Trends: Summer Nail Colour

As winter wanes, be daring and add some heat to your nails this summer. Freshly-lacquered nails, in red shades from berry to deep crimson or gold to green, can instantly add the right amount of pop to your ensemble. Keep them maintained and chip-free to achieve utmost sophistication.


BRIGHTS
Brights are a must-have for this season. Bold, fresh colour and smooth coverage make OPI's new Texas Lone Star Collection the ideal choice.


OPI Texas Lone Star Collection in Guy Meets Galveston, $19.95


My Personal Favourite:
OPI Texas Lone Star Collection in Do You Think I'm Tex-Y, $19.95

PASTELS
Think opaque shades of Tiffany & Co. blue, mint green and the dainty and delicate peach and pink. For a look that showcases femininity, pastels are perfect.


ORLY Manicure Miniatures in Lollipop, $7.95


Bloom Nail Polish in Kitty, $19.95


CLASSIC
Rich and traditional nail colour will do wonders to add contrast to dull hues. Try sharp shades of red, maroon and dark purple for a truly timeless and sexy addition to your look.


Chanel Le Vernis in Dragon, $39


OPI La Collection de France in Bastille My Heart, $19.95


NATURAL
Toned down natural shades of cream, blush, mushroom and nude are cropping up everywhere in the fashion world from shoes and underwear to dresses and nail varnish. This is a great choice for those who prefer sheer, low-maintenance nail colour as it’s far easier to keep up with its less-visible chips and crack.


OPI Beyond Chic in Makes Men Blush, $19.95


Manicare French Pink, $13.50


FOIL
Add a new dimension to your look with foil nails which famously featured in Alexander McQueen’s SS 11 show thanks to UK nail artist Marian Newman. By simply pressing the strips onto the nail and filing to fit, these metallic pieces will create texture that will last up to two weeks.


Blixz Liquid Gold, $17.50


The McQueen mani from Style.com

Things You Should Know: Switching It Up - Summer Skincare

The sun’s rays combined with oiliness, blemishes, dehydration, sweat and grime all contribute to the way skin reacts to the change in climate. With summer finally here, it's time to think about overhauling your daily skincare ritual to suit the season.

Embrace all that is dewy, glowing and radiant and get your skin summer-ready with these perfecting products.



TOP SUMMER SKINCARE PRODUCTS

The Exfoliator
Remove any build up of surface debris with a gentle exfoliator. One that uses enzymes to break down dirt is more appropriate for the hotter months as it’s not so abrasive on the skin like granular exfoliators.



Try Molton Brown Gentle Refine Papain Exfoliator, $45, which is gentle on the skin yet enriched with enzymes that target blocked pores and any surface build up.


The Cleanser & Toner
Refresh and rehydrate your skin with a gentle cleanser and toner. Cleansing will give the skin a deep clean, while toning will help minimise the amount of dirt making its way into the pores. Stay away from harsh cleansers and toners that are high in alcohol as they will excessively strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture.



Try The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner, $15.95, which is alcohol-free and contains aloe that soothes the skin.



For a gel cleanser that helps to encourage the skin’s natural moisture retention system, try Bakel Hydra-Gel Cleanser, $65.


The Moisturiser
Opt for a fluid illuminating moisturiser that will add a summer glow to your skin, leaving you looking fresh and radiant. Look for sheer products that are lighter in texture to avoid clogging up the pores.



Try La Mer Moisturising Gel Cream, $250, which has a feathery-light feel and luxuriously nourishing quality.


The Sunscreen
Moisturiser and sunscreen should be number one in your cosmetic arsenal all year round but during the summer - they are vital. Again, go for a sunscreen that feels fluid and light. Tinted sunscreens always make life easier, especially when you’re on the go.

This summer, I’m using Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield Foundation for its great coverage, high SPF and buildable finish.



Try Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield Foundation, $42.



TOP SUMMER MAKE-UP MAGIC

The Highlighter
Intensify your dewy complexion with a highlighter or illuminator. While contouring can be tricky, master the art with a highlighter in hand and you’ll get greater definition and glow. Blend thin lines down the centre of your nose, on the cheekbone, below the brow and on the cupid’s bow above your lip for an instant pick-me-up.



Try Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator, approx $57.


The Bronzer
Summer comes hand-in-hand with a bronzing palette. They have the perfect amount of warmth and shimmer to give a sun-kissed glow. Apply to the highest points of your cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. Be sure not to choose a shade that is too dark and, of course, be wary of going overboard.



Try Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15, $59.

What's New: Only Skinning The Surface

Sunscreen makes some shudder and others scream.

It’s notorious for being sticky and oily, with the texture sparking a flood of childhood memories.

Remember being rubbed and shoved while having sunscreen slapped on?

Sun Exposure Risks
With one of the highest incidences of skin cancer, Australians need to be conscious of sun protection.

Yet over 1.8 million Australian women are still unprepared to cover up in summer.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can’t be felt or seen but are showing their presence in Australia’s skin cancer rates.

With two in three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they’re 70, it’s time for Australians to start covering up.

‘UV rays cause the outer layer of our skin to release chemicals that cause our blood vessels to swell and leak fluid, which causes sunburn’, says Professor Ian Olver, CEO of the Cancer Council.

UV rays are a combination of UVA and UVB rays, which penetrate deep into the skin’s dermis causing irreversible damage and increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.

The Effect
Accelerated appearance of wrinkles and ageing spots causing irreversible damage to the skin’s structure.

These rays, in addition to regular environmental pollution, constantly bombard the skin, accounts for 70 percent of the signs of aging.

Despite the importance of skin protection throughout the year, with summer just around the corner it should become part of our daily routine.

Protect Yourself
For added protection, tightly-woven fabrics are great for shielding the skin from unwanted sun exposure, with hats and sunglasses perfect for additional sun defence.

Professor Olver suggests covering up in five ways including ‘slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen, slapping on a hat, sliding on sunglasses and seeking shade.’
Reapplication of sunscreen every two hours is recommended by the Cancer Council as ideal when out in the sun.

Advancements in sunscreen mean that the lighter texture, in combination with stronger preventative ingredients, have seen women prioritising sun protection.

So what are the best sunscreens for summer?

Olay Complete Defence SPF 30+ $14.69

It’s the perfect size for popping in your handbag or glove box while the lightweight formula won’t leave skin feeling clogged and oily.
For more, go to olay.com

L’Oréal UV Perfect SPF 30+
$24.95



A combined sunscreen and moisturiser with a fine fluid that is quickly absorbed into the skin. This product also provides intense hydration - ideal for preventing premature ageing.
For more, go to loreal.com

Kit SPF 30+ Face Sunscreen
$31.95



A broad spectrum protection option that’s smooth and is suitable for acne-prone skin. Pop it on after you moisturise and its matte-finish leaves a great base for your makeup.
For more, go to kitcosmetics.com.au

Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25
$36


An alternative to everyday sunscreen that provides a tinted and sheer finish. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin as it is 100 percent fragrance-free.
For more, go to clinique.com.au

Invisible Zinc Environmental Skin Protector SPF 30+
$35

Hydrating while neutralising aggressors such as pollution and UV rays. Invisible mineral reflectors are used to physically repel UV rays instead of the commonly used chemical filters which absorb UVB rays.
For more, go to invisiblezinc.com

Get Involved

National Skin Cancer Action Week, between the 21st and 27th of November, raises awareness of skin cancer. With a male emphasis this year, the Cancer Council and ambassador Australian cricketer Michael Clarke are urging you to remind the men in your life to be more proactive in their approach to skin cancer awareness.

For more information
• Cancer.org.au
The Cancer Council’s website suggests great ways for you to protect your skin this season.
• Sunsmart.com.au
Take a look at this website for preventative ways that can lower the risks of sun exposure.


NB Thanks to Ash, Steph, Tara, Brook and Paul for their help.