I’m going to be upfront here. The first of my five lust-have beauty things for this glorious Friday is not at the budget end of the beauty scale.
It’s a hairdryer. And it’s $199. I know. GASP.
Gasp again, because I’m here to tell you that this hairdryer – the new ghd air – is worth every cent. Even those 5 cent pieces they still insist on making. I have a super thick head of hair (despite losing great chunks about twice a year due to my dodgy thyroid) so when I come across anything that promises to help me style my hair faster, I’m there.
Why pay $199? There is one powerful salon-strength motor behind this baby and it uses advanced ionic technology to dry hair fast while minimising the frizzies. Remember this post? Yep, that’s my hair just blow dried with the air, no irons applied. And, umm, no styling brushes either. And from 60% wet to dry in 10 minutes!
If your hair is hard work, start saving now … the air is worth it.
ghd air $199
I have teeny ridiculous obsession with lip products. If I’m not nourishing with a lip balm or ointment, I’m wanting to create an impact. Preferably an impact I don’t have to keep re-applying. This one from Yves Saint Laurent (in Pourpre Preview – a stunning fuchsia) ticks the statement and the staying-power boxes. The colour is intense and the flat applicator is genius for achieving a precise outline. The first time I wore this was on this day. I applied it before the school run and it lasted for the trip to Sydney, two meetings, several coffees and was still in place for my arrival at Mrs Woog’s later that afternoon.
YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain $50
I do love a bathroom treat or two. My reasoning is that sometimes those few minutes in the bathroom are the only ones you get to yourself all day. And I do love chocolate. It’s my one sweet tooth vice. So imagine my delight at adding The Body Shop’s new Chocomania Shower Cream to the shower shelf. Hands off kids. This one’s all mine. (And no, I have not attempted to drink it …)
The Body Shop Chocomania Shower Cream $13.95 and Body Butter $29.95
Still in my bathroom … my sink is looking a little bit posh at the moment with this Rok Mint Hand Duo from Molton Brown taking pride of place opposite the toothpastes and toothbrushes. The handwash has a natural anti-bacterial protection thanks to rok-radish root and my hands want to marry this hand lotion. It’s luxe but not greasy so I can get back to the keyboard without slipping my fingers all over the place.
Molton Brown Rok Mint Hand Duo. Liquid hand wash $39; Soothing Hand Lotion $39
Last, but most definitely not least for your Friday lust-haves: there’s a new BB Cream in town. Yes, there is. Hello L’Oreal Paris Nude Magique, sister of my favourite 2011 beauty product, Garnier BB Miracle Cream Skin Perfector. It’s about $10 more than Garnier and it works a little bit differently. You don’t have the tint that the Garnier as as such. What you do have is a formulation that contains little bead-like complexion enhancers. At first it feels like your applying an exfoliator, which is a little bit on the strange side. Then the beads dissolve into your face to a matte-like finish and … HUZZAH … you have an instantly improved complexion and the strangeness is forgotten. Just as I wear the Garnier BB, I’m still popping some mineral makeup on top but this new BB does provide an incredible base. For the purpose of these photos below, I left the base off. Apologies for those who I might scare.
L'Oreal Nude Magique $26.95. Available this month at selected pharmacies, department and variety stores, and supermarkets
There you have it, Stylers … me without makeup and five beauty lust-haves to get you thinking this weekend.
Would love to hear your thoughts on any of these … and if you have any more questions, just pop them in the comments below.
Disclosure: the above products were sent to me for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.
