THE MEN’S ROOM: Body Lotion for Dudes

By Mark Reed

Cold. Harsh winds. And my God, the storms we’ve had in the last few weeks… It’s not been a bumper month for the city.

It’s a harsh time of year for skin too. And, as guys… Well, you can’t just buy Olay, or Ponds. Well you could, I mean, we live in an enlightened world, right? But I have my limits. Buying a feminine body lotion wouldn’t be so much “crossing the rubicon” as it would be “flying a space shuttle over the rubicon and heading out towards Alpha Centauri” for me.

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So it’s a good thing that Palmer’s have turned up with a body and face lotion for men. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Men is also different to many existing men’s products in the field, because… it smells. Which guy’s products generally don’t do. And cocoa… that’s chocolate.  But the result is surprising, pleasant, and one I keep coming back to. The cocoa actually manifests as a rich, dark, and quite masculine scent. Masculine, and yet strangely subtle and gentle too: It’s certainly not going to offend anyone’s nose.

‘The Beauty Night’ and why you must schedule one

By Tammi Ireland

Ladies, you have to agree with me there is nothing better than feeling sexy, confident and beautiful – just for you.  But how do you get that way if you’ve worked three different deadlines in a row, felt sick from lunch and been told some horrible news?  You schedule it!  Just like your dentist appointment or meeting your superiors, this is important, too.  Once a week is all I ask, and I’ll explain why it’s so great right now…

Tonight was my ‘Beauty Night’.  I try to schedule one a week or – failing that – one a fortnight.  On ‘Beauty Night’ everything gets done. And I mean everything.  Here’s my ‘To Do’ list…

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Obviously there’s no way I could (nor should) do all these on a daily basis, so scheduling one night a week to check everything off the list is not only a great idea, but also something to look forward to.  Because you feel AMAZING afterwards.

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It’s all in the products you use – ‘Beauty Night’ is not the night to skimp on products. On ‘Beauty Night’ it’s the best of the best.  Here are my must haves, working down the ‘To Do’ list:

Back to Basics

By Tammi Ireland

Before I left for Europe, I celebrated my birthday with my nearest and dearest at my favourite restaurant.  Is there anything more special?  With red wine, fresh food and loud laughs, the evening was fantastic.  It was natural, raw and intimate, and possibly one of the best birthdays yet.

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Sometimes, in order to be happy, we need to get back to basics:

- Seeing the friends who cherish your friendship, and letting go of those who are toxic.

- Eating only foods that make you happy, and only when you’re hungry.

- Not drinking sub-par coffee / wine / tea / mojitos.

- Travelling without carrying your home baggage with you, instead taking the bare minimum and collecting more experiences along the way.

- Breaking out of your routine and challenging yourself.

- Getting outside, in the sun, rather than in the gym.

OM: How I Found my Zen in a Shower Gel

By Tammi Ireland

 

It’s not often one can say they found their zen in a shower gel, but I like to believe I have.  ’Meditate’ is the new range from Natio, one of my family’s tried and tested favourites.  Since moving out of home – and into a significantly smaller shower – I’ve not enjoyed the regular, at-home spa sessions I used to in the larger family bathroom.  That was until I discovered the slim Natio Meditate Shower Gel, which fits perfectly into my tiny shower caddy.

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Now it’s a joy to lather up with Meditate ‘Narcissus’ shower gel (RRP$12.95), breathing in the musk scent that reminds me of my childhood (Saturday netball games were always followed by 50c worth of those pink sticks).  The natural scents are actually, truly calming and have been used for centuries to calm the mind, arouse the sense and awaken meditation energy.  One shower with this gel, followed by Meditate ‘Rose’ body butter (RRP$18.95) and I was ready to get my Yogi on.

Mother’s Day

By Tammi Ireland

Hugs!

Dear Mum,

I love you lots.  I know you’re sometimes stressed with work and rarely have time to yourself, taking care of the household and all.  That’s why – this mother’s day – I present you with a gift that will calm your nerves, smooth your weary (but beautiful!) skin and make your bathroom and self smell delicious… Franc Essential Ultimate Gift Set (RRP$229).

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Featuring the best-selling Franc Exfoliate and my personal fave Franc Balancing Mist (in your choice of rose oil or lemongrass), it’s truly the ultimate present for you this mother’s day!  It also comes with the Franc Cleanse, Verve, Serum and Moisturiser (so you’ll never know I saved $44)!

Love and kisses (on your yummy-smelling, smooth face),

Tammi Xx

P.S. Other Mother’s Day specials from Franc include a buy one get one free offer (same sets) when you purchase either the Franc Essential Absolut, Travel or Ultimate Gift Sets!  See here for more.

pics: We Heart It + supplied

The Best of Beauty

There’s a magazine on the stands that you all should know.  It’s called Allure and it’s a bit of a beauty bible.  There’s no Aussie version but the October American issue has just been released with Blake Lively on the cover and a whole lot of great articles.  My favourite is by far Best of Beauty where “the 190 greatest shampoos, lipsticks, moisturisers, concealers, frizz busters, mascara, wrinkle fighters, and more – handpicked and field-tested by Allure’s editors”.

Blake Lively covers Allure's Best of Beauty Issue

Here’s my selection of the top products within Allure’s Best of Beauty:

Beige Eye

‘Many so-called beige shadows are too white, too golden, or simply too boring.  Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Beige has a delicate sheen that flouts the blah stereotype.’

Grey Eye

‘Swipe on Laura Mercier Lustre Eye Colour in Celestial, a stormy shade of pewter, and voilà: instant smokey eyes.’

Olive Oil for your Skin!

With amazing heath benefits, not only internally but externally, Extra Virgin Olive Oil isn’t just for splashing over your garden salad. And the next best thing to buying a bottle from the supermarket and smearing it over your skin is Palmers Olive Butter Formula.

Palmers Olive Butter Formula uses Extra Virgin Olive Oil to transform your skin making it feel silky smooth and ever so soft. Whether you have dry skin or you’re looking for that healthy glow, this is moisturiser to use.

Product of the Day!

As a self confessed simple beauty product gal, I’m not afraid in admitting that Vaseline is quite possibly my favourite product of all time. No, seriously. For as long as I can remember I have always had a tub on the go. Now that Vaseline has introduced a new line of products, well you could imagine my excitement!

Product of the Day!

I don’t really like pink.  I won’t wear it ever in the form of clothing.  But I love it for packaging, in flowers, as the shade of my favourite lipstick and when marshmallows are coloured in it.  MOR Belladonna Body Butter is also an exception simply because it smells so good!  The only way to describe the scent is that it smells pink – very light, fun and girlie.

The consistency is milky and doesn’t leave a residue, the packaging is divine and the small 50g size is perfect for your handbag.  It’s a win for MOR!

RRP $16.95 for 50g.

Yummy!

T x

pic: supplied