Why Don't You... #2

This weekend why don't you...

1. Wear your least worn shade of lipstick.
2. Wink at an attractive stranger.
3. Experiment with false lashes.
4. Braid tiny plaits in your hair. (@IntoTheGloss)
5. Be hedonistic, do what gives you pleasure. 

The Routine: Hair #1

Having naturally dry and coarse hair, I can't afford to skimp on my hair routine as I'd be left with a giant ball of fuzz on top of my head. As I've had my hair coloured with foils I use Wella SP Colour Save shampoo and conditioner to preserve the colour. The conditioner isn't as moisturising as I'd like it to be for dry hair but it does leave it smooth none the less. Every second wash I use L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Cellular masque which contains lactic acid and is so nourishing. It leaves a beautiful gloss and it's the type of product which will leave people asking, 'Have you done something with your hair?'.

For extra moisture I use Loreal Professional Mythic Oil in the Rich version. A tip for oil products is too use them as soon after you finish washing your hair as it will absorb better. I read this on XOVain and it's the truth, it will change your hair game. Just stick a bottle in your shower, after rinsing out your conditioner, use 2-3 pumps and massage it into your ends and mid-length. It works so much better than when you use it on dry hair.

Spotlight: Eve Taylor Aromatherapy Candle

I've been loving this aromatherapy candle from Eve Taylor. They're made from 100% plant wax and essential oils. Mine's a patchouli blend so it is very soothing and grounding. What makes these candles different is that as they melt at a low temperature, emollient oils are unleashed which can be used as a massage balm. I think they're great as a weekly, meditative treatment and I've got Oskia's offering on my wish list.

New In: Lush

Left to right: Big Blue Ballistic Bath Bomb, Pillar of Fizz, Silky Underwear Dusting Powder, The Comforter  Bubble Bar, and American Cream Hair Conditioner

Today some goodies from Lush arrived in my mailbox, I'm so pleased with how fast it arrived and the two samples included (not pictured). I got Big Blue which smells like lavender however the lemon keeps it smelling refreshing and not like the potpourri in an old person's home. It also has pieces of seaweed which unleash as the bath bomb fizzles away so if you're not into things floating around in your bathwater maybe side step this one however it reminds me of the ocean and because I'm emotionally five years old I just pretend I'm a mermaid. When you want to escape from your paperwork, I recommend this bath bomb.

The Comforter smells like a blackcurrant lolly and bubbles really well. It lives up to its name and is my favourite, most purchased product from Lush. To store my bath bombs and bubble bars I also got the Pillar of Fizz, made from recycled containers, to keep them safe from the humidity of my bathroom which can ruin the product. Bath bombs are also great stored in a cupboard because the scent fills the whole space and makes clothes smell wonderful.

For scent alone, I ordered American Cream. I only got the small size because it's not my favourite conditioner (my hair needs something more conditioning), I just love having it for the smell. It is reminiscent of Guerlain's Shalimar, a citrusy vanilla. I wish Lush made it as a perfume.

Last of all I got Silky Underwear which has a lovely jasmine fragrance. I love these dusting powders because they contain corn starch as an absorbent instead of talc. Cocoa butter is also included so it leaves your skin silky smooth.

The Capsule: Femme Fatale

femme fatale (n.) lit. 'fatal women'; an alluring women who will ultimately bring disaster to men; a siren

To me there is nothing as enchanting as a cat eye. The feline shape elongates eyes making them truly alluring. If you have round eyes make sure to not follow the natural lash line down as it can droop your eyes. Instead stop at around the last quarter and wing up.

On the lips go for a deep rose. Either apply to center of the lips with a tube and smudge outwards for a wine stained lip or apply another coat on top for deeper colour. I suggest a brown-based red such as Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick in 11 (Kate Moss and a creme brûlée scent, need I say more?).

Keep the rest of your face fresh with a sheer wash of foundation over Nars Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer for an even, velvet base. Skip filling in your brows especially if you have small lids or deepset eyes as it will keep the eye from looking too heavy. Mascara-free lashes keep this look from being 'pretty' and adds a dangerous edge.

Products// Nars Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer, Nars Eyeliner Stylo in Carpates, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick in 11

Background image: Sylvester Henriksen photographed by Alex Franco for RUSSH, August 2013

Lust List #1

From top (clockwise): Nars Body Glow I, Lipstick Queen Endless Summer Lipstick in Stoked,  Soapwalla Deodorant Cream,  Nars The Multiple in Copacabana, Soap & Glory Sit Tight- Lower Body Firming Formula

1. Nars Body Glow I- Summer's coming and I want to be a golden goddess. Body glow is a shimmering chocolate, gardenia fragranced oil which will make you golden without staining clothes.

2. Nars The Multiple in Copacabana- When I go out at night I want my cheekbones to scream "LOOK AT ME!". Plus I really want to try a Nar's Multiple.

3. Lipstick Queen Endless Summer Lipstick in Stoked- Lipstick Queen has been on my to try list ever since I saw it in Kit two years ago but I'm slack and haven't gotten around to it. This lipstick goes on apparently more muted than it looks in the tube. Hopefully will be a my lips but pinker lipstick that resides in my makeup bag for the summer.

4. Soapwalla Deodorant Cream-  Deodorants scare me to be honest. They contain all sorts of nasties. I want my deodorant to be free from aluminum, petroleum, and other harmful chemicals. I've heard great things about Soapwalla's offering and unlike some aluminium free deodorants it is certainly cheaper. AND it's vegan and not tested on animals, think about all the lil' bunnies you just saved.

5. Soap & Glory Sit Tight Lower Body Firming Formula- I don't have cellulite which is what it's intended for but will it make my thighs look magically better? I don't know. Soap & Glory's one of my favourite body care lines and it has good reports so I don't think I can go wrong. I'm going to waste my money and report back. You're welcome.

The Capsule: Hedonism

hedonism ( n.) the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence; the ethical theory that satisfaction of desires is the aim of human life

Beauty and hedonism go hand in hand. It doesn't matter whether it's found in a luxe perfume or a sleekly packaged lipstick; it's all about the pleasure it brings. However, over-indulgence can be sickly. The key is to keep things extravagant yet simple like a single diamond, a beige leather bag, or cashmere and silk in a variation of nudes. 

For expensive looking skin- flawless and transparent- the Maquillage Lighting White Powdery UV foundation has you covered. It's powder foundation with medium coverage which is easily sheered for a translucent result. Skincare ingredients and SPF protects your skin from UV damage keeping it in top condition. The main attraction has to be the reflective pink compact with a crystal embellishment, however if that's not your taste there are a range of compacts to choose from.

Like satin for your lips, Chanel's Rouge Allure Laque in Santal is light, creamy and intensely pigmented for a perfect nude pout. Keeping with nudes, Couture is the perfect understated, shade from Ciate. For darker skin, try the nudes Maybe Baby and Pocket Money. The cute bows on the bottle add an elegant touch. 

Where a little black dress is simple, the fragrance counterpart is in excess. Guerlain's La Petite Robe Noire is sweet, rich, and smoky. Its note consists of black cherry, then black rose, and finally tonka bean, patchouli, almond, and black tea mellow it out. It's showcased in a crystalline, heart-shaped bottle which fades from black to powdery pink. 

Products// Shiseido Maquillage Lighting White Powdery UV Foundation in OC00,  Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire eau de parfum 100 mL, Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Santal, Ciate Paint Pot in Couture

Background image: Agnes Nabuurs photographed by Ward Ivan Rafik for RUSSH, August 2013