Dry body brushing

I have oily, yet at the same time horribly dry skin. It's often a fine line between the two. Neglecting one problem makes the other worse. Kiehl's Creme de Corps is an expensive necessity for the dryness (yes I've tried every alternative and they have all failed) and recently I've become obsessed with dry body brushing. Not only does it remove all the visible (and invisible) dry skin but it allows my moisturiser to absorb deeper and I swear it helps with lumps and bumps. I should have jumped on the bandwagon much sooner. The Mio brush fits perfectly in the hand and when I'm organised enough to have a proper morning shower I notice how much more awake I feel as it tingles and boosts circulation.  Highly recommended in any bathroom.

Lip simple

Smith's Rosebud Salve, NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick, NARS Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, NARS Turkish Delight Lip Gloss

Along with everything else I've streamlined and thrown out of my life were a bunch of lip products.  Lets face it, most of it was never used.  I just don't remember to apply them.

Now I'm down to 4 products which work and suit my complexion and every occasion.  Tick!  Undoubtedly they are all classic and popular product and for good reason.  What I love the most is that they can actually be layered with one another.  A little bit of the red pencil layered with a gloss creates a perfect bright pink lip.  The Dolce Vita lipstick is a perfect shade of nude/pink.  They all seem to work. And the rosebud salve will heal cracked or dry lips, as well as cuticles and any other blemishes.  It's a magic product.

Fake it 'til you make it

With most of Australia winding down for holidays this coming week, I do hope you've all got some sort of plans to rest and relax and recharge for the new year.  I have a few more weeks to go, but that doesn't mean I'm not preparing my beach bag, suitcase and beauty case, especially with sun protection.

Living in Melbourne and being chained to a computer and desk, I am seriously packing in sunlight and vitamin D so when I do expose my skin to the sun I am even more careful not to burn it or cause it any unnecessary damage.

Here are my favourite summer sun protection products and fake tanners.  And best of all, most of them don't break the bank.

St Tropez Bronzing Mouuse - most people who have never used this baulk at the idea of rubbing in a foamy mousse, but this so fool proof.  The mousse is rich and leathery which makes it a breeze to apply and due to a dark hue, you can see exactly where you are applying it, which prevents any streaks.  The colour is very believable.  It also comes in a gradual tanner if you want something that lasts a few days longer.

Garnier BB cream - my favourite product year round.  Has SPF.  Gives a wonderful light coverage and colour and makes my skin glow.  I even notice that it improves skin tone over time.  What's not to love!

Nivea Ultra Beach Protect Spray 30+ - I love the convenience of the light, non greasy spray.  I can even spray it on myself in the hard to reach places if I'm alone.  No sunburn in sight with this one.

Reef Sun Tan Oil - to me, summer smells like Reef - oily and coconut-y.  I often apply this oil over the top of sunscreen.  And the 15 and 30 SPF products often do a great job at sun protection, too.

Garnier Body Summer Lotion - I discovered this a few weeks ago and am entirely obsessed.  It comes in 3 shades to suit all skin tones and leaves a great non yellow tan.  My legs have never looked better.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, I'm off to bake and finish decorating the tree (B surprised me with a real tree yesterday that we can grow over the years!)

Tales from my suitcase

I travel with a small, purple suitcase purchased in Target in 1997 for $39 before I went on my first trip to Sydney.  It's seen half the world and most of Australia.  I can't bear to let it go.  It's still in one piece so there's no need to replace it.  And what I love the most about that suitcase is that it cannot possibly fit more than 22 kg, so there's never any danger of being over the weight limit.

The New Zealand trip is completely glamour free, so the make up bag contains the following, as carried in a linen Aesop drawstring bag and a small make up bag.

tissues, antibactorial wipes, contact lenses, cotton balls, cotton tips, gloss, microfibre cloth, Rosebud Salve, Twizermann Tweezers, Bandaids, La Prairie SPF Day Cream, Eye of Horus Mascara, Giorgio Armani Lumious Silk Powder (just enough coverage and a bit of colour,) Bloom Cosmetics Illuminator, Natio Kabuki Brush, Mini Dove soap bar, hair ties, Sebastian Light shampoo & conditioner in Muji travel tubes, Kielh's Creme de Corps, Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy, Aesop hand balm, Trilogy Rosehip oil to soothe my windburnt skin at night, La Prairie cream cleanser, Garnier BB cream, Schick Quattro - the best razor everrrrrr, Embryollise Lait Cream - a French pharmacy delight. The skin miracle worker.