make-up EXPERT

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE HAIR AND MAKE-UP ARTISTS, Meg Guthrie (who I worked with on shoots for years) is now doing hair & make-up for red carpet events, private function, racing events and weddings. (She's worked in the magazine/fashion/beauty industry for 20 years and is the best of the best!) She also does amazing facials that re-hydrate the skin so it glows and looks years younger... She truly will make you look amazing!!!!

For more info contact Meg, here's her details... 
meggig@bigpond.com
mobile 0408229938
rep by viviens creative management

valentine's GIFTS

HOW CUTE ARE THESE VALENTINE'S GIFTS you can make with your kids... For all the instructions and more ideas visit www.marthastewart.com by clicking here!

look YOUNGER TIP #6

CHOOSE SUNGLASSES WITH UV PROTECTION... Good sunglasses help prevent cataracts, and they also keep you from squinting, which can, over time, break down the collagen around your eyes and cause crow’s-feet.

get GLOWING

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BEAUTY EXPERTS Kylie Oates, Beauty and Ayurvedic Specialist, recommends you exfoliate and nourish skin once a week... Here are her skin recipes to get you glowing…
Gentle hydrating exfoliator: Mix two tablespoons of almond meal with one tablespoon of Manuka honey. Apply to face in small circular motion then rinse off with warm water.
Enzyme peel for all skin types (except sensitive): Using the skin of a papaya flesh side down, rub over face and neck and leave for five minutes then rinse off.
Mask for norm/dry skin: Mash 1/2 an avocado and mix in a tablespoon of full cream natural yoghurt. Apply to face and neck and leave on for five to 10 minutes before rinsing off.
Brown sugar body scrub: Mix a cup of brown sugar with a good quality cold pressed oil (eg olive, almond or macadamia) into a paste, then add six drops of sweet orange essential oil. Apply in the shower - while skin is warm - using large circular movements towards the heart. Rinse off to reveal hydrated and heavenly-smelling skin.

hair PEACE

MY LATEST STORY in Australian Parents Magazine...

red carpet BEAUTY

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE RED CARPET looks...

cold WASH

RINSE IN COLD WATER: After washing, the colder the better. It closes the hair cuticles making your hair look shinier – not to mention how your skin benefits too! If you’re a bit wimpy, a blast of cold air with the blowdryer will have the same effect.

true LOVE

more MRS O

I'M LOVING THIS SCREENPRINT OF MICHELLE OBAMA by artist Amy Browender (who is a high school senior in Minnesota)... you can buy the print on canvas or on a t-shirt by clicking here...

mrs O

HOW DIVINE IS THIS SHOT... it's from my new fave blog Mrs O... click here to have a squizz!

body+SOUL

MY STORY THAT APPEARED IN BODY+SOUL on the weekend!

on the FRINGE

INSIDER TRICK... Avoid using excess product on your fringe as it tends to get oily faster-  and can cause break-outs!

legs 11

SEXIFY YOUR LEGS... Bare legs look glossier if you slick a light coating of hair serum over your shins. The silicone will make your skin shine and feel really silky smooth. Or try a sweeping of bronzer in the same place. It will add definition and help to make your legs look a tiny bit leaner.

HEAVEN !!!!!!!!!

katie KATE'S HAIR

TWO INSPIRING HAIR-DO'S... and how to copy from InStyle.com...

Katie Holmes
THE LOOK: Chin-length bob with subtle flip
HOW-TO: Using a medium-size round brush, blow-dry hair, flipping the ends up slightly. Blow-dry the front section forward by pulling the brush over the face. Then when you make a part and sweep the hair to the side, it falls over the forehead.
INSIDER TRICK: If you have straight hair, blow-dry it most of the way without a brush and finish with a large round brush. Blow-dry curly and wavy hair with a brush the entire time.

Kate Moss
THE LOOK: Side-swept bang and bob
HOW-TO: Before stepping out of the shower or towel-drying hair, squeeze out excess water then coat wet hair with a generous amount of anti-frizz serum to prevent hair from frizzing as it dries. Next, create a defined side part and blow dry hair with a flat paddle brush. Don't worry about getting hair super straight—this style is supposed to have a little shape and volume. Once hair is dry, finish with a texturizing product like a hairspray.
INSIDER TRICK: Let hair air dry and when it is bone dry, spray hairspray to create a rough texture.

pucker UP

PUCKER LINES AROUND THE MOUTH are caused by chapped lips being left untreated - and from smoking. To treat the lips and lines: Remove dead cell build up (with a soft toothbrush dipped in a little cleanser - use circular movements) and use anti-aging products to help soften the lips and lines. Another trick is to apply an eye cream under your lipstick to set the colour and to stop it from bleeding into the cracks around the mouth.

beauty SALE

THIS IS ONE SALE TOO GOOD TO MISS... all your fave beauty brands - including Cargo, Reniu, Berman, Cake and more - are on sale at RESCU. Beauty Bar with prices starting from a tiny $2! Sale starts today, so click here to start shopping for a bargain.

concealer RULES

CONCEAL AND CORRECT: Mix a little bit of eye cream with your concealer – then gently dot it under your eyes to conceal and correct little lines at the same time. And remember to skip the eye area when dusting on face powder - it can settle into and emphasise little lines and wrinkles.

expert TIP

RESTORE SHINE TO DAMAGED HAIR by mixing your own moisture fix: Add a teaspoon of vitamin E oil to a bottle of conditioner.

green CLEAN

MEET MY NEW FAVOURITE ONLINE FIND... Murchison-Hume

Premium Organic Housecleaning Products... (I especially love the Boys Bathroom Cleaner) I know what you're thinking 'what, where, why?' - here's the story...

Disenchanted with the odious and uninspiring options on offer to the design-conscious housewife, Max Kater decided to create her own range of premium housekeeping products. Her ambition: Simply to create the finest household cleaning products in the world. That meant they had to be Ecologically Friendly, superbly effective and easy to use but above all, they had to look and smell gorgeous.

Why you’ll want them:
The look and smell were major considerations when Murchison-Hume was created. Packaging was inspired by old-fashioned, brown glass apothecary-style bottles and each product is available in a choice of two delicious essential-oil based fragrances or naturally fragrance-free. The cleaning range is complemented by a renewable timber cleaning caddy and natural bristle brushes designed to air-dry on their own matching wooden brush rack, so your cleaning supplies are always charmingly within reach. 

Why they're really greener:
Murchison-Hume is the world’s first ever Premium Organic Housecleaning Product. Its uniqueness is based on Colloidal Technology (the same technology used to clean up the ocean in the event of an oil spill). It is superior to other “Eco-Friendly” housecleaning products in both efficacy and non-toxicity. It is utterly safe to use, causing zero negative effect on the environment and is actually used commercially to improve wastewater and as a soil conditioner in its concentrated state.

To find out more info - and to buy online - click here.... and to read Max's sustainable style blog - click here!

applying FALSIES

I LOVE THE LOOK OF FALSE EYELASHES, especially these ones!!!! False eyelashes have made a bit of a comeback and generally there are three types to choose from: dramatic lashes, great for a bit of fun; full lashes, which add density to the entire lash line; and individual lashes, which can be used to fill in sparse areas or dramatically open up the eye area. No matter what falsies you go for, here are the insider how-to-apply tips ...
* Before you apply the lashes, line your upper lash line with eyeliner and smudge it slightly to create a smoky effect. This will help to conceal the lashband.
* Apply the glue to your finger, lightly pull the lashband through it, and wait a moment. With individual lashes, dip the end of the lash in the glue.
* Apply the false lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible; press the lash down for a few seconds on the outside of the eye. With individual lashes, apply them to the outside corners of the eye and work your way toward your nose. For the most natural look, all you need is a few individual lashes per eye.
* After you've applied the false lashes, curl them along with your real lashes and apply mascara.

bella MUMMA

INDIA HICKS IS ONE OF MY FAVE BELLA MUMMAS... I'm loving this cute shoot of her and her kids that's in the latest Cookie magazine... To check out more photos from the shoot and her interview, click here...

behind YOU

SOME BEAUTY TRICKS FOR YOUR 'BEHIND'...

* beautify your back
Perfecting your posture will not only enhance shoulder blades and back muscles, it will make you look taller, your stomach look flatter and uplift your whole well-being. The trick is to stand tall and let your shoulder blades sink down to open up your chest and shoulders.

* booty beauty
Target problem areas like your bottom with a high-power shower jet. Work over the area in circular motions with the shower nozzle, alternating from warm to cold, to jump-start your circulation and help budge toxins. Follow up with a skin firming moisturiser.

sun & SHINE

IF YOUR HAIR IS COLOURED OR PERMED it will lose moisture faster in summer than untreated hair, making it more porous and prone to drying out – the same goes for black hair. When the weather starts to heat up change your conditioner to an intensive moisturising treatment.

beauty-full CATE

YOU ALL KNOW I'M A HUGE FAN OF CATE... I thought I'd share this Marie Claire UK interview I found which is all about her beauty routine... 

MARIE CLAIRE: Any movie roles that were particularly tough on your skin?
CATE BLANCHETT: Yes! Both were with Brad [Pitt], actually. The Babel shoot in Morocco was three weeks of unmitigated dust! I stayed out of it as much as possible and spent a lot of time getting off all the grime. In The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, my character goes from 6 to 86, courtesy of prosthetics. I'd be in them for six hours, and they drew all the moisture out of my skin. To restore hydration, I used SK-II's Skin Rebooster, my go-to airplane treatment.

MC: How did you feel about seeing yourself age in Button?
CB: I was more concerned about my mother's reaction--especially since I look like her. Few parents see their child at 86!

MC: Any secrets from her?
CB: My mum stayed out of the sun and moisturized - she set a good example. I tried to tan when I was 14, because it was deeply uncool to be this pale. But I just burned and peeled, so what was the point? I even carried a parasol for a while. A bit pretentious in Australia - although it's common in Asia.

MC: What's your current beauty regimen?
CB: I'm really bad about my hair. I do almost nothing. When I'm not working, I use the Frédéric Fekkai Glossing line and just pull it back. The only thing I'm diligent about is skincare.

MC: You once said that chasing around your sons was enough exercise. Is this still the case?
CB: I started doing pilates - sometimes twice a week, then not for another month. Does that count? I think after having a baby it's important to get your body's strength back, but the media scrutiny can be insane. Bounce back too quickly and you're a terrible role model for other women; don't bounce back and you're labeled a balloon.

MC: Speaking of scrutiny, more and more actresses are having plastic surgery. What's your take?
CB: What other women do is not my business, but my feeling is that actresses shouldn't have a mask for a face; they need to be able to reveal feelings. Obviously, you want to look as good as you possibly can, but you don't want to get too obsessed. There's a lot more to life. I certainly don't want to be 25 again.

respect THE SUN

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN... Here are some sun-safe tips for you to revise…
1. Apply sunscreen before you pack it, as it takes 30 minutes to sink into skin. Then reapply every 90 minutes.
2. Choose sunscreens that contain ingredients that physically protect the skin like zinc and titanium.
3. Thoroughly towel off after swimming. More of the sun’s rays penetrate wet skin than dry skin.
4. Avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm when the dangerous ultraviolet (UV light) is most intense. The peak is between noon and 2pm.
5. Check the UV index report http://www.arpansa.gov.au/ausuv.htm. The higher the index number, the shorter the time you should spend in the sun.

for KATHRYN

EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO MINIMISE EYE WRINKLES ... this info is from a story I did for body+soul called FACE INVADERS... (Hope it helps?)
“By the time you’re 20 you’ve been exposed to ultraviolet light, pollution and other damaging environmental factors,” says freelance beauty therapist, Jennifer Hodson. “These factors cause inflammatory reactions which will eventually start to destroy collagen fibres, especially around your eyes where your skin is constantly moving.”

 “Good skin care - which includes using an eye cream both morning and night - can help reduce the damage by up to 50 per cent,” says Hodson. “Eating foods that are high in antioxidants to help maintain the structure of the fine skin around your eyes. Vitamin’s C and A (which helps your skin retain moisture) are helpful – as are the essential fats found in fish such as salmon and tuna.”

summer SKIN

“SUMMER IS THE PERFECT TIME to slough off dead skin cells,” says Yvette Wyeth, beauty therapist and owner of Escape Skin And Body. “They not only dull the skin, they can inhibit the penetration of active ingredients and moisturisers.”

“Microdermabrasion is a salon treatment which polishes away dead cells and improves texture and tone,” she says. “It also encourages circulation and the stimulation of new collagen and elastin fibres while eliminating impurities, breakouts and enlarged pores.”

“Intensive hydrating treatments are another must,” she says. “The combination of gentle peel plus a hydrating mask will give your skin a big drink and a healthy glow.”

“Home skincare essentials include: a face exfoliant to remove dead skin and give the skin deeper clean as it can get more clogged; a light moisturiser as skin may produce more oil in summer; a hydrating gel masque; a sunscreen; and antioxidant serums for photo-protection and anti-ageing.”

“Look for products which contain Vitamin C and E to provide photo-protection against the damaging effects of the sun,” she recommends. “These products should be applied in the morning while products containing Vitamin A should only be used at night as they can cause photo-sensitivity.”

beauty CONTROL

A FEW LITTLE TRICKS OF THE TRADE FROM ALLURE MAG... that could come in handy - especially around this time of the year! Here's a their fixes for beauty disasters...

• Blemishes. At the first sign of trouble, dab a benzoyl peroxide ointment on the spot to reduce inflammation and kill zit-causing bacteria. Once that's dry, fight the redness with a dot of cortisone cream or a drop of Visine (makeup artists love this trick for photo shoots). Cover the blemish with a thick, cakey concealer, dotting it on with a small synthetic brush and blending the outer edges. Then hold it all in place with translucent powder pressed onto the skin with a clean sponge.

• Undereye bags. Get up and get moving to reduce swollen eyes, and drink two glasses of water or an electrolyte drink like Gatorade. Then rest a bag of frozen peas, chilled cucumber slices, or a hand towel filled with crushed ice on your eyes for about ten minutes. When it's time to put on makeup, restrict liner to the upper lids only (if you wear it at all), keep the liner smudgy (a spindly line will accentuate any bloat), and apply your blush high on the cheekbones instead of on the apples. In the future, prevent puffy eyes by sleeping with an extra pillow.

• Bloodshot eyes. Eye-whitening drops are fine to use once in a while, but doctors don't recommend them for more than two or three days in a row. You can fake whiter eyes by applying a yellow-based concealer under the lower lashes with a fine, pointy brush and using a white eye pencil on the inner lash line. For eye shadows, go with neutrals, greens, blues, or grays; pinks and purples will exaggerate the redness.

super KATE

HOW AWESOME DOES KATE WINSLET LOOK in the Feb issue of UK elle... divine! In the mag she reveals, 'There are two things I've never been offered: one is cocaine, the other is a body double'. To get a snippet more of the interview click here...

model MUM

AMBER VALETTA IS ONE OF MY FAVE MODELS... how cool are these shots of her and her son that appeared in COOKIE magazine... v-cute!