Thursday 29 September 2011

Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair - 2011

Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair - 2011

Friday 28th & Saturday 29th October
Eagle Farm Racecourse

Chain Store Update: Portmans

When I'm looking for good quality corporate workwear for a reasonable price, I head to Portmans. In recent years their range has grown to represent more then just work attire. I always feel feminine and classy in their clothes. And with proper care, they last for years. The range in store reflects the current tribal, feminine and colourful trends for Spring/ Summer. Check out a few faves below.

Stylish Work Options

Belted full skirt - $129.95

Full skirts add a feminine touch to an otherwise simple outfit...

Add a bit of colour to your weekly wardrobe with a bright blazer...

Poppy cropped blazer - $129.95

Lace will forever be ladylike...

Golightly lace dress - $89.95

Feminine & Flirty

Button through printed maxi dress - $99.95

Brights, prints and florals will prepare your wardrobe for the current season.

Pleated mid length dress - $69.95

Full bloom floral maxi dress - $99.95

Great Buys

Floral concave dress - was $99.95/ now $69.95

Tribal printed dress - was $99.95/ now $49.95

And if you're based in Queensland, spend $100 or more at Westfield Chermside and go in the draw to win one of four $5000 shopping sprees.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Skin Deep

My Skin Care

By Peta-Lea Bond

Maybelline 'Fit Me' Foundation

As a Makeup Artist, I often get asked what skin care products I love & use on myself & my clients. I frequently add photos to FaceBook of different makeup products I have tried & tested on myself. I find photos give me a better understanding of how my makeup will sit & look, especially when I try skin care products; you never know if that SPF in your moisturizer or foundation will make you look white in a camera flash, or that cleanser/primer isn't really doing anything cause you can see your pores more prominently, whatever the reason, I like to test everything, so that's how I do it!

I'm the kind of girl who loves diversity when it comes to products & brands. I try not to stick to one brand; however, I do have my favorites; just like every girl I have beauty products that I cant live without. Over the years I have found, for my sensitive skin type, that simple & less is better.

I've tried everything from budget to luxury & I would have to say personally, I prefer home-made, natural & organic products to big brand luxury products; that's not to say I wouldn't buy them & try them out, & maybe even fall in love, but I also live in the real world & there are so many other things a girl needs, so with my skin care i try to keep it natural, simple & as affordable as possible.

So here are are the skin care products I adore & have worked for me & my clients over the years...

CLEANSERS

Sukin Cream Cleanser

I have been using this product for years, in fact my mum first introduced me to Sukin products many moons ago & they are here to stay in my world.

Sukin Cream Cleanser 125ml $9.99

This cleanser is so gentle & nourishing, it leaves my skin feeling soft & refreshed. It has a creamy texture, & removes makeup & grime. With oils from rose hip, avocado & wheat germ, your skin feels well nourished.
Perfect for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive.

Application: Massage into skin in a gentle circular motion. Remove with cotton wool or a warm face cloth. It's water-soluble which makes it ideal to use in the shower. I use 1-2 times daily.

I even use this when I do makeup for weddings. I like to give my bride & bridesmaids mini gentle facials, so they start their day feeling refreshed & leaves their skin in beautiful condition for me to work with. Firstly I cover the face & decolletage area sparingly with the cleanser & leave on skin for 5-10 minutes. Remove with a warm face cloth or cotton wool. I then use Sukin Toner Mist spray (more info on toner later on) to get rid of any residue from the cleanser, then blot with high quality fragrance free tissues.

Sukin products are hypoallergenic & sodium lauryl sulfate free. Sold at Priceline & pharmacies, there are no excuses not to have a face cleanser and on budget too!

♥ More info on Bridal Skin Care & Makeup tricks to come soon ♥

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

MB Enzyme Cleansing Gel $35.95
or for just $15 at Amazon

This beautiful non-foaming gel cleanser leaves my skin feeling amazing. Thoroughly removes the days makeup, dirt & oil without drying the skin or feeling tight. With Alpha Hydroxy Acids that help prevent dulling build-up that can cause blackheads & pimples, papaya & grapefruit extracts exfoliate away all the nasties leaving your skin feeling refreshed, ultra clean & healthy.

Application: I use 1-2 times daily (I usually alternate between my Sukin Cream Cleanser & this one) in circular motions on wet skin avoiding the eye area. Use a warm damp face cloth to remove cleanser, pat dry with clean dry face cloth and follow with toner. I sometimes, on the weekends or Friday nights, leave the cleanser on for 20 minutes; perfect as a mask!

This cleanser is a little more expensive then Sukin but is well worth it. Try it & see the results for yourself. You can find Mario Badescu products from Kit Cosmetics, at Myers, Amazon & Online.

Let me know what you think if you have tried this Gel :-)

SCRUBS

Our skin is our largest organ in the body & yet is forgotten about frequently. Healthy glowing skin is partially a result of deeply cleansed skin, cleared pores & healthy living. I have 2 facial scrubs that I love & both are totally affordable & natural. One is my home-made recipe that I have been using since before I can remember & the other is from Sukin which is organic & budget friendly.

Home-Made Raw Sugar Facial Scrub

I'm like every girl, drawn to all things that relate to beauty & skin care, so when choosing scrubs for my skin, I find myself lost with all the different brands out there. I get overwhelmed when I read the listed ingredients on ALOT of the products; shouldn't what we put on our skin not read like you need a science degree? In my opinion, less is best!

The best part about this scrub, is that you can use it anywhere on the body, it leaves your skin feeling so soft that you just have to try it!! Your skin glows & feels heavenly, especially your face.

Application: Create a sugar scrub by mixing two parts granulated raw sugar with your regular cleanser. Apply as you would an exfoliant & wash thoroughly.

Note: Please don't over mix, as the sugar granules will dissolve, & remember to be gentle as you don't want to scratch your skin.

* I do this once a week, after a warm shower so my pores are open.

I occasionally add honey to the mix, as honey can be used as an Alpha Hydroxy mask because of its high content of acid. It's also completely safe for sensitive skin.

Not to mention that you can use honey as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well as your hair. To use it as a conditioner, mix honey with olive oil. Be sure to wash your hair thoroughly before you go outside though!

Like any homemade remedies, it is important to know which ingredients have what properties. I always use a high quality natural honey, as I find it works better & is kinder to your skin.

Hope you love it!!

Sukin Facial Scrub $9.99

Sukin Facial Scrub

So this is my other favorite facial scrub that I use, once again introduced to me by my mum (this is actually her favorite scrub ever). It's gentle & promotes healthy skin circulation, leaving skin feeling refined, smooth & radiant. Suitable for all skin types.

With bamboo extract & ground walnut shells that exfoliate dirt & impurities that can dull the appearance, plus aloe vera, rose-hip oil & German chamomile to soothe & relax.

Application: Rinse face with warm water first, then apply a small amount of product in a circular motion, massaging into face & neck. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. I use it 1-2 times a week, while I'm in the shower.

Sold at Priceline & most pharmacies.

TONERS

These days when I talk to women, a lot of them don't use toners anymore, maybe it was over hyped? But I believe in toner, as its an astringent that dries & removes excess oils, tightens pores & hardens the tissue of the skin.

Here are my favorite toners that I've tried & loved so far...

Witch Hazel Dickinson Astringent Blue Label

I think everyone under the sun would of heard of this product by now, Dickinson has been around since the 1800's & women have been using Witch Hazel as toner for years.

Witch Hazel Dickinson Astringent Blue Label

As it's a multi-use formula, it relieves skin irritations due to minor cuts, scrapes & insect bites. It's 100% natural astringent for face and body, won’t dry like alcohol, contains no artificial fragrances or dyes, & is dermatologist tested and recommended.

Application: I personally use a spray bottle (I bought mine from Priceline), which I dilute with a little bit of water. This way I can use it as a mist. Using cotton balls, gently wipe away the excess, or you can let it dry naturally.

Pretty much every pharmacy, supermarket or Priceline stocks Dikinson Witch Hazel & the prices range from $3 - $10, depending where you purchase it from.

Amazons has a great price, so check out:

Witch Hazel Dickinson - Amazon.

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner $9.99

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner

I absolutely love this toner, a must-have for summer! This alcohol-free, skin hydrating mist has German chamomile & rosewater to help sooth, tone & cool tired skin.

I use this quite a lot, especially because it comes in the cutest little spray bottle that can be carried anywhere. It's light on the skin, feels so hydrating instead of drying & doesn't leave any residue.

Application: Use after cleansing or after a facial scrub, close eyes & spray onto face & decolletage area. Perfect for hot days, long flights, long days in air-con & the perfect toner to shrink those pores!

Sold at Priceline & most pharmacies.

FACE MOISTURIZERS

There are so many out there its overwhelming. I tend to use a lot of different types, such as Redwin Sorbolene, Cetaphil Lotion, & many others for my face & body.

I've really only found one face moisturizer I can truly say I love. The others I use when I run out of my favorite moisturizer or if it's not available.

My favorite face moisturizer is Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer (available here for $18), which I have previously blogged about. I use this as a night moisturizer also, as it contains no SPF.

Please see my blog here:
MB Buttermilk Moisturizer.

♥ More skin-care posts coming shortly ♥

Sunday 25 September 2011

Make yourself beautiful

Quick Beauty Tips & Tricks

Hair

For shiny, healthy hair:

Mash up an avocado.
Mix in a tablespoon of olive oil.
Rub through hair.
Leave for 15mins before washing out.

* Vitamin E makes your hair shine. Good sources of vitamin E include:

brown rice;
nuts;
wheat germ; &
leafy green vegetables

Source: Her Daily

Eyes

Eyelash Curler
Heat your eyelash curler with your hair dryer before use. The heat will help curl your lashes more effectively. Note: Please be careful as the curler can heat up really fast, so always make sure you test the curler on the back of your wrist before use!

Dark Circles
A slice of raw potato can be placed on your eyes to reduce dark circles.

Eyeshadow Match
Blue eyes - use taupe, gray, violet, purple or deep blue eyeshadow.
Green/ hazel eyes - use brown, apricot, purple, plum, deep khaki or forest green eyeshadow.
Brown eyes - use copper, bronze or brown eyeshadow.

Skin

Eat wheat germ each day to get rid of pimples. By adding wheat germ to your cereal, yoghurt or cottage cheese, it can be made tastier.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Peter Alexander Secret Sale

Right now, Peter Alexander is having a secret online sale where you can get 40% off selected items. Click here to check it out.

Hope you find a bargain! xo

Summer Love

Zimmermann's high fashion swim lookbook

Ok so the first look of the new collection by Zimmermann is here (spotted online at Harpers Bazaar). The Zimmermann girl has always been sexy & playful, but this seasons collections are bound to blow you away.

Bohemian-glamour collection sees a play on animal print, broderie anglaise and flirty florals, while the swimwear resembles feminine chic and punk. We can't wait to get our hands on Zimmermann's new collection. Love summer!

SereneMuse is in love, check out Harpers Bazaar - Zimmermann Summer Collection

Destination Unknown

The Latest Range from Wish

Makeup by Rachel Montgomery

Inspired by deserted planes in the Mid West, the Destination Unknown collection fills us with warmth, curiosity & a burning desire to buy the whole collection.

Effortlessly beautiful, the collection reminds us of a bohemian fantasy, capturing our hearts with gorgeous shades of tangerine, chartreuse & emerald or fall in ombre silks from peacock blue to green, capturing a glamorous summer.

The landscape inspired neutral shades of sand, rock & dust, with a touch of ice cream tones of fresh mint, apricot & vanilla, instantly add serenity.

SereneMuse are deeply inspired by the 'Destination Unknown' collection & cant wait to get our hands on it... oh & did we mention Rachel Montgomery is the makeup artist; her stunning portfolio truly shows shes is the most talented makeup artist ever!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Wish & Rachel Montgomery!!

Wish campaign produced by Rosemary Hamilton

Makeup Artist - Rachel Montomery

Photographer - Nick Leary

Stylist - Andrew Hainsworth

Hair - John Pulitano

Model - Bella Barber

So check out the latest range from Wish ' Destination Unknown'

* Find Wish at Myer, David Jones & selected boutiques (02) 9281 5252

New Addictions

ASOS Shopping Online

ASOS Midi Skirt With Pleat Waistband £35.00

A|Wear A Line Mini £25.00

SereneMuse loves shopping for online bargains! So check out ASOS's Online Shopping site, we're sure you'll fall in love with the diversity of pieces, just like we did. We LOVE ASOS because its a one stop shop for international fashion. They have a huge collection from vintage to chic, high fashion to casual, & of course the London look/feel. The range of skirts & shoes are amazing; we want them all! Oh & they also sell socks & tights that are totally adorable.

ASOS Pleated Skirt In Space Dye £35.00

They also stock Benefit, Bourjois, Elernis, GHD, Illamasqua, Models Own, Nail Rock, NARS, O.P.I, Paul & Joe, Stila & many more.


ASOS Midi Skirt With Pleat Waistband £35.00

ASOS sell pretty much everything a girl could ever need & want. They also have everything for men too. So if you're looking for bargains, gifts, or you just want to splurge on yourself , we highly recommend this site!!

TFNC Belted Chiffon Cut Out Dress £42.00

So go have a peep at ASOS and tell us what you think. They also do free shipping worldwide with any purchase... what's not to love!

ASOS Mesh and Chiffon Maxi Skirt £50.00

Love always xo

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Music to my ears

Foster the People
Torches

Today I purchased the Torches album, by Foster the People. I admit I was initially drawn to the popular and regularly aired 'Pumped up Kicks' song. This song was actually released over a year ago. Regardless, the entire cd is worthy & relevent. With this album, Foster the People have proven they're talented song writers.

The band originates from LA and can be described as an indie-pop band. This particular cd has cruisy beats and infectious melodies that on several occassions made me feel the need to groove. Pleasant listening; reminiscent of fun times and summer days.

Why not check it out at Amazon. Available for only $9 - what a bargain!

Happy listening xo

Monday 19 September 2011

Love that Moisturizer

Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer

Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer $49.95
or available here for just $18.

For many years I have had trouble finding a light rejuvenating daily moisturizer for my sensitive skin type. A dear friend of mine who manages Kit Cosmetics at Myers Brisbane store introduced MB Buttermilk Moisturizer this time last year.

As soon as I applied it to my skin I fell deeply in love; in love with the way it instantly hydrated and rejuvenated my skin. I adore the smell, the creamy but light texture & the cute sky blue colour.

It contains lactic acid which is the rejuvenating AHA that makes it an absorbent and soothing daily moisturizer for all types of skin. Formulated with non-pore clogging carnation oil & allantoin, an anti-inflammatory, botanical ingredient.

Application: After cleansing & toning, apply daily all over face, avoiding eye area.

Visit Kit Cosmetics for the full skin care range.

Summer Crush

Inspiration Board for Spring/Summer 2011

With a mixture of luxed lace, serene gowns, sheer maxi dresses, brights, nudes, shades of mustard's, blues & oranges we are so excited about Spring & Summer that we just couldn't wait to show you the latest looks that we have fallen for!