.

Why you should buy art by William Powhida

via SwissMiss

Who Put the Rage in Garage?

After a wee second birthday party we drove home, with a detour following some fluoro signs that blasted GARAGE SALE. It was an instruction we could not ignore. It was a command. Where there is a garage sale we must follow.

I got a little perturbed when the trail to the garage sale turned thin. I started to do a U-turn, and Matt piped up that we should keep going. So we did. Thankgoodnessforthat.

What we discovered was a garage sale on the brink of closing down. Ten minutes to go. I got a few choice linens (the cross-stitch, though silverfish fodder, is unfinished, perhaps I should help it realise its full potential). The frog hidden in the depths of an ugly vase.

And a big box full of linens. Which some (un)charming woman told me she had just purchased so I could not look. Thangsverymuchcowabunga.

However I did snaffle these two delightful angels, perfect for Christmas decs, a wooden elephant reminiscent of the ones my grandmother had (minus the tusks - did someone use those for toothpicks?!), and that cool Corningware dish (minus its lid, but I am ok with that).

Matt scored a wooden bowl which was thrown in as a freebie..

And almost my favourite thing, I do believe, how fortuitous. I had just taken out my knitting last night. I spied this stool/table thing and asked the lady what it was. A knitting stool. You put your knitting in the middle, and sit on it. Sit and knit baby. The fabric has definitely seen better days, but will be easy to replace. And she told me it's almost 100 years old. For $10 it was mine.

Perhaps tomorrow I will share my spoils from my mid-week op-shopping adventure. Tiny and I. We wike shopping! Actually, we both hate it. But op shopping calls, and it's a duty that we must obey.

Fantasy Island Friday:: Lust Jacket

I'm always on the lookout for a great jacket or coat. They really are the icing on the cake. They have the potential to save an outfit, dress up an outfit, or - surprise surprise - they can be useful when trying to get warm. A great jacket is a sartorial investment. It should last you a lifetime if you buy it well.

If you find a vintage jacket/coat you love but it's not quite right, tweak it with some new buttons. Or take it to a tailor and get it altered.

And where better to direct Fantasy Island Friday to than to the shores of New Zealand, home of the fashion-forward label Zambesi. I love NZ fashion. Directional, always a little quirky, and just plain uber cool.

All images via Zambesi.

Dirty Stinky Habits

If you smoke (dirty, stinky, grossgrossgross), better to take up a sock habit. Get these hilaire 'Kick the Habit' socks from Third Drawer Down.

Big Girl's Bed

Tiny is playing acrobatics in her cot. Or her 'cage' as the Doctor calls it. She climbs up on to the rail, and then perches there precariously until someone happens to stroll past and rescue her. More than a couple of times she's fallen off, as small acrobats are prone to, and tumbles off.

I've put the side down in order to reduce the number of tumbles, but now it's time to make the transition to big girl's bed. Even if she does keep telling me 'no, no no'.

Here are some things I've seen around the traps that I know Tiny would dig to make her transition into big girl's bed even more exciting. Not that she's getting any of it. But mamas can dream. Right?

Love bed set - from Australian designers Kideko

we already own one of these beautiful blossom mobiles from Nina at Puka Puka - it is so, so pretty

super cute bear from super talented Jess at Teddy Bear's Wednesday

vintage heart box from The Red Thread

Beci Orpin cushion from Lark Handmadelittle blue and little yellow - at bordersCat Hat limited edition print from Georgie Love

do you think i could sneak this catty in? via the Selby

Palm Beach, Baby

Last week, when I was on the brink of going bananas due to rain and the subsequent cabin fever that had set in, we set to the road and drove up to Palm Beach. I love going to Palm Beach, not only to perve on the grand beach-front houses, but also to soak up that ever-present holiday vibe. As soon as I get to a certain point, I can almost convince myself I am on holidays (even if I'm on my way to a meeting) and that I most certainly should be wearing some whispy piece of Indian cotton and Italian made sandals. Almost darling, but not quite.

So we showed the smalls the beach. It was raining so we stayed in the car. Very tame (and a little lame?). And then drove on to breakfast at the Beach Road Cafe where the smalls refused to have anything other than a hot chocolate. It was raining. It was cold. Matt enjoyed Eggs Benny. I enjoyed my rather large plate of blueberry hotcakes (what's not to love?). We left happy. Ready to adventure.

And my friends, here is where it gets quelle excitemente! Love, Loans and Linen is a small shopfront away from the main stretch of shops. Not far, close enough to walk. And I could have spent a long, long time in there, had it not been for Matt and the Doctor lurking outside. Tiny was handed a bottle of bubbles to keep her occupied, and then took over re-merchandising a small section while I bantered with the lovely owners, and oohed and aahed over the beautiful stock. If you're in this part of the world, drop in, they show local ceramicists (LOVE!), and a beautiful assortment of products (I loved the wish boats and the hot air balloon). Actually I loved it all!

old school image via

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away I wrote about nail polish/varnish and the chemicals it contains. Such as formaldehyde (remember that stuff from science class where the baby pig was suspended in liquid to preserve it? Or just think of Damien Hirst). Well I think wrote about it. I definitely read lots about it, but I can't find any such post.

But here I am again, banging on about nail varnish. And this one's a goodie, so listen up.

butter London is a 3 free company - no formaldehyde; no toluene; no DBP (and never have). I saw them just before Christmas and I have promised myself a date with a bottle of this goodness!

I'm a little infatuated with a few of their colours including:

Primrose Hill Picnic
Rosie Lee
And I definitely need the Horse Power Nail Fertiliser.

I've not yet tried them for myself, but man oh man, those colours look delicious and being 3 free gets my manicured thumbs up.

Butter up babies!

EDIT:: The bad news is...one of my UK friends read a review in the Sunday Times no less, of this lacquer saying it was not that great (though the colours still sing to me!) as it lasts for just a wee second. Sorry folks - though I did warn you I'd not tried it yet!