Look who’s landing at Brisbane Airport

Attention passengers, this is your Captain speaking. The newest Mecca Maxima is ready for landing.

Yes, the rumours are true hautees! A brand new, beauty-full Mecca Maxima store will be opening this week at Brisbane Airport in the Virgin Domestic Terminal! Join them for the opening on Friday 20 November from 5am for a day of fun-filled celebrations and juicy offers.

Spend $65 or more to SPIN and WIN a beauty treat from their lucky dip. Everyone is a winner. Prizes include MECCA gift cards of up to $500, Nars lipsticks, Urban Decay palettes and more! Ummm wow… worth setting that 5am alarm for don’t you think?

Not only will the new store in Brisbane Airport offer the usual friendly speedy service, but it will be your first stop after check-in for all your travel size beauty to go and cabin-friendly finds, perfect for the jet-setting ‪#‎MECCABeautyJunkie‬.

As a self confessed #MECCABeautyJunkie myself, here is my definitive list of the top 5 travel products you can pick up from Mecca Maxima before departing on your flight:

1. Bumble and Bumble Mini But Miraculous Travel Kit – Hairdresser’s Shampoo, Conditioner and Invisible Oil that are infused with 6 feather light oils to help soften, silken, tame, de-frizz, detangle and protect your tresses.
2. Travel size 15ml Josie Maran Cosmetics 100% Pure Argan Oil – A multitasking wonder product, 100% pure Argan Oil can be used to hydrate, protect and heal nails, hair and skin. Uh duh – MUST HAVE.
3. Hourglass Mini Ambient Lighting Powder Dim Light – A universal setting powder that features cutting edge technology to mimic the effects of the most flattering types of light. Now in a convenient travel sized case. Space saving and face saving – perfect travel companion.

4. Hourglass Nude Essentials Set – This set includes a travel sized veil mineral primer to create a flawless canvas, a 1.5ml Eye Liner in Obsidian to line and define, Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara to get va-va-voom, healthy lashes and the Femme Nude Lip Stylo in #5 Gold Peach for the perfect nude lip. Which lets be honest is your go-to lip on holiday. No one wants to be waiting around for you to perfect that red lippy. There’s a buffet to get to!
5. 30ml Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30+ – A #1 best-seller since it launched, this luxe facial sunscreen is lightweight, non-greasy, ultra hydrating and is a favourite for SPF protection under makeup. If you go on holidays without a this facial sunscreen, then you’re doing it wrong. Now the super cute and convenient travel size makes this purchase a no-brainer!

So fly on in and grab yourself some cute travel size goodies ahead of this silly season (oh and check out their ah-mazing holiday collections whilst you’re there). If you are able to make it on the day, don’t forget to share your opening day pics on Instagram. Tag @meccamaxima and hashtag #MECCABeautyJunkie.

I scream, you scream, we all scream sunscreen!

So you know I wax lyrical about the importance of sunscreen (well I hope I do) and how you MUST wear it everyday, well I guess a lot of you are thinking “very well old chap, but which ONE?”. There are a lot out there, and I am verrrrrry picky when it comes to my facial sunscreens (not too oily, no white cast, blends in, doesn’t block pores)… so I thought I would share with you my tried and tested and much loved sunscreens to wear on an every day occasion (note that when I go out in the sun for a whole day I wear the big kahuna – the Invisible Zinc).

When choosing a sun block make sure it is just that a block and not a sunscreen (I know I know I just called them sunscreens). A sunscreen absorbs rather than reflects harmful rays. Sun blocks must have a high zinc and or titanium base to be effective and must be an SPF 30+ or above.

Do you want your collagen to breakdown, lose elasticity of your skin, get uneven skin tone and lines and wrinkles? No? Didn’t think so… So read on and get shopping!

1. O Cosmedics Mineral Pro SPF 30+ Triple Defence Protection (AU$45, 75g)

Mineral Pro SPF 30+ is a sheer lightweight formula which delivers triple defense protection. 20% natural zinc oxides provides true broad-spectrum protection, preventing skin damage as well as assisting skin healing and reducing inflammation. Resveratrol and Palmitoyl Loligo peptides rejuvenate, hydrate and further protect the skin. The perfect calming skin treatment and the ultimate skin primer before make up. Perfect for everyday use!

Key Ingredients:
ZINC OXIDE 20% w/w
Preservatives:
Phenoxyethanol, Diazolidinylurea.
Complies with AS/NZS 2604:1998

2. Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ Hydrating (AU$65, 100ml)

Packed with antioxidants and featuring super effective broad-spectrum sun protection, Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ is an enduring best-seller. The creamy, nourishing formula glides on without any of the usual white tint and offers great protection against UVA rays (the ones responsible for photo-ageing), so no age-defying battle is complete without it. This broad spectrum SPF 30+ daily moisturiser (free of nano particles) offers triple skin protection with a boost of hydration. It delivers a vital blend of moisturising ingredients: shea butter, panthenol and nicotinamide to support the skin’s lipid barrier function. The hydrating properties make it a great base under makeup too.

Active Ingredients: Octyl methoxycinnamate 2.0% w/w, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 5.0% w/w, Octocrylene 3.0% w/w, Bemotrizinol 2.0% w/w, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 4.0% w/w. Also Contains: Benzyl alcohol and Sorbic acid.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Extreme Fluid (AU $25.95, 50ml) – Available from Priceline

This one is a recent purchase for me, and already has made this prestigious list! I was quite excited to see this range on sale at Priceline a few weeks ago, and even more excited when I saw that they had a 50+ fluid sunblock range. The Anthelios XL Fluid Extreme 50+ has been certified as SPF50+ Very high UVA/UVB protection – which is music to my ears!  The skin is protected from sunburn, skin reactions and cell damage from UV rays. This is a fluid (so think more watery than your usual sunscreens), but is actually perfect for putting on in the morning before makeup, because this consistency melts into the skin almost instantly and doesn’t leave you feeling like you just caked something greasy onto your skin. It doesn’t leave you with a white tint, and I haven’t had any congestion from this one either. If you haven’t jumped onto the 50+ bandwagon yet, I strongly advise you do! It’s amazing!

Key Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Isododecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol Denat, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide, Isocetyl Stearate, Silica.
*This product is compliant with the new Australian Standard for UVB and UVA efficacy criteria set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on 10th November 2012.

I must add that all the products listed in this post, are listed mainly due to the fact that they work well under makeup and do not leave me with congested skin and breakouts. Like always though, what may be good for the goose (me!) may not be good for the gander (you girls! or boys!) and I can’t guarantee that these will all work for you and your skin type.

O Cosmedics sun block was gifted to me. As per my disclosure statement, this does not effect my opinion. I have purchased the others with my own hard earned moolah.

Blow Dry Bar Has Blown In!

Good news ladies of Brisbane! Bad hair days are no more! And this news couldn’t have come at a better time…

Picture this! You’ve got a crazy day at work, and you have to make yourself presentable for the work Christmas Party that night but you don’t have time to go home. Well this is exactly the predicament I found myself in yesterday, and you could imagine my relief when the ladies at the new Blow Dry Bar at the Emporium, Fortitude Valley said that they could fit me in for an express wash and blow-dry that afternoon before the party. I would be in and out in half an hour, looking like I had just stepped off the pages of a glossy mag! And to make it even more appealing, a glass of bubbles was involved.

The Blow Dry Bar, a modern girl’s solution to bad hair days, opened it’s shiny new doors on Friday, 7th December located at the Emporium, a great location. There’s free on-site car parking too, and if you’re anything like me, that’s a huge plus!

You would expect this to set you back a pretty penny right? Wrong. Fast becoming the destination for females who seek consistent service and value in their beauty regime, Blow Dry Bar salons are the first of their kind in Australia.  Their concept is simple – help women look expensive without paying the price. Blow Dry Bar can get you from work to gorgeous in just half an hour, with express blow-dries for just $40 (including the wash and massage)!

I was pampered firstly at the wash basin and had my hair washed with the Bangstyle products they stock, then with glass of bubbles in hand, I was introduced to Liz who worked her magic on my hair to give volume and curl to a somewhat flat and lifeless head of hair. Liz has been working as a hairdresser for 10 years and for the last three years she has been working on cruise ships! How cool.

So I guess you want to see the finished result? I’ll let the photo do the talking! 😉

Want to hear even better news? To celebrate their opening week, come down to Blow Dry Bar at Emporium during opening week and enjoy a $15.00 Blow Dry and glass of bubbles, applicable during opening week:  07/12/12 to 14/12/12 and subject to availability.

To make an appointment at Blow Dry Bar at the Emporium call 07 3666 0237, or for more information visit blowdrybar.com.au

I was kindly pampered at the Blow Dry Bar as their guest and as per my disclosure statement, this did not influence my opinion in any way and all reviews are of my own honest opinion.

loving lately… lorna jane

I’ve been thinking of starting a new series on the blog, instead of the monthly favourites posts that I used to do on YouTube, I thought I would do a random series called “loving lately…” where every now and then I would post up what I am loving right now. It could be anything… and I’ll post whenever, as I can’t keep to a monthly schedule due to my work.

So to kick off the first post in this series, I am loving lately… Lorna Jane Active Wear.

There’s nothing better than a few new gym pieces to get your motivated and looking too cool for school in the yard gym. So for my birthday last month I asked family and friends for gift vouchers so that I could pick up some new gym gear from Lorna Jane. I also got some spanking new Nike Free Run joggers from the boy.

All the pieces above are what I treated myself to with my 20% off birthday voucher (you should really sign up for the Lorna Jane e-newsletters if you want to get a discount on your birthday and keep up to date with their promotions). Starting from the top left, the Edelina Crop AU$62.99, the Akira full length tight AU$98.99, bottom left is the Live Big Singlet AU$34.99 and the right is the Run for Fun Excel Tank AU$62.99.

I’m so obsessed with the LJ active wear, it just makes you feel instantly healthy and motivated as soon as you put it on. I remember my Mum wearing Lorna Jane back when she used to be a fitness instructor (and I was a little one) and I love that it’s a Queensland company.

So tell me hauties, do you wear and love Lorna Jane?

Shop Lorna Jane online or instore!

hey hey it’s new hair

Sorry about the delay in posts hautees, life is always super busy for me and I hardly get a chance to do my nails let alone write a post. However, I know that some of you were waiting for my new hair reveal…

A few weeks back, I had my hair cut by Michael again at Oscar Oscar Salon Chermside and then I went and saw Amy at Dextress Hair Murrumba Downs for a renewed Balayge colour. This was the first time I had my colour done at Dextress and I was VERY happy with the result (even though I was a bit nervous at first).

I’ll let the photos do the talking.

I have had heaps of compliments on my hair since I had it done.

Sharing is caring… so here are the deets:

Oscar Oscar Salon Chermside
Ask for Michael
Shop 322, Westfield Chermside, QLD
ph.07 3359 7799
www.oscaroscar.com.au

Dextress Hair & Beauty
Ask for Amy
Shop 15 Castle Hill Shopping Centre
Dohles Rocks Road, Murrumba Downs
P: 3491 6555
www.dextresshairfacebody.com.au

I was a mystery shopper for Dextress Hair and therefore I was compensated for my time with a free colour service. I paid for my hair service at Oscar Oscar Salon. 

Swap&Shop – A Fashion Charity Event

Shopping for a good cause… yes please! That’s what myself and a fellow blogger will be doing tomorrow night when we attend the Swap&Shop Fashion Charity Event held by Alpha Car Hire and Variety, the children’s charity. We will take along five of our pre-loved fashion items (anything from clothing, jewellery and accessories) to then be added into one huge wardrobe SWAP stemming from hundreds of Brisbane’s most fashionable, to then pick out (or SHOP) five new items to update our existing wardrobe, all for only $25 (with proceeds going to charity), and all whilst sipping on champagne, eating canapés and chatting with fellow fashionistas.

Brisbane family business Alpha Car Hire is drawing on Brisbane’s most style savvy shoppers to attend its first ever Swap&Shop charity fundraiser as it aims to raise $10,000 for the Variety Children’s Charity before the annual XXXX Gold Variety Bash in August.

The event is being hosted by revered Image Boutique stylist Sara-Hatten Masterson and is being held at The Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba on July 17.

According to Alpha Car Hire Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Miller, the event provides a unique way for women to refresh their wardrobe while helping a great cause.

“We wanted to marry the Swap&Shop concept with our own charity initiatives to create an event that really is the best of both worlds,” said Mrs Miller. “Our guests can come along, have some fun and update their wardrobe all while helping a fantastic charity make a difference.

“With so many different fashion styles expected to be on offer, there will no doubt be some great pieces to be discovered and we have some great prizes and goody bags to give away too.”

Alpha Car Hire has already raised over $25,000 for Variety this year alone, with its inaugural Swap&Shop event is a major part of its strategy to raise $100,000 by the end of the year, with all funds to be donated to helping disadvantaged kids through this highly respected charity organisation.

To register for the event and buy tickets, please visit: http://www.alphacarhire.com.au/swapandshop/

sayonara long lob

I’m so excited, tomorrow is the day – I get my hair cut again. It’s not going to be drastic, but it will be good to get my lob back again. And then on Saturday I will be getting my balayage re-done.

So sayonara long lob, you’re going from this…

to this…

Wishing I could walk out with the wardrobe and facial features of Miroslava, but hey… the hair style will do 😛

Make sure you follow me on twitter (@hipandhaute) for live tweets, or keep an eye out for the reveal soon.

let it breathe

Do you go days without makeup to let your skin breathe? You should if you don’t… I rate it highly, alongside haloumi cheese, cupcakes and puppy snuggles. I usually choose one day of the weekend when I know I’m just going to be slothing around the house cleaning, watching The Vampire Diaries and doing the grocery shopping, and today was one of those days!

Here I am without makeup on today…

I feel like my skin benefits greatly from letting it “breathe” for the day. To give it the best chance at refreshing, I cleansed my face this morning with a natural exfoliant. It’s by Wild Nature which can be found here and it is great to use first thing in the mornings to slough away the dead skin cells that have built up and also stimulate the blood flow to the skin to give your face a healthy glow.

The Wild Nature Face & Body Exfoliant (AU$33.00) containing pure Aloe Vera and crushed Almond Shell is a gentle face & body polish that removes dead skin cells. Giving you that deep cleanse needed to ensure that new cells can develop and surface. A twice weekly application that leaves your skin fresh, stimulated, smooth and hydrated.

Aloe Vera is great for stimulating the natural healing mechanisms of the body. Some of the most prominent active ingredients contained in Aloe Vera are:

• Vitamins A, C, E, B, B12, Choline, Folic Acid
• 7 of the 8 essential amino acids
• 9 essential minerals such as Calcium, Copper, Chromium, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, Zinc, Sodium, and Manganese.
• Enzymes

Wow that’s a lot right? Using this just twice a week is all that is needed for brighter and more radiant skin.

And back to letting it breathe… it needs a break from all the makeup. So please, when you are at home and you’re reaching for the makeup just think “do I really need to put my face on today?”. If you can do without… DO! Your skin will thank you for it.

Oh but please remember to still wear sunscreen. This is a MUST!

Tell me hautees, will you be giving your skin a day off soon?
Please do, then Tweet or Facebook me if you do. I would love to know who’s giving their skin a little breather.

Time for another Lob chop

It has just recently come to my attention that my hair has grown A LOT in the last few weeks and it could almost be classified as mid-length at the moment… NOOOOO *screams and writhers like the Wicked Witch of the West doused in water*

Time to chop it back to my much beloved Lob (aka long bob) and add back in some gradual balayge ends. As it always goes… I jump on the internet for some hairspiration. What girl doesn’t? Below are a few photos of the look I will be aiming for when I go sit in the hairdresser’s chair.

I especially love Miroslava Duma’s hair in photos 1 and 2. What do you think Hautees? Which photo should I be taking to the hairdresser as hairspiration?

If I could look like anyone it would be Miroslava, don’t you agree? She’s a total fox!

[images via pinterest]

Cheap Chills

I’m starting to feel the winter chill now, and boy does my skin know it. The change in season wreaks havoc on my skin and I have to change my skin routine to suit. So in comes the heavy artillery – the winter skin saviours.

If you too are starting to see the harsh signs of winter on your skin… then sit back and let me show you the cheap and cheerful products I am using to keep my skin in tip-top condition in the cooler months… and all products listed are under $35! THAT SHIT CRAY!

Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream (AU$9.95) is a rich moisturising cream that protects skin. It has no artificial colours or fragrances and contains vitamin E, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil and vitamin A. I slather this on my face when it needs an instant injection of moisture (you can even use it like a face mask if you don’t like heavy creams left on your face) and I apply liberally onto my dry spots before going to bed (i.e. around my nose).

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (AU$19.95) is a natural skin oil that helps to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and dry skin.  A combination of potent active ingredients and 100% natural formula make it highly effective for other skin concerns including ageing skin, dehydration, and uneven skin tone. I swear by this product, I use it daily all throughout the year (not just winter). It helps to moisturise dry skin and contains essential fatty acids that are critical for skin health, but aren’t able to be reproduced by our skin. The lipids found in Rosehip oil are similar to those found in your skin; therefore, it absorbs easily, leaving no oily residue. This is of particular importance to people who think applying an oil will give you oily skin… MUCH THE OPPOSITE. It actually helps to balance oil flow in the skin.

Sukin Botanical Hydration Booster* (AU$23.95), a 100% natural elixir, rich in argan oil and immortelle formulated to help improve skin elasticity and deliver bright, radiant skin. Great for an instant hydration boost when you have been travelling in dry air conditions or work in harsh air conditioning all day (ME!). Contains a lot of skin-loving essentials oils such as Jojoba Oil, Ylang Ylang and Argan Oil.

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner (AU$9.95) an alcohol-free, skin hydrating mist combines German chamomile and rosewater to help soothe, tone and cool tired skin. Use after cleansing (I use it as a toner) or whenever your skin feels tired or stressed. Perfect for hot days, long flights or long days in an air-conditioned environment.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Lotion (AU$7.99 / $10.99,  375mL / 750mL) contains rich cocoa butter to help even skin tone, while smoothing away roughness and penetrating deep into the skin where dryness starts. The specially formulated lotion is enriched with vitamin E and conditioning moisturisers to leave skin soft and supple, without leaving an oil slick all over your body. I love that this lotion instantly absorbs into the skin so you’re not slipping and sliding around. Oh and the pump top is oh so convenient!

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid (AU$15.95) is an ultra rich and creamy whipped lanolin lip treatment with organic lemon oil to naturally exfoliate, leaving lips fresh, soft and moist. The citric acid in the organic lemon oil acts as a natural exfoliator on dry, dead skin. I apply this to my lips before bed every night and wake up with soft, supple and non-scaly lips every morning. I don’t think I could do without this wonder product in Winter. It is literally my lip lifesaver!

Baby Lips in NEW! Mango Pie (AU$3.95), a lip balm that gives 8 hour hydration and is super hydrating thanks to shea butter, centella and vitamin complex. And for those of you who don’t know, centella is a herb that is an effective remedy for various ailments, one being skin conditions. Cheap and effective, GET ON THAT SHIZ! Mango Pie and the NY Fashion Week  limited edition in Berry are both my favourites.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (AU$34) is a light-textured cream giving 24-hour hydration, it helps to retain moisture within the skin, leaving skin feeling comfortable and well-balanced. The hero ingredients, Antarcticine and Imperata Cylindrica both have super hydrating properties to shield your skin from the harsh cold climate and to retain the moisture in your skin. I swear by this moisturiser. I recommend it for all skin types. Try it… trust me you won’t be disappointed.

The whole idea is to be pumping in as much moisture into your skin over the cooler months to make sure that your skin stays plump and glowing. If you didn’t know, essential fatty acids are key to keeping your skin and hair healthy, so as well as applying hydration and moisture onto your skin make sure to pop 2 – 4 Fish Oil capsules a day to maintain your body’s omega 3 fatty acids.

So Hautees, any tips for maintaining healthy and hydrated skin throughout Winter? I would to hear your tips and product recommendations. 

Products marked with a * were kindly sent for consideration, as per my disclosure statement, this did not influence my opinion in any way and all reviews are of my own honest opinion.