Sunny outlook
The cosmetic companies and beauty PRs must be reading Beauty Beat. In the past few weeks, at least a dozen everyday sunscreens - those designed to be worn under makeup - have been launched. They're new formulations - light, non-greasy and easy to wear. It seems the manufacturers are getting the message: we know that the best ''anti-ager'' is sunscreen, we know we need to wear it every single day, but we don't want ghostly gloop.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 12:00 AM
- Comments (12)
Optional extras
''Options; you gotta have options,'' drawled Rachel Zoe, the star Hollywood stylist, as she flicked through dozens upon dozens of plastic-wrapped, high-end fashion pieces in her private wardrobe room. Most of the clothes in her vast collection were unworn (''I like to archive'') and many she'd forgotten she had. Or just plain didn't remember at all.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 12:00 AM
- Comments (4)
Hitting the bar
Are brows the new nails? Brow bars seem to be cropping up, especially in Sydney. As women turn from artificial nails and therefore the lunchtime ritual of ''having my nails filled'' (so 2003), they are opting to drop into a brow bar for a quick tint and shape. Brows have become the grooming essential.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 12:00 AM
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Big screen ideas
Australia - you're standing in it but you probably haven't seen it (though you probably feel like you have with all the fuss). I've seen the movie at a special preview screening (not that special: no Nicole or Hugh or horses in sight) and I won't bother giving away the plot - you know that already even if you don't want to know about it - because I was there to take in the costumes and the beauty looks. more
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 12:00 AM
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Party products
It is, as a smirking colleague noted, an utterly ridiculous product but I think I kinda need one. A pink lip gloss with in-built multi-coloured disco lights - which flash in time to the music - could be my new handbag essential.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 12:00 AM
- Comments (3)
In praise of men
It's long been thought of as a women's thing but we know better than that. Now research has confirmed that men have body ''issues''. They wish they had more muscles, longer penises and less fat. They agonise over their height, their physique and their hair (not enough on the head, too much on the shoulders, back and bottom apparently). Most of them aren't happy with they way they look. But guess what - we are, guys. And possibly happiest with the bits you're so critical of.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 10:41 PM
- Comments (14)
Wicked work
Has work taken over your life? Or, at least, has it taken over your appearance or your image so much that others can identify what you do for a living when you're off duty? Are you one of these people who have come to look like what they are - whether that be teacher, IT worker, cop, hairdresser or, er, witch?
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 9:01 PM
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Strong sense
Who'd have thought it would evoke such strong opinions? Mention deodorant among a tableful of women over a working lunch in Sydney and listen to the preferences and prejudices fly.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 9:53 PM
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Ask Dr Peter (8)
This blog's the last chance to get your questions into Dr Peter, our resident plastic surgeon and skin specialist, this year. He'll select two or three to answer on the first Thursday of next month before taking a well earned summer break (slathered in SPF30, of course). Tattoos, slackening skin and acne scarring are addressed today.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 12:41 PM
- Comments (8)
Oprah's magic makeup man
I've been touched by Oprah - or her longterm beauty expert at least - and it's left me feeling beautiful. I'm not alone, either. Two hundred-odd women paid $200-odd each to be in the same room as Reggie Wells and I'd be surprised if one of them didn't leave feeling a little bit better about herself. Reggie not only dispensed advice about makeup at Crown on Friday, but plenty of inspiration about increasing self esteem and achieving goals. All very Oprah: how the ladies (aged 20s to 80s but mostly 30s) lapped it up. more
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 8:04 AM
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Shop-o-rama
Beauty has become ''destination'' shopping. There was a time not so long ago when you bought your makeup and skincare at the chemist or maybe the department store. Now it's a premium retail experience. Forget the internet and the economic downturn, whole stores are dedicated to beauty products and services and they're expanding at a rapid rate.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 10:05 PM
- Comments (4)
The motivators
You must have seen them. Ads with smiling young women wearing prominent hats suggesting we get in quick for a little ''rejuventation'' at 10 or 15% off, limited time only. It's the Spring Racing Carnival after all and a girl's got to look her best even if that includes syringes and lasers.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 12:00 AM
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Go Aussie?
I've been trundled about the city in the restaurant tram, coaxed on to a horsedrawn coach then entertained, if nothing else, at a ladies' races luncheon and it's been, well, moving. The occasion was the 21st birthday celebration of Australis, the Melbourne-based cosmetics brand that's produced good, reliable and cheap colour for a generation of Australian women. I got a little nostalgic with the ''coming of age'' speeches, though I was never one of the Australis generation. I always found it all a bit beachy ''Aussie'': the early ads showed fresh, fun girls in fair dinkum Akubra hats frolicking in the great Australian outdoors. Definitely not me, then or now. But still I got sentimental. I even began picturing the pastel-coloured Ken Done-esque boxes of Australis fragrance that were displayed in wire baskets at the chemist of my youth.
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 12:00 AM
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Vanity fare
I'm unsure if someone just had a good sense of humour or had identified a niche in the market but the Helmet Head Repair Tent was a highlight of National Ride to Work Day in Melbourne.
The hairdressers were certainly kept busy. Hat head is another reason not to cycle to the office (risk of mortal injury and risk of being an irritant being another valid two) or is that just being too vain? Should concern for one's appearance be allowed to get in the way of anything?
- Posted by Natasha Hughes at 8:04 PM
- Comments (6)
