Clean Up Your Act and Blush Right

The Cleanser
Fizzy Clean Face
I recently had a nasty episode of red, swollen facial skin after getting a little too enthusiastic with eucalyptus oil to solve a spot.

While I'm relegating the eucalyptus oil to cleaning my bathroom, I AM all for using savvy natural ingredients for skin treatments where it's safe, effective and delivered by a credible brand. Hence, my new addiction to Biore Baking Soda cleansing scrub and pore cleanser. This is perfect for acne-
prone and oily skin and also for your everyday combination skin (sometimes a bit dry, sometimes a bit oily, sometimes just right!) Dermatologist Tested. Just pump product into your hand, mix with water and voila! Instant skin scrub. Another bonus?

Super affordable. You will have extra dollars left over for makeup. Of course.
Biore Baking Soda Range
The Mask
Salon Quality At Home

 Mesoestetic is one of the international leaders in medical-cosmetic companies making salon-grade skincare based on research and potent formulae.
They work with hospitals, universities and cosmetic and dermatology specialists on treatments to target acne, pigmentation, dryness, sensitivity and also for anti-ageing.

I'm new to the brand but I have been using the Pure Renewing Mask (because who doesn't love a mask in the morning or at the end of the day?)
I was fortunate enough to try the mask before it's launch in Australian stores and salons, but it will be available through select stockists.
Find an in-store or online stockist.
The Base

You're fizzy, just-been-to-the-salon clean and clear. You've got the blush ready to sweep on, but here's the vital step. Get your base right. You want a non-comedogenic formula (doesn't clog pores) that closely matches your natural skin shade. Don't test on your hand, test on your face.

I rotate the foundations I use because there are new products all the time and also, sometimes I am more tanned than the day before and need something a shade darker or lighter as necessary. As for my latest loves, both of them are budget friendly AND skin friendly. Australis Oh2Glow gives a luminous finish that won't suit oily skin, but great for the majority and Maybelline Superstay Better Skin.
The Blush
Pretty and poised never go out of fashion when it comes to makeup. Whether it's some serious contouring or just a gentle "I just ran for the tram" flush or "I woke up like this" glow, every skin shade has a perfect pink.

La Femme Flamingo Pink
La Femme is a new brand for me - it's cruelty free, it does every possible shade of pink you could dream of, and it's beautifully packaged.  As a general rule, which you are very free to break, the paler your skin shade, the paler the colour you want to opt for with your blush.
I'm a big fan of Flamingo Pink - it's richly pigmented but applied with a light hand (as it SHOULD be), it's subtle and looks gorgeously natural.
Lilac Champagne and Mulberry are a little more blue-based and will suit those with a cooler complexion. That said, they are also really flattering on olive skin.
The entire range of La Femme colours is at makeup mecca Scotty's - either at the Melbourne or Sydney stores, or online.
Scotty's Makeup Store

Where do I apply it? How?
Good question. Suck your cheeks in and make a fish face. The bronzer goes in the hollow from the outer face to mid cheek. Apply your blush, lightly, with a fluffy, pre-cleaned brush to the higher point of your cheek, from the outer edge of the eye to the hairline. You don't want to leave any lines so blend, blend, blend.
If more is more, and some days it really is, then add some highlighter. You can sweep your blush brush through a highlighter en route from blush to cheek for some shimmer and glow. Especially recommended on evening outings to catch the (disco) light.
Totally love the W3LL People Bio Brightener (vegan, cruelty free) from Nourished Life.

Indulge in Pink Lipstick

How to indulge a taste for sweetness without a speck of sugar touching your tongue? Pink lipstick. It was frosted in the 80s, traded for power red and black in the 90s, but it has always been a staple of any beauty lover's makeup kit. There is, regardless of your skin tone, eye colour, hair colour or facial structure, a colour that will make your complexion pop and your face glow. These are my favourites. Indulge, my pretties. Pink lipstick is an investment buy.
Bite Beauty in Cassis is a deep, romantic and vaguely purple kissed hue. Available at Ry.com.au

Lavera Matt'n Pink is a paler pink shade that is nourishing to the lips. Available at Nourished Life

Too Faced Melted in Fig is a long-lasting liquid lipstick that acts as a stain. I discovered it in Barcelona and I still associate it with Barcelona and Paris. Available at Sephora

You may just want this for the luxe gold packaging. Don't miss out on the flattering, glossy candy pink shade though. Addictive. YSL Fetish Pink available at Myer.

Dear Santa... Top Picks for Fit Fashion & Beauty Lovers

I know there's endless lists of what you need this Christmas, but there's some absolute gold dust sparkled, she'll-love-you-forever, purse bursting goodies worth featuring so here goes. Dear Santa, I've been very good (ok, ok...QUITE good...) and I would like...

philosophy candy cane shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath
Every year we eagerly await the Christmas scented range from philosophy. Don't we all? From gingerbread to snow angels and cranberry, they tick all the boxes on yummy scent, pretty packaging and cute messaging. As the bottle suggests, "we all could use some peppermint cheer this time of year" so if you're done chewing candy canes, your hair and body can smell like one instead. Available at David Jones ($30)

Where's Karl? The Book
Remember Where's Wally? This is the fashionista version with Karl & Choupette located within various fashion cities (Milan, Paris, Dubai...). Behind Kanye and Kim, Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Andre Leon Talley and Tom Ford, he will be lurking for you to find. Too much fun! Available at Pan Macmillan Australia ($19.99)

Active Creatures Glamour Puss Shorts
Sure, these are ideal for your pole dancer friend, but they're also ideal for hot yoga. You do not want any unnecessary layers in there, trust me. There's a new range out this week (set your alarm for early Wednesday morning) but I've got these in pink and I adore them. Available at Active Creatures (free shipping, $54)

Pacifica Nail Polish
You've read about 5-free nail polish without the nasty chemicals found in your chemist's $2 bargain bin, right? Well, Pacifica will outdo that! They are vegan, cruelty free and 7-free. No parabens, no formaldehyde. I love Crystal Orchid for a pretty pink, but there's every shade from grey to sunshine yellow. Available at Nourished Life ($18.95)

Bitchin Skin Matcha Green Tea Body Scrub
I think the label pretty much sums this up. Get Bitchin Skin with... bitchinskin. My personal pick is the coconut + peppermint mix. YUM. You will not want the shower to end. It's the ideal prezzie for your Doesn't She Already Have Everything? friend. She doesn't have this. Australian made. Available at BitchinSkin ($14.95)
A Bit Hippy Ho Ho Hamper
What to get the vegan crossfit hippy in your life? I know, real problem. Thank goodness for A Bit Hippy and their hamper. A range of their gorgeous, cruelty free and fab skincare and haircare in a cute box. What's not to love? Contains 
Rice & Fresh Face and Body Wash
Soothing & Improving Moisturiser
Nothing To Smell Here Deodorant
Ditchin' The Itchin' Shampoo
Say No To Silicone Conditioner
Lipbalm
Available at A Bit Hippy ($50)

Breast Cancer Pink Products - Shop Your Support

Every October there's a blush that falls over the shopping aisles. Your favourite lipstick comes in pink casing, there's pink tennis balls, pink deodorant, pink pens and diaries. While you may be sceptical about it, or confused by what it means, ultimately buying that product puts money towards breast cancer research and treatment.
As we all know, despite humidity, I cannot be prevented from wielding a hair straightener and a handful of sprays, serums and conditioners to make sure it's all glossy and Melbourne-Weather Proof (this is MWP Hair!). I love those images of classic film stars with hair rollers in and silk robes on (stiletto heeled slippers optional) so I went all Dolly Parton with the hair products and chose VS Sassoon Straight 2 Curl and Secret Curl Silicone pop-up rollers. Check out the video on how they work. And remember Dolly: The Higher The Hair, The Closer To God.

Read more about Vidal Sassoon Power of Pink Collection and their support for Breast Cancer Network Australia: Vidal Sassoon Power of Pink.

While I am incredibly lucky to not have experienced breast cancer nor had any of my nearest and dearest struggle with it, I know that it is incredibly confronting and scary for the woman and for her family and friends. BCNA were kind enough to ask Renee Gani to share her experience. They have also given us some information on awareness and resources. This is also an insight into where your dollars go when you choose to spend on pink products. So you can glow (pink) with pride.

The average age of women diagnosed with breast cancer is 60. While breast cancer in women under 40 is not common, it does occur, particularly where there is a strong family history of breast cancer. It is important for women in their 20s and 30s to be aware of the risk factors and to discuss any changes to their breasts with their GP.  While most breast changes are not due to breast cancer, it is important to have them checked.
Melbourne mother of two Renee Gani says being diagnosed with breast cancer young had a huge impact on her and those around her.
“I was 36 when i was diagnosed with breast cancer, before then it had never crossed my mind that I could one day be going through this experience. I was shocked and fearful of what the future held.”
“My loved ones were really rocked by my diagnosis. My boys were 3 years old and 7 months at the time so there was a lot happening already. But we all grouped together to stay strong, my family and friends were my greatest support.”
With one in eight women expected to be diagnosed by the time they turn 85, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women. This year alone 15,600 Australian women and 145 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) CEO Christine Nolan says health and wellness is an important part of staying well after a breast cancer diagnosis.
“Exercise during and following breast cancer treatment has a number of benefits, not only can it reduce the risk of breast cancer returning, but it can also help to improve emotional and physical wellbeing.”
BCNA has a range of resources and programs which provide women with reliable information and advice, and practical strategies to help them improve their health and wellbeing. These include:
  •   Active and WellAfter Breast Cancer - BCNA’s pilot initiative funded by the Victorian Government, designed to help women improve their physical and emotional wellbeing following treatment for breast cancer. The initiative is designed to connect women with others in their local community who also want to take charge of their health and wellbeing and link women with local community-based programs and services to help them improve and maintain regular physical activity and healthy eating.  
  •  The Breast Cancer and Exercise and Healthy Eating and BreastCancer booklets – two free information resources which include reliable and easy to understand information, and advice from women who have been through similar experiences.
  • Personal Stories Section. Personal stories from women who have experienced breast cancer. 


Renee says her diagnosis prompted her to take control of her health and wellbeing and make positive changes to her lifestyle.
“My diagnosis put things in perspective. I made a conscious effort not to sweat the small stuff, stay focused and just take is day as it comes. Being active and aware of my diet has also become more important. Lots of fruit and veg, water and nothing too sugary like lollies or soft drink. I still can’t say no to chocolate every now and again though!”
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to share my message to young women, which is to be breast aware, know your body and check yourself regularly.”
If you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, contact Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) for a My Journey Kit, a free information resource for newly diagnosed women - 1800 500 258 or www.bcna.org.au