Have you noticed how much shininess is around at the moment? I think it all started with those sell-out French Connection sequin shift dresses a while ago - you know, the one that Mischa first wore. Now there are glittery things dripping off nearly every second summer dress you see, and Cue have those hot black paillete leggings (well, hot if you have super-skinny ultra-long legs, I guess, and ignore the fact that Victoria Beckham has a similar pair). And in the film clip for Feist’s song 1,2,3,4, she wears the cutest navy-blue sparkly jumpsuit. (more…)

Just thought you’d like to know, I’m now also beauty-blogging for the fabulous new Madison website. I intend to write daily (well, week-daily) for each site and promise not to spread myself as thin as a lipstain. I really do have a lot of beauty opinion to share around, you know. So if you ever need a double-dose of beauty, now you know where to go. While you’re there, please say hi. It’s a proper interactive bells-and-whistles blog. Which this will be soon - I’m redesigning the site in the very near future, so watch this space. In the meantime, let’s chat over at Madison.

I don’t like a freak show. For instance, I couldn’t watch Britney’s MTV performance. And I hate a worst-dressed list. I prefer to pretend that bad hair and dresses don’t exist and just focus on the pretty stuff. Life’s too short - or something like that. Which is why my Emmys round-up is very subjective. It’s all about what I like right now, rather than a complete who-wore-what. Sorry if that seems a little selfish. But then, it is my blog.

Anyway, luckily I seem to have good taste at the moment. My favourite looks from yesterday’s Emmys are super-sexy. More than that, they’re easy to do. For instance …

Instant-Glam Lips. Lavish on ruby or garnet lipstick and it’s like jewellery for your face. While it’s best with perfect base and lined eyes on the red carpet, in real-life it can look just as fresh with little more than tinted moisturiser and lash tint. (more…)

I’ve straightened my hair a lot in my time. But I’ve never once burned my scalp, forehead or any other bodily part with an iron. Which is surprising. Because I’m the person in a restaurant who feels strangely compelled to touch a plate once the waiter has told me it’s hot and to be careful. I’m also the person who can’t pull a piece of toast from the griller without grilling my finger as well. But, when it comes to straightening, I am quite dexterous.

Many women aren’t, apparently. According to an article I read online yesterday on Sydney Morning Herald, an increasing number of women can be found in casualty wards with severe straightener burns on their scalps. Another danger, one trichologist said, was that many women yank their hair while straightening, which can pull it out at the roots and ultimately lead to bare patches or a receding hairline. Ouch - in more ways than one. Might just be the day to do an air-dry.

If your sleek ‘do starts to look a little fuzzy or frazzled, spritz the bristles of an old toothbrush with hairspray and simply smooth down any flyaways around the hairline.