Seeing as though you've got your Christmas shopping organised early this year (or maybe you can just pretend), it's only fair you buy yourself something special for the festive season. There's some lovely new products on shelf this month, as well as some Summer saviours to help keep you looking beautiful throughout the warmer months. Let's roll!
Last week we reported the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia confirmed the news we'd been waiting for: new, SPF 50+ sunscreen standards have taken legislative effect. It's great news for us sun-loving Aussies, and finally puts us at the same standard as Europe. More than a few brands have since released their 50+ sunscreen offerings, so we thought we'd pop them into a handy gallery for you. You should ideally be wearing sunscreen under your makeup (it goes on clean skin before your moisturiser and makeup), or at the very least, your makeup should have SPF included. We prefer to do the former. So, here's to even younger looking skin...
As Australia's pop darling (her new album Child of the Universe is out next month), Delta Goodrem continues to ride a high following her success as a coach on The Voice. Her long, thick mane a lasting reminder of her success beating cancer in 2003, Delta is a true hero and role model to young women across the world. A finalist in the TV Personality category of the Cosmopolitan Fun and Fearless Female Awards (the winners will be announced tomorrow!), Delta's iconic Australian beauty look is one we've adored ever since her days on Neighbours. Click through to find out her beauty secrets and favourite products.
Want more? Read our other Real Beauty interviews here.
In the Best Self-Tanner category we have five finalists fighting it out to be crowned the winner in our 2012 BellaSugar Beauty Awards. What will one will get your vote? Mecca Cosmetica Sun Idol Tinted Self Tanning Mousse, a lightweight, hydrating formula that develops in a few hours, Garnier Ambre Solaire Bronze Minute Tinted Moisturising Gel which dries in just 60 seconds to leave a buildable, natural-looking tan, St. Tropez Natural Vegetan Self Tan Lotion which features avocado butter and mango seed oil and is designed for sensitive skin, Ella Baché Great Tan Without Sun which has been re-formulated to feature next-to-no odour or Youngblood Mineral Illuminating Body Tint which is a mineral-based product that gives a glow to fair-medium skin?
popsugar poll
2012 BellaSugar Australia Beauty Awards: Vote For the Best Self-Tanner
Is it just us or do your dark circles and puffy eyes seem to get worse in the Winter? As sun-kissed skin becomes replaced with a paler, most-likely-wind-ravaged complexion — gee, thanks Winter — those dark, puffy bags seem to be even more noticeable of a morning, huh? Well the simple solution is an eye cream or gel. But you can go one step further by investing in a roll-on eye treatment as the applicators provide an instant cooling effect that helps to minimise signs of tiredness. They also help to stimulate blood flow and increase the drainage of lymphatic fluids which lead to the puffiness. You can pick up one for as cheap as $14.95 or go all out on a 24k gold-infused one. Tip: keep them in the fridge for a double dose of cooling.
Every time I put fake tan on, I get really dark bits around my elbows and ankles. The rest of the tan looks natural but these go orange and are so obviously fake-looking. How can I fix it? — Alison
The thing about fake tan is, it's great when it's great and bad when it's bad. But the good news is there are a few quick and easy tips for fixing up mistakes such as dark patches, which most likely occur on the dry areas of your body such as ankles, knees and elbows.
Fixing up
"I love wearing lipstick at the moment. I also love the look of matte, which I’ve been wearing, but my lips have been getting dry as the day goes on. When I put lip balm on in the morning, it’s harder for me to get the right coverage. What should I do?" — Jessica
Good question, Jessica! I'm guessing if you've applied lip balm and then tried to do a matte lip straight afterwards that the colour is going everywhere and looking patchy, right? Because of lip balm's waxy texture, it doesn't make a good match for matte lipstick unless the balm has sunk in. The best way to avoid having to wait is to ensure that your lips aren't dry to begin with.
Besides the fact that it smells absolutely divine, pomegranate packs much more punch than you might think. Full of antioxidants, it also contains punicic acid to assist in cell regeneration, delaying the ageing process and keeping your skin in tip-top shape — winner! Check out our top ten pomegranate picks, including a nourishing body cream, a sweet-smelling body wash and a luxe Jo Malone fragrance.
Winter is proving to be far from a wonderland. All this dreary wet weather is wreaking havoc with people's skin. But we have a solution. Bust out the balms! The big sister to your Summer-friendly lotions, balms tend to be richer and more nourishing so they're often suited to more mature skin. But when the freezing temperatures hit, it's time to break out the big guns. We've rounded up 10 of the best, from luxe to less. Check 'em out!
Thanks to great advancements in both the sunscreen and makeup categories, a whole range of SPF 30 tinted moisturisers are on offer from the likes of Invisible Zinc, Stila and Hissyfit, but what about those who want more coverage? Who aren't happy with such a sheer formulation?
Well that's where the newly-formulated Ella Baché Great Suncover 30+ Foundation ($50) comes in. It's now available in four colours: cream beige, light beige, medium beige and dark beige, and features light-reflecting illuminators so that you get medium coverage, radiance and protection.
To ensure that it's comfortable for all-day wear, it's enriched with green tea (known for its antioxidant properties), jojoba oil (which really nurtures the skin) and lanolin (which helps prevent dehydration by protecting the skin against moisture loss).
Things I love about it: it offers medium, matte coverage that really lasts; I know that it's protecting my skin to the highest degree as shielding skin from the harsh Australian climate has always been the focus behind Ella Baché products; and, being fair-skinned, it's always hard to find an SPF 30 base product that actually matches my skin tone, but Light Beige does so perfectly. Remember to pop it on 20 minutes before you're heading outside.
Stockists: Ella Baché (1800 789 234)
