What is Lash Lifting?

I've always wanted to get my lashes tinted, but when I saw an ad for lash lifting at Brow Theory, I shrugged my shoulders, figured 'why the heck not' and booked in for a lash lift in one months' time. All for the sake of investigative journalism, am I right? Thing is, I didn't know what it entailed, so I did a bit of research as the days ticked closer, and almost nearly chickened out the night before.

So, what is lash lifting?

Lash lifting is a process whereby a silicone tube is glued along the lash line, the lashes are then wrapped around the contour of the tube and fixed in place. A chemical (smells of the same chemicals used to perm hair) is then gently painted onto the lashes and left to process for approximately 10 minutes. Once the lashes are decidedly lifted, a tint is applied to the lashes to further accentuate them.

From start to finish I was in the chair for a good 40 minutes, and in that time I had moments of doubt, a touch of fear, and 'OMG, what if I can never see again?'. Sometimes I like to think of myself as an eternal optimist, but in a moment of weakness and unknowing I plunged head first into the depths of hell. I guess the thing that bothered me the most was having to keep my eyes closed for what seemed like an eternity -- it was difficult to do while listening to the background music swirl together with the garbled voices as they bounced off the halls of the Strand Arcade. Part of me wished I made Scott come along to hold my hand and tell me it would all be okay. Alas.

The lash glue was the other annoying bit, especially when the brow technician pried the lids apart to make sure she didn't actually glue my eyes shut -- this is when my mind went into overdrive and immediately filled with regret.

Can you say neurotic?

Lash tinting, by contrast, was a breeze, it took less than five minutes and wasn't nearly as burdensome (read: scary). It's been about a week since I got my lashes lifted -- for the price ($80!!) and the heartache I don't think I'd necessarily do it again. I guess it was worth it in that I haven't used a lash curler or mascara since doing this, but now that my lashes are curled to the extreme I've become hyper aware of them from all the tickling. Yes, my lashes tickle and annoy me (First World problems).

I left with a bit of nervous energy and absolutely spaced on asking about any special care requirements, so I called back and was advised to avoid using moisturisers, eye creams and eye makeup removers for the first 24 hours. Lash lifting should last between 8 to 10 weeks so long as you prescribe to the initial instructions; the tint will likely be halved in terms of longevity thanks to regular face washing.

The results

No mascara

Mascara

Post lash lift, no mascara

One week post lash lift, no mascara

You can check out my before and after photos over on Brow Theory's Instagram page. If you're totally head over heels in love with the results, be sure to enter their Instagram competition before 9 August 2015 for a free lash lift for you and your BFFL.

The French Facialist

My skin care regimen

In June I was coming off of a pretty hectic work schedule and in dire need of "me" time, so I did what anyone would do.. I Googled "Best facialist in Melbourne" and up popped The French Facialist. What won me over was Christine's website, and I told her as much -- it's easy to navigate, clean, and the best part of all is the ability to book appointments directly through her website. No awkward phone calls, no "hang on and let me check my calendar", just book in and show up.

Now that I'm in my early thirties (!) I don't mind paying a little extra for great skin care products and services, so long as they work; but what I didn't expect to hear when I walked through Christine's front door was...

"So, what brings you here today?"

A simple question, but what was the right answer? I fumbled for a second and grasped ahold of my first thought.

"To be honest, my skin is so dead tired from lack of sleep and care, and is begging to be spoiled."

During our 15-minute chat I couldn't help but stare at Christine's face -- porcelain white, framed with tight, sun-kissed curls, a wide smile, and earnest eyes narrowing in on my face in an attempt to analyse my skin issues.

In the next breath I saddled up onto a heated bed and went out like a light; I struggled to hold onto the experience, the scents, and Christine's light touch dancing across my face. What eventually woke me was the sound of my snoring, which sounded as abrupt as a record scratching to a halt.

Christine laughed, and added, "It happens all the time, just relax."

When it was time to wrap up our time together, Christine said, "I'll see you in three weeks -- does Saturday work for you?" Things just sort of happened; I didn't question the appointment because I reached my happy place, ultimate relaxation station. Before leaving, I also picked up a new face wash, mask and single-use face cloths, a purchase that didn't break the bank and was quickly rationalised as a take home version of Christine.

Post facial and makeup-free

Before my next facial, Christine combed through my entire skin care regimen to see if there were any areas for improvement. Surprisingly for both of us she was pretty pleased with everything I put on my skin; the only exceptions were Ren's Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream as the super emollient formula isn't quite right for my skins' needs. We also binned Ren's Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial (very gimmick-y) and Dermalogica's Barrier Repair, neither of which did anything to help my skin.

When Christine asked me how I found her business, I told her what I Googled, to which she responded with a humble smile and a sheepish laugh.

The French Facialist, after two visits, has officially become my home away from home. 

Be on the look out for Christine's book early next year -- I desperately want to know why she thinks we should ban the brush.

The law of averages: mixing foundations to get something you'll love

Organised chaos

Last month I picked up Chanel's reformulated CC Cream as soon as it dropped in Australia. I was really after a 'my skin but better' routine in the morning, unfortunately Chanel's latest iteration left me wanting more.

Chanel's CC Cream promises to soothe, protect, moisturise, correct and perfect, but what I experienced was a mottled, pale mess -- my favourite primer (Stila's One Step Correct) couldn't even compensate. Upon reflection, most foundations don't have a prayer when it comes to lasting on my skin; its a treacherous game of push and pull between midday oil production and dehydrated skin thanks, in part, to the dry winter months. The elastic will inevitably break, or in my case lead to foundation failure.

Here I am a few weeks ago wearing Chanel's CC Cream in shade 20 on its own. While my skin initially appears brighter and luminous, the formula created a white cast and left me looking ghost-like. Personally, I prefer a warmer complexion; why couldn't I be as lucky as my brother, Richard, with his beautiful olive undertones, big brows and eyelashes?!

Wearing Chanel's CC Cream

In an attempt to bolster colour and longevity I mixed Chanel's CC Cream with Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation in shade 118 (my preferred summer foundation). This concoction isn't probably the most economical, nor convenient, but in a pinch between seasons it can certainly work wonders and restore faith in underperforming products.

Wearing equal parts Chanel CC Cream and MUFE HD Foundation

The moral to the story here is to not be afraid of mixing, matching and blending your products in order to achieve a desired outcome. Be the beautiful scientist you were always meant to be.

Side note: Seriously obsessed with my new Dogeared makeup bag.

This duo does not disappoint: Victoria, Victoria Beckham for Nails Inc. Duo Collection

Nails Inc Bamboo White (left) and Judo Red (right)

Favourite Spice Girl.

Lover of polished nails.

A nail polish formula that doesn't quit.

This stuff is seriously bottled magic and a lemming in the making. Let's start with the anatomy of the bottle -- removable false cap for looks (think Butter London), matte black and white porcelain exteriors for a sleeker look and feel, complete with viewfinder-like sides serving as windows into the souls of these two opposing nail colours.

From the side

These polarising brushes are chubby and contoured to speed the nail painting process along, and promote control to assist with staying inside the lines. Reduced clean up, FTW!

Typical drying time is to be expected, but the wait is so worth it. This polish lasts. By day four expect to see the unavoidable tip wear from shuffling paper about, typing and dish washing. And by day 7, nary a chip in sight. 

The boxed packaging, while nice, is a bit of a gimmick to get you to spend more money. Originally I intended to have Scott purchase Bamboo White, but the Sephora gods in Sydney wouldn't have it -- Judo Red and Bamboo White were a package deal with an eye popping price tag of $60.00! Is this duo really worth it? 

Yes. Individually, I suspect a LE bottle would set you back $27.50 at least. So, if you love all things Victoria, pale pink and coral red, scoop these up while you can.

Nails Inc is onto something with their revamped formula and packaging. Now, here's some food for though, NailKale. Anyone?

Nails Inc Bamboo White (nude)

Nails Inc Judo Red (tomato red)

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Victoria, Victoria Beckham for Nails Inc. Duo Collection:

• $60.00 AUS / $45.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags — Next to CND's Vinylux, Nails Inc is hands down my second favourite nail polish brand.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

•   Pale Perfect.