FACE MASKS

Since moving back to Australia, my skin has been unpredictable to say the least. Wearing a mask on the plane for 24 hours made it feel irritated, in addition to an air conditioned hotel room for 14 days which not only dried out my skin, but also flared up rashes on other parts of my body. Before departing the UK, I spent a few weeks stocking up on different types of face masks; from moisturising, exfoliating, and brightening. I arrived into Melbourne at around 9pm, and even though I felt exhausted, I made an effort to spend 15 minutes on my skincare so that the irritation faded by the morning. Throughout my stay, I listened to my skin and gave it what I needed. I’m sure a lot of you can resonate with this having spent a lot of time indoors yourself. So below are some of the masks I’ve been trialling the last month.

DR BARBARA STURM FACE MASK (CALMING)

This was the first mask I used post flight as it’s recommended for travel. Purslane helps to calm the skin and reduces visible signs of irritation. I left this mask on for 15 minutes. I could feel my skin calming thanks to the aloe vera and chamomile.

EVE LOM RADIANCE MASK (HYDRATING AND TRANSFORMING)

This is an intensive mask, and I use it after cleansing in the PM once a week as an overnight mask. It keeps your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours, so this was a game changer in an air conditioned hotel room when the air is drying out skin. Skin feels renewed, supple and radiant. I also really liked how the texture turns milky when washing off. Contains AHA extracted from the precious Australian caviar lime, Lime Pearl™, which is a gentle yet effective exfoliant that works to remove the buildup of debris and promote natural cell turnover.

BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + GLYCOLIC RENEWAL FACIAL MASK (EXFOLIATING)

I’m a big fan of masks that also have a scrub element. This was one that I liked to use once my skin felt calm, as didn’t want to use whilst my skin was still stressed. It’s an all-in-one peel, exfoliator and mask. Glycolic acid, multi-alpha-hydroxy acids work together to gently polish away dull, rough patches and minimize fine lines, discoloration and enlarged pores to reveal a glowing, baby-smooth complexion. Skin feels a lot smoother and brighter.

SUSANNE KAUFMANN MOISTURISING MASK (MOISTURISING)

Made from plant extracts, sustainable beeswax and hazelnut oil to deeply hydrate, protect and smooth the skin. Skin is left feeling smoother, fine lines are minimised and tone is brighter. Free from silicones, phthalates, sulphates or synthetic fragrance. A fuss free mask to nourish the skin.

LOWENGRIP CITY LIVING FACIAL MASK (CLEANSING AND HYDRATING)

I found this mask easy to apply, and glided on smoothly with a brush. A nourishing facial mask that is both deep-cleansing and rehydrating. Excess sebum is absorbed leaving the skin clear. It’s perfect for all skin types and ages.

GO TO SHEET MASK (MOISTURISING AND BRIGHTENING)

I really liked this sheet mask, and used a few sheets the few days in quarantine - because we all feel a little dehydrated after a flight. Formulated with native Australian botanicals to brighten, even out skin tone and support collagen production. The size and shape was snug on my face. Sometimes I find sheet masks can slide off or don’t fit quite right. This was the perfect size.

SHISEIDO BENEFIANCE WRINKLE RESIST 24 PURE RETINOL EYE MASK (WRINKLE REDUCING)

I’ve been using these eye masks for a few months, especially when I am feeling tired or as an early morning rescue for photoshoots. They help reduce the appearance of wrinkles in as little as one application. Added bonus: the stretchy material adheres nicely to visible laugh lines around the mouth too! These eye masks were perfect for the 4:30am jet lag.

Have you tried any of the above? 

All images photographed self-portrait. *Products were kindly gifted

Hand Creams

Now more than ever, our hands need a little more TLC. With extra hand washing and increased hand sanitiser usage, our poor hands are starting to feel more dry and deprived. I’ve always had a couple of hand creams I alter between. Some are more convenient for travel, others more permanent fixtures on the bathroom sink, and finally the hand cream on the bedside table.

Usually, I am travelling a fair bit on trains or planes (definitely not at the moment) but when that resumes, I like to carry a small tube which is under 100ml and easy to pop in my handbag. This is the grab and go cream! I also consider the scent for this type of cream. Calming scents such as lavender, Rose, Ylang Ylang and Bergamot are great to calm nerves and anxiety making travel less stressful. Personal favourites are Byredo, By Terry Baume de Rose cream, and Le Labo.

Then you have the ‘aesthetic’ hand creams at the kitchen and bathroom sinks. The one pump to soften hands after washing them. Personal favourites are Aesop, Leif, and Grown Alchemist.

Finally, a super nourishing hand cream or balm which I slather on for night time. At the moment, I’m using the Susanne Kaufmann Hand Cream and the scent is divine. Exceptionally nourishing, this cream calms stressed skin with active ingredients made from mallow and witch hazel.

Photography and Creative Direction by Yours Truly

*Images photographed pre-lockdown

Unisex Fragrance Editorial

Lets talk fragrance, and some of the newcomers this Christmas season. I am a big fan of woody, dark notes. If you’re like me, you opt for more bold scents in the colder months and lighter notes in the warmer months. I’ve put together this festive editorial for both men and women, because a lot of these scents are unisex. Enjoy! 

Byredo Casablanca Lily EDP
Top notes: Plum, Gardenia 

Heart notes: Carnation, Indian Tuberose 

Base notes: Rosewood, Honey Accord 

Romantic floral scent, a combination of sweet mystery.

Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne Intense

Notes: Black Cardamom, Orchid and Water Lily 

Part of the 'Intense' collection, It's also infused with Kyara Wood, which is prized in Japan for its rarity, fragility and unique scent. For a woody, sensual twist, try layering it with English Oak & Redcurrant. 

Atkinsons The Other Side of Oud EDP 

Notes: Oud, Indonesian Patchouli, Norlimbanol, Amber and Tonka 

Combines the typical woody & classic oud notes with completely new modern elements, and presents a fascinating reinterpretation of oud. 

Byredo Eleventh Hour EDP 

Top notes: Ban Timmur, Bergamot 

Heart notes: Carrot seeds, Rum, Wild Fig 

Base notes: Tonka Beans, Cashmere woods 

The Mysterious name is inspired by impermanence and the passing of time. 

Malin and Goetz Leather EDP 

Top Notes: Lotus flower, Clove and Pepper 

Heart notes: Green Violet, orchid, Iris Wood and Muguet 

Base notes: Leather, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Cashmere musk, Amber and Incense. 

A warm, intimate perfume blending florals and earthier scents to reach its crescendo. 

Creed Aventus for Her EDP 

Top notes: Green Apple, Pink Pepper, Indonesian Patchouli, Calabrian Bergamot 

Heart notes: Bulgarian and Turkish Roses, Indian Sandalwood, Styrax, Musk 

Base notes: Peach, Cassis, Lilac, Amber, Ylang Ylang 

This scent is the irresistible feminine counterpart to the legendary Aventus. Inspired by history's most powerful women - from royalty and visionaries to artists and writers - whilst heralding the strong, modern woman of today. Opulent and sensual. 

Molton Brown Geranium Nerfertum EDP 

Top notes: Fresh Fig Leaf and Bergamot 

Heart Notes: Jasmine and Geranium 

Base Notes: Labdanum, Sandalwood, Cedarwood and Osmanthus 

Olfactive Signature: Oakmoss 

Androgynous. Unconventional. Mystifying. 

Photography: Yours Truly 

7 Body Oils To Know

Lets talk body oils. It’s a product I’ve started using religiously the last few months. I have tried and tested a fair few over December and January and have experimented in both cold and hot climates. I have to admit, the first product I used to apply post shower was moisturiser but now it’s oil. Plus it has so many uses, from protecting your skin from dryness, to a massage oil post exercise, bath oil, razor burn protection and a great preventative to insect bites as they hate the feeling of oil on your skin. Depending on my mood or how I want my skin to feel, there are a few favourites I want to share with you. 

The Luxury Oil 

My go to has to be Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil. It’s a little pricey, but you can definitely feel it has a luxe touch and the consistency is a little heavier than some but it’s fast absorbing. It’s a great product to use in the morning after your shower and you’ll benefit from the moisture all day. The scent is beautiful! 

The Night Out Oil 

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a multi usage oil. The scent smells like a luxury perfume so it’s my go to for a nice dinner or date night. It features top notes of Orange Blossom, heart notes of Rose and Lily, and Vanilla base notes. This oil can be used as a body, hair and face oil - try blending with your foundation to give your skin that extra boost. The packaging is definitely one to show off on the bathroom shelf.

The Bath Oil 

Espa Bath Oil Collection is perfect for a gift or if you are a frequent traveller as each bottle is the perfect companion at 15ml. It showcases six bath oils - Fitness, Restorative, Soothing, Energising, Detoxifying and Resistance. I also add Epsom Bath Salts if my muscles needed extra healing and repair from the gym. 

The All Round Oil 

Whenever I have a hair appointment at my Aveda salon, they also start with a scalp massage. I’m always drawn to the scents and such a fan of the Beautifying Oil. It contains jojoba oil and a blend of essences, including rosemary and bergamot. Perfect for dry skin and can be used in the bath, on dry skin, for body and calming scalp massage. 

The Anti-Stress/Night Time Oil 

There’s nothing better than a nice warm bath in the colder months. I was exercising around 5 times a week and having long days at my laptop just before Christmas, so a bath was necessary a few nights a week before bed. The three oils I would recommend to help you drift into a relaxing sleep would be The White Company Sleep Relax Oil, Mauli Surrender Vata Oil, and Neom Perfect Night Sleep Oil. Scents with Lavender, Ylang Ylang and chamomile really help me relax and switch off from screen time. I found it helped soothe aching bones and joints while clarifying the mind for a greater sense of wellbeing and calm. Plus, it felt so nice to wake up feeling refreshed and inhaling in the same scents in the morning. 

I’ve linked all oils below, would love to hear if you have any favourites!