Vision for Humanity Products

Me with David Farrier.
Image courtesy of LEMESH

I attended the launch of Vision products this week at their Auckland showroom and was excited to try the 100% natural range of skincare products.

All products are made in New Zealand and are socially and environmentally responsible. But it gets better, because in addition to being great for humanity and for the environment, the products are great for your skin as they’re packed full of natural, organic ingredients including acai and camu camu.

I’m quite discerning when it comes to skin care and I like products that are gentle on the skin and carry a very subtle fragrance. The Vision products smell great and feel weightless yet nourishing. I like.

A great tip I got from a reliable source is to leave the Citrus Lotion in the fridge for a refreshing (and reviving) start to the day. 

Vision Citrus Lotion

For more information about Vision Products visit www.visionproducts.co.nz

Camera Ready Makeup

MAC Loves Barbie Collection

Ever wonder why your makeup looks ok in the mirror but once you start snapping photos you turn out looking like a ghost? It’s all about light. The more light that is reflected off your skin, the whiter and brighter you will appear. So what reflects all this light? Let’s investigate…

Suspect #1: SPF

Unfortunately products containing a high sun factor tend to leave a white sheen over the skin that is highly visible in photos. While a low SPF is usually fine, anything higher than a 20 will start to show up. If you like an SPF foundation, stick to around SPF15 or layer over it with a face powder.

Smashbox Photo Set Pressed Powder

Suspect #2: Shimmer

Shimmer also reflects light and, used sparingly on the cheekbones, brow bone and bridge of the nose, can give the appearance of fabulous genetics. However, used in excess, it’ll make you look like you face planted into the cake. Ensure your foundation doesn’t have too many “light reflecting particles” and mineral powders can be a likely culprit for this too. Test some on the back of your hand, then hold it under direct light – if it sparkles like diamonds, it’s not for all over the face.

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

Suspect #3: Oiliness

This is usually the one we’re most aware of, however as the night goes on, we don’t always keep it under control. If you’re prone to oiliness, make sure you use a primer with oil control factor and carry blotting papers with you to take care of shine. Don’t apply too much moisturizer and opt for a lotion over a cream.

Shiseido Pureness Oil Blotting Papers

Good luck with your investigation and here’s to looking great in photos!

Lush Launches Emotional Brilliance

International cult favourite, Lush cosmetics, has launched their first colour range for lips and eyes. I had the pleasure of meeting with Lush Co-Founder and Inventor of the range Rowena Bird. The range, consisting of eyeliners, eyeshadow and lip colours, is less about wearing makeup that’s ‘in season’ or ‘on-trend’ and more about selecting colours designed specifically to meet your needs. First, however, you have to play the game!

Emotional Brilliance from Lush

Spin the Wheel!

The colour game is meant to unveil the colours you should be wearing to fulfill a need. You spin the wheel and select the three colours that stand out to you the most: these represent your strength or weakness, your subconscious need and your talent. In case you’re curious, I got ‘Lifted’ ‘Power’ and ‘In Charge’.

‘Power’ lip colour; ‘In Charge’ eyeliner; ‘Lifted’ cream shadow

There are 30 products in the range which is completely vegan. Everything comes in the same eco-friendly, clear glass bottles The liquid lipsticks contain organic jojoba oil, candelilla wax and rose wax to keep lips soft and moisturised. Liquid Eyeliners come with a liquid liner brush applicator, two of which (Independant and Fantasy) have a no smudge smudge formula. The cream Eyeshadows blend easily and cupuacu butter helps set the pigments so the colour stays put.

All products retail for $29.90 and are available in Lush stores and online worldwide as of July 21st. www.lushnz.com

Max Fashion Show at Sphere

I attended the Max Spring Summer launch, hosted by Sphere in Newton. We were treated to a runway show of Max's three Spring collections:  Hacienda, In the Garden and To Catch a Thief. 

Images courtesy of The A-List

GOLD MINE

Once the ultimate sign of luxury, gold is now the ultimate ingredient for achieving beautiful skin.

As part of a revised treatment menu, Spa at the Pullman introduces its most luxurious facial ever, a 24 Carat Gold Leaf Facial by Nahaia Active Organics.

Creator of the facial and director of Nahaia Active Organics, Nahaia Russ says the anti-aging and detoxifying benefits of the facial are clear.

“Pure 24 carat gold can help improve cellular regeneration, prevent the breakdown of elastin and protect your skin from the elements,” says Ms Russ.

The facial begins with a purifying cleanse and exfoliation followed by the Radiant-Light Hydrating Serum and Love-In-Essence Gold Spray. Then layers of gold are applied to the entire face by an expert therapist.

The 75-minute facial is launched exclusive with Spa at the Pullman at a cost of $180.