Recently, Lancome released their new and improved version of Lancome Advanced Genifique that is suitable for all skin types, all ages and all major ethnicities. When the original version was launched back in 2009, Lancome Genifique quickly became a stable benchmark in the skincare industry, millions of women were swearing by it.
After months and months of research and testing to upgrade the original formula, the new and advanced version is backed with 14 year of research and it works to repair, maintain and promote signs of youth.
Without getting technical, the updated formula has 40% more active ingredients that works overtime to improve the top 10 concern in women when it comes to both visual and tactile results; concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, clarity, evenness, texture, resiliency, tonicity, firmness and sagginess.
With 15 months in design, the self-loading dropper is improved into an automated version to deliver the precision for the perfect dose. All you do is twist the dropper and it takes up just the right amount of product for optimal application.
You can use this as a day and night serum step or pre-serum, personally I use this as a pre serum as the clear, fluid like texture absorbs into skin very quickly and I layer up with different serums to fully lock in all the goodness for smoother, luminous and rejuvenated skin.
Results wise, I haven’t seen massive improvement in the anti aging department and I have been using this faithfully day and night for couple of weeks now. Having said that, my skin did look more uniform and hasn’t been acting up either.
BUY IF: You are currently not using any serum and is in the market looking for one that is suitable for your skin type. This serum’s unique selling proposition is that it suits all skin types and all skin types will benefit from it!
20ml $55 | 30ml $88 | 50ml $125 | 75ml $170
Available now on Lancome counters
Nailing two of the most important elements when it comes to candles – packaging (think luxe!) and scent; Aquiesse has fast-tracked its way to become a top luxurious fragranced candle.
Personally, I am obsessed with the whole classic and elegant product line that is instantly easily recognised for its quality and value. Their logo itself has seahorses in it, isn’t it cute? Adorned by celebrities, this is a brand to look out for as the packaging itself is good enough as a home décor piece. Did I mention they even come with matching matches?
Utilising soy wax from its purest natural form and lead free wick, you can expect nothing but luxurious fragrances derived from the finest organic essential oils and extracts to infuse your room with just the right amount of fragrance.
The latest collection (made in USA) is inspired by nature the Black Currants No.202 – Black Currant Patchouli oozes scents of black currant, sheer jasmine, patchouli and dark amber.
As for the White Currants No.302 - White Currant & Rose is filled with sweet white currant, sheer rose, woody green leaves.
RRP AUD$59.95 each
Available to purchase online or call stockist here: 1300 883 800
Now this is a big call, these days I rarely name any products/gadgets as holy grail any more as there hasn’t been many products that has wowed me or perform any different from what I already have.
Having said that, once in a blue moon, I’d receive a product that would blow me away and in this case it was the Rusk Miracurl.
I first saw this on a UK beauty blog and as predicted by the beauty blogger, this would the world by a storm. I watched the video, was intrigued by it and low and behold few weeks later it hit the Australian market. I jumped at the opportunity to give it a go and like they say, the rest is history.
Rusk MiraCurl is a tool for curling hair only, finally one that is easy, QUICK and delivers identical, flawless curl each and every time. With its revolutionary patented technology, it has been acknowledged by industry leaders as the “biggest innovation in hair styling in years” and boy are they right!
Since you all know I have dead straight hair, the only thing I could do to my hair is to curl it. Throughout the years, I have tried countless hair tools that promises “the perfect curl”; your premium straighteners, tongs, clamp-less tongs, heated hair rollers, hair clamps, rotating hair dryer, you name it, I’ve tried them. None of them could deliver result like the Rusk MiraCurl would.
Let me count the ways why I love Rusk MiraCurl:
- Delivers flawless curls each and every time – has options for left or right side of the hair to rotate curls
- I don’t need to MENTALLY count when I am curling hair anymore, this one beeps 4 times and you know its ready to let go
- It doesn’t tug on my hair and show any kinks
- It is gentle and EASY, this coming from someone who has never and will never concur curling hair with a straightener
- No accessories needed, I didn’t need any glove or additional tools apart from clean and dry hair
- Has adjustable heating for different types of hair types, extra long cords, auto shut off and all the bells and whistles
- Especially great for long hair when it gets harder to curl with your standard straightener or tong
Top left: My straight hair, Top right: Result of one curl
Bottom left: One side of my hair done curling. Bottom right: After finger combing my hair to loosen the curls
Top left: All done in a few seconds, Top right: After finger combing
Bottom left: Full head curled, Bottom right: Full head curled.
The beauty of the machine is that it automatically suck all the hair into the ceramic curling chamber and heat it from all directions for a even and effortless curl. All I had to do is comb hair thoroughly, divide hair into small strands, clamp and release on repeat.
MY EXPERIENCE:
READ THE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET thoroughly before you start. Comb hair through and always start with smaller sections. The key lesson learnt for me is to always hold the styler positioned into the hair with the open part of the curl chamber facing towards the head.
When I first receive this, I didn’t read the instruction/booklet and went straight to test drive this. Let’s just say I ended up getting my hair stuck and panicked in a bad way. Also, always make sure hair is placed neatly through the centre of the styler. However, once I’ve learnt my lesson, watched the videos and read the instruction booklet, it was pretty smooth sailing all the way through.
For a quick Youtube how-to use the Rusk MiraCurl, click here.
Also watch the hilarious reactions from this Korean TV Show, fast forward to the 1:10 mark.
RRP AUD$199
Available nationally through leading salons and Hairhouse Warehouse
Save: Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe
Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Collection
RRP AUD$15.99 each
Continuing Toni & Guy’s latest hair products, there’s now a Sculpting Powder, Style Spray Wax, Smoothing Lotion and Volume Plumping Whip new products in the mix. With the elegant matte packaging finish, this collection does not disappoint and there’s a product for everyone.
Personally, I like the Classic Smoothing Lotion (kinda like a leave in conditioner), applied to damp hair prior to blow drying. Especially great for split ends and damaged hair.
Available in Woolworths, Coles, Priceline and Big W
Spend: Tigi Bed Head
Approx. RRP AUD$25.00+ each
This collection is bright, fun and adds a splash of colour to any bathroom. Apart from smelling so sweet and fruity (great for morning pick me ups!), the scents are also long lasting.
I love using the “Elasticate” shampoo and conditioner combo as they leave my hair soft and well moisturised. In addition, my hair feels way stronger and less “snappy” since I’ve started using this combo.
Splurge: Shu Uemura Art of Hair
This luxurious hair collection is the latest to hit our shore and to wow us away. Shu Uemura is famously known for their make up/skincare products especially their make up removing cleansing oil, eyelash curler, fake eyelashes and blushes. When they recently released their hair care, I was definitely intrigued.
Cleansing Oil Shampoo RRP AUD$72
Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil in Cream RRP AUD$66
Cleansing oil for hair!! How can you not get excited? Looks exactly like their best selling make up remover cleansing oil. This lathers quite well and is gentle to the scalp. I needed 2 pumps to cleanse my entire scalp properly and another 2 pumps for the rest of my hair. Due to my long hair and the fact that I wash my hair almost everyday, I foresee myself finishing this bottle quite quickly.
Just like your normal shampoo, the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo is to be applied to wet hair and massage thoroughly. It leaves my hair clean (you know the feeling when its cleans) and bit dry on the strands so this shampoo definitely requires a conditioner after. Since I double cleanse my scalp for days I don’t wash my hair everyday, I use this as my double cleansing step.
I have been following up the shampoo with Essence Absolue which is a leave in conditioner. Rich in texture and subtly fragranced, I apply onto towel dry hair and blow dry to not only condition hair but also protect it from the heat of a blow dryer.
Volume Maker Invisible Texturizing Powder RRP AUD$46
This hair texturising and volume booster powder comes in the form of a click-release pen. Applied on dry hair it gives roots and limp hair a boost. It also helps to revitalise blow dries and spread even with fingers. As this is recommended to apply with fingers, I am not sure why it is designed with a brush.
Apart from that, I do apply this with the brush head and gently massage over my scalp before scrunching it up further with fingers. The powder is really finely milled and blends well into roots without appearing like dandruff like other brands do!
For more info: shuuemuraartofhair.com, available exclusively in premium salons.
When was the last time mouth care was ever exciting? Like never ever! So when Colgate rolled out not one but two game changing prodz, I actually took notice. Enter Colgate Optic White and Colgate Plax Fresh Tea.
Colgate Optic White RRP AUD$7.99
Colgate Plax Fresh Tea RRP AUD6.49
When was the last time you’ve seen a toothpaste not in white packaging? Yeap, packaging alone this stands out and ad campaigns all over the internet doesn’t hurt either. Despite being a fluoride toothpaste this is gentle and has a lower strength 1% hydrogen peroxide formula, making it suitable for everyday use.
It has a mint flavour and doesn’t contain sugar! Best of all it is designed to remove stubborn stains normal toothpaste wouldn’t and with prolonged use, the teeth will appear up to 3 shades whiter. This is the future of teeth care, toothpaste doesn’t have to be just maintain basic oral care but also to prevent and avoid staining from food and drinks.
Tip: Always start with brushing your teeth > floss > finish with a mouth wash.
To be honest, I’ve jumped on the “alcohol free” bandwagon as soon as they were available in the market because I have always hated the burning sensation from the traditional mouth wash options. First, there was only Colgate and Oral B in the market that offers the alcohol free version and I have never looked back since. Just when I thought mouth wash couldn’t get any more interesting, Colgate released one that is alcohol free AND comes in FRESH TEA flavour.
I’ll admit it was a little weird at the beginning because it tasted sweet but at the same time it tasted like something I shouldn’t be putting in my mouth like cologne or room freshener spray that smells and tasted sweet. However, after just a couple of use, it became somewhat addictive, I found myself looking forward to gaggling my mouth and craving for that sweet after taste. Definitely an experience you need to trial it yourself to understand what I am banging on about.
Well done Colgate, I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the future. Perhaps self flossing toothbrush, mouthwash/toothpaste/floss 3 in 1 contraption?
Limited edition. Caviar Manicure. Cotton Candy. YES, yes and yes.
If you are a bored of the stock standard nail polishes, why not give Ciate Caviar Manicure a go? This limited edition kit comes with a pot of Caviar Beads Multi, a Paint Pot Nail Polish & a small little funnel. From the Spring 2013 collection, this pastel Spring colour takes nail art to a whole new 3 dimesional level never seen before. Originally created for a magazine photo shoot and now it has quick become a must have nail art kit.
The inspiration behind the Caviar Manicure™ came about when Charlotte, Ciaté’s Creative Director, was looking to create 3-dimensional nails for a front cover magazine shoot and wanted to develop something feminine, indulgent yet delicately extravagant. The finished effect gives nails an instant sophisticated look. Very Ciaté!
Polish wise, I can’t fault the Paint Pot nail polishes. This light candy blue shade needed a good 2-3 shades to avoid looking streaky if you were to wear it on its own. However, 2 coats is all you need with the Caviar beads. Execution wise, this is pretty easy to apply and I had no issues with it, however, the little beads (due to their tiny sizes) they tend to bounce off each other and gets everywhere and bounces out of the “tray” I was working on.
The finish is instant and I didn’t need to wait for the nail polish to dry, happy jan!
My only thing is that this doesn’t last as long (small little bits were constantly falling off) and it took awhile for me to get used to the feeling of having tiny beads on my nail bed.
RRP AUD$36
Limited edition available exclusively at Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima and Kit Cosmetics
With “beauty in all seasons” in mind, CHANEL presents its vision of natural beauty to have a lovely glowing tan to become looking pretty, natural and flushed all year round from day to night.
Say hello to Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder SPF 15 PA++, with its distinctive beige packaging, this powder is one of its kind. It isn’t a bronzer and certainly not a blush. It redefines category thanks to its ability to deliver “Healthy Glow” to skin. This is THE Healthy Glow Sheer Powder. The very same that bags me compliment whenever I wear it.
The palette comes with a 100% natural hair brush applicator that picks up just the right amount of products without overloading onto the brush and helps to contour areas that needs a bit of contouring help.
In Australia, the Healthy Glow Sheer Powder (HGSP) palette comes in a range of shades from No.20 – No.60. I am aware that certain countries they carry No.10 and No.70 too. As No.20 is the lightest shade available in Australia, I gave it a whirl.
Basically, there are a few ways you can use the Chanel Les Beiges HGSP. You can use it all over the face as a uniformed “glow”, just the outer corners of the face to get some warmth or just on the cheekbones and key points of the face that requires definition. In addition, you can use this over foundation to set too.
Personally, I prefer to use this on the outer corners of my face to give the illusion of a smaller face and on my cheekbones and top it with a blush for that healthy glow mix.
As you can see No.20 is a tad “stand out” brownish on my skin but this swatch above is with a finger hence the pigmented consistency. The palette has the slightest amount of shimmer in it only visible to the naked eye on the pan but not visible on application. It also contains Chanel’s signature makeup fragrance in it.
With a fluffy kabuki brush I’d start swirling around the pan lightly, tapping gently on a piece of clean tissue paper and buff on areas of my face and I must say the finish is quite natural and it contains SPF too so definitely a brownie point there.
Would I recommend this? Yes to general skin colour but perhaps the super fair would miss out on this as it does bring a wash of yellow/beige brown tone to skin that can stand out on fairer skin tones.
Ps: Did I mention that Gisele (yes THE Gisele) is the face of Chanel Les beiges ad campaign, who doesn’t want Gisele’s healthy glowing skin?
RRP AUD$80
Available now on counters
Call 02 9900 2944 for stockist
Previously, I did a post on Liposonix 101 and my initial treatment experience as well as what type of results to expect and how the treatment felt.
Today, I am finally able to share with you my before and after pictures. Reason why it took me so long for posting this because I needed to wait until the 12 week mark aka the best optimal timing to get measured and pictures to ensure I have all the results because I posted this pic.
Top and bottom left picture is before and the pictures on your right is after
This was taken just four weeks post Liposonix. The main difference for me is the stubborn belly area just flatten out and my waist line is more leaner along with the love handles! The first four weeks post treatment, I felt slight tender feeling around my waist area that was treated. It doesn’t hurt but just an awareness that it is a little sore and I also felt bloated as expected. The bloatiness lasted roughly 3-4 weeks which is great because I was more conscious about the food I ate and made sure I kept a lean and clean diet.
Then one day in week 4, I woke up and bam – the cloud of bloatiness had lifted off and I could feel my waist area feeling and looking lean. Hence I also took pictures above.
Final results!
Top picture: Before treatment
Bottom picture: 12 weeks post treatment
The main difference was that I now have more of a hourglass shape as oppose to my previously straight body shape! All without spending too much time and effort at the gym. Speaking of gym, I intend to start picking up exercise to maintain the results I have and to make sure I don’t eat my way back to my previous fatty self.
All in all I lost roughly 5cm around my weight area which is great but numbers mean nothing to me because I could visually see and feel my waistline being slimmer when I am fitting into my old clothes.
Overall, I definitely recommend Liposonix despite its price tag because it is effective, it works to get rid of stubborn fat (especially if you’re already working out and can’t get rid of stubborn spots) and also if you’ve just had a baby and want to get back to pre pregnancy body. This is definitely not a substitute to exercising and in fact it helps to kick start my exercising routine because I don’t want to lose my progress.
Side notes:
My treatment was done by Dr. Tass Cosmetic Enhancement at Crown Spa, Melbourne.
I have also heard that Dr.Tass is now doing Liposonix treatments on targeted area too like thighs (omg want!).
