Mecca Maxima haulin' and other random bits of madness

Can you say out of control?

Well, I've gone and done it again.

Ahhh, retail therapy, that inhalation of stale air, the teetering back and forth under horrible fluorescent lighting while clamouring for the newest makeup-y things to hit the shelves. That was me this past Friday.

I recently changed employers, hence the infrequency in posting since late January. Needless to say it was a stressful and emotional time for me before, during, and after saying see ya later to the the company that gave me a shot after landing in Oz. To celebrate this transition I felt the need to treat myself.

Here's the rationale behind my latest spend..

Argument: If it's good enough for Vivianna and Lily, then it's good enough for me.

Being the enablers that they are, both ladies, in their own way, convinced me (it's the accent, I swear) to purchase Bobbi Brown's Powder Brush (holy crap, it's crazy expensive), Real Technique's Setting Brush, Bumble and Bumble's Sunday Shampoo, and UD's Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Warm. I hope these ladies work on commission, because they're doing something right!

Argument: Needed a fill me up.

True story: This Works Perfect Eyes Recovery Cream really works! It de-puffs, hydrates, and reawakens the under eye area. Definitely using this on the regular.

Argument: It was pretty!

Nars' Eye Paint in Porto Venere had me at first swatch. That said, if you own MAC's Painterly I don't think you need Porto Venere this very second.

UD's 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Sabbath for its matte-y, navy, and equally dreamy qualities. I can tell Ro(Cocoa) will be getting a bit of a break now that I have Sabbath in my life.

My shop wouldn't be complete without grabbing a lippie, cue UD's Sheer Revolution in Sheer Shame. Slightly intimidating in the tube, yet appears as a sheer beet-y, plummy hue that only sticks around for two or so hours -- points off for longevity.

Argument: Memories / nostalgia.

Essie's Ballet Slippers will forever hold a special place in my heart as it was the first shade to ever be professionally polished on my nails. I was nearing the end of a winter break from school, so my Mom treated me to a last-minute manicure before driving me back to Boston. Thanks Mom!

A good hair day paired with pretty much everything I mentioned above

After this latest indulgence, let's just say I've handed my debit card over to Scott to help keep me honest.

Your turn. What did you last splash out on?

Increase your good hair day chances with these

Bumble and bumble's Thickening Dry Spun Finish Spray (left), Alterna's Bamboo Beach Ocean Waves (middle) and Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream (right) 

Now that it’s Fall (Autumn to you) in Australia it’s almost as if the changing of seasons green-lit incessant rainfall. It’s gotten to the point where my umbrella has literally become an appendage and I already carry around enough crap with me as it is.

Heat styling or blowdrying my hair is a wasted exercise most days, because I can assure you my once smooth hair will mushroom cloud above my shoulders — that’s never a good look on anyone, me included.

My hair needs a fighting chance, so I’ve created a cocktail of sorts to help keep the frizz at bay, my waves in tact, perhaps a modicum of texture and even a smidge of volume.

I don’t think I’m asking for too much, right?

The result

In fight club terms, here's a breakdown of how I get my unruly hair to behave on super meh days...

• The straight punch - I use Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream to subdue the frizz.
• The hook - once I've combed through Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream, I'll then spray Alterna's Bamboo Beach Ocean Waves all over and comb through once more. Speaking from experience, I find any variant of Beach Spray (Bumble and Bumble, John Frieda or even Frederic Fekkai) helps to give me piece-y, windswept waves.
• The uppercut - Once my hair has air dried for the better part of an hour - but not before tipping my head over to scrunch/jush my waves - I finish with Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Dry Spun Finish Spray to further enhance the texture of my hair and to add a bit of volume.

I realise it's more product than I'd like to use, but it's the only way I can deal.

What do you typically do with your hair on rainy/humid days?