London Calling!

Howdy good people! This is just a quick post to offer some explanation for my absence from the blogosphere I have so newly entered!

The reason is not really that exciting but essentially, dear husband delayed submitting some paperwork and was rendered unable to work for 28 days! So we made a very spontaneous decision and booked flights back to the uk for a whirlwind visit!  We literally made the decision to fly and then departed four or five days later! And here we are!

So we have been enjoying the whimsical delights that late spring in England has to offer and of course have been seeing our wonderful family and friends who reside in this green and pleasant country!  We also squeezed in a super quick visit to Ole Paris and I was completely blown away by how wonderful the french pharmacies are! No generic branding here.. I stumbled through a whole array of Caudalie and Looccitane products among many others!   Enormous self control required... It was bliss! ... I loved Paris! ...(sigh)

But our time here has flown by and in turn we are due to fly back to Oz on Wednesday morning... I feel very sad to be leaving in part because we will be saying goodbye to all our wonderful, funny and much appreciated family and friends.. But also because it means flying back across the globe for 20 odd hours with a 3 year old in tow..(sob)

But Beauty-Holics fear not!! Before too long my life will return to some semblance of normality and along with that will come a more regular appearance from moi with skin care treats so delectable and 'scientifically-proven-to-work' they will  tempt even the most skeptical of minds!

Yay! Thanks for reading!

Crystelle xx

Beauty products I lust after... (just in time for mothers day!)

There are so many fabulous skin care products out there that I covet and oh, if I could have them all, how truly blessed I would feel.  But that's what Wish Lists are about - and readers do not despair on my behalf, there is hope, the aussie Mothers Day is coming up and if my husband does indeed read my blog as he so solemnly declares, well ... (wink wink)

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial $89.70

The Sarah Chapman Brand name has popped up on my radar a couple of times and by all accounts this award winning Night elixir is working miracles on the complexions of women everywhere!  And it certainly boasts an impressive cocktail of ingredients including, an array of antioxidants, vitamins, flower extracts, seed oils and Renovage - an anti aging formula clinically proven to combat the signs of aging; including fine lines, wrinkes, reducing pore size and sunspots.  Mix this with the essential oil blends of jasmine, frangipani and rose and this serum is touted to be heaven in a bottle.

Creme De La Mer

Creme de la mer Anti Aging Moisturiser $220

 I think my fascination with this product rests primarily on the amount of money one has to part ways with in order to experience it's miraculous anti aging effects.  $220 for 30 mls brings tears to my eyes and makes me break out in a cold sweat.  For that much money you would want to be pretty sure that it does what it says on the tin...which is...well - when you read the blurb there is a lot of talk about being 'born from the sea' and the skin looking virtually 'ageless'; they even throw in a line about it's 'profound powers of transformation'.  And even when you cut out all the flowery language it seems the key ingredient that one is left with is some kind of 'nutrient rich Miracle Broth' - the science behind how this product works is still somewhat undefined, but does it work?  Apparently so - reviews I checked out on multiple sites rate this product as 5/5 and gives recommendations so glowing I had to take a step back from my computer.  If only some kind hearted employee of La Mer could find it in the cockles of their hearts to gift me a jar of this, their best selling cream and allow me to give it a road test and put the readers mind to rest that - yes, if you spend an exorbitant amount of money, you will get the results you are looking for...(La Mer...you can find my contact details in the header..ahem)

Caudalie

Caudalie Radiance Serum $79

Another product that has been on my wishlist for a while is this oil free serum whose formula includes a highly concentrated natural compound found in vine sap (oooh), known to brighten and lighten dark spots and scars, evening out skin complexion.  This compound was patented by Caudalie and named Viniferine; and is said to work wonders!  Users report perceivable brightening after a single use and those who still suffer from the odd break out anecdotedly report a definite reduction in their acne.

And another Caudalie bestseller is their Beauty Elixir...

Caudalie Beauty Elixir $22.49

For the very reasonable sum of $22.49 (?) from online beauty store Bath & Unwind you can be the youthful appearing owner of this 'elixir of youth'.  You apply this one between your foundation and your powder application, and it will tighten pores and brighten your features whilst setting your makeup.  It does sound to me like a rather fancy sounding hydrating mist spray - but with grape, rose and orange blossom extracts on board, with some essential oil of rosemary (mmm divine) - I am finding it hard to stop myself going out and buying this one right this second!

Sunday Riley

It is not uncommon on a late night Thursday shopping evening to find myself absentmindedly wandering through my local Mecca (amazing beauty and skincare) store - a squirt of some cream here - a splash of some colour there - my fingers trail lingeringly over the array of bottles and powders and glosses...and I always find myself in front of Sunday Riley.

Now Sunday Riley, the founder of the same name brand, entered the cosmetics industry after working in a laboratory which formulated skin care and makeup products.  She spotted a market gap for 'scientifically advance, high performance formulas' which also utilise 'pure, potent botanicals and cleaner chemistry techniques'...isn't this what we all want?  And so her brand was born..and has since become very successful.  In particular I have my eyes on this one..

Sunday Riley Good Genes $125

This is a corrective facial treatment and contains high grade lactic acid (yay for exfoliation), Lemongrass and Arnica to boost circulation and Liquorice which has natural skin brightening effects.  And yes this is another product that the users rave about (which is why I want it!)...Apparently the scent is little be desired, but if it works..it works!

And finally...

Guinot Anti-fatigue eye gel

Guinot Anti Fatigue Eye gel

This is a recent addition to my 'lust after' list and just in time, as my Clinique laser wear eye cream is conveniently just about to run out...I really love eye gels and if am feeling particularly puffy a good trick I use is to pop my gel in the fridge for 20 minutes prior to application and it feels oh-so-soothing!  Now my 3 year old, who was a near perfect slumber-er in the first 2 years of her life, has in the last year, developed a pattern of waking up anywhere between 2 - 4 times a night - sometimes she will be re-settled quickly and easily and other times there are tears.  A lot.  Hers and mine.  And so an Anti - Fatigue eye gel sounds fabulous..if only there was an anti fatigue face mask!..oh there is http://www.guinot.com.au/skin-care/masks/item/anti-fatigue-face-mask 

Anyhoo, I digress.. This gel will protect, it will moisturise, it will reduce the appearance of dark shadows and puffiness... at least that's what the reviewers say - and one very reliable recommendation came from my lovely sister in law!  Thanks V!

So...there you have it - a short list of some of my most desired beauty-licious products!  

Thanks for reading and any other recommendations please do share!

Crystelle x

My Favourite Things (part two)

Well after a somewhat, very rainy, very blustery, with the odd bit of lightening, thunder and hail thrown in, jaunt to the east of our country - we have ended our holiday in Sydney and arrived back safely to our hometown...I mean City, of Perth - (after the hustle and bustle of Sydney streets, the roads in Perth feel positively desolate!)

And despite the generally awful weather we endured whilst in one of Australia's most iconic cities we also did have a few slightly sunnier days and a fabulous time.  After my brief hiatus away from my new blogging-ness, here is part two of a few of my favourite things! 

Philosophy No Reason to Hide Multi-imperfection transforming serum...(gasp for air)

I have been using this product for a couple of months and feel that I have therefore 'road-tested' it's worthiness rather thoroughly and it was time to unleash it's utter brilliance to my devoted readers.  (fake it til you make it..)

Philosophy No Reason to Hide Serum $75

Now yes, it is $75 buckaroos but please believe me when I say that it's worth it!  I put my Lancôme's Visonnaire Serum (which is also fabulous) on my bathroom shelf in favour of this product.  I first applied this serum one night before going to bed and woke up in the morning with my skin feeling smoother and complexion more even looking.  Over-night people!!!  It is advertised as an 'all in one' Serum, and my stars, it certainly is -  the ingredients include Philosophy's exclusive marine extract formula, botanical extracts, concentrated niacinamide (which is part of the Vitamin B group and has anti-inflammatory properties - great for inflammatory skin conditions), and active vitamin C for those dark spots; bisabolol to calm any redness and salicylic acid to reduce the appearance of enlarged, pores and even out the skins texture!  It is great..you  must buy it!

Moreish Emergence Clay Mask

Moreish Emergence Clay Mask $19.99

This is a simple Clay Mask that is bargain-licious but works as well as any of the more expensive products out there.  This is a purifying and balancing mask which is great for combination and definitely oily skin - it contains that lovely Kaolin Clay which is a very fine and light clay with natural absorbency properties; Argan and Manuka Honey.  You obviously use this product as a mask (the purpose for which it was intended) but I also use it some mornings as a cleanser if I am feeling particularly oily or greasy (as one is wont to do at certain times of the month).  Fabulous product with some very appealing packaging!

Lipstick Queen

Lipstick Queen By Poppy Medieval $27

This a very versatile lip colour and don't be fooled or scared off by the intensity of the colour - this is an ultra sheer lip stain - the colour was inspired by women in the Medieval times, when apparently they would use lemon to stimulate the lips to create colour similar to this one - so whilst there is colour, as I said it is sheer and somehow natural - like you've been eating a plum..it also got Vitamin E in it giving it very balmy texture... I love it!

 Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste

Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste $51

So whilst I am normally averse to 'physical' Exfoliators I was given this as a sample product whilst purchasing a cleanser from an Aesop Store in Sydney - and I have to say I was rather impressed.  Designed to revitalise the skin it's ingredients include Rosehip and Rosemary Leaf extracts, giving it a very soothing aroma - but it was the fine quartz particles combined with lactic acid which really piqued my interest!

So whilst the fine quartz particles did provide that physical exfoliation it was ever so gentle and I didn't at all feel it to be abrasive - and the lactic acid means that chemical exfoliation is also at work!  Afterwards my skin felt smooth and soft and it didn't dry out my skin!  The price is a little steep but you only need a very small amount so I figure the tube would actually last a reasonable amount of time!  I might have to add this one to my wish list!

So that's it.. for now - I imagine my favourite things repertoire will be an ever expanding, dynamic series as I discover yet more new wonders.

Thanks for reading!

Crystelle xx

Game of Chromes!

What does a gal do on a very rainy holiday in Sydney...other than the museum and sea life aquarium?

Well, it turns out not much... Am still convincing husband that shopping would be a marvellous way to wile away several rainy hours...

So in an attempt to brighten up the very grey and gloomy weather that has descended upon us in Sydney.. (And in honor of the new season of Game of Thrones...he hee...) I have decorated my nails with some sparkle!

I am not normally one for glittery nail polish but Sally Hansen has this fabulous gold, glittery shade called... Wait for it...Game of Chromes! The name alone has immediately resulted in a loyal fan status from moi!

This colour is part of the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel range with a two step process where you get 'Gel' results without use of a UV light!  I have been using this product for a couple of months now and I have to say it is pretty impressive!  My nails will look pretty immaculate for at least a week and a half.. But once I get my first chip it does seem to be downhill from there!  But a great improvement on standard formulas where I was getting chips sometimes the same day as application! 

There are some other great colours in this range and a point of note, I have been using the Sally Hansen Top Coat over some Revlon Gel polish that I purchased and it seems to work just as effectively! 

Thanks for reading and more from me soon!

Crystelle xx

How to stay glamorous whilst flying high (on my way to 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney)

So it has come to my recent attention that our much anticipated and long awaited holiday to the great Australian city of Sydney is upon us!!  It was one of those scenarios where I kinda knew it was 'coming up' in a vague sense of the words, but my nanna - that's right, my 80-odd (your secret's safe with me Nanna) grandmother casually remarked to me the other day - 'don't you fly to Sydney soon darling?' - 'Thats right Nanna' says me, with a cocky tilt of the head, and with a slight increasing volume to my voice and a much slower pace - 'but Nanna...' (volume increasing another notch), 'that's not until the 19th..remember?' - 'Yes darling' says she...but it's the 19th on Sunday.'  Oh.  She may be 80 odd (wink wink nudge nudge) but the old bird's still going strong! (love you nan)

And so, on the 19th - we fly.  Now I know Perth to Sydney is not exactly a major long haul flight, although...

Ahem...well, you get the picture...it's still pretty sizeable.  I digress.  It got me thinking about my skin care routine when flying across the world.  How does one get off a plane without looking exactly like one of the extras from Michael Jackson's Thriller cast?  Well, with a few key products and hints as it were, you too can come gliding through the Arrival gates at Gatwick as effortlessly elegant as Cate Blanchett ready for a night at the Oscars!

Now travelling with a little dependent ups the ante somewhat in the great challenge to arrive at planned destination without being covered in scraps of food from yours and their meals; bodily fluids wiped across the front of your 'I-bought-this-specially-for-this-flight' cashmere wrap and taking on the general aura and appearance comparable to Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice....and that's just travelling with the husband  - throw a small child into the mix and you have a real mess on your hands (cue comedy drum sound).  But here it is - my guide to travelling long haul...or in my specific case, across the other side of Australia and continue to look your gorgeous selves!

Hydrate!

And I don't mean just drinking water (although I do also mean drink water...and plenty of it)...I know it's hard, when your 13 hours into a 23 hour flight and you just can't do another second of rainbow colouring, and every fibre of your being is screaming for a cup of strong coffee....well...have one - just bloody have one - come on - lets be realistic - but try to limit it to one or two even, depending on the length of your journey.  And for every cup of coffee or tea, try to guzzle a couple of cups of water - those plastic cups they give you on flights are so blooming tiny you may even have to make 4 your magic number.  And don't not drink because you want to keep your number of 'altercations' with 'the facilities' to a minimum (I'm on to you) - drink - keep your mind and body hydrated - trust me you will feel better at the other end and your skin will thank you for it.

Use a hydrating mask during the flight - yes people may look at you like you are a crazy person, but - revel in the fact that at the other end you will look refreshed and supple and they will not.

Some great masks to use are:

Dermalogica hydrating gel mask

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque $56

This one is lovely - goes on clear so as to be less conspicuous and is oil free!  I have used this one a couple of times and is very hydrating and soothing.

Body shop Vitamin E Sink in Moisturise Mask

Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask $23.95

Avene Soothing Moisture Mask

Avene Soothing Moisture Mask

Depending on the length of the flight and how much time you have and want to invest in this, means you can obviously tailor your 'routine' to what suits you...So for me - on a long haul flight  - I would wait for the plane to 'level off' - then using a wipe (which I only use for on planes and camping mind you!) I would remove my makeup, sometimes my eye makeup as well, other times (if for a shorter flight) I will leave eye make up on..  I would then apply some sort of moisturising, misting spray..at the moment I am using this one by Sukin...

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner $9.95

Followed by some moisturising serum, for example this one...

Firming Youth Serum $29.95

Or this one...

Clarins Double Serum $120

I have also used this facial oil before...

Kate Sommerville Dilo Oil $75

..which smells so divine - you will feel as though you are on holiday already...When I use this product I will also smooth some of this through the ends of my hair for a bit of moisture for the tresses....And then I will apply my hydrating mask.

Add on some Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream to my  lips and cuticles, rub in some hand cream, pat some Clarin's Eye balm gently to my eye area and whammo!  I would love to say that at this point I watch 4 hours of movies, stuff myself needlessly with the in flight meal (for some reason, when I fly, all my reservations about food quantities goes out the window...I will eat everything on that little platter, whether or not I need it...) and then pull an eye mask over my peeps for a good at least 6 hour kip..but alas - those days are gone.  Now with Little G in tow - long plane journeys consist mainly of hours of colouring, sticker application, nursery rhyme singing...the food eating is still relevant mind you...hmm.

But hopefully using a carefully planned roster with Husband I will actually manage to get some sleep and some movie watching achieved, and then once our destination approaches near -

1)  I will revisit the wipe packet to remove any traces of my hydrating mask that hasn't been absorbed.

2)  Reapply spritz of hydrating toner and serum.

3)  Apply whatever moisturiser I am using - at the moment is this one by Clinique.

Clinique Repairwear Uplifting Cream $110

4)  I will then apply some of my Bobbi Brown BB Cream, and some of my Clinique light reflecting concealer under my eyes and shadowy areas.

5)  Then it's a great idea to carry some dual purpose lip & cheek balm or tint - I really like these ones by Stila and am currently using one in Peony colour!

Stila Convertible Colour $34

Or I would use Clarins Pink Magnolia lipstick on lips and cheeks too!

6)  I will also carry my eyebrow pencil to do a quick touch up of eyebrows and  also use to to create a bit of smokiness on my upper lid - and this is also a great time for my Chanel Beryl Eye Pencil (or substitute nude colour eye pencil) on the bottom water line to detract from 'red eye syndrome'.

Voila!  Fresh as a daisy and radiant as the sun!

Thanks for reading and can anyone recommend other products they like to use for inflight beautifying?

Crystelle xx

Ps Will let you know if we find Nemo! 

Have you got the 'White Stuff'?

Now when I was living in the UK for 8 years, I absolutely loved this high street store!  I thought the style was that great blend of quirk mixed with cutesy mixed with casual - basically easy to wear combinations with some great colour palettes but also really good quality.  With White Stuff I always felt their attention to detail was what made their clothes and their brand have that little  'gen es sais quoi'!

Since living back in Australia for the past year I have still kept my eyes on White Stuff and even still order from them occasionally - is only like 12 pounds for delivery to down under and so I thought I would show you some of my favourite picks from White Stuff at the moment.

Dresses

Lovely Stripe Dress 55 GBP

I love this style and I love stripes - so, for me, that makes it an all round winner!  Think it would look great with some flats or teamed up with some tights and boots - an all year round easy wear fashion look!

Denim Kilmory Dress 55 GBP

 Another lovely denim look shift style dress - this look is around a lot at the moment and again, I think it is just so effortlessly stylish!

And this one...

Oyster Dress 49.95 GBP



Knitwear

White Stuff have a really fabulous knit wear selection - their cardigans are in a range of great colours fitted out with lots of cute detail - fabulous buttons, stitching - even the clothes tags makes me feel good about myself.  Check this selection out..

Cactus Green cardigan 45 GBP

How great are these colours?

Island Cardi 39 GBP

Tutuila Cardi 49 GBP

I may have to get this one just on the basis that my 3 year old loves elephants!  And note the fabulous wooden buttons!

Yellow Barnie Knit 45 GBP

 Truth be known I love this entire ensemble above!

Trouser/Jeans

Now the Southern Ocean Crop Jeans have always been bestsellers on White Stuff - and it is for good reason!  They are so comfortable, come in a great range of colours and wash well - I did find that I had to order a size up from my normal size...!

Southern Ocean Crop Jeans 45 GBP

 Accessories/Shoes

White Stuff also have a great range of scarfs, shoes and jewellery - oooh and bags...

Lizzie Body Bag 27.50 GBP

Lola T bar sandals 25 GBP

 

stationed bead bracelet 10 GBP

Other favourite ensembles...

Blue Tropic flower dress 45 GBP

Lush Top 42.50 GBP

Island Dress 49.95 GBP

 

So there you have a couple of my favourites at the moment, but there was so much more I could have included...if you haven't already, have a gander at White Stuff!  You won't regret it!

Thanks for reading -  I hope you feel fashion inspired!

Are there any fashion websites you can recommend to me?  I am always excited to be illuminated to the millions of hidden fashion and beauty gems out there!  Remember I love to hear from you and keep reading!

Crystelle xx

Camping fun!

This is just a quick post to follow up on my Camping Essentials blog!

  We went..we camped...we got wet!  Yes folks, the weather forecast was spot on and it rained, and rained, and rained!  Now camping in the rain is not so bad in itself - but putting a tent up in the rain, (and I don't mean the kind pitter patter of a British drizzle - this was torrential downpour, end of days kind of rain - Australian rain) - well let's just say, it was a bit of a cheerfulness challenge.  And the thing is, when we got to our campsite, yes there were some grey clouds, but there was also blue sky - great big patches of it - the sunlight was streaming through the trees, everything was glistening - hubby and I looked at each other, bit of a wink, each with our own smug face unfurling with increasing force as the minutes went by - 'we got this camping malarkey' is what we each were thinking.

And yes we got confident.  There was the big decision to erect the tent.  Little 3 was running through the leaves squealing with delight - hubby was swaggering around preparing the tent - we unfurled the fly sheet - the bit that should definitely not get wet...it was all laid out on the ground..right now for the poles....aaaaand - it began....

Now this downpour was a relatively short one, but reader, make no mistake - this was 5 maybe 10 minutes of the heaviest rain known to man.  There was chaos...3's squeals turned to screams, I ran back to the car with 3 under one arm - threw her in to the relative safety of the vehicle and started hurling various plastic bags and pillows around with super human effort looking for our waterproofs or an umbrella - every time I glanced up all I could see was Dear Husband's face scrunched up, very animatedly calling out various 'instructions' to me!  I have no idea what - he was like some strange silent mime with the occasional audible expletive carrying across to me....  And then the rain stopped - I wish I could say it was quiet - but there was quite a bit of rage emanating from Himself - I lingered by the car with 3 for as long as decently possible to allow the worst of it to pass...and then sauntered over, casually, quietly - respectful of the minor disaster that had struck us at the very onset of our 'Great Camping Trip'.  We then put the poles in, each with now with a look of grim determination on our faces, intermingled with a hint of panic - 30 minutes of looking fearfully into the sky should it decide to open once more.  But we did it - we got the tent up!

We gazed upon it with some dismay - little 3 could have used it as a paddling pool - and so began the great the mopping up ordeal - any dry, non essential piece of clothing or material we had with us was sacrificed for the name of the cause - that is - restoring the tent to some semblance of a dry refuge where we could realistically spend the night.  Mission accomplished!

The rest of the trip went pretty smoothly - rain and all!  We went for lovely rainy walks through the woods - I heard my kookaburras - and yes, we toasted marshmallows over a fire which we were able to intermittently maintain!

For your viewing pleasure...

Hope you enjoyed some family pics of our great camping adventure!...and FYI - I was very glad that I packed my waterproof mascara!

Crystelle xx