If only I was Oprah. I’d have you all around for Christmas drinks and give you stockings filled with the following – my favourite beauty things of the year. Well, you know what they say about the thought being what counts.
The Maxi Dress
Not technically a beauty buy, but there’s nothing more effective for turning a bad everything day into a gorgeous one. Haven’t had time to shave/tan/moisturise/get to the gym? No worries – just slip on one of the latest floor-sweeping styles of frock and who would know that there’s anything less than perfection underneath.
Shiva Rea Yoga Shakti
If you’re into yoga, you need this in your life. While I usually prefer a class to a DIY, this is one of the best yoga DVDs I’ve come across and perfect if you need to focus on any weak spots. It’s kind of a choose-your-own-adventure practice. You can either do one of four set routines. Or else, you can pick and choose your sequences. You can do as little as a few minutes, or go on for hours – there’s about 4 hours’ worth of footage. Shiva Rea’s yoga style is vinyasa flow, which is a really fluid, almost dance-like way of connecting asanas. And, being filmed in the Maldives and India, it’s even just a dream to watch. Even if you can still only dream about most of the poses.
$49.95 from Holistic Page.
Prada Infusion d’Iris
I can’t imagine anyone disliking this fragrance. In fact, I can’t imagine anyone not falling head over heels for it. It has something for everyone. It’s sweet and powdery and innocent. But then it’s sexy and sophisticated and grown-up. But then it’s also kind of mysterious and exotic too. The only way to define it is to say it’s universally one damn good fragrance.
Eau de parfum from $109, available from department stores.
Stem Organics
The most exciting Australian organic range of the year, this prestige skincare collection not only feels and smells as you would expect, but is seriously good for skin. Just some of the naturally active ingredients are the vitamin C-rich wild Kakadu plum and the super-anti-ager, beta glucan. And just as great is what is left out: things like parabens, and artifical colours and fragrances.
See Stem Organics for details.
La Mer The Eye Concentrate
The best thing to happen to dark shadows in a long time, this luscious formulation is ingeniously powered by particles of magnetised hematite (the same gemstone used in magnetic therapy jewellery). The idea is that the iron-rich magnetised hematite helps increase micro-circulation and move the excess fluids causing the discolouration away from the eye area. To pep the process along, you use a chic little silver-tipped applicator (so chic in fact, Elsa Peretti could have designed it) to massage the cream in – an action that has the nice added benefit of cooling the skin and calming puffiness.
$350 from David Jones or La Mer.
Chanel Le Vernis in Black Satin
I know, it’s old news really. But it’s hands-down the beauty star of 2007 so has well earned its place in this top-ten list. Thanks to Chanel’s glossy jet take on the trend, black nails went from being the bad girl’s badge of honour, to the LBD of nail polish – a can’t-go-wrong, go-with-everything option.
$37 from department stores.
Mineral Makeup
Again, not the newest buy on the beauty block, but mineral makeup really came into its own this year. Keep in mind, there’s a big difference between mineral makeup and makeup with minerals. While the latter is really little more than a token take on the trend, the former features only pure micro-refined minerals. This means great pigment quality, which means incredible skintone-perfecting coverage. But it doesn’t just mask skin, it also cares for the complexion. The minerals themselves (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are soothing on even the most sensitive of skins. What’s more, the lack of added chemicals, such as preservatives, binders and fillers, can’t be anything but good news for problem skin.
Try: Bloom Pure Mineral Makeup Powder Foundation, $35 from Adore Beauty.
Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear Brush-On
The three reasons every woman needs this in her life … 1, It gives SPF30+ protection against UVB rays, as well as warding off a high percentage of UVA rays – those that are predominantly responsible for causing premature signs of ageing. So it’s just about the best anti-ageing skincare step you can take. 2, Its tinted formulation evens out skintone perfectly, while its moisturising properties create a gorgeous dewy effect. In short, it’s as great a tinted moisturiser as it is a sunscreen. And 3, The brush-on delivery ensures a mess-free application that’s a cinch for daytime touch-ups, but it also allows you to build and blend your base to perfection.
$38.50, from David Jones, selected pharmacies and Adore Beauty.
Kate’s New Hair
Kate rarely puts a bootie-step wrong. So she could wear a paper bag on her head and probably get our nod of approval. But with this heavy-banged, blunt-bobbed do, she really got it right. It has instantly freshened up her look (and, let’s admit it, as cool as it was, it was a slightly party-worn look) and given herself a youthful new vibe. And there’s nothing like a fringe for hiding signs of ageing. Just remember to take Kate’s makeup cue: a fringe can take the focus point off your eyes, so load up on black liner to keep your eyes strong.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Body Lotion
There are a squillion tanning moisturisers (tannerisers, gradual tanners, call them what you will) out there now but this one is still my number-one pick. It has the same rich-chocolate mouth-watering aroma as the original Palmer’s lotions. Ideal for slathering on at night-time (bonus: your sweet tooth is immediately satisfied, kilojoule-free), you wake up coated in a caramel glaze.
$8.95 from pharmacies.
