TREND: FAUX TAN UPDATE
The hottest new trend on the fake-tanning front is oil. In fact, the trend is so hot we could only find two in captivity, so the third option for Luxe to Less (see right) had to be a moisturising tanning mist. Water-based tanners have a tendency to dry out skin while oil-based ones create a streak-free, fast-drying tan that also moisturises. Always apply with a mitt to avoid tandoori-coloured palms.
ROAD TEST
This week I try ... Dermalogica thermal body treatment
The lowdown My sons and I are off to Dermalogica HQ to have family bonding treatments. The boys are having their first facial but really, it's all about me. I am getting fake-tan ready, with a skin-sloughing body treatment that begins with a skin analysis and body brushing to crank up my circulation. Next is a body exfoliation followed by a warming massage in preparation for thermal stamping, where a fabric bag containing a mud mixture is rubbed over my body. My thermal stamp mudpack contains seaweed, wasabi root, oatmeal and ginger. The bag is used to massage the ingredients into my skin and helps to exfoliate. The bag is then opened and its mud contents massaged in further. The final stage is a body wrap and while this takes effect, my scalp gets massaged. Bliss. The finishing touch: the mud is removed with hot towels and a hydrating body cream is then worked over my skin.
Downtime An hour of much-needed exfoliation and massage.
Results My skin feels sleek and smooth, the perfect base for a fake tan application. The sons are blissed out too and they rate their first Core Treatment facials ($100) highly.
Where to get it In Sydney and Melbourne: dermalogica.com.au, $140.
At home Try Dermalogica exfoliating body scrub, $50, dermalogica.com.au.
CULT FOLLOWING
The search for the perfect mascara wand is a never-ending quest. Now, Lancôme (inspired by the technique of bending a wand for precision application) has come up with its aptly titled swan-neck brush. Lancôme Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Swan Neck Mascara, $54, 1300 651 991.
WE ASK AN EXPERT
Joe Zucchiatte, CEO of Suigo Australia
How can you improve the health of your scalp?
"Thorough cleansing is key to good scalp health. Always wash your hair twice, massaging shampoo in well, before applying conditioner on mid-lengths to the ends of the hair only." Try Suigo Rose Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner, $38.50 each, suigoaustralia.com.au.