Hold the Glamour

I am a full-figure model and working mother. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend. I am a Leo. I am a first-generation Aussie and mother to two amazing little native New Yorkers. I believe that fashion is important—but so is real life. I believe that all women are beautiful and strong. I believe in working hard and loving harder. I believe in eating delicious food and drink with close friends, in breathing deep the air of new places, in laughing until you cry. I believe that when our bodies and minds are healthy and balanced, anything is possible.

Tag: skin

January 22, 2015

Body Confidence

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and are calmly and slowly easing in to 2015.

This year has been bright and busy for me personally and for that I am most grateful and thankful.

Today, in The Australian Women’s Weekly (AWW is a monthly publication), my Body Confidence editorial came out. I love the six-page story which features four other gorgeous curvy girls and myself naked.

Body Confidence -- as featured in The Australian Women's Weekly

Body Confidence — as featured in The Australian Women’s Weekly

It was the first time I stripped down to my skin for a shoot and it was liberating, thrilling and a little frightening at the same time. My agent assured me AWW wouldn’t do anything that wasn’t beautiful or respectful.

I was so happy and excited to be a part of the Body Issue and the result of our photo series which was inspired by the Renaissance artists speaks for itself.

Get yourself a copy or see it online.

Thank you AWW for understanding, accepting and promoting that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I am a fan.

L.
xoxo

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May 7, 2014

Loving the KOSMEA skin care range

Whilst in Australia recently, a dear friend gave me the KOSMEA radiance 24/7 youth boost as a gift. She too is very much into putting natural/organic products on her skin and highly recommended the product she loved and used on her face.

I use the oil (2-3 drops over a moistened face) most nights and I especially love it when traveling. It smells yummy too which is important to me.

KOSMEA Australia - natural/organic skin care range

KOSMEA Australia – natural/organic skin care range

Since then, my lovely mother-in-law kindly gave me the KOSMEA starter pack as a gift (aren’t I lucky?). I especially love the hydrating rosewater mist, skin clinic and the rescue balm products.

I can’t seem to hydrate my skin enough these days with all the travel I do and the different climates I’m putting my body and skin through in any one month.

You can find out more about KOSMEA and their broad skin care range below… Enjoy!

http://www.kosmea.com.au

What skin care range do you use and why?

What are some standout products you simply can’t live without?

Is organic/natural important to you?

L.
xoxo

2 Comments
February 3, 2014

Mascara, perfume and lip pencils

I’d love to share some product favourites I’ve come across of late — I’ve re-discovered L’OREAL Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara after the longest time. It does what it says… it’s a no brainer!

As you know, I love a good lash and if a mascara doesn’t deliver then it’s out. You don’t need to build up the lashes with layers and layers of product that eventually weigh down your lashes.

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Mascara-Primer/Voluminous-Million-Lashes-Mascara.aspx?shade=Blackest-Black

Whilst in Australia last month, I discovered this soft and feminine scent called Vanitas by Versace. I really love the fragrance as it develops onto the skin. I can hardly smell it after I put it on and the compliments I get surprise me.


http://www.versace.com/en/fragrances/women/vanitas

Another fabulous product I love is the NARS matte lip pencil. Annette McKenzie uses them all the time and we always get fabulous results.

The lip pencils look matte however, my lips never feel dry. You get the wear without the chapped, dry skin which is a plus.

http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lip-pencils/velvet-matte-lip-pencil/bahama

Have you made any new or exciting product discoveries of late?

What product/s turn you on?

What beauty product do you find difficult to live without?

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August 21, 2013

Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil

I have a wonderful product I’d love to share with you if I haven’t already — Sue Devitt’s Eye Intensifier Pencil. It comes in an array of colours and over the years I have gone mad for most of them.

http://www.amazon.com/Sue-Devitt-Intensifier-Bangalore-1-6-Gram/dp/B000U070U8

A lovely make-up artist in Chicago first put me onto the eye pencil years ago and I haven’t looked back since. It gives a good eyelid line whilst being forgiving of time, experience and effort. How easy right?

Some of my personal favourite hues include Gold Reef, Kenya, Surat, Tanzania, Zaire and Pointe-Noire. Who am I kidding? I wear one of these fabulous shades most days I’m not working, that is, when I’m being me. Otherwise, I go without a scrap of make-up entirely and let my skin breathe and be free of it all.

For an instant pick-me-up, I wear one of Sue’s Eye Intensifier Pencils over the bottom of my eyelid (close to my eyelashes), my favourite mascara at the time and some colour/gloss on my lips. This is my personal signature look.

What is your signature look?

Do you ever change it up?

If so, how?

Is there a product on the market you go nuts over?

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June 25, 2013

Great ways to keep your skin hydrated

Our skin is constantly changing and one thing that we all do too often is strip it from essential oils and nutrients that keep our skin soft, subtle and hydrated.

Since giving birth to my two children, my skin has changed. It has become more sensitive and where I used to have combination skin, now it is normal to dry in the colder months.

These days, I tend to moisturise my skin with gentle, natural products that are rich oils, creams and lotions without the toxic chemicals that harm and build up over time.

My cleanser of choice is an oil. I wear a lot of make-up for my work so taking those products off my face gently and effectively is most important. I love Shu Uemura’s Skin Purifier cleansing beauty oil.

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/product/CLEANSING-BEAUTY-OIL-PREMIUM-AI,default,pd.html#start=2&cgid=skincare-cleanser-remover

I cleanse once a day only and apply moisturiser twice a day for maximum hydration. As mentioned previously in another post of mine, I am hooked on Weleda’s Skin Food. I use it morning and night to feed the skin on my face what it needs and deserves.

http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/skin-food.aspx

When the weather is warmer, I love to use Weleda Baby Face Cream. It’s a lightweight and soothing moisturiser that still hydrates my skin without feeling too heavy or looking too shiny.

http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/calendula-face-cream.aspx

For my body, I have been using Alba Botanica Maximum Body Moisturiser for many years. I love the way it feels and smells and I apply it to my body after I shower.

http://www.albabotanica.com/body/body-moisturizers/maximum.html

What do you love and use?

What products do you swear by?

Is price important to you?

What routine works for you?

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June 10, 2013

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

My family and I recently arrived in Sydney, Australia. So far it has been a relaxing time spent with family and friends. It’s been a while since Steve and the kids were here so everyone wants to see them and see how our children have grown.

I start shooting for Sara by Ezibuy in a matter of days so prior to leaving New York, I made sure I purchased a new bottle of my favourite foundation I’ve been using for over six years. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation gives me the coverage I need whilst feeling light and looking smooth and natural on my face.

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/luminous-silk-foundation/A041,default,pd.html

I have had many different brands and products applied to my face over the course of my career and no foundation in my opinion, comes close to Armani. I buy my own and have the make-up artist apply it for each and every job. Most of them are happy to use my personal foundation, if they don’t already use Armani themselves.

Make sure when you buy any foundation for the first time, you have a consultant assist you. Getting the right shade is very important for a colour match that you want to look natural. A good guide is to apply your foundation on the inside of your arm or wrist. The colour or shade you see the least, is generally the right one for you.

What foundation do you use and love?

Why do you love it so much?

Is price important to you?

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March 26, 2013

Have you heard of Kelley Quan?

NYC - Our shoot day begins

NYC – Our day begins

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with the brilliant hair & make-up artist Kelley Quan on a job in New York. I’ve known Kelley for almost 10 years and we used to work together a lot and often and then our careers, schedules and lives took us in different directions… Until now.

NYC - The delightful Kelley Quan

NYC – The delightful Kelley Quan at her h&m table

We couldn’t stop talking the entire day as we discussed our new, exciting, busy and sometimes crazy and hectic lives – juggling career and family simultaneously. A massive undertaking at the best of times.

As this master of both hair & make-up worked on me, Kelley used this atomiser spray on my face that I simply flipped out over and had never seen anything like it before. You see, I love Rosewater spray and I’m a huge fan of hydrating my skin – I use it everyday as a part of my daily routine. I asked Kelley where I could get it from and she told me she invented it and came up with the concept. Genius!

NYC - Kelley Quan's pocket spa

NYC – Kelley Quan’s Pocket Spa

I initially didn’t believe her and then she showed me how her Pocket Spa worked and explained why it was so unique and different – I wanted one on the spot. With all the traveling I do, I simply could not get enough.

Not only had Kelley gotten busy with her Pocket Spa creation however, her Vegan Beauty Brushes were born. As if this mother of two young lads wasn’t busy enough, she gives birth to another baby – a line of beauty brushes that are made entirely out of vegan products. I love it!

NYC - Kelley Quan's Vegan Beauty Brush collection

NYC – Kelley Quan’s Vegan Beauty Brush collection

Kelley’s aesthetic is similar to my own – natural, organic and gentle. You should feel and experience her vegan brushes! They are unbelievable and she has an entire collection for you to build upon (15 to date).

I have the brush numbered 9 and it is the softest  and lightest touch on my skin and face I have experienced in the longest time – and I’m not just saying that! Try it for yourself and see. I was blown away.

You need to know that I’m not a paid brand ambassador for Kelley Quan nor am I getting paid for writing this post about her amazing products. I am doing it because I want you to know what great choices and products are out there for all of us to use and benefit from. I love to share!

If you would like to know more about this amazing woman and her secrets in looking your best, please visit www.kelleyquan.com for more details.

NYC - Kelley and I at the end of our shoot

NYC – Kelley and I at the end of our shoot

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May 16, 2012

Face Time in the Pacific

NYC - Shopping down Fifth Ave

NYC – Shopping down Fifth Ave

 

NYC - The Flatiron Building

NYC – The Flatiron Building

 

NYC - My facial at Pacific Touch NYC with a Vitamin C mask on my face

NYC – My facial at Pacific Touch NYC with a Vitamin C mask on my face

 

As most of you know with my job and career now, I am required to ‘maintain’ myself. To present myself professionally with hair cut and colour up-to-date, lingerie/swimsuit ready and nude or neutral manicure/pedicure to every job. This is work and a part of my job.

In addition to the above, I like to exercise when I can (with two small kids in the picture, there isn’t always the time I’d like unfortunately), get body massages and facials for a better me. Last week I exercised and had a delicious facial. I felt great.

I went shopping in the Flatiron District with a girlfriend and then went and had a 90 minute ‘Pacific Touch Facial’ at Pacific Touch NYC. I was in heaven and as usual, fell asleep.

I try to live my life as holistically as possible and that’s how Nichola Weir approaches her skin care treatments and massage. I love this woman. Believe it or not, I have super-sensitive skin and I can’t use a lot of products and product ranges because my face turns red. It’s a sign that it’s not happy.

Nichola and I discuss what I’m eating, drinking and using on my face to try to pin-point the reason for such sensitivity. I know since falling pregnant the first time, nursing, falling pregnant again and nursing some more, my skin has changed. It is a slow process however, I’m using a lot less product these days and it certainly helps.

What doesn’t help every week is that most days I have a whole range of products and make-up put on my face that I can’t control. I have the make-up artist’s use my own personal Armani liquid foundation that I take on every shoot with me and my own mascara of course… the rest is from their kit. As long as they sterilize their brushes properly and use new sponges (and they all pretty much do), I’m generally O.K.

So if you are after a bit of glamour in your life or day and in New York, you must go see Nichola for some yummy pampering. You won’t be disappointed and will most likely fall asleep as I do, under the spell of her healing hands. Go the glamour!

www.pacifictouchnyc.com

 

 

 

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