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

New York in Three Days

It’s been a while, but I’m back with regular articles! I've missed not posting on here, so I am going to put a lot more time and energy into posting regularly on here moving forward! I thought I'd start with a trip I took last month.

I ventured to New York with Japanese Beauty brand Decorté. They are a brand I hadn’t heard too much about before the trip, as they are only just breaking into the western market. It’s common knowledge that Japanese skincare has renowned status, not to mention the techniques and steps to achieving that glow meant learning new ways to achieve them. The purpose of the trip was to introduce me to the new range, AQ Meliority. I'm a big fan of beauty products that are a true testament to scientific research, and this new range is designed to awaken the skin's ability to self-regenerate and recapture youth. Unique ingredients sourced include Benifuki Extract (a rare green tea), Murasaki-Cha Extract (a purple tea high in polyphenols), and Shirakaba Water which protect skin and prevent ageing. The day started being dressed in a traditional Yukata, followed by a presentation surrounding the new range. Then the fun part, the facial! I have a NYC highlight on my Instagram featuring the full process, so if you’re interested in learning more it’s all explained over there with videos live from the facial. My skin was glowing for days after, and I have started to introduce the Intensive Revitalizing Emulsion followed by the Repair Lotion into my night time regime every night. It’s been 3 weeks and my skin feels supple and looks glowing. It’s currently stocked in Harrods in the UK. its no surprise Decorté is the best selling beauty brand in Japan. 

Decorté kindly accommodated me at The Wythe in Williamsburg. I’ve wanted to stay at this hotel for some time! The decor is industrial, with nice big warehouse style windows, concrete floors and modern service. It’s also conveniently a short walk from the L train which takes you into Lower Manhattan in 5 minutes. I love this area, and used to make the trip here to one of my favourite vintage stores when I lived in NYC over ten years ago. It’s called Beacon’s Closet. It’s easy to spend a few hours in this converted warehouse. I picked up an on trend longline leather jacket and Levi’s jeans both for under $50! 

I wanted to make the most of my time in the city, so I booked an extra night in Manhattan staying at The Moxy Chelsea. It was a nice change to Brooklyn; equally as nice, and I paid a little more for a city view. It’s only around $30 more than a standard room, so I definitely recommend it! The sunset over the concrete jungle was one of the best I have witnessed. And because of that, I’ll definitely rebook for next year. 

I loved being back in New York, and even though it’d been ten years since living there it felt exactly the same, and I still knew the subway! It was also nice to catch up with old friends. 

As I ventured to NYC on my own, I took my tripod to capture all the content you see in this post. Out of all the cities I take my self-portraits, New York is one of my favourites (this is my second trip to the city taking self-portraits) and it’s so nice to convey how I view the city through images. I really enjoyed these three days, the new brand I got to meet with, and the creativity I felt. Before heading to New York, I was thinking about attending New York Fashion Week next February and this trip confirmed that. Only next time, I’m sure it will be freezing cold with a lot of layers! 

And before I forget, where to eat! Two Hands is an Australian cafe on Mott Street, and the breakfast doesn’t disappoint! Prepare to wait though! For dinner close to Moxy, I went to Rosa Mexicana for a friends birthday which is about a 15 minute walk down sixth avenue. Let me know if you have any other questions about New York, my Instagram messages are always open!

All images photographed self-portrait.

Let's Talk Beauty...

Let’s talk beauty....

It’s a new topic over here, but wanted to update you on how my skin has changed quite a bit since moving back from Sydney. It’s only been the last year that I’ve really experimented with foreign products on my skin. I suffered from acne as a teenager, and it flared up after an allergic reaction to a face cream. It lasted throughout my university days and really hit my confidence. The cream I was prescribed would overly dry my skin (it would crack around my mouth and was so painful). I tried a light laser surgery and dermabrasion at about the age of 21 once my skin calmed down. I saw a slight difference in my skin, but as time went on I noticed my acne scars more and more. 

It was only after an ablative laser treatment in Sydney I really saw the difference in my skin. The ice pick scars were hardly visible after months of healing. I stuck with a chemist own cleanser and SPF (Australian QV brand), and was scared to put anything else on my skin. That was 3 years ago and I’ve slowly been trying and testing new products.  

I have to be honest and say I have been overwhelmed trying new products in the UK, and it’s taken me the last 5 months to really get into the swing of a good facial routine each day with products that work for me. The climate is completely different here and I was always under the assumption I had combination skin, but after seeing a few facialists here in the UK, it’s apparent I actually have dry skin. This shocked me! 

CLEANSERS 

I have been on the hunt for a new cleanser for the last few months. Some had that ‘squeaky’ feel which I hated and some just didn’t clean my skin deep enough. Last month I received a beauty box with tester sizes from Look Fantastic with a 30ml Eve Lom Creme Demaquillante Cleanser. Straight away I googled reviews and to my surprise I couldn’t find a bad one. It’s a cult brand, and the cleansing process is time consuming each night but your skin will thank you for it. It melts away make-up with the following gentle ingredients: 

• Clove Oil (has antiseptic properties to encourage clear skin)
• Eucalyptus Oil (helps drain away toxins)
• Hops Oil (tones)
• Egyptian Chamomile Oil (softens and soothes)
• Cocoa Butter (conditions) 

After massaging into the skin, you wipe away the days make-up with a warm muslin cloth. It even removes waterproof mascara. Finish off with cold water on the skin to tighten up your pores. 

I only used this cleanser for a week before I fell in love with it! So naturally I have also added the Morning Time Cleanser to my routine which is less time consuming and makes my skin feel moisturised and clean. 

MOISTURE 

So I’ve been through my fair share of moisturisers since moving home. My current go to is The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturiser, but still on the hunt for a good night cream! I recieved a sample of La Mer's Moisturizing Soft Cream which I actually really liked so will probably add that into my evening routine.

Serum wise, I alternate each night between Rodin Luxury Face Oil, and Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair face and eye. I was using both products in Sydney and feel they sink into my skin a lot more in the UK so feeling more of a benefit. If I need a little glow on my face, Vita Liberata do a nice subtle face tan which comes in serum form and glides on. Each day, I am also using the La Mer Lip Balm which I am sure I will see such benefit from when the weather gets a bit colder! 

SCENTS 

I loved Jo Malone in Australia, it’s definitely more of a household name in the UK and the majority of my friends and family wear their scents. It’s taken me a while to find my autumnal perfume, I tend to opt for more woody tones. I always wear different perfumes in summer and winter. I love coconut or fig scents in the warmer months (I’ve worn Maison Louis Marie No.4 for 3 summers) but my new go to scent is Velvet Rose and Oud from Jo Malone. My best friend is obsessed with Jo Malone fragrance combining. In case you're unsure, this is when you match a different moisturiser to the scent of your perfume which compliments all the notes. 

Thanks to my bestie I was introduced to the Pomegranate Noir Body Crème and now I have my mum obsessed, she has already made me aware this is what she wants for Christmas this year! Although tan can't really be classed as a scent, I beg to differ. Chanel L'Eau Tan is an absolute game changer in regards to the best smelling glow on the market and also the most natural. Plus the bottle is to die for, the perfect stocking filler (too soon?). On the sleep front, I am using The White Company's Sleep Collection, which includes body oil, diffuser, candle and bath soak with lavender, chamomile and clary sage notes. Perfect for a relaxing night.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my first beauty post. I have been wanting to write this article for some time, but felt my skincare regime was not quite there, whereas now I am actually happy with it. I can finally say I have found my groove in the skincare world with what works for me. It’s very hard to know what’s right for you. After all, we are inundated with the next best product that will transform your skin. I can assure you all the views in this post are genuine. I still have a lot to learn, but hopefully continuing with Hydra Facials (I now go to Beyond Medi Spa in Harvey Nichols) and continuing to educate myself more and more surrounding this area will help. 

On a side note, I regularly watch Emma Hoareau's (from Lolita Says So Blog) Instagram stories and she also has some really informative articles on her website. After my Hydra facial I was educated about Glycolic acid and Vitamin A, which Emma covers on her website on her acids article. Hoping to add these 2 into my routine this month, I am still reading reviews on different brands so will come back to you when I have tried them at home. 

Photography: Yours truly