Beauty Babble | A mid-winter update
Now, I don’t know about you, but, 2020 wasn’t exactly the year for a beauty update. Between having a newborn, a lockdown and significant life changes I didn’t really emerge back into the social scene until after Cup and Show Week, or BLOOM Festival as they call it now! It meant a lot of makeup-free time and little effort put into my hair but all throughout this period of change I’ve found rituals and routines that truly suit my lifestyle (read : being time-poor and living out of a weekender bag most weekends)
I bring to you now, my 2021 mid-winter beauty update. Because, why not? If you’ve been an OG Beauty Babble reader, you will 100% see my ride or dies still coming through, or reinvented to be used in a different way during this stage of ‘mom-life’.
Hair
I stopped using dry shampoo a long time ago for a couple of reasons. 1. The mom bun took over and 2. I never really found the right one for me that didn’t cast white all over the top of my head. This is where Haze has been great. It soaks up some of the oil and adds some texture back in to get me through that ‘day where I should have washed my hair but couldn’t be bothered’.
Evo Fabuloso Platinum Blonde Colour Boosting Treatment
If there is ever a day this tube of purple goodness doesn’t feature in my top favourites, something is seriously wrong. It’s the perfect at-home blonde refresh for busy people. I can put it on wet if I have time, or whip it through my dry hair, continue with life for 10-15 minutes then wash it off. It’s the tits.
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner
*gasps* I made the switch from O&M. There. I said it. A while back I noticed a change in the consistency of the conditioner in the Hydrate & Conquer range I used religiously. It became so thick and with the design of the bottles as winter set in, I was having explosions every single time I squeezed the bottle as the oblong cap would fly off. My hairdresser, Amy Connolly gave me two options to switch and at first, I chose another but it just wasn’t working so I’ve now changed to Pureology and it’s great. Plus it’s filled with vegan goodness so fun for everyone.
Although I’ve tried a couple of new tools recently, my hair is just. So. Thick. I do everything with these things and they’re fantastic.
Body
Sol De Janeiro - Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
It’s not super expensive, but it is a step up from your supermarket moisturisers. This cream smells divine, looks fabulous and is just so hydrating. I love having a tub at hand on my bedside.
Always. Again, this has been a long-lasting friendship since our first introduction and I couldn’t be without it. Sugar Cube is the perfect tan prep, it’s nourishing and perfect throughout every single month to combat the scaly, dry mess our skin can become.
After spending close to $2,000 on IPL services years ago to no avail, I was a little hesitant to try reducing my hair down there again but made the switch to TCC and have never looked back. I pick up my treatments in lots of six when they’re on sale and it makes it super affordable to have my downstairs and underarm areas tended to. Bring on summer 2022!
These days, I just don’t get the time to get a spray tan and when I do it’s either raining or I’m lugging a child with me. When Undertow Media sent me a PR package of the Aero Liquid Gold range I was hooked, seriously hooked and haven’t used anything else since. It is just so easy to apply, dries in seconds, doesn’t give off that tan smell we’re so used to and it’s oh so convenient to do whenever I have a spare 10 minutes. For someone who’s also guilty of tanning only visible skin areas, it’s great too. Anyone else?
Face
Who knows where I would be without my skin magician Nicola. My skin has never felt so hydrated or been more consistent and it’s all credit to her and the Nimue Skincare range! If you are getting married, or prepping for an extra special occasion, getting in touch with Nicola at least six months in advance will see you right, trust me.
Brydie is an absolute darling and always has my brows looking fresh. Her range of beauty services also includes the most incredible tans, skin treatments and recently added cosmetic tattooing!
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops and MAC Strobe Cream in Goldlite
This duo is my go-to for everyday skin. My friend, and super talented Makeup Artist Kasia made me do it and I have never looked back! The sunshine drops make my skin so radiant, especially on days where I’ve been up all night with rugrats and the sunshine drops are just bursting with concentrated, antioxidant-rich goodness to help improve and protect your skin from environmental damage.
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Look, it could be in my head but with its combo of Vitamin-C and peptides this stuff just makes me feel alive in the morning and I really think it helps with those tired eyes we mums experience. Are you an eye cream fan? I’d love to know!
Kiehls Buttermilk Mask for Lips
Move over Blistex, this pottle of goodness is just so good! Another Kas recommendation that comes 10/10 recommended.
I very nearly forgot this one and I literally slapped myself! Removing my makeup is something I do in the shower at night, but The Glow Cloth, by local lady Kendal McSorely is the answer to my makeup-removing prayers on days when I just want to get tucked up into bed, or when I’m travelling. It’s also machine washable, good for the planet and IT WORKS with only water!
Teeth
I have two recommendations for this one, both who you can find on the Directory!
Terri of The White Smile Company lives and breathes teeth whitening. Her services include laser whitening, and she also creates custom trays for you to take home and ‘top-up your whiteness yourself.
Olivia of Body Glow is a beautician based out in Woodend whose services include teeth whitening. The formula is gentle and the machine is compact in the sense that you can still move your head freely during the treatment. I love that she can cater to two people at once, and for larger bookings, she has the ability to travel to you and set up in the comfort of your home.
Inside and Out
I really rate the QT range. It’s from a local brand and packed with all the good stuff to support not only your skin but your insides too.
Be Pure and Eve Wellness
It’s something I haven’t spoken about publicly, but my years of being on ‘the pill’ took its toll on me. It became apparent that I was simply exhausted when I took up training for Olympic Lifting again following an injury that forced me to take some time off my usual training. I eventually had some blood tests done and was so deficient in many vital vitamins and minerals within my body that action had to be taken immediately. It’s just incredible that companies like Ben Warren’s Be Pure have created sub-brands like Eve to restore what this tiny synthetic ball takes from our bodies and I believe are making a huge difference.
Treat Yourself
Brittany is the best. Another events vendor actually put me onto her whilst I was pregnant and experiencing a lot of discomforts. Her beds even have the cut out for your bump which I’d struggled to find locally and I reckon it makes all the difference towards having a relaxing experience.
This place should be the 8th wonder of the world, I tell you. It is gorgeous! Moss has just launched a dreamy new treatment range and they place a huge emphasis on using local New Zealand brands with sustainable practices at their core. Located in the city, it’s accessible to everyone and being right next door to Vices and Virtues you can create a full experience with something to sip and nibble on too. While you’re at it, enjoy a staycation at the Sudima with your other half - or, if you’re a busy mum order some room service and enjoy a peaceful nights sleep!
Nicola Quinn Beauty and Day Spa
Nicola Quinn is no stranger to most and the fact that they can cater to larger groups has your bridal party taken care of. The treatment menu is extensive and there is sure to be something that will take your interest. Plus, soak up the serenity of their Hush Lounge - The experience is quite literally delicious, with a range of herbal teas and bubbles served alongside scrummy platters using local ingredients.
Scents
You’ll probably see from the list below that I can quite easily jump on the scent band-wagon, but I truly adore all of the scents featured below and they are staples in my collection.
Ellie Saab - Girl of Now Forever
I was given this bottle for my birthday and it took me a wee while to come around to it. It’s heavy enough for winter and light enough for summer, taking me through warm and cool days - big fan!
“A sparkling and addictive eau de parfum with the flavour of raspberry combined with rose and cashmeran wood”
I love this scent in the warmer months.
“Between passion and freedom, audacity and femininity, the fragrance blends the sensuality of the finest musk with an hypnotic datura accord and the intensity of an exceptional patchouli”
This is my go-to scent in Winter.
“When the electrifying energy of black coffee meets the assertive femininity of white flowers. A vibrant, sensual and addictive contrast of light and dark”
If you made it this far, well, you deserve a medal! That’s me wrapped up being a beauty blogger for this year - until next, I’d love to hear what your go-to products, tools and treatments are - Let’s chat!