Review; Soap & Glory - Hand Food

I have the hands of an overweight 60 year old man.

Seriously.

I have chubby sausage fingers, wrinkly knuckles and uneven skin tone.

Not to mention the dry, scaly skin that refuses to disappear.

It's a genetic thing, my mother has ugly hands as well.

Most of my childhood memories of my mother is her applying her trusty lanolin cream to her hands. I learnt early on that to make the most of the unlucky genetics I had to take care of my hands.

Introducing… The most astonishing hand cream ever!

Yes. Really.

Since I was 11 years old I have slathered on a ridiculous amount of hand creams.

With a differing variety of pricing, ingredients and promises.

I didn't think anything could help me, I was a lost cause.

But...

Soap and Glory Hand Food is amazing.

My hands are left feeling moisturised for hours, without the sticky residue left by some.

It is non greasy, and with ingredients such as Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil and Marshmallow it smells delicious too

I use this multiple times a day.

As you can see by the photos, this tube is just about empty.

It's my second tube in as many months.

My skin has been very dry since moving to cooler weather and I usually suffer with cracked skin in these conditions.

Since using Hand Food regularly, my skin has maintained it's moisture and overall my hands are so much softer.

I am considering trying it out on my feet.

Hand Food is a thickish cream, but it absorbs quickly and leaves no sticky residue.

Add Soap & Glory; Hand Food to your Winter Must-Haves.

The Details

Soap & Glory - Hand Food

RRP $11.95

Purchased in-store at Kit Cosmetics

Karpati Dito; Midnight Romance

If you read March Edition; Lust Have It you will have seen that I was very excited to try out the Karpati Dito Nail Lacquer I received.

Karpati was a brand I had not heard of before.

But, being free from Toluene, Formaldehyde and Dibutyl Phtalate was a huge tick from me.

The bottle is featured in the New York Museum of Modern Art "Design Collection".

It fits between fingers, like a ring, to hold the bottle steady for easier application. 

 I received one of the 8 available shades of Shimmer Lacquers, named Midnight Romance. A deep, shimmering purple that looks almost blue in some lights.

There are 13 classic colours plus 7 refract shades.

The polish formula is magic, fast drying, opaque in two coats and hard wearing.

My biggest problem was the bottle.

The idea is genius, though slightly gimicky. 

I found it incredibly difficult to create neat, straight lines whilst trying not to tip the contents everywhere.

Karpati Dito Nail Lacquers RRP at $19.95 for 8mL bottles.

I received this lacquer as part of a Lust Have It subscription.

If you have purchased Karpati Dito Lacquers online or in-store , please share your recommendations. 

April Edition; Lust Have It

Today I received my much anticipated second delivery of my Lust Have It subscription.

As some of you will already know, Lust Have It and Glossybox have merged, April is the last month of separate boxes, as of May, Glossybox subscribers will receive a Lust Have It box instead. For more information, hit up the Lust Have It page.

Going to hide the contents of this month's Lust Have It box after the jump.

The Nail Chronicles - Part Two

Remember when I removed my acrylics? 

Well, that was six weeks ago and whilst my nails still aren't in amazing condition, they are a thousand times better than they were back in March.

The three products making this journey so much more tolerable.

Cuticle Oil. Nail Treatment. Hand Cream*

 Whilst I am not the biggest Essie polish fan, this cuticle oil is amazing.

It smells divine, it is seriously moisturising and it's easy to apply.

I apply this at least 8 times a day, not even kidding! It's like the never ending bottle.

 Wether you have had acrylics or not, your nails will definitely benefit from this Moisture Plus nail treatment from Nicole by OPI.

I apply it daily to natural nails, or if I am painting them, I use this as a base coat.

My nails are no longer peeling or splitting - and when I am wearing this they are shiny and protected and I can feel their strength increasing.

These are my nails 6 weeks post-acrylic removal with 1 coat of Moisture Plus and two coats of OPI Bubble Bath.

I have kept them short to try and strengthen them. 

 Short, Shiny and gaining strength.

Perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The Details:

Essie - Apricot Cuticle Oil

RRP $18.95

Purchased in-store at Myer

Nicole by OPI - Moisture Plus

RRP $14.95

Purchased in-store at Hairhouse Warehouse

Soap & Glory - Hand Food

RRP $11.95

Purchased in-store at Kit Cosmetics

* Keep an eye out later on this week for an in-depth review on Soap & Glory - Hand Food

Review: Susie Burrell App

You have all read about my ongoing [very bumpy] journey to goal weight, and part of that process has involved researching best diets, looking for new and best technology to keep me on track and give me a boost, and listening to those in the know.

My twitter feed was a content barrage of information, some good, some bad, and some very very weird. I started following Susie Burrell AGES ago - a friendly tweeter who, despite being incredibly busy, answers question, gives advice and motivates the masses.

I can honestly tell you that I have never opened the App Store as fast as I did when I heard Susie Burrell had released an app.

I wasn't sure what to expect, I thought maybe it would be her website in App form [Which BTW app developers - is NOT an app, it's a bookmark] 

The app opens into an introduction - 3 small paragraphs.

That is it, no long winded autobiography, no name dropping, just the facts.

The "Lose Weight Fast" section is my favourite, input your desired calorie plan, and the work is done for you. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks all sorted for you.

The only thing not done is the shopping.

[Perhaps a deal with Woolworths for your next update? - purchase ingredients from the app?]

Don't want a meal plan? No worries.

The recipes section will have you absolutely salivating over your iPhone.

Low Calorie Pumpkin Soup? YUM!

And here is a hint, It is SO EASY! Two ingredients. Yep.

And the negatives?

Lack of choices, There is no way to edit according to dietary requirements (like Lactose Intolerance) or dietary choices (Like being a vegetarian).

But, for a free app, I'm not too concerned.

I would definitely pay for app that allowed customisable options, especially from a dietician I admire such as Susie Burrell.

As for my weightless journey? No biggest loser success stories here, the past month has been an incredible roller coaster of emotions, none of which I will be discussing here, which led me to no exercise and a whole heap of non-eating followed by severe binges and back.

Back on the wagon again, eating correctly, and exercising right.

Doing a 5kg challenge with my BFF - 5kgs by 21st May.

Easy.

Follow Susie on Twitter, and make sure you download this app - Free from the App Store.

March Edition; Lust Have It

I finally jumped on the bandwagon.

Despite hearing negative reviews of products inside subscription boxes, I decided to sign up to Lust Have It.

Just 4 days after signing up, I had my first sub in my PO Box.

I was pretty excited [As was MasterE which you can see in the outake photos I posted at the end]

I've heard people complain about the "boring" packaging.

You know what, I like it.
It is simple, effective, practical and environmentally friendly.

Whilst I never put breaks in my posts for the RSS Readers, I have, just to avoid spoiling it for others who have yet to recieve their Lust Have It Box this month.

Please read on for the unveiling [and some blurry images of chubby grabby baby hands]

Crossing to the Nude side

If you haven't already bought the Face of Australia Lip Quench in Lychee Crush than your power against peer pressure is ASTOUNDING!

Up until this point I have seen the rave reviews, the gorgeous Instagram shots, and the many, many tweets praising the goddess Lychee Crush, BUT have held back and not purchased.

Until last weekend.

Yep, you heard it, I have crossed over to the Nude side and I am absolutely, head over heels, crazy in love!

I am no newbie to FOA Lip Quench Lipsticks.

Power Surge is my most favourite shade of all time and Silver Rose is my Go-To, perfect for all occassions colour.

I have naturally dry lips so I need to constantly smoother them in goodness to avoid becoming Miss Flakey Flakerson.

Lipsticks only add to that dryness.

Not the Lip Quench Range.

They leave my lips feeling hydrated and moisturised thanks to the Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E & Shea Butter

Not to mention the SPF 30+ broad spectrum protection. 

Don't just take my word for it.

Here are three of my fav bloggers RAVING about their experience with Lychee Crush

Rosemary from Lashes & Lattes who, I think, was the original member of this bandwagon.

Michaela from Lather, Rinse, Repeat for the best swatch ever!

Tegan from Tegania's Thoughts who posted the awesomeness of this shade whilst on holidays! [Now THAT is dedication]

Face of Australia Lip Quench range includes 13 shades.

RRP at $9.45 - so why not buy the whole range?

Available from KMart, Priceline, Selected Pharmacies and online at Fashion Addict

I have my heart set on making Malibu Barbie work for me.

The Nail Chronicles

I have had acrylic nails for the past 12 years or so.

Had little breaks here and there but have had them on for 90% of that time.

I've been pretty open about the fact that I LOVE my acrylics.

I may be one of the few people left that do.

BUT

I have an announcement.

The nails are GONE!

Above you can see how badly I needed my nails to be done.

Baring in mind I decided to chronicle this partway through removal so they look worse here than they did.

Also note the remnants of glitter polish I was using to cover the growth

My ring nail shows how much growth I had, about 5 weeks after my last infills.

Yuck.

I had seen a few tutorials for removal of shellac so decided to take the same approach with acrylic removal.

I first buffed off the gel layer.

Applied cotton pads soaked in Acetone Nail Polish Remover and wrapped finger & pad in foil.

At this point I made a cup of tea and settled in for some Homeland...

I lasted about twenty minutes, which was not enough time to shift the acrylic.

I should of used pure acetone for a quicker effect.

I buffed the remainder of the acrylic until it was quite thin, then used an orange stick to peel off the acrylic. That hurt like nothing else and I DO NOT RECOMMEND doing that.

Not only did it hurt, but it also caused a lot of damage to the underlying nail.

I filed the very jagged tips with a glass file, and lightly buffed the nail as they were very damaged and peeling.

The above photo is after the file, buff and two coats of Sally Hansen Miracle Cure.

I have been applying Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil like a maniac ever since.

No strengthens or hardeners over here. Many contain formaldehyde and I took off my artificial nails to reduce my chemical exposure.

This is after 2 coats of OPI Bubblegum.Because I ripped off the acrylic layer, I damaged the cuticles around my nailsApplication is messy, but I dare not place any nail polish remover around them for fear of the pain!
I plan on updating my nail recovery, as it's very unlikely I will be up to swatching for the next week or so.I don't plan on getting my acrylics back anytime soon.Depending on how long it takes for my hands to not hurt every time I do anything.
Hot water is the worst!
Have you DIY'ed your acrylic removal?Have you had them professionally removed?What steps did you take to speed up recovery?

Do you know any products that will make them stop hurting???

Introducing; My New Hair

About a week ago I took to Twitter to ask for recommendations for the best place in Melbourne for a cut & colour.

The 6 week mark was quickly approaching, and my colour was sub-par, very dull and I was having a losing battle with split ends.

The recommendations came flying in thick and fast and all suggested the same place:

Oscar Oscar Salons.

The gorgeous Mel went one step further, she recommended to book in with Nathan for a colour, and Jacky for a cut.

I didn't even need to google them, I had seen the photos and reviews come through over the past few months and if the MBBE girls loved them, I knew I would too.

I couldn't lose.

With L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival looming, I knew I had to get in quick.

I rang and booked in and couldn't believe my luck when I managed to get an appointment with the two superstars.

Oscar Oscar use Aveda products.

It was explained to me that this was because they were more natural products, as well as being better for your hair.

This became apparent during the bleach bath.

Usually having bleach applied is a form of torture, the smell and the burning sensation can be very overwhelming.

I experienced none of those things with the Aveda 

Oscar Oscar Stations - Can you say Chic?

The whole atmosphere is so different to what you would expect from a salon being in a busy shopping centre such as Chadstone.You forget as soon as you walk in, the music is relaxing and appropriate[No top 40 or techno to be heard]The staff are courteous, professional and very helpfulAnd there is no overpowering smell of bleach or chemicals.

Both Nathan and Jacky consulted with me prior any work being undertaken, and I was given a quote as to cost so I could choose wether to proceed with any/all recommendations.

Nathan discussed tones and what shades work best for me,

He also checked with Jacky in relation to style and the three of us made the decision.

Nathan then explained how he would go about achieving the desired colour.

This would require a bleach bath, the colour and then a treatment.

Jacky explained how bad a condition my hair was in [heat styling twice daily is BAD people]

That it needed a decent amount taken off, but would like to take more off to give it more structure and texture.

Whilst my colour was developing, I was treated to a Hand Spa by the lovely Dom.

I was well embarrassed as to the condition of my nails*

After a bleach bath, then the colour, I had a treatment put through my hair.

While it was on, the lights were dimmed and this area became so zen.

Candles were burning and I felt very at peace and relaxed.

Lately, my hair has become like my skin.Dry.The Smooth Infusion range was recommended for my hair type.A shampoo, conditioner and masque.Not only will it improve my hair, but it will also help keep my hair straight and frizz free for longer.WIN!I purchased all three.

Me, hiding, and the lovely Nathan

Despite the fact he isn't smiling, Nathan was not only great at his job [This guy has mad skillz] but friendly as well. Nothing was too much trouble - even me wandering around taking snaps of the salon.

New Style - Breaking the redheads can't wear red rule.

This is the shortest my hair has been since I was about 5 years old.

Whilst I absolutely adore it, it will take me a while to get used to it, changing my styling etc.

Jacky did an amazing job.

My hair feels healthier than it has in years - and whilst the above photo probably does no justice to the cut (I should of taken a photo IN the salon, immediately after it was done) I am SO SO SO happy with it.

My layers have been cut out, to give my hair a more solid, yet textured, look.

My old style was boring, flat and needed modernising.

The most gorgeous copper/red ever!

Nathan did an absolutely FABULOUS job with the colour.I love it!I don't feel washed out, it is radiant, not flat and it helps bring out the green in my eyes.LOVE.
Follow Oscar Oscar, Nathan and Jacky on Twitter.
* Make sure you check back later this week for my Nail Chronicle post.Eek!
In the interest of full disclosure, I paid for both my cut, colour AND products.However, did receive a 20% VIP discount as I was referred by a friend.There was no review request, nor did this impact my review or opinion of the salon. 

The wait is over! Introducing Impact Curl - Extreme Volume & Curl

Press Release image from Face Of Australia

Just over six months ago, I was approached by the lovely Tina of Face of Australia to be part of a Beauty Blogger trial.

I jumped at the chance to be a part of something so new and exciting.

I was sent two sample tubes of mascara with two styles of brushes.

My mission [which I chose to accept] was to trial both of these mascaras, and report back to Face of Australia with my opinion of each.

This mascara has been my Holy Grail of eye products ever since.

I was sworn to secrecy and despite my begging and pleading, Tina refused to leak when/where/if this mascara would ever be released.

I used my sample well after the recommended expiry - I used it until it was dry.

Pretty sure I shed a tear that day. Was SO upset.

Well, I am happy to now be able to share that mascara with you.

Mid-March, the new Impact Curl Extreme Volume and Curl Mascara will hit shelves across Australia.

This brush is beyond amazing.

The hourglass shape ensures the rubber bristles "grab", curl and coat each individual lash.

Whilst my eyelashes are already thick, and curl naturally, this brush ensures my lashes are separated, coated equally and stay curled all day.

The formula is Paraban Free, and for a different spin on formula, includes ProVitamin B5 and Keratin to strengthen and moisturise your lashes!

Smudge proof and won't flake - this formula will last from your first cup of coffee to last call.

It even lasts through a gym workout! For a non-waterproof mascara, it withstands a lot!

Because there is nothing worse than leaving the gym looking like a red-faced Taylor Momsen!

No Mascara 

With Face of Australia Impact Curl Mascara 

This little beauty even curls and coats lashes so tiny I didn't even know they existed!

No clumps, no flaking and no eyelash curler required.

And I hate those things - teeny tiny devices of torture.

And as always, Face of Australia do NOT test on Animals.

Just Beauty Bloggers :D

Face of Australia Impact Curl Extreme Volume and Curl Mascara will RRP at $11.95

Available from K Mart, Priceline, Selected pharmacies and online at Fashion Addict

I do have to apologise for the above before and after images.

I've minimised them to lessen the "scare" factor of my deer-in-headlights stare.

And please forgive the overgrown brows, making my next appointment for the Benefit Brow Bar STAT!

Face Of Australia Impact Curl Mascara was provided to me for consideration.

This in no way influences my review - For more information please see Disclosure Policy

My Water Bobble

When I saw the Water Bobble bottle on Mumma In Heels I decided I HAD to have one.

I am too impatient on some things, so decided to purchase in store at Myer instead of waiting for one to arrive from an online order.

I love most things about the Bobble.

I love that I am able to access filtered water where ever I am.

I love that it fits in the cupholder of my car.

I love that the bobble is BPA Free.

I love that I am able to change the colour of my Bobble just by changing the filter.

I love that I am saving $$ everyday by NOT purchasing a new bottled water.

I love that by not buying multiple bottles of water per week I am reducing my carbon footprint.

I love that it's handbag friendly - meaning it doesn't leak or get squashed.

I don't love that it's so ridiculously good looking that both Miss3 AND Master1 think its so fabulous that it is theirs.

 I spend a lot of time wrangling it from their sticky paws delicately removing it from their angelic clutches.

Whilst it is perfect for the everyday, and for the office etc, I don't recommend it for the gym or during a workout.

Because of the filter, you get very little water at a time - and whilst this is a good thing for keeping up daily hydration, at a time of peak physical activity it is not enough to quench your thirst.
After using for a few days, I did work out that if you squeeze the bottle rather than sucking through the filter that you do a larger quantity of water come through.
Not sure how this would affect the filtration though

Which means all those empty Pump* bottles rolling around my car will still be put to good use.

I purchased the Bobble 550mL bottle from Myer for $14.95

You can also purchase them online from the official Water Bobble website

Do you have any genius lifestyle products that you love?

Share them here, I am always looking for new and different products to make life easier [and more environmentally sound]

* Pump bottles DO NOT fit in the cupholder of my car.

Can you pick up on my passive aggression towards the developers of that particular bottle?

Estee Lauder does Mad Men

Today is the first of March.

Which means three important things.

SUMMER IS OVER!
My newest nephew will be making his arrival this month

And

The new Estee Lauder collection gets released this month!

In case you have been living under a rock - or are not on the Social Media bandwagon [Which is the same thing, right?] then you will have missed out the news that Estee Lauder is releasing a MAD MEN lipstick AND blush.

This two piece collection features a cherry red Lipstick and a cream blush in "Evening Rose".

Both packaged in gilded gold casing, inside a leather pouch.

Everything about this collection screams "60's Glamour"

I am SO SO SO excited for these.

Definitely on my "Must-Purchase-Immediately" list.
Unfortunately, this collection won't be available in Australia, so will have to work out a way around that.

Estee Lauder Mad Men Collection Lipstick - $25US
Estee Lauder Mad Men Collection Creme Rouge - $40US
[I have been told they are available from Bloomingdales Website - however, am unable to confirm or deny this]

Whilst I am not a die hard fan of the actual show [I watch it, just not obsessively, like the X files] - I have been known to scour google images for hours at a time looking at the costumes and the make up and oh-so-glamourousness that is Mad Men and wish that I was born in the era before even my parents were born...

And did you know, from today, Banana Republic are releasing a Mad Men inspired clothing collection?
Head on over and check it out!

Images from Estee Lauder

A little bit of Illamasqua

I would be lying if I said I wasn't mourning the emptying of my Illamasqua Powder.

Used daily and managed to last me 4 whole months! I was devastated when I used the last teeny, tiny bit on Sunday...

So, on Monday I got in the car.

Drove to Myer in the CBD and bought a replacement.

Because thats how simple it is when you DON'T live in the sticks.

Illamasqua Powder RRP $55
For the clear skinned lass', this plus a primer is all you would need for converage.
I use with Skin Base or Bourjois Healthy Mix or FOA Mineral Therapy Liquid for a heavier coverage
As I said above, I got 4 months of heavy usage from my last powder.

Oh, and shout out to Suzi from Illamasqua Bourke St Myer - who is an absolute doll as always

I'll be back ASAP, I need Freak in my life STAT.

xo

Products of the Week

Due to sharing a bathroom [AKA Primping Space] with two other adults and two small things with grabby hands and a love of stealing borrowing things, my beauty stash is in hiding.

These have been my most reached for beauty prodz in the last week.

Mirenesse Secret Weapon Mascara

Whilst this isn't my most favourite mascara, it is a close second

Been using this one a lot this week because my eyes are being ridic sensitive and watery.

Boo!

Bloom Boost Juice Lip Balm - Mango Tango
Dear Melbourne, I love you.

Though, my skin is not doing too well with the adjustments.
My lips are not faring much better.

But this little gem is amazing.

Hydrating, long wearing AND mango scented.

Yep. Bomb-Digitty.

I'll be able to wear lipstick in time for Fashion Week!

Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Liquid Foundation.

When both my Bourjois Healthy Mix AND Illamasqua Skin Base ran out last weekend, I did panic.

Then I remembered this little gem.

Whilst it doesn't give me the complete coverage I need, it is the perfect base for my Illamasqua Powder

Benefit 10 Boxed Powder

Just because it's amazing, and super duper quick.

And I prefer to sleep then spend AGES getting ready in the morning.

Really, Bronzer AND highlight in one sweep? GE-NI-US

[And also, I've had this FOREVER. and look, still going strong]

So, What were your favourite [and most used items] this week?

Items in italics were provided to me for consideration.
This has not influenced my opinion of them in any way.

See my Disclosure Policy for more information.