By Cassandra Laffey, beauty writer 

According to Beauty Directory (http://www.beautydirectory.com.au/news-items/2012/january/2011-beauty-trend-report/) last year nail lacquers inched out lipstick to be the new recession-proof cosmetic. I've blogged about the celeb trends we loved (Shellac, shatter-look topcoats, motifs) and weren't too sure about (Gaga's talons, Katy Perry's nail art) and it seems coloured nails in all hues made us smile every time we looked at our fingers and toes in 2011.

Well colour us happy in 2012! With change from a tenner and made in Australia, the new Australis nail colours at only $7.95 each make good cents! The eight new additions take their cue from the catwalk with Kick the Bucket, a Chanel-esque mushroom tone, and the shimmer-saturated Foil Spoil. Summer's block brights in Jellybean (vivid orange), Sky's the Limit (bold blue) and Manic Panic (creamy purple) will pop against a faux tan - alternate colours on digits á la Rihanna or wear alone. There's also edgy colours like Mates Rates (a deep shimmering green) and Rabid Revenge (a dark shimmering purple-ly brown), that look amazing on nails, and every bride needs the ballerina pink of Sinfully Sweet. 

Why not try a updated French mani with Kick the Bucket and Foil Spoil?

By Cassandra Laffey, beauty writer 

Is this the only acceptable camel toe? While it looks more orange in the bottle, this limited edition Gorman Talons nail polish from last year's promotion is decidedly tan/camel on me!

By Cassandra Laffey, beauty writer 

For someone who's up on all the latest innovations in the beauty industry, I'm a bit of a Luddite when it comes to adopting technology.

Take the electric toothbrush. I've only just upgraded my manual handheld equipment for a rechargeable model, despite even my dentist recommending an electric one. I just didn't see a need, and brushing my teeth with a toothbrush just wasn't that hard, frankly.

After my initial trepidation (it's loud; it vibrates; it feels weird), I'm a convert. I love the ultra clean feeling and convenience. Although I still don't like the noise!

So when the Clarisonic Mia cleansing system landed on my desk I was sceptical. Again, how hard is it to clean your face?

Given, cleansing is one of those routines I find most annoying. Don't get me wrong, I'm religious about cleansing my face and brushing my teeth (and flossing!) twice daily. I even used to have a shower, wash my hair AND scrub off all my makeup after clubbing back in the days when the smoke was from cigarettes and not just machines. But I don't enjoy it.

As a beauty writer, this time I resolved to be an early adopter and give this little handheld cleanser a whirl. No judgement.

The Clarisonic Mia is cute, compact and requires 24 hours' charging before it gets going. It has a cordless handle housing a sensitive brush head, a compact charger and comes with a Gentle Hydro Cleanser (although you can use your own fave product) that you place on wet skin or on the brush head.

It has one button and one speed; and makes a sonic sound (300 movements per second) when working. Don't let that put you off, Clarisonic Mia feels amazing! You don't have to press too hard to receive the benefits and it feels like a fabulous face massage - so much better than cleansing with your fingers or a cloth! Just move the brush head in a circular motion on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. The machine automatically turns off after one minute so it's also super quick.

After my first go, my skin felt clean, but not tight, with a softness to the touch. After a week, my face looks clearer with minimal blemishes. Serums, moisturisers and other products also work more effectively after using Clarisonic Mia.

Clarisonic Mia is available from David Jones, Myer, Priceline and selected pharmacies and online at adorebeauty.com.au for $179.

www.clarisonic.com.au

 

By Cassandra Laffey, beauty writer 

Suffering the worst chapped lips I've had since I licked my lips so badly in school that I looked like Ronald McDonald (true story!), I didn't know which lip balm to use to ease my pain. I knew petrolatum products don't work for me and seem to make the problem worse; my yummy, eco-friendly, conscience-soothing lip pot (recyclable, of course) wasn't cutting it and I was fresh out of ideas.

So, as a new mum I turned to my lanolin-based nipple cream and slathered that on my lips. Sure, it looked a little greasy, like I'd eaten all Ronald's burgers, but it worked a treat. In a couple of days, my lips were soft, flake free and felt comfortable again. 

Now you may be recoiling in horror or snickering into your morning muffin at my treatment solution but medical-grade lanolin is well known as a natural barrier cream that's soothing, healing and protective. Mecca Cosmetica even stocks a UK brand called Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips ($38) that's a cult fave. Sure it's sourced from sheep and extracted from the fleece once it's shorn, but don't sheep have great skin (well, don't they?).

Which brings me to haemorrhoid cream. Rumour has it this ointment has properties that can deflate under-eye bags in the same way it deflates... well, you know. Apparently makeup artists keep it stashed in their kits to tackle hungover starlets.  

So, I asked some of my makeup peeps to 'fess up and they all said yes to haemorrhoid cream for under-eye bags. Alex says the cream works in the short term as it shrinks blood vessels but could make problems worse in the long run. She says stick to cooled cucumber for your peepers.

And toothpaste to zap pimples? It's another yes from the cosmetic crew. Alex warns not to use whitening formulas as these toothpastes can contain peroxide - a no no for skin. 

Kate says Vaseline is not just good for camera lens, try it as a facial primer. Just a thin layer, mind, or your makeup will just slide off.

Another Alex tip is to DIY your body scrub, mixing brown sugar, olive oil and a yummy essential oil. Libby like using cut lemons to soften and whiten the skin on your elbows and knees.

Any more? Let me know! If you like the idea of lanolin for lips, I love the Australian-made Lanolips Lip Ointments ($13.95). Made from medical-grade lanolin, Lanolips come in awesome colours (like the pictured coral-hued Sunshine) and have SPF 15+ for a glossy pout that really protects. Mwah!    

Cassandra Laffey trials a new product promising to visibly mend stressed tresses.

It’s splitsville for you and your split ends problem.

With parent company Procter & Gamble’s acquistion of Wella Pro Series and Wella Professionals, the Pantene Pro-V Clinicare ranges combines Pantene Pro-V science with the salon expertise of Wella. New Pantene Pro-V Clinicare Split End Fuser is a leave-on treatment to "intensively repair damage, and visibly mend split ends beyond prevention."

Now for the science part: vitamin E adds moisture and protection to the damaged ends and three amino acids cover the hair tips to repair split ends and hair breakage on the surface.

I trialled a single-dose ampoule (each pack contains 10 ampoules for $19.99). For optimal results it's recommended you use the treatment shampoo, conditioner and rinse-off treatment, but I went straight for repair.

On towel-dried hair (you can also apply to dry hair), I used my fingers to coat my hair from mid-lengths to the ends, smoothing between two fingers to cover. The ampoule contains a generous amount of product, and I had plenty left over after coating my shoulder-length fine hair. The formula is lightweight and non-greasy to touch. Once hair is dry, it feels soft and looks shiny, and dare I say it, healthy.

It's recommended to be used two to three times a week for prevention, or at every wash for severe split ends. It's an impressive fix to extend the time before my next hair appointment.

Salvation from your financial woes is at your fingertips, literally! Cassandra Laffey nails the trending spending...

When the going gets tough, beauty addicts turn to nail polish to cheer themselves up! According to an international market research company, nail lacquer has trumped lippie as the most recession-proof cosmetic. In the last year, worldwide sales of nail polish increased by 54 percent, whereas lipstick sales rose 14 percent.

Sales for one of our fave professional brands, OPI, grew 20 percent in 2010, according to OPI US, with Australia named as one of the top five highest selling countries worldwide in terms of sales for OPI. This popularity has been linked to product innovation and celeb alignments - think Katy Perry and Beyoncé for starters! These gals change their nails as often as their knickers (I'm guessing!) Of course, being a rich and famous songstress means never having to do the dishes, but as I've blogged about, the new gel lacquers mean you can still have a life while your nails look schmick.

Think also of the pampering aspect of a mani/pedi. Readers of my blog will know I'm partial to smoothing the hooves and lacquering up. The rise of nail art, such as shatter/crackle effect top coats, foil nails with quirky designs and custom motifs, are a form of personal expression on a small scale for a mini price. Just keep the length short and neat to avoid looking ghetto-fab!

Just like a slick of lippie is an affordable treat, some bright or on-trend nail colours can really brighten your day. Take my colour de jour - For Audrey from China Glaze. What could make you happier than Tiffany blue, I ask you?

Cassandra Laffey gets a lesson in masterclass mania at Brisbane's Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy.

A Napoleon Perdis masterclass is utter excited chaos. There's 50 perfectly preened fans of the Aussie makeup maestro crammed into the corridor of the Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy in Brisbane waiting for a sold-out special makeup masterclass on Wednesday, September 28. As I wait with other media, a breathless fan asks us what we do. After establishing our print credentials she continues: "Have you met him? What's he like?"

Fuelled on giant choc-covered strawberries and sweet fruity cocktails, the crowd is made up of VIP clients who have nabbed $500-a-pop tickets (redeemable on product) to get up close and personal with Napoleon. While their get-up is a little OTT for 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon, these ladies have gone to a lot of trouble, dressing to impress with cocktail frocks, killer heels, salon hairstyles and, of course, immaculate makeup. I'd been told that Napoleon's Queensland clients are a passionate lot and they don't disappoint!

When he arrived, Napoleon commented on the liberal use of colour and complemented his clients' efforts. He tantalised the crowd with upcoming cosmetic releases (including lace false lashes - part of the upcoming Holiday Collection - and pro products that have been tested backstage at fashion shows) and demonstrated on a Toni Mativeski-clad model that women can rock a smoky eye and bold red lip combo noting Sophia Loren and other screen sirens pioneered the look back in the day. Brisbane brought the love and Napoleon gave it back. Total makeup lovefest! 

www.napoleonperdis.com

Make sure your body and face match this summer, warns Cassandra Laffey.

Meet my new friend. Let's call her B to avoid any potential lawsuits. Or by her Native American name, Pale Face Bronze Body. One of the more unusual items that the postie has brought me, my friend B has a definite disconnect between the skin tone on her face and body. While she's bronzelicious on the bottom, she's neglected to match her visage.

Enter new Le Tan Instant Face Tan ($7.99). It's not just faux tan in a smaller package, this tinted self-tanning lotion with a pleasant smell is formulated for wear on your face with anti-ageing antioxidant lycopene and vitamin E to hydrate. It's also matte and goes on streak free so you can apply foundation over it the next day.

So don't be like B, play matchy-matchy with your face and body this summer. Le Tan Instant Face Tan is available in October online and from selected pharmacies and supermarkets.

www.letan.com.au

So, it's 15 days on from my Shellac experience and, as you can see from the pic above, my nails are still lookin' good. There are a few small chips, and the colour has definitely grown out, but the finish is still super shiny.

After some initial trepidation,  I threw my hands in and used them as if I wasn't trying to preserve a freshly painted manicure. I opened ring pulls (surely THE natural enemy of a mani), prised open jars, changed nappies, walked dogs, did weights, typed up stories and (tried not to) bite my nails. The Shellac took my shellacking and performed beautifully, looking erm, polished AND functional.

Would I have Shellac applied again? Absolutely. It's the mani for those of us who do need to use their hands on a daily basis.

Shellac is $45 for a full set at Desirable Nails & Beauty.

182 Robertson St, The Valley p 3852 3883 www.desirablenailandbeauty.com       

Cassandra Laffey gets a good Shellac-ing.

Confessions of a former nail biter. I have really bad hands. Normal palms but short stubby fingers. Not to mention weak nails from biting. It's safe to say no one is offering me hand model contracts anytime soon.
But I love nail polish. Love. Love. And have a slight obsession with the colour orange and the whole bright coral spectrum.
What to do.
I usually just paint my toenails because 1. I love pedicures and 2. I can paint my toenails neatly without the whole left hand painting the right hand botch-up. If I do attempt to paint my own fingernails it's with nude lacquer to disguise a dodgy mani and ensure chipped polish is less noticeable.
So yesterday I had Creative Nail Design (CND) Shellac applied to my fingernails at Desirable Nails & Beauty in The Valley. This nail service applies like a polish and lasts like a gel, boasting a chip-free mani for 14 days. It's 3-free (free from toluene, formaldehyde and DBP) with no odour and comes off quickly with professional removal.

I opted for the pinky coral hue of Tropix (old habits die hard and it's almost summer!). After shaping my shamefully short nails, Desirable Nails & Beauty owner Sue Nguyen applied the CND Shellac Base Coat to my fingernails and placed my hands under the CND Lamp to cure. A couple of minutes later and she applies the Color Coat in thin layers and it's under the lamp again to dry. Sue takes care to work within the nail to ensure the colour won't peel off. To finish she applies CND Shellac Top Coat and once that's dried I'm good to go. Sue is super quick and will keep you in stitches with her cheeky banter and camaraderie with other patrons at her salon. Plus she says she like bright polish on short nails so she's a keeper!
All up the appointment takes under 30 minutes and that includes a relaxing hand and arm massage. Sue says there's been some negative feedback about the limited Shellac colours (24 at the moment of mainly nudes) but says six more are on their way in November and colours can be mixed.
And my Shellac mani? Day two and so far so good. I'm pretty hard on my hands, and as I type for a living, I'm sure to give my Shellac a good shellacking. I'll keep you updated on Day 14!
A CND Shellac mani is priced at $45.

Desirable Nails & Beauty
182 Robertson St, The Valley
p 3852 3883 www.desirablenailandbeauty.com

Cassandra Laffey gets a sneak peek at the colour cosmetics that'll be brightening up summer.

Today I had a makeover at the Illamasqua counter in the cosmetics hall of Myer Brisbane City. I told Illamasqua counter manager Tiarah Ormsby to go for bold and this is the result using products from the new (just launched today) Theatre of the Nameless collection and the summer brights featured in the new My Beauty booklet from Myer.

Taking its cue from the catwalk, block colours are also in fashion for new season makeup and I'm loving these bold eyes. Tiarah used an illuminator over my eyelid to ensure the powder shadows adhered to my skin and Gleem Cream as a primer also added luminosity. These products ensured my look lasted the entire day (and night).
While this look may be a tad OTT for the office (just a smidge!), try a bold lipstick in an orange or hot pink hue, or apply a thin line of bright colour along the lashline. As Tiarah says: "There are no rules!"

Get the look:
Face:
Gleam Cream
Skinbase Foundation
Powder Foundation
Eyes:
Illuminator in Poised
Powder Eye Shadow in Anja (bright sky blue)
Powder Eye Shadow in Sister (sunshine yellow)
Pure Pigment in Furore (champagne peach shimmer)
Pure Pigment in Berber (auburn shimmer)
Precision Ink in Havoc (aubergine)
Volume Mascara in Harness (black)
Lips:
Medium Pencil in Bait (hot candy pink)
Lipstick in Plunge (bright mauve pink)
Intense Lipgloss in Belladonna (deep pink)
S.O.P.H.I.E. Pencil (black)
Brows:
Eye Shadow in Stark (purple brown)
Sealing Gel
Cheeks:
Powder Blusher in Lover (soft apricot)

Illamasqua Myer Brisbane p 3232 0155

Acclaimed Brisbane hairdresser Todd Arndt gives Sarah Webb the ultimate tips of the trade and shows Style how to create the perfect up 'do.

Fresh from Sydney's Rosemount Fashion Week and just weeks away from jetsetting to New York's own glamorous version, Vogue Nationale's Todd Arndt has more than you're average insight to what's hot in this season's hair world.
The acclaimed stylist leaves a host of awards in his wake and his glimpsed the hottest trends hitting the UK, Europe and the USA to give us a taste of what's to come in hair looks. He says braids are back in a big way (that's right you had best start practising) and the always-sexy pony-tail is swinging back into fashion.

To ensure you nail the perfect look check out Todd's top tips.
1. Ensure you're hair is healthy and receiving regular intense treatments (it's vital during winter and will give your locks some extra bounce).
2. Don't over-straighten your hair. A natural curl or wave can give your pony-tail some extra volume and personality.
3. The sexiest look at the moment is a slightly dishevelled pony-tail so to achieve that don't have it too clean. Use a good hairspray to give it some grip and stop it slipping.
4. To me [to achieve ultimately hot hair] it's about getting a constant cut. A lot of people leave it too long between hair cuts.

www.voguenationale.com.au
 

By Hannah Lipman

I know it may not feel like it – but summer is actually here! Unfortunately for me, I missed out on the tanning gene and cannot for the life of me produce an inch of golden goodness – in fact I just burn to a deep lobster red, peel, then resort back to my ghostly glow. We all know how slimming and attractive a tan looks, so for me spray tanning is my only option. I first started getting spray tans when I was 17, and now at the ripe old age of 21, I can confidently say that when it comes to spray tans, I have been there, tried them all and definitely know the good from the bad. So I give to you, my top three spray tans ever received in Brisbane:

1.    Sun 7 Fortitude Valley - two lovely ladies control the spray tans upstairs and never do anything but an amazing job. They are incredibly specific and never miss a spot. They also use Tuscan Tan, which I believe is one of, if not the best, spray tan around.
P  3216 0062

2.    Gelly Rose Hamilton – a blooming business run by Sandra. What I like about Gelly Rose is they use a Vani-T spray tan solution, which is organic (meaning no nasty scents). Vani-T is also an express tan which stops developing after four hours and has the highest possible DHA level than any other spray tan solution - meaning you walk away with a guaranteed fast and dark tan.
P 0407 431 946

3.    Perfect Tanning Studio Woolloongabba – this place is spray tan central! It’s good if you don’t want to dilly dally around as they have their quick in and out service down to a tee. With four colours to choose from there is something to suit everyone.
P 0417 740 028
 

Fellow beauty junky comrades rejoice! This is the season when we get to deck our bathrooms in limited edition Christmas-scented lotions and potions, jingle our on-trend shimmery nail varnish bottles and sing Joy (the fragrance) To The World! It’s the time of year when your fave skincare comes in travel-size versions or that perfume you’ve been coveting all year is now available in a coffret with a matching shower gel and body lotion for nix. Gift with purchase means you can stock up on your staples and enjoy extra to boot! Or purchase a gift pack of mini glosses and split them up among your besties or sisters. One of my fave skincare brands has a host of gifting goodies on offer. Athens-based natural skincare brand Korres is available at Kit Cosmetics and has both cosmetic and skincare gift packs on offer this holiday season. Try the Holiday in Greece pack ($44.95) with travel-size versions of Aloe & Soapwort shampoo, Basil Lemon showergel, Basil Lemon body milk, Guava showergel and Guava body butter.

October is Think Pink month with many beauty companies producing limited edition and pink-themed products with a percentage of profits or sales going to breast cancer charities for research and support services. Here are a few of my faves so everyone can look to the future with rose-coloured shades. 
 
OPI nail lacquer in Pink of Hearts 2010 Edition $19.95
Available from David Jones and selected salons. P 1800 358 999.
100 percent of all profits of Pink of Hearts 2010 Edition goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
 

Aveda Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief $44.95
Available from Aveda concept stores and salons. P 1300 300 054.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation will receive $4 from the sale of each Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief
 

 
Dove Pink Beauty Body Wash $6.99, Dove Pink Anti-Perspirant Deodorant $4.99, Dove Pink Anti-Perspirant Deodorant $3.69 and Dove Pink Beauty Cream Bar $4.49
Available from supermarkets and pharmacies. P 1800 061 027


 
ghd Pink Limited Edition box set $299
Available from ghd salons. P 1300 880 209
The National Breast Cancer Foundation receives $30 from every sale of the ghd Pink Limited Edition box set.
 

Tweezerman Special Edition Precision in Pink Slant Tweezer $49.95
Available from selected David Jones, Price Attack, Hairhouse Warehouse and pharmacies. P 1800 251 215
One dollar from the sale of each Special Edition Precision in Pink Slant Tweezer goes to the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia
 
 
Jane Iredale Sugar & Butter Lip Exfoliator & Plumper in Phoenix $54
Available from selected salons and spas. P 1300 850 008
Two dollars from each sale of Sugar & Butter Lip Exfoliator & Plumper in Phoenix goes to Living Beyond Breast Cancer
 
And finally – my fave:
 

 
Volley Limited Editon Pink shoes $26.86
Available from Big W

Volley Limited Edition Pink shoes $29.95
Available from Kmart
One dollar from the sale of each Limited Edition Pink Volley shoes goes to National Breast Cancer Foundation
 
 

You know how people pore over images of their favourite celebs to imitate their look? I do that with makeup. I see an amazing winged eye or covet a bright lippie and then obsess over finding the product that will help me achieve that look. 

For a non-professional makeup artist I have a pretty enviable makeup kit and as a beauty writer I can usually harass makeup artists into divulging their secrets. I also know which counters to hit if I’m after bright coloured lippie, rainbow-hued eyeshadows, nude lipglosses or long lashes to add to my stash and add the finishing touch to a new look.

My long-term makeup obsession has been finding the neon-orange hued eyeliner worn by songtress Lily Allen during her ballgown and trainers phase. I’ve hunted high and low, Googled it and even asked makeup artists how to achieve the look but last week I finally nailed it.

Niche British cosmetics brand Illamasqua has just launched in Sydney at Myer (opening at Myer Brisbane City on October 31 and Robina on October 27). With roots in theatrical and film makeup, the looks are not for the fainthearted but can be adapted for everyday use.

The brand’s motto is “make-up for your alter ego” and the latest Art of Darkness collection (pictured) contains jewel tone eye colours, blue lipstick and feathered false lashes. Best of all, Illamasqua international brand development director Trudi Kynaston tells me after a consult at an Illamasqua counter, the makeup session is filmed and you’ll be sent home with your goodies and a disc to replicate your new look at home.

The colour spectrum is exhaustive and with celeb followers like Lady Gaga and Lily Allen, I’m pretty sure I’ll find the hue I’m looking for. 

Seen on the trendsetting digits of Rihanna, Katie Perry and, er, Paris Hilton, nail art is back in the picture and out of the trailer park. Floral motifs (including the ubiquitous frangipani!) reign supreme in myriad colours but nail artists can also customise designs with diamantes for extra bling. Of course, kawaii Japanese Harujuku gals have been rocking this trend for yonks as has their biggest fan, Gwen Stefani.

If you are going to try this trend, the key is to keep your nails short and your nail art classic and cute. Avoid scary metallic talons with pierced bling. Remember too that most of the celebs sporting nail art don’t get their hands dirty and that constant tap-tapping of acrylics on your computer keyboard is sure to annoy your workmates!

Don’t get me started on nail art for toes but if you are going to go there, why not show off your designs by throwing a Thong-athon on Friday, October 1, Saturday October 2 or Sunday, October 3 to raise money for Youngcare. You can also purchase a pair of Youngcare-branded thongs from Terry White Chemists for $14.95 to help Youngcare provide care and accommodation options for young Aussies with 24/7 care needs.
 
www.thongday.com.au

 

Want to learn how to create this graphic eyemakeup from the recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane Group 3 show from Napoleon Perdis? I asked Napoleon Perdis creative team leader (and ex-Brissie girl) Kate Squires how to achieve this look using Napoleon Perdis and NP Set makeup.

The inspiration was a crisp and edgy geometric eye design to complement the cutting-edge fashion from Lylah boutique and local designers Francis Leon, George Wu, Dogstar, Maiocchi, Nelson Molloy and Tulipani. Eyes are the feature of this look along with a statement brow.

Start by patting a small amount of Auto Pilot Napoleon Complex skin renewal serum to the face then apply Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Skin Primer. Prep lips with Auto Pilot Lip Service. Conceal blemishes and under eyes with the Pro Palette Concealer and set with a light dusting of Translucent Loose Powder. Apply Pro Palette Concealer across the entire eyelid from the lashline to the brow and set with Translucent Loose Powder. Spray Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation over the face for a flawless finish and allow to dry. Apply a coat of Mesmer-eyes Mascara to top lashes only.

Next, use a 50/50 mix of China Doll Gel Eyeliner in Equinox and Silver to create a geometric shape on the eye using a very straight line from the inner corner of the eye straight up to the eyebrow. Across the eyelid the shape should be straight and at the outer corner of the eye the shape should be pointed. Apply China Doll Gel Eyeliner in Alabaster to the inner rims of the eye and apply a second coat of Mesmer-eyes Mascara to the top lashes.

For statement brows, comb and define with China Doll Gel Eyeliner in Equinox, extending brow slightly if required. Contour the hollows of the cheeks with Camera Finish #5 or #6  and highlight the tops of cheeks with the silver colour of the Light Patrol Luminizer Palette. Use Pro Palette Concealer on lips to neutralise any lip colour before applying NP Set Lipstick in San Francisco.

Laser treatments have come a long way since Dr Evil’s “frickin laser beams”. Lasers have myriad cosmetic uses for skin but if you baulk at the price and downtime, what’s the alternative?

After 20 years of research, the clever derms at Clinique have bottled this ray of hope in the new Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector ($98). At an ever-so genteel green high tea launch at Emporium Hotel recently I was able to trial the silky oil-free formula that’s suitable for all skin types and ages.

The topical lightweight serum has been formulated to mimic the effects of laser using a mixture of patented liposomes to repair and protect skin cells from sun damage caused by UVA and UVB rays with wrinkle-reducing polypeptides and powerful antioxidants to protect skin against free radicals.

Three drops of this serum applied to clean skin twice a day under moisturiser promises to achieve 63 percent of the visible wrinkle reducing power of a laser in 12 weeks. Will it work? Will my skin look plumper, fresher and younger?Watch this space for an update.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector is available from August 29 at Clinique counters and online.
 
www.clinique.com.au


 

Creating a perfume for a metropolis like New York can be a little tricky. However, many have attempted to create a scent based on this subjective experience to inject that certain je nais said quoi that New York invokes in people and companies want to rub off onto their products.

Available from David Jones (50ml for $195), niche perfumer Bond No.9 has ascribed scents according to neighbourhoods. Choose from Uptown, Midtown, Downtown and New York Beaches and within those you can transport yourself to Park Avenue (chamomile and vanilla), Central Park (bergamot, verbena and lime blossom), Bleecker Street (cassis, jasmine and cinnamon) or Hamptons (white jasmine, magnolia and amber) with a spritz. Sadly Wall Street does not smell of gold or greenbacks but rather cucumber, lavender and vetiver. Couldn’t hurt to light the candle version of this in your money corner though, feng shui enthusiasts!

Two of the newest scented odes to New York come from Sarah Jessica Parker and the We Love New York fragrance collection from Paris-based Honoré des Prés. Given Sarah Jessica is pretty much synonomous with New York, what’s her take on the city, smell-wise? A little fruity and floral, I gotta tell you. In collaboration with Coty and created by Honorine Blanc, SJP NYC ($55 for 30ml at Myer) is summery and sweet with notes of Italian mandarin, wild red strawberries, gardenia and honeysuckle with creamy musk, sandalwood and vanilla. As art blurs reality, the fashionista told StyleList.com she “wanted to capture a freeze frame in Carrie’s life. A snapshot of her walking down her favourite street in the spring, in a floral dress.”

In contrast, renowned nose Oliva Giacobetti created three distinctive scents for the Honoré des Prés We Love New York collection. Each organic perfume is created using 100 percent botanical ingredients free of synthetics, petrochemicals and colouring agents. Available from Libertine Parfumerie in West End and New Farm (50ml for $169) and housed in takeaway coffee cups, the intriguing fragrances are seductive and challenging. How did they create the freshly snapped carrot smell in I love les Carrottes, which dries down to a vanilla, iris and patchouli soft oriental and possibly the first vegetable scent? Or the soft oriental Love Coco EDP mix of coriander, coconut milk and creamy tonka bean that’s a fresh take on that must-have summer scent.

When the ever-so-charming founder of Honoré des Prés Christian David was in Brisbane last month he told me the gorgeous story behind the bestselling rich floral Vamp á NY – a heady tuberose scent for the younger generation. Christian says he and New York-based Olivia were sitting in a café when they saw a magnificent woman, dressed to the nines in a ballgown at the more sedate hour of 6pm, sweep out of a hotel, a sight Christian said he was more accustomed to seeing much later in the night in Paris. Which sounds more like Carrie to me than strawberries! 

By Cassandra Laffey, beauty writer
 
If you, like me, are one of the of the many gals who thought spots and pimples were the scourge of the young – we were duped. Just like the hormonal hijinx of adolescent acne, female hormones can cause adult acne to rear its ugly, blemished head. Just ask Madonna, Cameron Diaz and Victoria Beckham. We may want younger skin but we didn’t sign up for the retro spots!

Rather than blast these unsightly bumps into submission with your teen arsenal of drying ingredients, here are some grown-up ways to beat the blemishes.

Get on the pill. There’s a range of combined oral contraception pills like Diane and Yasmin that promise smooth skin as well as birth control. Have a chat with your doctor about whether these pills are suitable for you.

Talking of doctors, dermatologists love Cetaphil lotion. Available from your local chemist, this cheap-as-chips cleanser is gentle and non abrasive to cleanse skin without stripping. The only downside is that it doesn’t remove makeup so pair with a good makeup remover.

Stop scrubbing your skin. Angry acne doesn’t take kindly to being pushed, shoved and irritated. Remove dead skin with AHAs and BHAs instead.

Stop picking! You know you want to but do you really want scars and dark marks? Didn’t think so – step away from the mirror and apply a spot remover instead. Try Mario Badescu Skin Care Drying Lotion at night to dry that shiny sucker up.

Oily skin can still be dehydrated so use a light oil-free moisturiser to add moisture and give skin some radiance.

Mineral makeup is your best friend. Make sure yours contains only pure minerals (no fillers!) and you can safely cover up. Try Issada or iD Bare Escentuals.

When the breakout has subsided, call your beautician (what? She’s not on speed dial?) and book yourself in for microdermabrasion or a peel to fade any marks or scarring.