Dr Lewinn’s Anti-aging Mask

Abi Moustafa

As I write this, it’s currently a rainy Sunday night. In fact the weather has been so bad in Sydney of late, that according to the weather bureau this week’s rainfall was the strongest we’ve had in Sydney for over 61 years. Alarming right? Horrible choice of word considering I keep snoozing 15 mins over my alarm time as it’s been so bloody hard to get out of bed! Anyways, the rain is pretty inconvenient considering I have afro hair and the moment I step one foot out of the door, it seems I would have wasted a good hour and a half blow drying it as it returns to its original curly form. But beyond that I’ve noticed my skin has become increasingly drier despite the fact that I’ve upped the anti in regards to my water intake. Well beauties, I’m sure you all have an embarrassing story of your own to tell, I can’t help you out if you plan on stacking it on the steps  at Parramatta station or in the middle of Pitt St mall, however I can assist you in keeping your skin free from dry flakes.

The Answer?

Dr Lewinn’s Anti Aging Synergise Range! Skin experts, Dr. LeWinn’s, have recently released a lower-budget skin care line called Synergise which is exclusively available at Coles stores nationwide. The skin range uses the anti-ageing power of Swiss apple stem cells and hibiscus extract to decrease the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness to uncover a softer, even and youthful-looking skin.

Price: $34.95

Pack size: 100g

Directions: Gently apply the mask onto your dampened skin, until the colour begins to change. Let it rest for a further 10 minutes and rinse off with water.

Now beauties, I received the Synergise Range about three months ago, but rather than quickly jumping for joy and blogging about it immediately, I thought it was best to give it a 2 month trial to see how it would go. I’m currently using the Foaming Cleanser, Anti-aging Day Cream and Night Cream daily and loving the results! However I would like to make a special mention of the Anti- Aging mask, I use it twice weekly and have noticed my skin clearing up dramatically. Unfortunately I didn’t take any before and after shots, however I did take an embarrassing photo with the mask on which is evidence in its self how surprised I am with the results.

Hahaha! I obviously have no shame… but that’s not news to you beauties. Ps I also had my hair in a Morrocan oil Treatment which I’ve mentioned in previous posts.

Much Love Abi xx

Top Three Prodz to use when you CBF blow drying your hair.

Abi Moustafa

As aggressive at the title of this story may be, believe me this is serious issue ladies and gents. I have naturally curly hair, and I’m often used to getting compliments for my “adorable ringlets” or my “awesome afro”, but I’ve got to be honest here, I haven’t always embraced my natural curls. As a teenager I burnt my forehead and fingertips at least half a dozen times thanks to  my straightener and am still absolutely rubbish at blow drying my own hair, which is pretty much why I leave it to the professionals, or my best friend Sarah.

But unfortunately, when it’s 7.00am and I have to hop on the train at 7.30am, meanwhile Sarah is still snoring; I am forced to take matters into my own hands. As I’ve grown up, I’ve realised my curly hair is apart of who I am, I find it matches my personality as I am a very bubbly person, so it definitely suits me (without sounding too cocky). In fact, whenever I meet a new person, their first few questions usually include:

-         What’s your name?

-          Where are you from?

-          What industry are you in?

-          How do you get your curls to sit like that?

To which I confidently answer Abi, Western Sydney, Media and… well the last question usually leaves me acting all shy, whereby I tuck a few of my curls behind my ears, only to have them spring back automatically (idiot!) After I smile and gain the courage to respond, I say “Oh it’s naturally like this; I just throw a bit of mousse in and head out the door.” And it’s true, well technically I do use mousse, however I’m a bit of a fibber, there are three (life saving) prodz that I use which all contribute to the soft, volumous curls that I carry around my shoulders all day.

Step one: Wash, condition and comb hair roughly. Remember to keep hair moist enough to absorb the product, but definitely avoid a dripping back by towel drying your hair.

Prodz: Moroccanoil® Intense Curl Cream 300mL

Price: $44.50

Available: Selected Hair Salons and http://www.moroccanoil.com/

Step two: Using just two pumps worth of product, rub your hands together and flip your head over (yes it sounds werid) massage the cream gently into your hair from your roots to your ends.

Step three:

Mousse. Make sure your head is still upside down so that your hair is hanging over your face. Apply the mousse from the roots to the ends of your hair, focussing more from the midsection of the strand to ends more so than the roots to ensure the product doesn’t form at the roots. I have thick hair so I usually put the mousse in on three separate sections bringing the foamy product down to the ends.

Note: Leighton Meeser, Herbal Essences global celebrity ambassador says, “I think my favourite thing about the Herbal Essences brand is the variety in their products and the capability to change up your look. When I want really intense, voluminous hair, Set Me Up is an amazing product line.”

Prodz: Clairol Herbal Essences Set Me Up Mousse

Available: Leading supermarkets, speciality stores and pharmacies nationally.

Cost: $6.99

If Leighton Meester’s fan, I’m pretty sure this mousse has got it going on!

Step Four: Flip your hair back so it rests on your shoulders/neck depending on the length and spray thoroughly. once again, tilt head back over and spray thoroughly underneath so your hair is evenly sprayed. run your hands through your hair from root to ends and flip it back over. Either walk out of the house, or pop a headband into your hair to ensure your fro doesn’t overtake your pretty facial features.

Prodz: TRESemme Freeze Hold Hairspray 360g

Available: Leading supermarkets, speciality stores and pharmacies nationally.

Cost: $7.95

Step Four: Flip your hair back so it rests on your shoulders/neck depending on the length and spray thoroughly. once again, tilt head back over and spray thoroughly underneath so your hair is evenly sprayed. run your hands through your hair from root to ends and flip it back over. Either walk out of the house, or pop a headband into your hair to ensure your fro doesn’t overtake your pretty facial features.

Photo Evidence:

PS Please mind the awkward smile Beauties.

Abi xx

Photo’s courtesy of beautydirectory.com.au

Interview: Zoe Foster

Abi Moustafa

She’s been dubbed our very own modern day mills and boon! (By yours truly of course.) Beauty Editor turned, Beauty Blogger/Cosmo dating expert/Author of Air Kisses, Playing The Field and Textbook Romance and well, the list goes on and on and on. In short, she’s a pretty effing awesome writer and  definitely one to watch, in fact you’ve probably spotted her on The Circle whereby she’s the resident Beauty Expert.

But leaving her CV aside, I’ve been quite a fan of Miss Foster’s writing for a while now and was recently talking with a friend and fellow aspiring Journo who (quite bravely) admitted to not really knowing much about Zoe. Crazy right?! Anyways I thought that it would be a travesty if any one of you Beauties didn’t now who she was, so I took it upon myself to interview (hopefully not interrogate) the lady herself!  Ps The three percent of you who have been living under Ayers rock for the past five years make sure you read on. It’s really kind of embarrassing though. Unlike most of the influences or idols we have, Zoe is the most down to earth girl, so you kind of feel like you’re more of a stalker than a fan. Despite the fact that she’s done so much in so little time, she’s so humble and willing to give up a bit of her busy time to answer a few (slight understatement) of my annoyingly inquisitive set of questions… In all seriousness though, besides my obsessive and incessant rambling the woman is a powerhouse and we should commend her for her efforts. She has inspired a whole community of beauty/lifestyle bloggers (Including myself) and probably a few upcoming authors. Without further ado…

City Slicker:

You were born and raised in the South Highlands of NSW, Did it take you a while to adjust to our gorgeous city?

About a year. I was so crazy-intent on moving to the Big Smoke that I forgot I had no friends and minimal family up here, so that first year – I deferred from Uni and worked as everything from a Coles night packer to a telemarketer to promo girl – was kind of (“very”) lonely.

I’ve noticed that you’re quite the frequent flyer, whether it be domestic or overseas what’s the one thing you miss most about Sydney when you’re away?

My home, my cat, my loved ones and my “team”… you know, those people and contacts you build up over the years who make life easier and more pleasant, like my favourite soup place, or dry cleaner, or my eyebrow queen or my jazzercise instructor.

Writing :

How old were you when you realised you wanted to become a writer?

About 15, and it was to be an advertising copywriter. Up until then I flirted with many possible vocations, including but not limited to saxophonist, professional gymnast, wedding photographer, singer, and zookeeper. Sadly, none ever came to fruition, despite up to several minutes of serious dedication to each one.

Do you ever suffer from writers block? If so, what are your best tips to deal with it?

With blogs, yes, occasionally, because you have to have fresh, exciting, on-topic content each day, but books, no – it’s more a case of writer’s diarrhoea.

You’ve successfully launched your books in the UK, did you ever dream of doing such things?

If you count a vision board as a dream, then yes. I’d love to weasel into the US market, eventually. But since I’m not on a reality TV show and have no sex tape, it might take a little longer than it took, say, Snooki.

I’m sure you’re aware that so many girls aspire to be like you. How do you feel about being in such a position?

Very chuffed and massively flattered. I’d love to be more available to these gorgeous, motivated, talented young women, the ones who take time out to email me for advice or with lovely feedback, and am conjuring up ways I can be. If I can offer even one salty bean of second-rate advice that helps someone in even the tiniest way, (“Be sure to use full stops at the end of your sentences!”) I’d love to, because when I was young and finding my feet in the biz (turns out they were at the end of my legs all along) I was so grateful for any help from the women in the industry.

You were the resident Beauty Editor at Cosmo (a successful one too, with many awards to your credit). As well as the Beauty Director at Harper’s Bazaar, do you ever miss working in magazines?

I miss the team aspect, of having a gloss of wonderfully clever and fun women around me, but I much prefer the pace and immediacy and the flexibility of being (primarily) online.

You’re obviously a natural multi-tasker, do you find it hard to juggle so many hats at once?

Yes. I’m rubbish at staying focused when there is the innernette and email and Twitter to play with, and usually hand in my copy three seconds before deadline – whether that’s a column, blog or a novel. My best way of attacking this inability to stay focused on a Task at Hand is work early in the day, while the rest of the world is still asleep, and unable to respond to my terrible Tumblr posts and interruptive, half-baked emails.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a Writer/Astronaut?

I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m very, very happy and extremely lucky.

What’s happening in the professional world of Zoe Foster at the moment? Can you give us any exclusive info about your upcoming book?

God, I thought you’d never ask. Yes! It’s called Amazing Face, and it’s a collection of my most-loved (and hopefully most useful) beauty tips and tricks and prodz from my years as a beauty editor. It’s essentially fruitybeauty on paper. On sale June. Pre-order it, already!

Just a few random inquisitive questions. Warning: They get more and more ridiculous as you go down the list…

1) Are you aware of how famous your feline friend (Meowbert) is? I’ve got a phobia, yet I find myself inclined to click the links to your twitpics.

As it should be. He is an outstanding member of the feline community, and devilishly handsome.

2) What is your all time favorite food/dish?

Hot chips with BBQ sauce and chicken salt. (I know, what a classy broad.) Or mum’s Sunday morning crepes.

3) What are your top five/most repeated songs on iTunes at the moment?

Animal Collective- Almost Frightened

Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

James Blake – I mind

Drake – Fancy

Grizzly Bear – Easier

4) Who was your favourite Spice Girl?

Neither. They were all mingers.

5) Who is your current beauty inspiration?

Adele… That liner! Those beehives! Delicious.

6) What is your life motto? Well, besides “No offense, you’re a moron…”

“What you think about, you bring about.”

7)  Are there any last words you would like to leave the girls of Sydney (and possibly anyone else, we have a clear discrimination policy here) with?

My grandfather left me huge inheritance, and lately I’ve been thinking I should share it, so I hid it in the Sydney CBD, in a shoebox, at the bottom of the…

See beauties? I told you she was fab! And now that you’re officially in love with her, you can read more of Zoe’s writing at Primped, her personal blog, or even her official website. But I definitley recommend you follow her on Twitter @zotheysay. Oh and preorder her book too! I know I have

xx

Image sourced from www.zoefoster.com.au

Happy International Women’s Day!

It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a feminist. I’m the first to stand up for any woman in most situations (not that I’m hating on the bloke’s or anything). But given that today is International Women’s Day, I thought I would dedicate a blog post to all those inspirational women out there. Whether they be your favourite Author, Model, or your very own mum, we must appreciate and embrace each other, obviously because we’re fortunate enough to be on the better end of the gender binary scale

Abi xx

Isn’t Ms Jay Aniston looking fabulous!? I think so.

Abi Moustafa

All I can say is… About freakin’ time!!!!!!!!

Please excuse me from the over excessive use of exclamation marks Beauties, but when I saw a pic of Jen’s latest hair cut I had to restrain myself from doing cartwheels! That might be a slight exaggeration, but honestly how hot does she look?!

For those of you who haven’t seen her latest look yet… brace yourself!

Exhibit A: Here she on the European promotional tour for her latest movie ‘Just Go With It,’ which stars Adam Sandler, Brooklyn Decker and our very own Nicole Kidman.

This is a classic example of how much of a difference a simple cut can make.

Reasons why I adore this cut?

A) It frames her face perfectly: Enough said.

B)    Age appropriate: The Lob is a sophisticated look; however it isn’t exactly a granny style, which is perfect for the 42 year old actress. In fact, with a few spritz’s of texturising spray she can still funk it up to show her laid back side.

C)    The length is so manageable! Long enough to maintain a sexy up-do, but not long enough to be considered boring and flat like her usual dead-straight locks. The shorter do also adds a subtle amount of volume too, which is just what Jen needs!

D)    Highlights: This has no relevance to the actual cut, but any woman looks fabulous after a fresh set of highlights.

Are you a fan of Jen’s new look? You better be, otherwise we can’t be friends.

Photo sourced from the www.dailymail.co.uk.

Beauty meets charity…

Abi Moustafa

There are two things I’m very passionate about, Beauty Prodz and Charities. Actually scrap that, there are four things I am passionate about…including Beauty Prodz, Charities, Magazines and Mariah Carey. Haha! Despite the fact that none of this has a thing to do with the later two I’m still absolutely stoked!

Now is probably about the perfect time to tell you that the lovely folks at Napolean Perdis Cosmetics have joined together with Ovarian Cancer Australia in order to develop more awareness of the disease as well as raise some much needed funds!

When it comes to Charities it’s probably not ideal to pick a favourite one, but Ovarian Cancer Australia is one that I usually find myself forking out a few extra pennies for. After all, it is the ninth most common cancer affecting Australian women, with almost to 1,500 diagnoses made every year! Although fatality rates have been declining, it is still the sixth most common cause of cancer death in Aussie women.

Since February 2010 the net proceeds from every Auto Pilot Lip Service sold at a Napoleon Perdis concept store have gone to the charity. To top it off, Napoleon Perdis stores are hosting “Make Me Over Day” today! They’re aiming to exceed last year’s 832 makeover bookings. Customers pay reasonable $40 for a make over, with $20 of that donated to charity!




So ladies, if you’re planning on going out tonight, make your way over to your nearest Napoleon store, not only will you leave looking fabulous but you can almost leave guilt-free knowing that 50% of your money is going to a great cause!

Have a terrific weekend Beauties


Xx

Statistics sourced from www.beautydirectory.com.au

His and Hers Valentines on a Budget

Abi Moustafa

Hey there beauties!

Can you believe there’s only one day until Valentines Day?! Now I’m not huge on V-Day but that’s probably because I don’t have anyone to share it with. Ha! That sounds so sad, but in all honesty I’ve still got love for all the other amazing people in my life, so I’ve arranged to hang out with my lovely friends. However, I do know that nothing beats that feeling of excitement just before you receive your valentine’s gift from that special someone. Actually I lied. Because REALLY beauties, the ONLY thing that beats that feeling is the feeling you get when you give! That’s right the gift of giving J As sappy as that sounds, it’s the truth and can often prove to be quite an expensive truth too. So for those of you, who are still paying for those Boxing Day sale items, don’t fret because I’ve found the perfect budget buys!

Prodz: Natio Woman 40mL is a refreshingly feminine eau de toilette hinting a slight aroma of Citrus blended with a classic floral mix including Roses, Lavender and Jasmine.  Given that it is a sweet floral scent, and that I’m usually one to shy away from said scents, I must add that it isn’t overbearing like most, definitely easy on the nose!

Available: David Jones and Myer

Price: $19.95

Prodz: Natio Man 50mL A fresh masculine scent with masculine with an inviting mix of citrus, spice and fresh herbs. Warning: You may have the urge to inappropriately sniff your man in public!

Available: David Jones and Myer

Price: $19.95

Have a fabulous Valentines Day Lovers!

xx

Four things I learned from the 2011 Golden Globes!

Abi Moustafa

Mila Kunis: Take it easy on the eye shadow if you’re wearing a bright coloured dress.

Okay I’m not going to lie… Mila Kunis is one of my first girl crushes (thanks to That 70s Show). So even though I’m being bias I think she’s beyond stunning, especially in this emerald dress. Her hair is perfect, simple yet out of the way, unlike most of the girls on the red carpet who seemed to be sporting bangs this year. I’m quite happy that she decided to go an up-do, because it gave us the opportunity to fully appreciate the lovely look her make up artist has created. I absolutely LOVE the fact that her make up artist has opted to use a coral coloured shadow as opposed to the typical smokey eye or an overstated emerald shade. The contrasting colours do her a huge favour, not to mention the thin winged liner which only brings out her gorgeous green eyes. With a hint of peachy coloured blush on the apple of her cheeks, and a few sweeps of bronzer along the jawline, outer edges of her face and along her chest, Mila’s natural olive skin tone is enhanced. As for the lips, I’m beyond excited and most of my friends will agree that I’ve been going through a crazy coral stage for the past six months, literally buying anything from coral cardi’s to nail polish! Unfortunately I can’t quite see her nails, but I’m content knowing that I’m one step closer to looking like Mila Kunis if it means I was rocking the coral lippy a few months in advance

January Jones: Old School Hollywood Glamour is just that- Glamourous!

You don’t need a fake tan to look this hot!

AMAZING HAIR. I don’t even think I need to say anything but that. However, you know me Beauties; I always have something to say. I have a huge case of hair envy at the moment. You see I have curly hair and most of the time I love it (especially since my mum discovered mousse, I was a walking, talking afro up until year 5). Anyways, every now and again I see someone like January Jones, with her incredible-freaking-classyass hair and I get depressed. Not because she’s a blonde, God knows I could NEVER go blonde, but her hair looks ridiculously elegant, with not a crooked strand or flyaway in sight! In short, this old school Hollywood glamour hair style is beyond perfection so I definitely give Miss Jones five stars. PS she gets a few bonus points for those gorgeous (and might I add insanely full) brows!

Megan Fox: Don’t make friends with plastic surgeons.

Lastly we have my personal favourite Miss Megan Fox. Despite the reputation that beauty bloggers have (supposedly sit behind a laptop and bag celebs all day) I usually like to look for the good in any person. In this particular picture, I can see that Megan Fox is working a mean winged liner, a pretty pink gloss and a hint of blush on the cheeks which all do her justice. However, I have to admit the girl has got to STOP WITH THE SURGERY. I am alarmed and hope to God she stops before we have another Heidi Montag on our hands, or should I say on our magazine covers?

Photos sourced from www.temptalia.com

So long 2010. And hello to 2011… I’m starting off the New Year with a gorgeous glow!

Abi Moustafa

For those of you going out, I do know a few tequila shots will be on the horizon but before you do get your drink on I hope you remember to:

A) Keep hydrated

B) Have fun! It’s the one night of the year that we can be filled with hope as we all make our own resolutions whether they are big or small.

C) Get your TAN on girlfriend!

This is usually the part where I list the product and tell you how amazing they are. But seriously, I’ve only recently got into the fake tan thing and I’ve made a few mistakes along the way. However, I can say that the number one rule is to PLEASE make sure you have a tanning glove, I recommend Ella Bache’s tanning mitt. It will save you from orange fingers and help prevent that awful streaky look. It’s also a good idea to use each product sparingly on your knees and elbows as they are most likely to darken and make you look like you haven’t had a shower in weeks. Which is obviously undesirable. And probably won’t attract that hottie you plan on sealing your new years kiss with (no matter how drunk he is). Oh and don’t forget to give your toes a once over too because no one likes a sock tan! Read the rest of this entry »

This week I find the perfect stocking stuffer…

Read the rest of this entry »