Category Archives: Nails

The Beauty Shakeup – Instagram/Blog Challenge!

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It’s a new year, bright, shiny and sparkly and that means it’s time for a new challenge! I had so much fun with 30 Days of Lippy last year and Kimberley from Pop Couture and I have been chatting about a way to up the ante and challenge ourselves (and you) to shakeup the makeup again. Meet The Beauty Shakeup.

#beautyshakeup
Last time we tackled lipstick exclusively, but if you weren’t a lipstick obsessive hoarder lover, like me then you kinda had nowhere to go. So this time around, we wanted to give everyone more freedom and get as many people involved as possible. So we’ve broadened the shake up criteria. You’ve got one keyword per day to prompt your look. Take Day 5, for example “Bold” – you can choose to interpret that as a bold lipstick, a bold eye makeup look, a bold manicure… or even a bold hairstyle. Ultimately the list lends itself to beauty, but if fashion is more your thing, you can join in with your daily outfit too!

Let yourself get inspired, create a look based on the word of the day, then photograph it and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #BeautyShakeUp so we can all delight in your creation. You can even blog about your look, review the product in question or do a weekly highlights package (don’t you just love those?!) Whatever floats your boat!

If you do blog/vlog about the challenge, please let me know by commenting here or over at Pop Couture, Kimberley’s killer blog.

Can’t wait to see what you come up with. Stay connected with us on Instagram @rosemaryslade & @popcouturist.

{ Editor’s note: Day 14′s prompt is matte and Day 15′s prompt is pink, however we realise that Day 14 is also Valentine’s Day, so anyone wishing to switch days 14 & 15 so they can wear pink for V Day, please do!}

Love,
Rosie xox

Sephora and what I bought there

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You know how they refer to Disneyland as ‘The Magic Kingdom’? Sephora should be called that too. I would also be quite content to dub it The Happiest Place on Earth. The fact that the first Sephora I visited was actually inside Downtown Disneyland made it all the more magical.

Not only does the name deserve to be up in lights, but it should have an exclamation mark too.

Sephora! *jazz hands*

I’d run out of quite a few things before I left for the US and stubbornly refused to replace them (I actually lived without concealer and powder for several weeks. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty). So I had a bit of a list.

I was like a kid at, erm… Disneyland.

Let me paint a picture for you: I stepped across the threshold, eyes darting around at the enormous (yet perfectly ordered) selection, my brain vaguely cataloguing brand names and locations as I went.

It’s like Mecca Cosmetica and the entire beauty floor of David Jones had a baby. And it got all the best genes.

I spent a solid hour browsing. I could have spent so much longer, but both the boy and his brother were waiting patiently and we did have a room check-out to make.

I didn’t get everything on my list, but I did do well. And picked up a few other things too.

Many of these were things I actually needed. Some were things I didn’t know I needed. Others were things I needed and so much more. Yet others were duplicates of things I needed.

(Meh… who among you wouldn’t try two different brands of black eyeliner?)

And then, of course, I splurged a little — as one does when on vacation — and grabbed a few things that I was all wanty for as well.

Alterna Caviar Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner.

An essential buy because I was about to run out of both and was concerned I would have trouble finding hair care products that were free of sulfates and parabens (necessary as I have Great Lengths extensions and these ingredients aren’t good for the bonds.)

BareMinerals Ready Foundation SPF 20 in Golden Tan, Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in 03.

Both necessities. Although I didn’t buy the BareMinerals powder foundation to be a foundation, it was intended as a replacement for my M.A.C Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder.

My helpful Sephora assistant colour matched me perfectly and pointed out that not only would it work as a powder, but it would also add more coverage. Helpful, as sometimes my foundation thins out a bit, around my lips, especially.

I was in desperate need of a new concealer. The Benefit Boi-ing won because I’ve heard great things about it and it was a perfect colour match.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black (of which Who What Wear said “We’ve finally tracked down the perfect liquid eyeliner!” — stay tuned for my review soon) and Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner in 0L (matte black).

I know, it’s hard to believe I let myself almost run out of black eyeliner. *gasp*

I was using a liquid liner over the top of a dark purple M.A.C liner during my last week or so in Australia.

A special thank you to Kimmi at The Plastic Diaries and Tara of Keeping Up With Me for introducing me to MUFE Aqua Eyes (and for reminding me to buy it.) I am in love.

Those of you who have been paying attention will know how obsessed I am with YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain – which I already own in 12, Corail Fauve – the plan was to buy every shade available when I got to the US.

On my first trip to Sephora though, since it was still within the first few days of my month-long holiday, I happily swatched away until I found another shade I absolutely fell in love with.

Please meet YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 7 – Corail Aquatique. Swatches & review to come.

I’ve been obsessing over metallic nails for at least six months, so I was so happy to find these! Left is Sephora by OPI Trend Tips in Ornate (silver) and right is Sephora Nail Patch Art in A12 Gold Circles.

Michael Kors Gold – Rose Edition EDP 30ml.

“New Fragrances” was written on my beauty shopping list. I had a few ideas of which ones I wanted. This was not one of them. (Mainly because I didn’t know it existed.)

One spritz and I was sold. It had my name written all over it. (Plus, it actually had my name written all over it.)

I also loved the idea of wearing a brand new fragrance the entire time we were away. Scent can be such a powerful memory trigger, so I wanted a fragrance that would remind me of travelling around America.

Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find this fragrance anywhere in Australia (aside from on eBay.) I hope it eventually makes it to our shores.

Mini Sephora Makeup Be Gone Triple Action Cleansing Water.

Impulse buy… Near the register.

Also I forgot to bring my own makeup remover, Bioderma Créaline Micellear Water, which I’m still totally addicted to.

Total spend just over $270.00 US. Which I thought was a pretty darn good effort.

So lovelies, it’s my first Sephora haul. How did I do? Have you tried any of these products? Let me know!

Love,
Rosie xox

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New in this week

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I’ve been on a bit of a spending ban tight budget lately, since I paid for my flights and accommodation for my month long trek around the United States. I’m trying to keep to essentials only, which is rather difficult for someone who tends to buy things based on excitement, love, hype, the fact that I “neeeeed it” and the sheer unadulterated joy of having something new.

But these are a few little lovelies that I picked up this week. The FCUK shorts just screamed “wear me in California” — making them an essential travel buy, the Sugar Baby Tan Enhancing Shimmer Oil was a smart purchase, it does two jobs in one: moisturise and tan enhance (I’m already churning through it) and the pastel polishes and floral print nail file were part of a seriously awesome gift bag from the incredibly talented ladies at Hello Darling.

I’m very lucky to work in a job where magazines are ‘research’. This Vogue cover simply knocked my socks off, Lana Del Rey looks positively ethereal, yet somehow has a sense of the girl-next-door. Kurv magazine is a new discovery: I am blown away. Their shoots alone have offered many hours of contented swooning and inspiration.

The MAC Lipglass was a belated birthday gift from my beautiful friend Sarah, she chose “The Wee Coquette” because she knew I was lusting after a soft pink shade to add depth and shine to my pout. Finally, the YSL Rouge Pur Couture, I must admit… I purchased myself. Gasp! I tried to restrain myself. And I succeeded for several weeks. But I just couldn’t wait any longer to try this miracle lipgloss. And I was certainly not disappointed. In fact, I’m ecstatic. A review will follow soon. As will enthusiastic purchasing of every shade available the minute I hit US soil.

Happy start-of-the-week lovelies, I hope you all have an amazing one!

Love,
Rosie xox

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Who’s a spoilt girl? SS Beauty Swap Haul

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A weekend or two ago I met my beautiful friend Samantha of SamanthaSmith.com.au for a coffee in the city. I love an excuse for brunch. Any excuse will do. We just needed a catch-up, ooh and we took the opportunity to exchange our goodies for SS Beauty Swap (a swap that Samantha arranged for Aussie beauty bloggers.) It was kind of like Christmas. And my birthday. All wrapped up into one wonderful coffee-laden, berry tart and chocolate volcano cake-filled morning. Samantha chose some killer picks for me. And being the big kid that I am, I couldn’t wait to get them home and play with them!

From top: Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons in Macaron, Cupcake and Sundae, Maybelline The Falsies Flared Mascara in Blackest Black, Essence Lipstick in All About Cupcake, Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Too Cool and Audacious Asphalt, L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nail Colours in Parisian Rooftops and Perle De Jade.

And one gorgeous Sportsgirl Pout Line lip pencil in Beauty Queen, who in my over-excitable state, I forgot to photograph was too shy to have her picture taken. The lovely S also gifted me a legendary chunky gold bracelet from Colette, which I am just loving to death. (She’s the pretty one on the left.)

My beauty cupboard feels refreshed, renewed and re-wonderful-ised. (Yes, I made up a word. Deal with it.) I am so overjoyed with my swap goodies! Samantha chose things that I really wanted but either hadn’t had the time to purchase, or hadn’t been able to find. Her colour choices are just so ME. And I am already wearing almost everything (and those things that I’m not wearing I have plans for…) *finger pyramid of evil contemplation*

I can’t wait to share my reviews with you!

Did you participate in SS Beauty Blog Swap? What excellent goodies are currently re-wonderful-ising your beauty cupboard? Let me know!

Love,
Rosie xox

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5 ways to easily (and cheaply) work a trend into your wardrobe

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Coco Chanel said “Fashion changes, but style endures.” Amen sister. It’s easy to get carried away with fashion: what’s hot, what’s new, what’s next, and forget that the very best clothes and accessories are the ones that suit you and your lifestyle. However, not getting involved in fashion can be downright boring. So here are some easy (and cheap) ways to work a trend into your existing wardrobe.

The iPhone Case: you take it everywhere with you, it’s always in your hand, so why not make it a fashion statement? Neon Catherine iPhone Case from Forever New $14.99

The Arm Candy: Quick, easy and cheap. Pop a brightly coloured cuff or statement bracelet on with your watch and a few other complementary pieces and boom, you’re rocking an arm party and you’re bang on trend. Diamonte Stud Stretch Cuff from Colette by Colette Hayman $12.95.

The Scarf: keep yourself warm and work a trend at the same time? Yes please! 3D Handstitch Scarf in Chartreuse from Sportsgirl $29.95

The Inexpensive Knit: There are plenty of chain stores around that get their trend pieces on the shelves quickly. Keep an eye out for inexpensive (but relatively good quality) knitwear in key fashion colours. Easy to pair with skirts, pants, jeans and leggings, a knit will ensure you look like fash pack material with minimal effort. Neon Yellow Knit from Blockout Clothing in Queen Victoria Building $49.95 (not available online yet, but similar here).

The Nail Polish: Feel like just dipping your fingertips into a trend, rather than jumping in head-first? No problem. Lavish some attention (and some fashion cred) onto your nails! NYC Nail Lacquer in Glow Worm $2.95 available from Coles, Woolworths and selected pharmacies.

What’s your favourite easy (and cheap) way to work a trend into your wardrobe?

Love,
Rosie xox

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NYC NEON POLISHES – Review + Swatches

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Nail polish is the easiest, cheapest, fastest way to dip into a fashion trend and update your look, as well as brighten up your day. NYC Colour have some awesome colours and at just $2 a pop, they’re super wallet-friendly as well. They have a huge range of colours (somewhere around 80 shades total) and they’re available all over the place: local pharmacy, convenience store, Woolworths & Coles as well as online.

I was recently gifted four of what have to be the coolest shades in the NYC range: (all NEONS) Glow Worm, Gelati, Show Off and Shocking Pink by my beautiful friend Adrienne of Lot Deux. She’s gorgeous and so ridiculously talented. Go and check out her blog!

As per usual, I trialled these polishes with no base or top coat, however, in order to get the best neon results and depth of colour, I required three coats, instead of my usual two.

Let’s start with Show Off. A hot, sizzling neon pink that makes your tan pop, your nails look amazing (no matter what the length) and goes with pretty much everything. Definitely one for the pink girls.
This photograph doesn’t quite capture it’s “neon-ness”. It’s got much more oomph and is far brighter, far more vibrant. Show Off is touch dry at 4 mins 45 secs, however you’ll still leave fingerprints up until the 8 minute mark. It will dent and/or ding if you’re unlucky enough to hit it right up until about the 20 minute mark when it sets solid. The first coat looks a little streaky but the second and third coats level out beautifully. I got 6 days solid wear out of this, with no top coat. Very impressive.

Next up is Glow Worm. The most neon of any neon yellow polish I have ever tried. It’s like wearing a glow stick on your nails. If you’re looking to try neon polish for the first time, I recommend this one.
It’s touch dry at around 7 minutes, although you’ll still leave fingerprints up until about 9 minutes and 30 seconds, if you’re unlucky enough to dent or ding them you will leave a mark until around the 30 minute point when the polish sets solid. I know, it’s a long dry time. But it is totally worth it. This polish lasted 7 whole days for me with no top coat. The first signs of wear started on day 8, with slight wearing away of the polish on the tips of my nails (probably because I’m constantly typing), but no outright chips.

Looking for a secondary neon? Why not take a look at Gelati! It’s a hot neon orange with a real wow factor. Your nails actually vibrate on their own frequency when wearing this colour. Sunlight bounces off of it like dirty disco lights and I wouldn’t be surprised if it glowed in the dark (but to be honest, I didn’t try that.) Again, this photograph does not do it justice at all. It is soooo much hotter and so much more neon than this.

Gelati is touch dry at 6 mins and 40 seconds, although you’ll still leave fingerprints up until about 8 minutes and 30 seconds. If you’re not lazing around with a glass of champagne waiting for them to dry, and you accidentally hit them on something they will ding, right up until about the 25 minute mark when the polish sets solid. Again, I was super impressed with the wear of this polish. I got a full 7 days out of it with no top coat and no base coat. The first signs of wear were as per previous, just at the tips of my nails, but no outright chips. Unlike Show Off and Glow Worm however, Gelati is level from the first coat.

Finally, rounding out the quartet of NEON awesomeness is Shocking Pink. Not quite as neon as the other three, it’s still a solid electric purple pink. Perfect for easing into the neon trend if you’re a little unsure.
Shocking Pink is touch dry in just 5 minutes. You’ll leave fingerprints up until around 6 minutes 30 and it will dent if you hit it hard enough right up until about 19 minutes after application, when it sets solid. Shocking Pink’s first coat is a little wobbly, but the second and third even out beautifully. Surprise surprise! I got 6 days wear out of this baby, not quite as long as Glow Worm or Gelati, but still very impressive with no top coat or base coat. Again, no outright chips, but the first signs of wear were a thinning of the colour on the tips of my nails.

All in all, at $2 per polish I was expecting very little of them aside from incredible colour. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that they wear really well and outlast some of my much more expensive polishes by several days (and almost a full week in some cases.)

Grab these babies from selected pharmacies, convenience stores and petrol stations, as well as Woolworths & Coles. For more consumer questions and stockists phone 1800 181 040.

Have a great weekend dolls! And don’t forget, you’ve got just over 24 hours to enter my WIN a Makeup Box Competition.

Love,
Rosie xox

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Currently

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At times my life is glamorous, at others it’s not, and at yet others, it’s downright boring. But it’s mine, and I like it. I thought it might be nice to share a little bit of it with you. So here’s what I’m up to currently.

Listening - To my shoot playlist, because I’ve been out on photo shoots for the majority of the past two weeks. I’ve got a good mix that includes everything from Kanye to Ou Est La Swimming Pool to Nicki Minaj to Paul Simon. I’m hitting replay on Annie Lennox’s “Walking on Broken Glass” at the moment. It’s such a cool song and it always puts me in a good mood.

Eating - My boy’s homemade mushroom, broccoli, chicken and blue cheese risotto. I eat fairly healthily and exercise regularly, because I find I’m happier that way. And on Friday nights, if we don’t have plans, we grab some takeout and kick back with a movie. I get ice cream sundaes with extra topping (top, bottom AND sides), because life’s more fun when you allow yourself to have a few little treats. I’m also obsessing over cheese, olives and sangria. Surely it’s time for another trip to The Winery!
Drinking - Double shot skim lattes. Dah! But also: Lindt Hot Chocolate with loads of (just white) marshmallows, Red Bull (because I’m on deadline) and a glass of sherry in the evenings, because even though it’s a bit of a Nanna/Great Aunt drink, it’s something sweet and warming, which is perfect for Sydney winter nights.

Wearing - Indigo skinny jeans, lots of black, woolly scarves in ivory, peacock blue and grey, my new Pilgrim black leather jacket, my two favourite necklaces (a gold heart gifted to me by my best friend and a rose medallion that my boy found for me at a market in Kirribilli a few years ago) and a set of rose gold rings I found at Sportsgirl. Oh! And these excellent new “Press & Go” nails, which have the coolest patterns I’ve ever seen. I picked up Vintage Floral and Pink/Black Tiger Print a few weeks ago and I couldn’t count the number of compliments I’ve had on them. There’s a full review here.



Wanting - To spend more time with my friends, more time blogging, more time playing with beauty products, more time reading and to have a bit of a sleep in once in a while. I’m also constantly wanting cheese.

Needing - More time in general. July is always a crazy month, but it seems extra crazy this year. I also am in desperate need of a new Moleskin notebook and a new calligraphy pen (mine just died) so I can always capture my thoughts. I find that if I don’t write things down, they just disappear.

Thinking - I’m very lucky. I need more time. I should move to New York. I still want cheese.

Enjoying - 30 Days of Lippy: shopping from my own stash and seeing others do the same. I can’t believe how many people have gotten involved and it makes me excited.
Archer: an hysterically funny cartoon for adults which I just can’t get enough of. It always puts me in a good mood. I recommend you check it out.

Hair Expo: it’s like a giant, creative, pulsating ball of hair and beauty that sucks you in, shakes you up and spins you around. I left inspired, elated, excited and positively bursting with new ideas and harebrained schemes *giggles at silly word and bad pun*

Xtend Barre: a new exercise class that I started a few weeks ago which is a combination of ballet and pilates. It’s a brilliant workout. I danced for years and it’s incredible how quickly your muscle memory kicks back in. I can feel my body getting stronger, lither and more powerful every week. The Vampire Diaries: modern day supernatural drama, great hair, angst, and awesome eyebrows. Need I say more?

The deets:
Click here to book a table at The Winery
Click here to find out more about Lindt Hot Chocolate and here to buy online
Click here to shop the Pilgrim website
Click here to shop the Sportsgirl website
Click here to find stockists of Press+Go nails
Click here to find out more about Xtend Barre

What are you currently loving? Let me know!

Love,
Rosie xox

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Press + Go Press on Manicure

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We all know I have a nail polish obsession, but I’m less than skilled at nail art. I can do a glitter feature nail and a cute little heart if I feel so inclined, but anything more complex than that is beyond me. So when I stumbled across Press & Go Press on Manicure (RRP $14.99), and the super cool range of patterns they offered, I handed over my cash faster than you can say “Nicole Scherzinger is our brand ambassador.”

The press on nails come in the cutest packaging, which looks like little nail polish bottles, but actually contains little press on nails, decorated with gorgeous patterns from vintage florals, to pink and black tiger print, to purple with coloured fireworks.

I bought the vintage floral and the pink & black tiger print. I wish I’d bought more! But these two stood out to me, mainly because I hadn’t seen patterns like these in any other brand of nail foils. Now these aren’t foils. They’re slightly thicker than that. Not quite as thick as an acrylic nail, but close. They’re rigid, but not hard. They bend almost like a natural nail, which makes them rather comfortable and (I think) contributes to their longevity.

If I had to compare wearing them to anything, it would be Shellac. They’re thicker than a polish or a foil, but not so thick that they feel unnatural. Even better than that, they’re easy peasy to apply.

Just remove any existing polish. Then pull out all the nails, choose the right sizes for your fingers (they suggest going as small as required, because they look – and feel – more natural and fit better if they’re a little small, rather than on the large side.) Then wipe your nails over with the prep pad provided. It smells like rubbing alcohol, which makes sense to remove any oil from the nails for effective adhesion.

Lay out all ten nails, then apply, leaving your thumbs until last, because you’ll need them to help remove the sticky plastic underneath the nails. Press them on firmly and admire your new manicure!

This shot was taken after I’d already been wearing them for about five days. They last really well, and I even put them through a shoot day (which usually involves lots of dress steaming, box opening, and worst of all, trying to find the end of the sticky tape for when we’re finally packing up.) They didn’t budge! But now, on day eight, the top coat is starting to wear just a little close to the tips of my nails, probably from scraping them along that confounded sticky tape.

My only criticism? As they started to grow out, when I got close to the week mark, the edges near my cuticles (because they’re not flush against the nail) started to catch in my hair when I ran my fingers through it or tried to tuck it behind my ear, and I’d have to disentangle myself. It didn’t happen every time, just a couple. But it’s not enough to put me off. I love my vintage floral mani (and I’m sure I’m going to love my pink and black tiger print mani just as much). I got so many comments on my nails this week!

All in all, impressed! I will be going back for more.

Press & Go Press on Manicure is available from Woolworths, Terry White Chemists, Priceline and selected pharmacies. You can’t miss Nicole Scherzinger on the stand. You can also purchase them online at www.pressandgo.com.au where at the moment if you buy four, you get free postage.

Have you discovered any cool beauty products this week? Let me know.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it!

Love,
Rosie xox

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p.s. Per my Disclosure Policy, I purchased these products with my own cash. All opinions are honest and are my own. I have not been compensated for this review or for mentioning this product.

Trend Watch: Mint Condition

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Mint Condition: (adj. idiom) 1. as new or like new 2. unused.

There’s just something so fresh about this light blue-ish green! It’s a softer, prettier shade of turquoise. Pair it with pastel pink, sunny yellow or dreamy peach for a pretty party that can’t be beat. Wear it on your nails, drape yourself in minty goodness or accessorise with a few minty pieces for a touch of fabulous.



Images: weheartit, The Modernette, Anthropologie Viscid Watch, Sabo Skirt Madonna Dress in Mint, Radha Dumra, Botkier Springtime Spritz Bag from Modcloth, Society Bride, RGB “Minty” Polish from HoneyHoney

Are you loving all things minty as much as I am? Which of these mint condition pieces inspires you most?

Love,
Rosie xxx

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5 ways to combat the “blahs”

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I’ve had a rough week. I’ve had a ghastly flu and been burderned with what my doctor referred to as “nuclear strength antibiotics”. You know those days when you just feel blah? Most mornings I walk out of the house feeling confident and amazing, but some days seem dull and drab before they’ve even begun. Luckily, I’ve developed a system for combatting blah, dull and drab. Here are my top 5 ways to pull yourself out of a blah day.

1. Wash and blow-dry (or straighten or curl) your hair. It will look fresh and shiny and smell amazing. Most of the time I am a dry shampoo addict and boy howdy it’s good stuff, but sometimes you just need supermodel hair. Favourite products: Moroccanoil Treatment Light $27.50 / 25ml, KMS California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray $31.95 / 200ml.


2. Fake bake it. There is nothing quite like a tan to make you feel glamorous, slim and sexy. But as we all know, real ones are terribly bad for us and so (hopefully) you’ve discovered the beauty of a faux glow. I’m a dedicated tanner in summer: I do a full scrub and application once a week, and a top-up application after a few days. In winter I’m lazier about it, but a gorgeous golden glow is sure to perk me up any day. Favourite products: Le Tan Fast Tan Mousse in Deep Bronze $12.99, Vani T Liquid Sunshine $28.95 and for those days where you can’t be bothered doing a full scrub and tan… Le Tan Flawless Legs Body Makeup is a lifesaver $17.99.


3. Be illuminating! An illuminator or highlighter is makeup’s answer to flat, dull and blah. It’s kind of like having your own personal lighting specialist follow you around every. single. second. Sweep a little across the high points of your face (that is: the bridge of your nose, tops of your cheekbones near the temple, on your forehead just above your brows and if you really feel super blah, dot a little in the inner corner of each eye – it makes your eyes look brighter -  and in your cupid’s bow, which is the hollow above your top lip.) Sneaky secret? Mix a liquid illuminator into your foundation for an all-over heavenly glow. Favourite products: Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminator in Angel Mist $14.95 and M.A.C Mineralise Skin Finish in Lightscapade $47.00.

4. Wear a bright(er) lipstick. One thing that’s bound to put you in a good mood and put some colour in your face is a great bright lipstick. I’m pretty obsessed with some of the great corals out there at the moment. The great thing about coral is it’s like pink and orange had a baby together, which means it suits both warm and cool skintones! Coral is the perfect pick-me-up for mid-week. But if you’re after something a little more wow for the weekend, go for a deep fiery red or a boom-smash orange. Favourite products: Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipcolour in Coral Fire $16.95, Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Besotted $39.00 and Shop M.A.C Lipstick in Watch Me Simmer $36.00.

5. Give yourself a statement mani. There’s nothing quite like having fabulous nails. It gives you that extra bit of wow factor, it’s a conversation starter and it’s likely to get you noticed. I always get compliments when I choose a bright or unique nail colour. Plus, there’s something about having hands that look great that’s a real confidence booster. Neon yellow, bright orange, pretty pink with a glitter feature nail (like the one here) or a parade of pastel colours on your fingers (like here). Statement nails are a big blah-buster! Favourite products: Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel in Electric and Pink Lingerie $15.95, OPI Nail Polishes in Pamplona Purple and Jade is the New Black $19.95, Sportsgirl Nail It! in Ginger $7.95, Face of Australia ProNail Enamel in Cool Cotton $6.95 and Barbados Nail Enamel in Another Daquiri Please $4.95.
Do you have a system or a great way to combat the “blahs”? Any parts of your beauty routine that instantly perk you up? Will you be trying any of my tips? Let me know!

Happy Friday!
Love,
Rosie xox

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Note: all images used above are PR shots. Layouts are my own.