Cold Weather Beautifiers and Mood Boosters

This week, I've been coughing and sniffling through my first transeasonal cold for 2011.

It's miserable being sick, not only because I feel flat and exhausted but also because I see Fester Adams when I look in the mirror...puffy and pallid with dark rings around my eyes - hideous!

While it's tempting to loll about in bed when you're sick, you'll feel less like an extended member of the Adams family if you pamper yourself a little bit.

Here are some things I've done to boost my spirits while I get over this cold:

Sweet Tart nail varnish by Revlon

Painting my nails with this gorgeous, lolly-pink polish by Revlon gave me a lift and made me feel less pale and sickly.

   

Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant





  

I used this Dermalogica exfoliating mask in the bath yesterday and felt really pampered. You apply a thin layer all over your face and in ten minutes the lactic acid disolves the dead skin to reveal a softer, brighter complexion. I love this, it's so gentle on my sensitive skin and doesn't leave it red like traditional scrubs.

I've been watching YouTube - it's addictive and it makes me lol.

I love Maru, and Maru loves boxes. This inquisitive, scottish-fold cat from Japan makes me smile.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XID_W4neJo

Flashmobs are fun. I like this one from Weeds - the music is so happy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fm0LhJVPNI

This Beyonce inspired flashmob at London's Piccadilly Circus is great too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de8oaegzb_0

Lastly, if you're lucky enough to have an amazing boyfriend, like I do, get him in the kitchen. Ax made me an amazing chicken soup with ginger, barley and vegetables and it made me feel alot better ( thanks babe x).

Hope these suggestion help if you're feeling under the weather,

Love La x

Review: Moroccan Oil

By now, you're probably aware of the most coveted beauty ingredient for 2011 - argan oil. If you don't know what I'm talking about, shame on you!

The argan oil frenzy began with the highy publicised arrival of Moroccan Oil, an exotic range of deliciously moisturising, treatment products for hair.

2010 marked the death of the straightening iron and a return to natural waves and voluminous hair, leaving in it's wake, a generation of women with dry, damaged and sensitised hair. Moroccan Oil came to the rescue, armed with it's secret weapon - argan oil!

Moroccan Oil has been described as revolutionary, yet it's star ingredient is paradoxically ancient. Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the native Moroccan Argan tree, and has been revered for it's moisturising, medicinal and anti-ageing properties for centuries.

http://www.ry.com.au/

From the Moroccan Oil range, I have been using the Moisture Repair Shampoo, the Moisture Repair Conditioner and the Original Moroccan Oil Treatment. Not surprisingly, the standout product is the Original Moroccan Oil Treatment - a leave in moisturising treatment and styling product in one. This liquid gold is rich, hydrating and easily absorbed by wet hair, leaving the hair feeling soft and healthy once blow dried.

Moroccan Oil products are quite aromatic and the exotic, incense-ish scent may not be to everyone's liking.

Here's to good hair days,

Love La x

More BECCA - Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder

http://www.facebook.com/becca.cosmetics.australia



Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder, the newest product in BECCA's range of complexion perfecting products, has been a getting a bit of attention this week as the star of their latest campaign.

I purchased Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder several months ago, and although it has found a regular place in my beauty product line-up, I do not use this product as a powder foundation.

If you love the creamy texture, buildable coverage and luminous finish of I.D Bare Minerals, you will be disappointed with BECCA's mineral powder when applied as a foundation. Boudoir Skin is quite dry in comparison, with very sheer coverage that can look patchy when built up.

I recommend using Boudoir Skin as you would a pressed powder - dust it lightly over your t-zone or all over your face to set your liquid foundation and any concealing work you've done. It also works well over tinted moisturizer to build a second sheer layer of coverage or matify.

#63 Kabuki Brush AU$85, Boudoir Skin AU$50 for 7gm

Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder comes in the distinctive BECCA compact - shown above in the colour 'Bloom'. Pictured beside is the BECCA #63 retractable kabuki brush, which is presented in a pretty but pointless chocolate satin pouch (now home to my Pandora bracelet). The brush is gorgeous, high-quality and incredibly soft, yet absolutely terrible at applying this dry powder!

BECCA products are usually wonderful and we should support this great Australian company, so try their fantastic Mineral Bronzer featured in my Best Bronzers blog.

La x

p.s. Remember to check out my editing website at http://laurakeeling.webs.com/

BECCA Creme Products

 BECCA Cosmetics is a gorgeous, modern, Australian beauty line, loved by celebrities, fashionistas, beach babes and coorporate glamazons alike. The line was founded on the philosophy that beauty begins with a perfected yet natural looking base. As BECCA doesn't rely on heavy advertising the line continues to feel unique and exclusive - a brand for those in the know!

    

Lots of people do know about BECCA though - and they tell their friends! Among the divine products in the line are at least two creme compacts that have reached cult status and a mineral bronzer that is perpetually sold out! All the products are high quality with skin loving ingredients and everything is available in a wide variety of colours to cater to all skin tones.

I am lucky enough to own a few BECCA products which I'll blog about in the coming weeks.


Today, BECCA creme compacts: Bird of Paradise Gloss (cult product), Tuberose Lip & Cheek Creme and Brazilian Bronzing Sheen (cult product).

Bird of Paradise Gloss, Tuberose Lip &

Cheek Creme, Brazilian Bronzing Sheen



Bird of Paradise Gloss is a creamy, highlighting gloss for eyes, cheeks and lips. It applies clear with an iridescent, gold pearl sheen, which is ideal for pale skin. This product applies very sheerly and the pearl is only visible in daylight. Very pretty but not an essential product - use vaseline for a similar effect. 

Tuberose Lip & Cheek Creme is a gorgeous, bright watermelon multi-use cream for cheeks and lips. Looks extremely intense in the compact, but can be blended out to a sheer tint. Suitable for very fair to very tanned skin. I love this product and use it daily on the apples of my cheeks.
Brazilian Bronzing Sheen is an intense, bronze gloss, touted as the sister product to Bird of Paradise. Looks great on eyelids, lips and cheekbones. Not recommended for lighter skin tones, as it will look a bit muddy.

Each product costs AU$46 for 3gms and can be purchased from BECCA online, some David Jones stores and selected boutiques. For BECCA at a discount, try online.

Enjoy,

La x 

 

My love affair with Nicco

Nicco is my Zumba instructor - and don't worry, Ax knows all about him.

It's not really an affair per se but I do love him, the same way that I love boots, red wine, dark skinny jeans and other things that make me feel confident and sexy.

If you haven't tried Zumba yet, you really ought to, but here's the thing; it's all about the instructor. You need a great instructor like Nicco to build your energy and confidence, and to push you to your limit.

If you live in Melbourne, you might be lucky enough to get into one of Nicco's classes but if not, try a few different instructors until you find your Nicco.

You won't regret it!

Love La x