Beyond The Norm

By Tammi Ireland

Coconut water is still having its moment as the best post-run hydrator and low-cal energy booster, especially for after a big night out.  However, while we’re quick to drink the stuff, few know it also makes for a great natural facial.

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The great people at Beyond Coconut Water were nice enough to send me a pack of the juice, many of which I drank as a 3.30pm pick me up at work.  The rest, however, I warmed in the microwave before soaking a muslin cloth in them.  Then – after squeezing away the excess – I put the cloth over my face and held for a few minutes.  When the temperature of the cloth hit that of the room, off it came and what was left was clean, open skin that glowed. 

‘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:

Natural Body Scrubs – Not All Are Built Equal

By Tammi Ireland

Body scrubs are one of those products that you don’t really need, and which can all be a bit same-same.  They exfoliate (so does shower gel with a loofah) and they wash off anyway, so why spend big, right?  Well, I had to eat my words when I tried Burt’s Bees Honey & Shea Sugar Scrub (RRP$29.95) because the experience and the results were amazing.

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The first thing I noticed when I opened the Burt’s Bees Sugar Scrub tub is just how thick the product is – you literally have to dig down and then scoop out the scrub.  Next, I notice the texture – not too granular (read: not painful to use). Check and check!

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.

Green Tea is not just for drinking

By Tammi Ireland

I love a cup of warm green tea in the morning.  It wakes me up, does wonders for my skin and has no milk so doesn’t leave me feeling heavy with every sip.  But recently I discovered something else to do with the magic green leaf (not that one, silly) and it’s a little more topical.

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St. Ives have released a Green Tea Cleanser (gel) that I have been using twice-daily for the past month, and my gosh can I notice the different.  Much thicker in consistency than other gel cleansers, the St. Ives Green Tea Cleanser (RRP $9.99) has a light shade of green that easily smooths and holds onto the skin while cleansing (others often slip right off once they hit water).  It takes off makeup like a dream, including stubborn lipsticks, and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or smelling of fragrance.  Most of all, it cleans the shit out of my pores and I’ve got less blemishes because of it.  St. Ives Green Tea Cleanser? You can stay.

The Men’s Room: It came from…. NEW ZEALAND!!!

By Mark Reed

New Zealand. A land only accessible via a wardrobe, a kingdom ruled by a lion. This mystical, make believe land has captivated us for as far back as I can remember. Which is last Tuesday.

Kiwi outfit The Aromatherapy Company, however are very real. Their line of Men’s products, MAN, is VERY REAL. So real it quite literally hurts.

I had three products to test: Their Facial Scrub; Their Shaving Cream; and their Aftershave Balm. The packaging is man sized. Even the design font is man sized. Subtle this ain’t.

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Your Guide to New Years Eve Party Makeup

So, the end is near.  2010 has been a helluva year and as it comes to a close, we’re all making final arrangements on how to bid adieu in style.  Personally, I’m celebrating with a low-key house party.  And what will I be slapping on my face come 5pm tomorrow?  I’ve got a few options to share with you…

HOORAH!

There are a bunch of ways you can look smokin’ hot during the final hours of 2010, and they all involve preparation.  Be sure to tick (fake) tanning, moisturising, hair removal and priming off your list before you even look at that foundation.

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.’

Affordable Soap and Glory

On October 11, Kit stores welcomed a new product line to their shelves.  Aptly named Soap & Glory, this little brand has had me the most excited I’ve been in a long time when it comes to beauty. The packaging is divine in a Mad Men kind of way, the words on said packaging are hilarious and they’re cheap to boot!

Perfectly pink with a side of wit - LOVE IT!

Product of the Day!

Beautisol is a non-smelly fake tan available online.  Using their innovative fragrance technology, you’ll no longer smell like potatoes when walking along the beach with deep, beautiful skin.